Cornrows and Box Braids: 2 Popular Braided Hairstyles

Here’s a comprehensive and overview of cornrows and box braids—their origins, distinctions, cultural importance, and how to care for them:

What Are Cornrows?

Definition & Technique
Cornrows (also known as canerows) are braids woven tightly, close to the scalp in raised, continuous rows created by an underhand upward motion. These styles can be simple straight lines or complex geometric/curvilinear patterns.
Historical & Cultural Significance
- Ancient origins: Depictions of cornrow-like braids appear in Stone Age cave art in the Sahara (Tassili Plateau, around 3000 B.C.), and across West Africa in ancient civilizations like Nubia, Nok, and the Horn of Africa.
- Symbolism: Cornrows have long communicated social signals—tribal affiliation, age, marital or social status, religion, even geographic origin.
- During slavery in the U.S: Cornrows served as covert communication—maps for escape, coded messages, and even ways to carry seeds for survival.
- Cultural resilience: Worn as an act of resistance and identity preservation, cornrows endured through centuries, including during periods of discrimination and misappropriation.
Practical Traits & Maintenance
- Duration: Typically last 2–4 weeks, though well-maintained styles may endure up to 6 weeks.
- Maintenance: Fairly low—requires scalp moisturizing and avoiding overly tight braiding to prevent breakage or traction alopecia.
- Benefits: Lightweight and protective, great for hair security and growth if properly installed.

Definition & Technique
Box braids are individual three-strand braids created by sectioning the hair into square or “boxy” divisions, braiding each section from root to tip—usually with synthetic extensions.
History & Cultural Roots
- Though the term “box braids” emerged in the 1990s via Janet Jackson, the style has deep roots in African traditional braiding—found in Namibia (Eembuvi), Egypt (Nile Valley bob braids), and worn by Khoisan and Afar peoples.
- Like cornrows, box braids have also served symbolic roles across African cultures (e.g., indicating tribe, marital status, age, etc.).
Practical Traits & Maintenance
- Duration: Can last 6–8 weeks with proper care.
- Maintenance: Low—once installed, they require minimal upkeep.
- Weight & Comfort: Typically heavier due to extensions; may cause scalp tension or discomfort if too tight.
- Benefits: Highly versatile—can be styled into updos, buns, ponytails, accessorized with beads or cuffs .

Feature	Cornrows	Box Braids
Installation Time	Faster — 1–3 hours	Longer — 4–10 hours
Duration	2–6 weeks	6–8 weeks
Weight	Lightweight	Heavier (especially with extensions)
Comfort	Comfortable if not overly tight	Potential scalp tension
Styling Options	Limited (scalp-based patterns)	High—flexible and versatile
Protection & Growth	Protective if installed correctly	Protective, supports length retention
Cultural Significance	Deep, historically symbolic	Rooted in tradition, popularized in modern era

Scalp & Hair Health
Keep your scalp clean and moisturized with gentle, sulfate-free shampoos, light conditioners, and natural oils (e.g., jojoba, coconut).
Tightness
Avoid excessively tight braiding which can lead to traction alopecia or discomfort.
Touch-Ups
Refresh edges, lightly cleanse, and apply braid spray as needed to maintain neat appearance and hygiene.

Photo Credits: Coveteur, Maria