Cornrows have been part of African hairstyling traditions for generations, and their appeal continues to evolve with modern braiding techniques and creative designs. While many people picture neat, straight rows running from the hairline to the back of the head, there are many more possibilities to explore.
Types of Cornrows range from simple straight-back rows to curved, zigzag, side-swept and geometric designs. Cornrows can also vary dramatically in size, with everything from tiny, intricate rows to bold jumbo braids. Adding extensions, beads, individual braids or different parting techniques creates even more ways to customise the finished hairstyle.
Whether you prefer a simple everyday look or an elaborate pattern that makes the braiding itself the centre of attention, exploring the different types of cornrows can give you plenty of ideas for your next hairstyle.
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Table of Contents
Types of Cornrows #1. Straight-Back Cornrows
Straight-back cornrows are among the simplest and most classic cornrow styles. The rows begin at the front hairline and travel backwards toward the crown and nape.
They can be made in different sizes, from very fine rows to thick, chunky cornrows. You can also vary the number of rows depending on the desired look.
Straight-back cornrows can be worn on their own or used as the foundation for other hairstyles. They are particularly easy to customise by changing the spacing between the rows or adding extensions.
2. Feed-In Cornrows
Feed-in cornrows are created by gradually adding extension hair as the braid progresses. Rather than beginning with a large amount of extension hair at the hairline, the braider adds small amounts along the row. This produces a more tapered beginning and allows the cornrow to become progressively thicker. (Trendy Hair Picks)
You may also hear these called feed-in braids or Ghana braids. The terminology isn’t completely consistent between salons. Some people use Ghana braids and feed-in braids interchangeably, while others use “Ghana braids” for a particular thicker or more pronounced version of the feed-in technique. (Trendy Hair Picks)
Feed-in cornrows can be straight, curved, diagonal, zigzagged or arranged into elaborate patterns.
3. Ghana Braids
Ghana braids, sometimes called Ghana weaving, are closely associated with the feed-in technique. The braids generally start relatively narrow and become thicker as additional hair is incorporated.
They can be worn as simple straight-back rows, but there are also Ghana braid designs featuring curved lines, diagonal rows, geometric parts, ponytails and buns. (Trendy Hair Picks)
One reason the terminology can be confusing is that Ghana braids describe a style or regional naming convention, while feed-in describes a technique. The two terms overlap considerably.
4. Stitch Cornrows
Stitch cornrows are recognisable by the clean, horizontal divisions that run across individual cornrows. The effect is almost like tiny “stitches” along the length of the braid.
They usually involve carefully defined partings and can create a particularly crisp appearance. Stitch cornrows can be done as straight-back rows or incorporated into more elaborate geometric designs.
They are especially striking when several thin rows are arranged alongside thicker rows.
Cornrows and Braids Style #5. Lemonade Braids
Lemonade braids are a type of side-swept cornrow style. Instead of having every row travel straight backwards, the cornrows are arranged so that they sweep predominantly toward one side of the head.
The name became particularly associated with Beyoncé’s 2016 Lemonade visual album, although the underlying side-swept cornrow techniques existed long before that.
You can create lemonade braids with fine or chunky rows, and the rows can be straight, gently curved or more dramatically shaped.
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Canerows vs Cornrows
If you would like to know what the difference between canerows and cornrows are, click here.
2 Cornrows Hairstyles/2 Cornrow Styles
