20 Cornrow Hairstyle Ideas to Try Right Now (2024)

Cornrows are one of the most versatile ways to style and protect curly and coarse hair. You'll often see these gorgeous braids done in straight lines from the hairline, but they can also be weaved in intricate styles and fun designs. "Cornrows are a great option as a protective style," says celebrity hairstylist Annagjid "Kee" Taylor. "Protective styles give our hair a break from environmental stressors and damage from styling."

Ahead, Taylor breaks down how to achieve different cornrow hairstyles and exactly how to take care of them. Scroll through to read her tips and to find 20 of our favorite celebs and influencers rocking our favorite cornrow styles.

Taylor says to carefully add an even amount of hair each time as you braid in order to keep the cornrows all the same size, like seen here on Zendaya.

Taylor says that if you're doing cornrows on natural hair, don't forget to detangle the hair as you braid. Once you've passed the scalp, you can continue to braid as normal and curl the ends around your finger to prevent them from unraveling (or use snap-free rubber bands or barrettes if you need).

Curved cornrows, like here on queen Beyoncé, are a dynamic and striking look. Taylor says you can start cornrows from any point on the hairline.

Instead of starting from the top of the hairline, Gabrielle Union starts her cornrows from the center of the scalp and braids outwards, letting the braids cascade down past her shoulders for a really pretty look.

Taylor says it can be really fun to create a ponytail with cornrows, as seen here on Laura Harrier. "The key difference here is that instead of braiding all the back from front to back, you'll want to pick a spot where you want to start your ponytail (for example, higher towards the back of the scalp for a high pony)," she says. "Start your cornrows from all directions and braid towards the pony."

Model Jourdan Dunn wears her long hair braided tightly at the scalp and lets the length fall down to her waist.

Regina King adds just three cornrows to add some beautiful detail to her low, voluminous ponytail.

With pops of orange-red and face-framing sections, FKA Twigs puts a fiery spin on otherwise classic braids.

The model had her hair intricately micro-braided by stylist @NizzTexturedHair along the front and sides, then styled into two gorgeous curly pigtails. This look is equal parts fun and fashion.

You can totally do cornrows on short hair, as seen here on Zoe Kravitz. Taylor recommends having about two inches of hair length in order to style your hair into cornrows, otherwise she says the hair won't be long enough to braid.

Add fun accessories to your cornrows, like these letters that spell out "LOVE" on Mel B.

Ciara wears traditional cornrows, braiding at the top of the hairline and going all the way to the nape of her neck.

Like jewelry for your hair, don't be afraid to add golden string to your braids like seen here on Tracee Ellis Ross.

Model and influencer Imani Randolph wears traditional front-to-back cornrows for a sleek, protective style. To keep cornrows neat, Taylor says to wash with braids and twists in, keep your scalp moisturized, and wrap the hair in a satin or silk scarf when you're not out and about.

Alicia Keys shows off her intricate baby hairs with her cornrows that meet at the bottom to form a low bun.

Influencer Mecca James-Williams adds seashells to the ends of her braids for a tropical look perfect for your beach vacay.

Have your cornrows parted off to the side, as seen here on Keke Palmer. It adds extra dimension to the look.

Influencer Temiloluwa Otedola left two braids hanging down in front of her ears to frame her face, and the rest pulled back into a ponytail.

Influencer Yaminah Mayo wears traditional cornrows with long braids gathered at the back in a low pony.

A twist on traditional cornrows, to get this look start braiding at the nape of your neck and work your way upwards to a top knot. The effect is so cool.