Gorgeous Cornrow Hairstyles to Inspire Your Next Look

Braids are one of those win-win styles: low-maintenance, effortlessly cool, and photogenic. But let's get this straight: Braids are not "the next best thing" or the "new coolest hair trend to try." Braids go way, way back, and have been deeply rooted in the cultural history of the African diaspora for decades. In fact, the origin of braids dates back to 3,500 B.C. Gorgeous cornrow hair style ideas have endless options—any design you dream up, you can achieve. It just takes a skilled stylist, patience (braids can take hours to complete), and inspiration.

I've got you on the inspiration front. In fact, I have a whole album on IG dubbed "Braidspo," dedicated to the braided styles I've been eyeing. Keep scrolling for the cornrow styles you need to try this year.


Figuring out the size of your braids is no easy feat. Instead of dealing with the daunting decision, try both small and large cornrows. Like Jourdan Dunn, alternate between thick plaits and narrow cornrows.


Your natural texture is absolutely beautiful on its own, but if you're looking for an easy way to pizazz your afro puff, adding simply one cornrow to your style will do the trick. This look, created by celebrity hairstylist Nikki Nelms on model Chavi St. Hill for Refinery29, is all the proof you need that a standalone cornrow will impart a gorgeous shape and structure to your hair.


Do yourself a favor and swipe through this entire photo album. Leave it to celebrity stylist Vernon François to transform simple straight-back cornrows into a masterpiece. If you're in the mood for a little extra, trick-out your braids by tacking on gold or hair cuffs.


Actress Indya Moore elevated her plaits with peek-a-boo braids swooping in on both sides. To make this style, even more, you, slide-on a few beads of your choice on the ends of your braids. Hair hack: With braids, you can try a bold color without fully committing. All you have to do is use colored extensions. These pink box braids coupled with cornrows in the front, plus a side of baby hair, are such a vibe. Words don't do this style justice. This one truly takes my breath away and is my personal favorite of the bunch. Every part of this—from the braided topknot to the beaded design—is unbelievably beautiful.