Cornrow braid is a very popular and traditional African hairstyle.
The hair is braided super close to the scalp to provide a sectioned, clean, and amazing appearance.
This hairstyle is easy to maintain, especially for individuals with frizzy hair. Although maintenance can be super easy, it’s sometimes difficult to completely clean cornrows without taking them off.
How long do cornrows last? If you take good care of your cornrows, they should last up to 8 weeks tops. It mostly depends on your hair type and the size of your braids. It also depends on how fast your natural hair grows and how you take care of your cornrows.
How Long Do Cornrows Without Extensions Last?
It depends on your hair type, how fast your hair grows, and the size of the cornrows. For instance, black hair is durable and strong which helps cornrows stay fresh longer.
Without extensions, cornrows last between 2 and 8 weeks. However, you shouldn’t leave your cornrows on for over 6 weeks if you want to maintain a stylish and fresh appearance.
I have dark hair and wore cornrows without extensions. They lasted for 6 weeks. If you have dense hair, don’t get extensions because this will make the braiding a lot harder.
How Long Do Cornrows Take?
Cornrows take about 5 hours to make, depending on the width and quantity. Often loved for their easy maintenance, braids can be left for weeks at a time if maintained properly.
Also Read: How Much Do Cornrows Cost?
How To Maintain Cornrows?
If you maintain cornrows properly, they will last longer. Maintenance includes constantly hydrating your scalp. Also, before getting your braids done, wash your hair. Then, deep moisturize your hair.
Oil your hair regularly and protect your hair while sleeping. Take care of the flake on your scalp and stay away from hairstyles that put a strain on your scalp. Lastly, don’t keep them for over six weeks.
Can I Wash My Cornrows?
Cornrows aren’t meant to be cleaned the same way you would wash your regular hair. If done properly, they can be washed without causing fly-away hairs, frizz, and damaging the cornrows.
The first step includes putting a net on your head covering your braids. Then, prepare a wash mix. Take a 1/4 shampoo with a few tablespoons of jojoba or coconut oil. Put the mix in a clean spray bottle.
Add 1/4 warm water and shake the mixture. Select a sulfate-free shampoo to keep the moisture of your hair. Rinse your hair with lukewarm water. Then, gently spray the mix over your entire hair evenly.
Gently massage the mix into your hair. Avoid massaging roughly. Otherwise, you will break or loosen up your cornrows. Leave the mix for a few minutes before rinsing your hair with lukewarm water.
The next step includes preparing a conditioning mix. Take a protein-based conditioner with keratin, olive oil, and warm water. Mix the ingredients in a bowl or a clean spray bottle. Spray it over your braids.
Finally, cover your head with a shower cap to keep the moisture in your hair. Leave the conditioning mix for 20 minutes. Rinse your hair with lukewarm water and towel dry your hair gently.
How Do Your Clean Cornrows Without Ruining Them?
It’s easy to clean cornrows without ruining them. The cleaning process includes the following steps. Just follow the straightforward steps and you will refresh your braids and extend their lifespan.
- Cover your braids with a net cap
- Wet your hair
- Put a small amount of sulfate-free shampoo in your palms
- Gently press the shampoo through the net
- Spread the shampoo evenly into the braids
- Gently rinse off your hair
- Take off the net and pat dry your hair gently
- Apply a natural oil on your scalp and braids
How Do You Keep Cornrows Fresh?
Cornrows have a lifespan of 6-8 weeks but if properly maintained, they can last up to 12 weeks. The next steps can help you keep your cornrows fresh and extend their lifespan.
- Pick a good hairstylist
Get your cornrows done at a hair salon. Select a professional with experience in cornrows. Some stylists have very painful hands. Avoid them as they make super right cornrows.
- Keep your scalp hydrated
Hydrate your scalp at least 2-3 times a week utilizing a leave-in conditioner or natural oils. This will keep your hair and scalp well-hydrated. Also, spritz your cornrows every morning with a water-based mix with natural oil (almond, jojoba, or coconut oil) because water is good for your cornrows.
- Avoid regular washing
Avoid washing your cornrows regularly. Regular washing makes them get spoilt quicker. However, if you feel like you must wash your cornrows, put a net cap before shampooing.
Then, wet your hair evenly through the net. Use a sulfate-free mild shampoo and place a tiny amount on your palms and press all over the cornrows. Rinse and towel dry gently.
- Use a satin pillowcase or cap
You need a cap or satin pillowcase to protect your braids and your hair’s moisture level while sleeping. Avoid cotton pillows. They will most likely take away your hair’s moisture, leaving you with thinning hair and split ends. Wrapping your braids before you go to sleep will prevent breakage.
- Don’t keep them on for too long
You shouldn’t keep cornrows for too long. Otherwise, your hair will stretch and eventually break due to damage. Also, keeping cornrows for too long will most likely leave you with hair loss.
Do Cornrows Damage Your Hair?
Unfortunately, braids can be damaging to hair. However, you can prevent damage with proper care and maintenance. Cornrows, weaves, braids, and dreadlocks pull on your hair follicles which can cause traction alopecia This is why you shouldn’t keep them on for too long.
Do Cornrows Pull Your Hairline Back?
Yes, cornrows pull your hairline back if you’re wearing them for too long. This goes for twists and braids too! Wearing this hairstyle for too long can cause serious hair loss and breakage.
Don’t wear your hair pulled back often. Otherwise, you will spot thinning around your hairline over time. Remove your cornrows after 6-8 weeks tops. Also, don’t pull back styles too tight.
Can Cornrows Help Hair Grow?
Cornrows can help your hair grow faster by giving it a stable and strong structure. They can also protect your hair from regular contact with objects and textiles that can cause breakage.
Also Read: Do Braids Help Your Hair Grow?
Wrap Up
Hopefully, today’s article can help you maintain your cornrows better and extend their lifespan. They’re easy to maintain. However, like every hairstyle, they come with a few challenges.
One of those challenges includes frizzy, dull, and dry hair. Also, if you keep them on for too long, you will eventually face hair loss and serious hair breakage. You can prevent this from happening.
Proper maintenance is the key to healthy, fresh, and good-looking cornrows. This includes wearing a cap or using a satin pillowcase. It also includes keeping your scalp and cornrows well-hydrated.
Anyway, I hope this article helps. If you have any concerns, questions, or tips and tips, feel free to leave a comment below. I would love to chat with you and exchange words on this topic.