35 Beautiful Cornrow Hairstyles You'll Want to Try Out Immediately (2024)

Houston native Beyoncé adds her own flair on this gorgeous style while accessorizing with an oversized hat, black sunglasses and jewelry.

Alicia Keys has been a lover of cornrows and experimented with various braiding patterns, techniques and styles like this one. Throughout history, there have been anecdotal claims of braiding patterns being used by those enslaved in the Americas to create road maps to freedom.

In 1963, Cicely Tyson made television history by being the first woman to be seen with cornrows on screen, and she became the first Black woman to have a recurring role with her performance as Jane Foster on East Side, West Side. Cicely's historical top knot continues to inspire Black women and stylists today.

Actress Serayah rocks an off-the-shoulder look on the red carpet.

Rihanna's mid-length cornrows were braided with a unique pattern to complement her 2019 British Fashion Awards look.

Just because cornrows are one of the oldest hairstyles to date doesn't mean you can't change things up. Yara Shahidi looks dazzling in her galactic braided crown.

This style isn't just reserved for the runway. You can wear these low buns every day for a unique and totally gorgeous look.

If you're looking to start experimenting with color, these Fulani braids incorporate both black and gray kanekalon hair (braiding hair) to create a stunning look. (FYI: Fulani braids are named after the Fula people of the Sahel region in Africa.)

Naturi Naughton rocks cornrows with a high ponytail and charms.

Storm Reid takes a youthful twist on the classic style by incorporating space buns into a cornrowed faux hawk.

Thandiwe Newton stuns in small-sized cornrows and an elegant low bun.

With cornrows being both a cultural and protective hairstyle, incorporating beads into braids is a continuation of embracing the history of Black haircare, which predates the transatlantic slave trade. According to historian Porsha Dossie, during the 1960s and '70s, beaded braids increased in popularity as African-Americans used beauty as a way to reconnect with their heritage.

These ombre cornrows are a perfect way to incorporate pastels into your braided style. The four braids here include blonde, pink and gray kanekalon hair (braiding hair) to achieve the multi-colored look.

This asymmetrical pattern is a perfect long-term protective style, though smaller braids have the potential to cause more tension.

For the 2019 Oscars afterparty, Danai Gurira went with a beautifully braided bob, which was achieved though braiding the hair with kanekalon hair and later cutting the braiding hair into a blunt bob.

Model Adit Priscilla stuns during Paris Fashion Week with her symmetrical cornrows and middle part.

Jorja Smith wears classic cornrows with both the common braiding style and technique.

Erica Ash incorporates a center leaf charm and beads in her Fulani braids.