Cornrows are a timeless, protective hairstyle that can help keep your hair healthy and stylish. Whether you’re rocking sleek and tight cornrows or loose and bohemian-inspired braids, proper care and maintenance are essential to ensure your hair stays healthy, your cornrows last longer, and your scalp remains comfortable.
To help you keep your cornrows looking fresh and your natural hair thriving, we’ve consulted professional stylists to provide expert tips on how to care for and maintain your cornrows.
1. Keep Your Scalp Clean and Moisturized
One of the most common mistakes people make when wearing cornrows is neglecting their scalp. Just because your hair is braided doesn’t mean your scalp doesn’t need attention. A dry, flaky scalp can cause discomfort and even lead to hair breakage.
How to Care for Your Scalp:
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Cleanse regularly: Wash your hair every 1-2 weeks with a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo to remove buildup from hair products and sweat. Look for shampoos specifically designed for braids or protective styles.
- Pro Tip: Dilute your shampoo with water in a spray bottle and spray it directly onto your scalp, then massage gently to cleanse. This method helps avoid frizz and keeps the cornrows intact.
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Moisturize your scalp: Dry scalps can become irritated under cornrows, so regularly moisturize with a lightweight, nourishing oil or scalp serum.
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Best Oils to Use:
- Jojoba oil – helps balance oil production and prevents dryness.
- Tea tree oil – has antibacterial properties and helps prevent scalp buildup.
- Argan oil – hydrates and soothes the scalp.
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Best Oils to Use:
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Avoid heavy creams: Heavy, greasy products can cause buildup and weigh down your braids. Stick to light oils or water-based moisturizers for the scalp.
2. Protect Your Cornrows at Night
Cornrows are a low-maintenance style, but at night, your hair still needs protection. Sleeping without protection can cause your cornrows to fray, get messy, or lead to unnecessary tension and hair breakage.
How to Protect Your Cornrows at Night:
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Wear a satin or silk scarf/bonnet: These fabrics reduce friction, which means less frizz and breakage. The smooth texture prevents your cornrows from unraveling and preserves your hair’s moisture.
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Use a silk or satin pillowcase: If you prefer not to wear a scarf or bonnet, opt for a silk or satin pillowcase to minimize friction while you sleep.
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Avoid tight hairstyles at night: While it’s tempting to tie your cornrows into a bun or ponytail to keep them out of your face, avoid tight styles that add unnecessary tension to your scalp and braids. Let your cornrows flow freely.
3. Keep Your Cornrows Neat and Tidy
Although cornrows are a protective style, they still require some maintenance to keep them neat and looking fresh. Regular touch-ups and gentle care can extend the life of your cornrows and ensure they look crisp and sharp.
How to Maintain the Freshness of Your Cornrows:
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Touch up the edges: Over time, your edges and the perimeter of your cornrows may loosen up. Use a edge control gel or a small amount of light styling cream to smooth down flyaways and keep your edges neat.
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Re-braid loose sections: If you notice any sections loosening or fraying, carefully re-braid those areas with a small, fine-tooth comb and some added product for hold. This will help prevent them from completely unraveling.
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Trim any frizz: Use a pair of scissors to trim any stray hairs that might stick out of the braids. This will keep your style looking fresh and clean for longer.
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Avoid excessive manipulation: Cornrows should be kept as undisturbed as possible. Constantly touching, pulling, or playing with the braids can cause frizz and tension, which might lead to breakage over time.
4. Hydrate Your Hair While It's Braided
While your hair is in cornrows, it’s still important to keep it hydrated to avoid dryness or breakage. Here’s how to maintain moisture in your braids without disturbing the style.
How to Hydrate Your Braids:
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Use a braid spray: Look for a braid spray or hydrating mist that will provide moisture and keep the braids from drying out. Apply it to both the scalp and the lengths of the cornrows.
- DIY Tip: You can make your own hydrating spray by mixing water with a few drops of essential oils like lavender, peppermint, or rosemary.
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Use lightweight leave-in conditioners: Spritzing a leave-in conditioner directly onto your scalp and braids can help provide additional moisture without weighing your hair down.
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Hydrate your hair from the inside: Drink plenty of water to keep your hair and scalp hydrated from within. A hydrated body results in hydrated hair!
5. Know When to Take a Break and Protect Your Hair
Cornrows are an excellent protective style, but it’s essential to give your hair a break from time to time. Keeping your hair in braids for too long without a rest period can lead to tension on the scalp, breakage, and even thinning hair.
How to Give Your Hair a Break:
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Take breaks: Try to keep your cornrows in for no longer than 6-8 weeks. After that, take them out and let your scalp breathe. Use a gentle, nourishing treatment to hydrate and restore your hair before re-braiding.
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Care for your natural hair: Once your cornrows are out, treat your natural hair to a good deep conditioning treatment, trim any split ends, and give it some rest before putting it back in another protective style.
Final Thoughts
Cornrows are a convenient and stylish protective hairstyle that can keep your hair safe while offering a variety of looks. With proper care and maintenance, you can extend the life of your cornrows and maintain a healthy scalp and hair underneath.
By following these expert tips, you’ll ensure that your cornrows stay neat, comfortable, and fresh while promoting healthy hair growth. Whether you're rocking them for a week or a month, a little TLC can go a long way in making sure your cornrows look great and your natural hair thrives.
Ready to Book Your Cornrow Appointment?
If you're ready to get your next set of cornrows done or need a professional touch-up, we’re here to help! Call us at Hello Texture Beauty Bar to book your appointment today.