The Oldest Form of Braiding: Cornrow Hairstyle

The braiding of cornrows has been the traditional way to style hair in African culture for centuries, and the style has been depicted on paintings that go as far back as the Stone Age (to about 3000 B.C.E.). This style continued to stay popular among women mostly in ancient Africa, and it was not until the early 19th century when men began to wear cornrows for war purposes. The women of Africa braided their hair for numerous reasons, and some of these include social, religious, and hygienic purposes. The typical hair type for African women then (which this is the same type of hair for most women of African descent today) was curly and kinky hair. The women braided their hair so that they would protect their hair against sun damage and breakage.

Today, many women have their hair cornrowed for the same reasons (to prevent damage to their hair), and it is one of the easiest ways to maintain your hair. Cornrows were named so because they resemble rows of corn, because the traditional way of braiding them was in a row. Although, today there are many ways and designs to braid cornrows, and sometimes decorated beads (or multicolored rubber bands) are placed at the end of cornrows. The thing that attracts so many women to cornrows today is the fact that they are easy to take care of, and the way to care for them is to spray a moisturizing serum on them and wrap them in a silk scarf before bed. Also, applying nutrient-rich oil (non-greasy) to the scalp once a week will keep the hair looking healthy.

Cornrows are basically small inverted French braids, and they come in different sizes and styles. To braid cornrows, you need to start by sectioning off the hair, and then grease the section you are about to braid. Braid by separating it into three strands, then take the middle strand and cross it over the left and take the left and cross it over the right. Tighten as you go along and you should be adding new hair to your braid with each strand crossing over the next. When you reach the nape of the neck you will no long be able to add any new hair to your strands, so you just braid until you reach the tip and you can either let the end go free, or you can place a rubber band at the end.