1- How many packets do I need ?
If doing medium to small braids you will need 4-6 packets of hair. If a hair dresser is doing your hair it is advisable to check with them as to how much you require for the hair style.

For synthettic weaves you should need about 2 packets. Once again this depends on the style.

2- How long can cornrows stay in the hair?
Cornrows can last from a month to six weeks with careful maintenance. They should not be left in longer because the hair may lock or matt that way, and have to be cut in order to get them out.

3- How do I care for cornrows once they are in?
The hair should be kept moisturized and protected from the elements, including the pillow you sleep on at night. If possible, try sleeping on an African head rest. If you cannot, then you must cover your hair with a silk or satin scarf at night. If you find that your cornrows are tight and unfomfortable, have them unbraided immediately.

4- Can White (or straight haired) people wear cornrows?
Yes they can! Instead of the absolute minimum 5 cm. of hair length needed to start, straight hair needs to be at least approximately 7 or 8 cm. or maybe even 10 cm. for the style to hold for long. They may also require a moisturizing gel or hair wax so that the style will hold, and to wear a swimming cap when swimming, a shower cap when showering, and a silk scarf to bed.

5. What are cornrows?

Cornrows, also known as track braids or flat braids are braids that lay against the scalp. Made through a process of braiding and picking up hair along a row, they may be created using the person's own hair, or through the use of hair extensions.

They are said to have originated in Africa, and have the longest history there, but have also been depicted in art from ancient Greece as well as representations of Celtic women with elaborately braided styles on Roman coins.

In Yoruba art, the rows symbolize civilization, order, and agriculture. A woman with fine and complex cornrows and braids is seen as well cared for and from a strong family, as some styles take four to eight hours or more to complete.

They have been a constant in Africa for aeons, but in the US they were worn almost exclusively by Garvey-ists and those in "back to Africa" movements until the Black is Beautiful trend in the 1960's and 1970's.

They then enjoyed a somewhat brief phase of mainstream popularity in western cultures during the 1970's when Bo Derek wore them for a role in the movie 10. The trend was refreshed in the late 1990's and took off worldwide in 2000 when they, along with dreadlocks became a more often seen style on the Paris runways.

6. How do I braid cornrows.

If you can imagine parting a long section of hair, starting a braid with a subsection of it and continuing it, but picking up hair as you go along the section, then that's basically it. If you need illustrations, then join our mailing list where you can download our 3 page ebooklet from the group file library for free. If you would like additional instructions, and lessons in more advanced braiding techniques, then take our online course or get a pro membership.

7. Can White (or straight haired) people wear cornrows?

Yes they can! Instead of the absolute minimum 5 cm. of hair length needed to start, straight hair needs to be at least approximately 7 or 8 cm. or maybe even 10 cm. for the style to hold for long. They may also require a moisturizing gel or hair wax so that the style will hold, and to wear a swimming cap when swimming, a shower cap when showering, and a silk scarf to bed.

8. What length does my hair need to be in order to wear cornrows?

Very springy African hair should be approximately 5 cm. and straight hair approximately 7 or 8 cm. Either can get away with somewhat shorter hair if extensions will be used.

9. How long can cornrows stay in the hair?

Cornrows can last from a month to six weeks with careful maintenance. They should not be left in longer because the hair may lock or matt that way, and have to be cut in order to get them out.

10. How do I care for cornrows once they are in?

The hair should be kept moisturized and protected from the elements, including the pillow you sleep on at night. If possible, try sleeping on an African head rest. If you cannot, then you must cover your hair with a silk or satin scarf at night. If you find that your cornrows are tight and unfomfortable, have them unbraided immediately.
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Any information or advice you receive from this website is from her experiences as well as others. This information is not to be taken as fact or as information from a professional.
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Masterized By Mohamad Diabate Babs