Cornrows are one of the most popular ways to braid hair for men. Braided closed to the scalp in different designs and patterns, cornrow hairstyles look cool and can last for weeks with proper care. Easy to do and simple to style, cornrow braids work well with various men’s haircuts, including short, medium, and long hair. Whether you want a fade, taper, undercut or shaved sides with big and small braids, there are many cornrow styles to choose from. To inspire you to try this trendy look, check out the best cornrow hairstyles for men to get right now. While cornrows have traditionally been a hairstyle for black men, there are fresh styles to suit all guys who want to embrace this stylish look!
CORNROWS FOR MEN
Cornrows for men combine style, functionality and protection to create a cool hairstyle. Also known as canerows in Jamaica or African braids in other parts of the world, cornrows are a unique style of braiding that use an underhand technique. From simple styles that go straight back in rows to creative hair designs, cornrows on guys take many forms.
There are also many other types of braid hairstyles for guys, including box braids, braided dreadlocks, and the like. Let’s explore the latest trends in men’s cornrow styles.
CORNROW STYLES
Cornrow Braids
With limitless styling options, cornrow braids can be achieved with different types of haircuts. With a fade on the sides and back and a line up along the hairline, this rugged braided hairstyle uses big and small plaits to get a fresh look. By running the braids all over the head in bold patterns, this cornrow style is high-contrast and stands out. Edgy and modern, the long hair is then tied up in a man bun in the back for a smooth finish.
Cornrow Fade
The cornrow fade is one of the most popular hairstyles for black men. Versatile and clean-cut, taper fade haircuts work with all types of cornrows. Guys can ask their barber for a low, mid, or high fade to determine where the blending will begin on the sides. Moreover, you can tailor your cut with a temp, drop, burst, skin, taper, or bald fade. The short sides and back contrast the braids on top, making it easy to wear cornrows. From spider braids to simple rows, the cornrow taper fade hairstyle looks good on all boys and men.
Cornrows with Shaved Sides
Shaved sides can elevate your cornrows for a clean, fresh look. Whether you get a high razor fade or just want to shave off the sides for a daring look, this masculine style will focus the eyes on the styling above. Clean up your hairline with a shape up and wear an intricate tight pattern to show off your new braids. The best part is that cornrows with shaved sides work with short and long braided styles so guys can experiment with limitless ideas.
Side Cornrows
If you really want to change your hairstyle, side cornrows feature braids going down the sides of the head instead of to the back. Low-maintenance yet fashionable, this technique can be done on one side or both. Similarly, men with long and short hair can do these cornrows, leaving the extra length to hang off the sides. Pair this hot braided cornrow style with a beard for a handsome bad-boy look women will love!
Simple Cornrows
Simple cornrows offer a classic braided hairstyle, but that doesn’t mean the look is boring. Neat and smooth, simple cornrow styles are often paired with a taper fade or undercut on the sides, and braids that go straight back. Easy and effortless, these cornrow braids provide men a classy finish they can wear to work or at parties. Great with all lengths of hair, guys can’t go wrong with this minimal design.
Two Cornrows
Two cornrows provide a quick and easy way to make a bold fashion statement. With a fade haircut or shaved sides, two rows of braids can transform your look. The style works nicely with short, long, small and big cornrows. For extra flair, add an edge up, grow out a long full beard, and either let your long hair flow or tie it up in a bun in the back.
Three Cornrows
For undeniably sexy braids, guys should opt for three cornrows and faded sides. The three cornrows hairstyle is casual and fun, especially with a temp fade haircut, shape up, and thick groomed beard. The multiple braided rows can incorporate small and large plaited hair, and can be tied up or left hanging at the crown.
Four Cornrows
Four cornrow braids deliver better coverage all over the head for a flattering look. While guys can still cut their hair on the sides and back short, four cornrow styles can space out the top by sectioning off multiple rows with big braids. Ideally, the best version of this extends from front to back for a clean, even look.
Cornrow Designs
Let your imagination go wild and experiment with all the coolest cornrow designs. Instead of straight rows, combine different patterns, shapes, sizes and haircuts to come up with creative ideas. Incorporate the latest trends to create exciting men’s cornrow designs that will take your style to the next level.
Short Cornrows
Short cornrows are an excellent way for men with short hair to get braids. Despite the shorter length, guys have plenty of styles to pick from. For starters, you’ll want to ask your barber for a fade, undercut, or shaved sides. And while you can do cornrows with short hair, you’ll also need enough length to braid. Individual sections can be different sizes, but smaller micro braids with select big ones provide contrasting styles.
This example of braided hair features a high skin fade, line up, two big rows on the outside with intertwining lines in the middle of the head. Meticulous and stylish, everyone will notice your new hairstyle.
Long Cornrows
Men with long cornrows often enjoy letting their braids hang loose and free. Some guys with long braids prefer to get a taper fade while others want cornrows all over the head. As the long hair on the top of the head is braided to the scalp, the extra length can fall to the sides or back. Suitable for most face shapes, black guys with long face shapes will want to grow a beard to even out their facial features.
Cornrows with Taper
Some black men simply prefer a taper with cornrows because the cut looks better on business professionals. Unlike a bald fade, tapered sides blend short into shorter hair but don’t expose skin. With the right shadowing, cornrow braids with a taper haircut create the perfect transition. This example showcases a low taper with long braided hair that goes from the front all the way tot he back. The sharp line up and well-groomed full beard are flawless.
Big Cornrow Braids
Big cornrows can be stylish and practical, saving you time and energy when plaiting your hair. Thicker braids also stand out more and this hairstyle might work to your advantage if you have long thick hair. For the best of both worlds, guys can always try styles with big and small cornrows that complement each other. Bold and masculine, men with large cornrow braids often pull off the straight back pattern with a beard and clean cut.
Small Cornrows
Small cornrows naturally lend themselves to intricate designs. Although most styles combine big and small cornrows in unique designs to create a truly mesmerizing hairstyle for men, small braids might be the right choice in certain short styles. For instance, some guys like feed-in cornrows where the braids start smaller and gradually get larger towards the back of the head. With all sorts of sizes and shapes, small cornrow braids can look amazing when plaited properly.
Easy Cornrows
Men who want simple braid hairstyles often pick easy cornrows that still look good. Neat and classic, easy styles work with all hair types, lengths, and sizes. The most common version comes with straight back cornrow braids that require minimal styling and care.
Mohawk Cornrows
If you want a hairstyle that makes a bold statement, then get inspired by mohawk cornrows. Like the mohawk fade, ask your barber for a temp or burst fade to achieve a fresh style that accentuates your braided mohawk. Like Jason Derulo, a heavy stubble beard with a shaved line design can enhance the cut on top.
Big and Small Cornrows
Big and small cornrows are used to make the best hair designs for men. From criss-cross to curved patterns, thin and thick cornrow hairstyles naturally enhance each other due to their contrasting sizes. Combine micro, small, large, and jumbo braids to fashion the ultimate look for you.
Blonde Cornrows
Blonde cornrows give guys a great way to further tailor this hairstyle with color. Hipsters, bad boys, and modern gentleman alike have been experimenting with dyed hair by trying a range of hair colors for men. While blonde cornrow braids are an all-around favorite, some guys have had success with shades of blue, red, white, silver, yellow, and orange.
Straight Back Cornrows
Cornrows that go straight back and down the head have always been fashionable. Simple, modern and trendy, straight back cornrow braids can be achieved with thick and thin plaits of hair. Moreover, this style can be created with 2, 3, 4, 5, or more rows, depending on whether you want faded sides or lines across the top.
Zig Zag Braids
If you’re looking for an eye-catching pattern, zig zag braids can deliver the look you want. Like criss-cross designs, most zig zag cornrows start with a taper fade haircut on the sides and back. Artistic and charming, zig zag styles are often accomplished with smaller braiding for the cleanest finish.
Spider Braids
Spider braids are a special type of cornrow style for men. With a high fade on the sides, a shape up along the hairline, plaited hair on top, and braids hanging off the sides of the head, this spider web design is edgy and badass.
Xzibit Braids
Along with basketball superstar Allen Iverson, rapper Xzibit was known for his braids in the ’90s and much of the 2000s. From classic to spiraling cornrows, Xzibit and Iverson always styled the perfect braided hairstyle with creative designs.
Asian Cornrows
Asian cornrows demonstrate just how versatile and ubiquitous braided hairstyles for men have become. As cornrow braids continue to be a popular men’s hair trend in barber shops around the world, Asian hair lends itself nicely to this hairstyle. Paired with an undercut fade and edge up, the hair on top is plaited straight back and the long braids hang loose in the back for a simple, casual look.
Cornrows For Boys
Boys with cornrows are cute and adorable, and parents will appreciate this neat school boy hairstyle. The best cornrows for boys generally start with a short haircut on the sides, namely a taper fade or undercut. Complement the cut with a line up for a sharp finish. Next, you’ll want to help your little boy choose the coolest cornrow braid designs.
Fortunately, boys and teen guys can pull off almost all patterns so picking a style comes down to personal preference. From simple to creative, straight back to curved and criss crossed, there are limitless cornrow braids styles for boys to try. If your kid has long hair, tie up a bun in the back for easy styling.
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