How to: Cornrow braids for beginners

When you’re having a bad hair day do you a) scrape it back into a messy pony b) apply a hydrating hair mask and hope for the best or c) avoid stepping outside for fear of bumping into your ex? While your tactics may have worked in the past, we’ve got a style that’ll turn hair nightmares into hair goals. We’ve gone back to basics with a step-by-step video guide on how to master cornrow braids.

What will I need to create cornrow braids?

Hair fall controlling styling gel (to control your edges!)
Tail comb
Conditioner (the type of conditioner will depend on your curl pattern. If you need more help, we have tips on how to care for black natural hair.)
Hair bands
Wide toothed comb

EcoStyle EcoStyle Moroccan Argan Oil Styling Gel 473ml £6.99

Superdrug DNRprice Superdrug Tail Comb £0.10

DNR Imbue Curl Respecting Conditioner £4.50

Superdrug Superdrug Hair Bands Brown 70

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Step-by-step guide to creating cornrow braids

Step 1: Condition your hair

To keep your locks healthy and moisturised, apply some leave-in conditioner. This will also help to detangle the hair when combing through. Focus on the ends more than roots as this is where your hairs needs more TLC.

Step 2: Comb through

Using a wide-toothed comb, comb through your locks, making sure there are not knots or tangles. Always start at the ends and go up the lengths and then finally, the roots.

Step 3: Create a centre parting

Use the back end of a tail comb to perfectly part your hair down the centre. Use your nose as a guide on where to make your partition. Don’t forget to part all the way down to the bottom!

Step 4: Start the cornrow braid

Take a small section from the front and divide the hair behind that into two. Now we have three strands to braid with. Take the strand that’s at the front and swap it with the one that’s closest to the ear. Next, grab the third strand and again, bring it under the middle strand – kind of like a small Dutch braid. Repeat this step and bring more hair into the cornrow as you go along. Finish the cornrow by plaiting the remainder of the hair.

Step 5: … And repeat!

Repeat the steps on the opposite side, making sure the cornrow braids are symmetrical. If you want to neaten the hair while braiding, feel free to add some hair fall control styling gel when pulling more hair into the braid.