Cornrows are a style of wearing the hair in very tight braids, which often have beads interwoven through the braids. The style originated in North Africa, and was noted among Europeans when the slave trade in North Africa began. Slaves in the US retained the tradition of wearing cornrows, which were fairly easy to care for, once the hair was braided.

In the 1920s-1950s, African American women often preferred straightening their hair to wearing it in cornrows. However, the great actress, Cicely Tyson, began wearing them for the television show, “East Side/West Side” in 1963. African Americans embraced cornrows as a sign of black pride, and they once again became popular. They were also a sign of affinity with one’s origins in Africa, since they were considered a traditional hairstyle.

This popularity led to a rise in the number of salons that could perform the complex braiding process. In 1979, white women also became entranced by the style of cornrows after the film 10 featured Bo Derek wearing cornrows. Cornrows became associated with being a perfect “10” or an ideal beauty at that time.

Ironically, at about the time 10 was released, there was a decline in the popularity of wearing cornrows among African Americans. However, they once again became popular as the Hip-Hop and Rap craze began in the 1990s. The style of cornrows has never been completely “out” and many women, and men, find wearing cornrows quite convenient.

The braiding process and resultant hairstyle tends to last without the need for redoing the cornrows for about a month. Care does need to be taken when washing the hair. The style of cornrows can range from simple to complex-some patterns of cornrows incorporate elaborate designs and may require two days at a salon to achieve.

Since cornrows pull the hair so tightly into the braids it has been associated with a few problems. Notably, people with dry skin may experience dandruff. Cornrows can also be associated with hair loss among some people. Using a special type of oil or gels made for cornrows can help keep the skin moisturized.

In certain parts of Africa, cornrows remain a traditional style of wearing the hair and may be worn by either or both women and men. In some cases cornrows are considered exclusively for women. This is the case in Nigeria, where men who wear cornrows are considered effeminate. Throughout the western world, cornrows are more unisex and are worn by both women and men.