How Long Do Cornrows Typically Last?

Cornrows are THE protective hairstyle. They offer a versatile aesthetic that allows us to wear them on their own, under a wig or as summer hairstyle with added hair and a creative design. As much as we love cornrows a question that tend to linger is :”How long do cornrows typically last?” The longevity of protective hairstyles such as cornrows will depend on your lifestyle and haircare routine. Here are our best tips to make your cornrows last longer.

How do you make cornrows last longer?

First of all, cornrows typically last between two to six weeks on average when worn out and braided on natural hair. However, this period can vary and you might be able to wear your cornrows much longer. It’s also crucial to mention that leaving cornrows in for an extend time (we’re talking months here) can potentially cause damage to your hair and scalp. Therefore, maintaining a balance between longevity and hair maintenance is key to protect the health of your hair.

While cornrows can’t last forever and you will have to take them down and get a new install, there are a few tips to make cornrows last longer:

1. Maintain a Good Hair Care Routine

Using a lightweight oil or leave-in conditioner can help to keep your scalp and braids hydrated and looking fresh. Keep wash days in schedule but avoid washing your hair too frequently as it could result to your braids getting frizzy and to loosen up too quickly. Wash your hair if your scalp feels itchy and you experience product build up.

2. Leave your hair alone: Minimize manipulation

You can moisturize your hair and scalp daily but to promote the longevity of your hairstyle, we would advise to moisturize your hair as needed. Touch your hair and scalp to check if it’s feels dry before moisturizing. That way you will minimize the risk to saturate your hair with products and shorten the lifespan of your hairstyle by constantly touching it. Keep the manipulation to a minimum.

3. Protect Your Hair at Night

This might the most important haircare tip. Cover your hair at night to make your cornrows last. How long cornrows typically last will heavily rely on how you go to bed with your hairstyle. Protecting your natural hair at night is vital all the time, all year around. To a minimum, use a silk or satin pillow case but for best results we advise you to cover your hair with a silk scarf or a satin bonnet.

4. Get your hair braided by a Professional

If you’re one of God’s favorite and your braiding skills are top tier, braiding your hair yourself will be fine to maintain your cornrows for a long time. If you’re looking to make your cornrows last, it’s best to go to get your cornrows done by a hairstylist. They have the skills and knowledge to ensure your cornrows are done in the best way possible to last and to promote hair growth.

Additional tip: If you choose to go to the hairdresser to get your cornrows in, make the time to get your hair trimmed as well. Styling your hair in a protective style and trimming your ends will give you the best chances to minimize damage and reach your hair goals.

With these tips you will be able to lengthen the wear of your cornrows. There are still external factors that can affect how long your cornrows will last. It’s important to be aware of these to adjust expectations when styling your hair in cornrows.

How long do cornrows last can be influenced by a lot of different factors:

Your Hair Type

The texture and density of your hair will make a significant difference in how long your cornrows will last. For example, thicker hair types with more density generally hold styles longer than thin hair. Tight curls also can keep protective styles for a very long time. The density of your hair also affects the appearance of your cornrows, they might look flatter or bigger on thicker hair.

The Braider’s Skill

The expertise of the hairstylist making your cornrows also matters. A professional braider knows how to braid neither too tight (which could cause hair breakage) nor too loose (which might unravel quickly). Please raise your voice and speak up if the braider is styling your hair too tight and your scalp feels uncomfortable.

Your Lifestyle

If you often work out which will cause you to sweat therefore require you to wash your hair more frequently, your cornrows might not last as long. There are products such as the sweat to sweat or the girl + hair cleanser made for the workout girlies which helps you to directly reach your scalp to cleanse it without damaging your hairstyle too soon. Amazing products made by black women for black women!