40 Stunning Cornrow Hairstyles To Spice Up Your Look

Like fashion, hairstyle trends come and go with the seasons. However, braided styles have stood the test of time — especially for Black women. Cornrows, in particular, are not only a great protective style, but they're also timeless and can be worn in several different ways for just about any occasion.

Cornrows are also rooted in history and African heritage, with depictions of women wearing cornrows dating as far back as 3000 B.C. Later, enslaved Africans in the U.S. wore cornrows (naming them after the rows of corn they resembled) and reportedly even used the style to communicate escape routes (via 21Ninety).

Today, cornrows, which are created by braiding the hair close to the scalp, are worn for function, protection, cultural connection, and beauty. If you're looking for ideas for your next cornrow hairstyle, here are some unique designs worn by celebrities like Regina King, Zendaya, and Issa Rae to inspire you.

Superstar Zendaya proved straight-back cornrows can be glam at the "Spider-Man: No Way Home" premiere in 2021 (via Allure). Try this look when you want your makeup to take center stage.

Dominique Fishback dressed her medium-sized Fulani braids with wooden beads for a regal, yet simple, look. The "Judas and the Black Messiah" actress paired her cornrows with a fresh makeup look.

No stranger to cornrow hairstyles, singer Jorja Smith shows off her beauty with a hairstyle braided away from her face. To achieve her look, braid six to eight cornrows straight back and finish with a low bun or ponytail.

Are you looking for a way to style your natural hair for an event? Try model and actress Yaya DaCosta's beautiful updo with mini cornrows.

Tracee Ellis Ross is frequently spotted in creatively styled braids. The star paired straight-back goddess braids with a single cornrow down the middle for the premiere of "A Wrinkle in Time" (via Teen Vogue).

Ciara accepted the Icon 360 Award at an event for Harlem's Fashion Row with simple straight-back cornrows (via Vogue). The "Like a Boy" singer left her braided locks hanging over a turtleneck jumpsuit.

Erica Ash attended the "Uncle Drew" premiere in 2018 with gold accents added to her cornrows. You can recreate this look by matching hair accessories with your jewelry.

Keep your style simple like actress Tia Mowry-Hardrict. The famous twin wore two cornrows that framed her face for the Norma Jean Gala in 2014 (via Essence).

"Empire" star Taraji P. Henson added flair to her half-up, half-down 'do with side cornrows for Spike TV's Guys' Choice Awards (via Essence). Try this when you want a flexible braided style.

Are you looking to take your straight-back cornrows to the next level? Try Halsey's easy and cute half-up, half-down braids from the 2017 Jingle Ball (via Teen Vogue).

Actress and singer Serayah McNeill turned heads with ombre blond Fulani braids. The former "Empire" star coupled her cute hairstyle with a natural makeup look.

Singer Janelle Monáe stayed true to her signature black and white look at the "Queen & Slim" premiere. She rocked long, black cornrows with white accessories woven into her braids.

Easily achieve Jada Pinkett Smith's classic cornrow hairstyle. All you need to do is braid seven medium-sized cornrows straight back and let the braids hang loose.

Known as the Golden Barbie, model Jasmine Sanders stuck to her moniker when she wore blond cornrows to a 2017 Madeworn pop-up event (via Vogue). The braids matched perfectly with her gold jewelry and bold red lip.

Lil' Mo kept it fun for the "Power" premiere. The "Superwoman" singer opted for floor-sweeping platinum blond cornrows, which you can achieve with braiding hair or a custom wig.

Spice Girl Mel B kept it cute and chic with her straight-back braided look at the "Angry Birds" premiere in 2016 (via Daily Mail). Try this style for any event.

Singer Fleur East flaunted her fro by adding cornrows on one side and letting her locks flow on the other at the "I Am Bolt" premiere in 2016 (via The Telegraph). Try this with curls of any length.

Ashley Jackson hit the 48th NAACP Image Awards red carpet with mini cornrows braided in three directions and a curly ponytail (via Los Angeles Times). Jackson completed the look with shimmery eyes and a coral lip.

Actress Ruth Negga attended the 2021 SCAD Savannah Film Festival in a beautiful cornrow hairstyle (via Daily Mail). The "Passing" star's look featured an old Hollywood-esque pinned bang.

Justine Skye remixed her signature purple hair for a laidback back, sporty look. The "Back for More" singer braided her cornrows into a high ponytail and added a smokey eye.