5 Easy Tips to Make Your Cornrows Last Longer

How Long Can Cornrows Last?

Commonly, a cornrow without extra care can last for 2 to 4 weeks. That's is, if you do not take an extra mile to have it longer than usual. But if you take extra care, it can last up to 6 to 8 weeks, and it can even last up to 12 weeks, depending on your cornrows hair routine, not to mention your hair type.

Cornrows on Straight Hair

Doing cornrows on straight hair can be a little bit challenging and may result in hair breakage. Usually, it can last up to 6 weeks, depending on how the straight hair was prepared during the cornrow process. After installing cornrows, they can put a lot of pressure and stress on your hair, which can damage individual strands.

The aftercare also makes a massive difference as it keeps your hair and scalp healthy and makes your cornrows last longer. It is best to look for a professional hairstylist specializing in straight hair to avoid hair and scalp damage.

Cornrows on Kinky Hair

Because kinky hair is much stronger and more durable than other hair types in general, these hair characteristics allow the cornrows to last longer. But then again, even with kinky hair is prone to hair and scalp damage when worn exceeding 12 weeks. Kinky hair can hold up until 12 weeks, there's no question about that, but the hair and the scalp, under pressure and stress, it can get quite messy.

Even with kinky hair, it is also practiced to have proper aftercare after installing cornrows. If you don't keep your braids clean, oil can start building up, irritating your skin and weakening the braids.

Cornrows on Mixed Hair

Cornrows on mixed natural hair and an extension can also last longer. You can play around and choose the color you want or suits you best. Always use an extension that's about the same length as your hair to make your cornrows look perfect.

What makes it stronger, just like the kinky hair? A person with two kinds of hair, synthetic and natural, can have different qualities in hair, which helps make it durable and ideal for a lot of different braid styles. If you follow a good hair care routine, cornrows with mixed hair could last from 8 to 12 weeks. Remember, always remove your cornrows after 12 weeks.

Cornrows on Short Hair

Different cornrow styles need varying lengths of hair. To be able to finish a complicated cornrow style, one must have long hair. But when it comes to the basic cornrow styles like straight braids and parallel brains, the hair length needed doesn't have to be long.

But keep in mind that at least 3 inches of hair length are needed to have proper and long-lasting cornrows. Plus, it will also vary with your hairstylist. It is best that you look for a professional hairstylist that is an expert in doing cornrows in short hair. However, cornrows can only last up to 4 to 6 weeks maximum with proper aftercare in short hair.

>>> Read more: How To Braid Cornrows And Keep The Style All Day Long? <<<

5 Easy Tips to Make your Cornrows Last Longer

Having cornrows is not an inexpensive thing to do. Everyone who loves cornrows wishes to keep their braids as long as possible. However, a common issue after 2 weeks is that the roots will start to get old. You might notice your cornrows are getting frizzy, and flyaways start popping up on the hair.

Not to mention the scalp begging to be free as specks of dirt start to build up and flakes start showing up. We all want to prevent this scenario as it looks nasty just thinking about it. Here are 5 easy tips to make your cornrows last longer, plus have a happy and healthy scalp.

Choose your Stylist

First in our 5 easy tips to make your cornrows last longer, the stylist doing your cornrows is responsible for the quality of your braids, so it is a must that your hairstylist must be an expert depending on your hair type.

Generally, a hairstylist who is an expert in working with kinky hair is a preferred choice. Mostly, they are the ones with reliable skills in making sure that your cornrows are smoothly braided.

Don't Forget Oil for Tension

Cornrows can damage the hair roots because they're braided close to the scalp. Natural oils can help with tightness or unwanted pain in the scalp after a week of having tight braids. Second in our 5 easy tips to make your cornrows last longer, you must apply oils twice a day in order to keep them neat.

Moisturizing is a Must

Third in our 5 easy tips to make your cornrows last longer, it's vital to moisturize your cornrows on a regular basis. Putting moisturizer on your scalp helps keep it from getting very dry from the sun's heat and air. An itchy caused of the dry scalp causes harm to the cornrows as well.

There are many ways to moisturize your hair that will work best for your needs. Usually, the best way to keep cornrows moisturized is to spray them with natural-oil sheens.

Have that Haircover

The easiest tip in all of our tips to make your cornrows last longer is to have them covered at night. If you don't have an errand after school or work, cover them to protect them with satin or silk. Wear that headwrap to keep your hair from drying out and being frizzy. 

Wash Only if Needed

The last one in our 5 easy tips to make your cornrows last longer is to prevent having to wash your cornrows too often. They get dirty more quickly if they are washed often. But if you really have to clean your cornrows, protect them first with a net cap on your head before you start.

When the net cap is secured, wet your hair all over the net. Use a sulfate-free shampoo that is gentle for hair with cornrows, and put a small portion on your hands and rub it into your cornrows. This will help your hair stay clean and shiny. Thoroughly rinse and dry with a towel.

Conclusion

When you get a protective hairstyle, you should only have it for a short time. It will help if you don't ever hold on to braids for a long time. Why? Your hair growth will extend and break down, resulting in severe damage. Leave your cornrows for more than 12 weeks, and you're likely to lose your hair.