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.

Set The Cornrows

To sharpen the hairstyle, it's important to incorporate the right products that will add shine without introducing unnecessary buildup on the scalp. When getting cornrows — with either your natural hair or extensions — set the look by applying a mousse all over your hair and, if you're in a salon, sitting under a dryer or wrapping your hair with a silk scarf for a time. Initially, try to avoid getting them wet and sleep with a silk scarf on to keep them as neat as possible.

Avoid Excessive Tension

It is crucial to understand the risks of cornrows to one's hair and scalp. Braids that are overly tight can cause strain and breakage, as well as itchy places on the scalp. Recurrent traction can lead to traction alopecia, which is irreversible hair loss caused by stress on the scalp over time. 

This can be avoided in several ways. Make sure your stylist does not tug too hard on the hairs being plaited; you should not experience pain or itching after having your hair cornrowed. Give your hair a break between cornrows and leave it in its natural form for at least a month before cornrowing or braiding again.

Natural oils can also help with tightness or unwanted pain in the scalp after a week of having tight braids.

Moisturize Regularly

To make cornrows last a few weeks longer, continue to love and care for your hair by feeding new growth with hydrating products to keep it from drying out. The longer you wear these styles, the drier your hair becomes. Dryness leads to breakage, which leads to hair loss. It is recommend to do regular washes to keep your scalp clean and your hair mositurized.

Conditioners work best on the hair since the scalp produces its own moisturizing and conditioning substance. However, an excessive amount of strong conditioner on the scalp can cause irritation and inflammation. Therefore, if you have an especially dry scalp, apply a lightweight oil for extra nourishment.

Reduce Friction

Regrowth will occur over time, and your cornrows will relax, but this does not signify the end of the hairstyle. According to experts, there are various techniques to extend the life of your cornrows.

Avoiding needless friction on your hair is the greatest way to keep cornrows in place. For instance, your hair will get fuzzier or your cornrows will come loose if you're wearing a hat or a beanie. But the main cause of friction is sleeping on cornrows without any protection. Wearing a silk scarf or other covering is the ideal option if you touch your hair on a pillow while you're sleeping to prevent friction on your braids.

Avoid Greasing The Scalp

When wearing cornrows, we frequently learnt about "greasing the scalp," which entailed using thick, heavy treatments to keep the scalp hydrated. However, because such hair treatments are heavy, lubricating the hair can sometimes lead to buildup, which would necessitate more frequent washings and limit the life of your cornrows.

In order to keep the scalp balanced and hydrated, you can moisturize your hair with a mixture of water and light oils, such as olive oil, coconut oil, or jojoba oil. If the oil is diluted with water, it reduces the chance of buildup whilst still providing the scalp with the moisture it needs. To avoid messing up the braids when applying the oil, apply it to where the scalp is exposed and also press it into the braids themselves instead of rubbing the product in.

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.