Trendy Cornrow Braids For Men Who Want A Fresh And Timeless Look

Cornrows are a protective hairstyle that can be practical and stylish. They are a way to keep hair tidy and easy to maintain. Cornrows have recently experienced a surge in popularity, especially in the mainstream media and fashion industries. As a result, choosing the best cornrow braids for men has become challenging because all the styles available look trendy. 

Cornrow styles for men are created by weaving small sections of hair together, forming a continuous, raised row that resembles a row of corn, hence the name. People of all genders and ages can wear cornrows. However, men are slowly choosing the style as a fashion statement. 

What are the best cornrow braids for men?

Cornrows are an incredibly versatile hairstyle, and you must consider many factors when choosing the best cornrow style for an individual. Here are 15 stylish cornrow braids for men you should choose today:

1. Cornrow fade

The cornrow fade hairstyle combines the classic cornrows with a fade haircut, creating a stylish and modern look for men. The hairstyle involves braiding the hair in intricate patterns while incorporating a fade on the sides and back of the head.

The fade adds a sharp and clean contrast to the braided top, enhancing the overall aesthetic. You can achieve this look by pairing the cornrow fade with a well-groomed beard to balance the edginess of the braids.

2. Freestyle cornrow braids 

The freestyle cornrow braids hairstyle involves creating cornrows without a specific pattern or structure, allowing for more creativity and individuality in the braiding process. The style typically includes braiding the hair freely, often incorporating unique designs and variations.

Freestyle cornrow braids offer a versatile and artistic approach to traditional cornrow styling, allowing for personalised and expressive looks. The style is ideal for medium to long hair.

3. Coloured cornrows

The coloured cornrow hairstyle involves incorporating different hair extensions into the cornrows to create a multi-coloured look. The coloured hair is braided into the cornrows, often in a specific pattern like alternating colours or ombre fading from dark to light.

The style is a fun way to add flair and creativity to cornrows. The coloured hair can be braided into the entire head or a few cornrows for a subtle pop of colour. Also, consider dyed plaits because they add a unique, vibrant twist that is perfect for parties and outings.

4. Spider braids

Spider braids, also known as spider cornrows, are a unique and stylish type of cornrow hairstyle that features braids on top of the head with hanging hairline strands on the sides. Best for medium to long hair, this eye-catching design creates a spider web pattern.

The style can incorporate a few box braids mixed in with the cornrows or combined with a high fade or undercut on the shaved sides. 

5. Braided top knot

The braided top knot cornrow hairstyle is a trendy and stylish look that combines the elements of cornrows and a top knot bun. The hairstyle involves braiding the hair into cornrows, which are braided close to the scalp, and then gathering the braids into a knot or bun at the top of the head.

Its versatile and chic style blends traditional braiding techniques with a modern twist. The braided top knot cornrow hairstyle is fashionable and a protective style for the hair, making it low maintenance and ideal for various occasions. The hairstyle works with most hair lengths.

6. Zigzag cornrows

The zigzag cornrow hairstyle, also known as zigzag braids or pop smoke braids, is a type of braided hairstyle with a distinctive zigzag pattern along the sides of the head. To create this style, the hair is braided in a continuous line, with each braid forming a sharp angle or zigzag as it progresses from the front to the back of the head.

The zigzag cornrows can be styled in various ways, such as extending the braids down the back of the head or incorporating them into a larger hairstyle, like a ponytail or bun. The design is perfect for medium to long hair.

7. Cornrows with a bun

The cornrow with a bun hairstyle is a popular and stylish way to wear cornrow braids. It involves braiding the hair close to the scalp in a cornrow pattern and then gathering the braids into a bun at the back of the head.

The cornrows can be small and intricate or larger and simple, depending on preference. Hair extensions are often added to the cornrows to create longer braids that can be styled into the bun.

8. Highlighted ends

The highlighted-ends cornrow hairstyle features cornrows with ends dyed in contrasting colours like bronze or gold to add depth and dimension to the style. The look is achieved by braiding the hair into cornrows and then bleaching or dyeing the ends of the braids, leaving the scalp area its natural colour.

The highlights should be in warm tones like bronze or gold to create a striking contrast against the darker base colour of the hair. The hairstyle is easy to maintain and style, as the feed-in cornrow technique allows for versatile updos and ponytails.

9. Cornrows with beads

Cornrows with beads are a popular hairstyle that combines the classic look of cornrows with the addition of decorative beads. Cornrows are braided close to the scalp in various patterns and designs.

Beads are then added to the ends of the cornrows for a decorative touch. The beads come in various colours, materials (wood, metal, plastic) and sizes.

10. Two cornrows

The two cornrows hairstyle involves creating two statement braids by braiding underhand, close to the scalp, and at an angle, sweeping the hair back from the face into two plaits. As one of the best-braided styles for men, it can be worn asymmetrically to wrap around the head, giving a young and playful look.

11. Stitch braids

The stitch braids cornrow hairstyle combines the traditional cornrow technique with a modern twist known as stitch braids.

Cornrows are tightly braided against the scalp to form linear rows. In contrast, stitch braids enhance this style with a needlework-like accuracy, creating a bolder, more textured appearance similar to embroidery fabric.

The stitch braids involve sectioning hair into thin horizontal lines that are then used to create a cornrow. They offer a unique and stylish look that blends cultural heritage with contemporary aesthetics. 

12. Crossed cornrows

The crossed or crisscross cornrow hairstyle involves braiding the hair in a crisscross pattern on the top of the head. The styling starts with one straight cornrow returning from the forehead and then braiding cornrows in a crisscross pattern over the initial straight row.

The crisscross pattern continues across the top of the head. Finally, braiding happens on the lower sections, simple straight-back cornrows that line up with the crisscross pattern above. The style helps reduce tangling and allows the hair to be worn for several weeks while protecting it and allowing growth. 

13. Wavy part cornrows

The wavy part of the cornrow hairstyle features cornrow braids with wavy sections between the braids. It involves braiding the hair into cornrows, with some sections left unbraided to create wavy, loose hair between the braids.

The wavy parts can be achieved by braiding those sections with a curl pattern, leaving them out, and allowing the natural hair texture to form waves. The style works well on short to medium-length hair, as the wavy sections need enough length to form the desired waves.

14. Sunburst cornrow

The sunburst cornrow hairstyle is a cornrow braid pattern with a central point or sunburst from which multiple cornrow braids radiate outward.

The sunburst cornrow style typically starts with a central braid or knot at the crown of the head, with additional cornrow braids extending from this central point in a symmetrical, sunburst-like pattern across the scalp.

The style can be created on short and long hair, and the number of radiating cornrow braids can vary depending on personal preference and hair density.  The sunburst cornrow look is considered a protective hairstyle that helps keep the hair neat and organised while also visually striking.

15. Cornrow French braids

Cornrow French braids for men combine cornrows' intricate and stylish look with the elegance of French braids. These braids exude a sense of royalty and sophistication, making a powerful statement.

To create cornrow French braids, start with clean, detangled hair and section it according to the desired style. Once done, begin braiding at the front of the scalp, maintaining consistent tension for neat braids.

Follow the chosen pattern meticulously, securing the ends appropriately and adding finishing touches like oil or braid spray for sheen and moisture.

Are cornrows good for men?

Cornrows are an excellent hairstyle option for men who want a fresh, timeless look. They are highly versatile and can be styled in various ways, from classic straight-back designs to more intricate patterns like zigzags, spider braids, and sunbursts.

The braided nature of cornrows also provides practical benefits. Cornrows help protect the hair from damage caused by daily styling, manipulation, and environmental factors. It can promote healthier hair growth and reduce breakage.

Cornrows are relatively low-maintenance, requiring occasional oiling and cleaning, making them a convenient option for busy men.

Final word

Cornrow braids for men allow you to express your individuality while keeping your look fresh and timeless. You can achieve intricate, eye-catching designs that elevate your appearance with skilled braiding. Examples of styles worth considering include cornrow fade, freestyle cornrow braids, coloured cornrows, spider braids, zigzag cornrows, cornrows with a bun, and highlighted ends.

Tuko.co.ke shared an article about short male Viking braids ideas perfect for every occasion. Viking haircuts are popular because they represent toughness and resilience.

Popular culture, TV series, films, and video games romanticising the Viking age have all contributed to the braids' resurgence. There's a Viking braid for every personality, hair type, and event, ranging from adorable dragon braids to Mohawk braids.