Cornrow braids, originating from Africa and the Caribbean Islands, have evolved into a diverse range of beautiful hairstyles.

These intricate braids involve weaving strands of hair tightly against the scalp, creating stunning linear looks.

While deeply rooted in black culture, cornrows have gained popularity with celebrities like Zoey Kravitz, Alicia Keys, and Beyoncé, breathing new life into these traditional styles.

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Gorgeous Cornrow Braids from Africa, Caribbean Islands

We collected the following 50 gorgeous cornrow braids from Africa and the Caribbean Islands that you should try out.

Credit for this list is to Andy Jones of The Cuddl. The right of the images below to their owners indicated beneath each photo.

Over-the-top strawberry space buns

Are you looking for a super unique cornrow braid hairstyle? This hairdo consists of an intricate geometric cornrow design, braided space buns, and butt-length white and pink braided extensions.

It's a half-up-half-down look has major 90s hip hop vibes. While these braids might have you stuck in the salon chair for some time, they're worth their weight in compliments.

Deep side part cornrows with curve appeal

Super trendy side-swept cornrows with Nike-inspired swooshes at their bases.

Clear glass beads add a touch of bling to the ends, allowing for personalization.

Feed-in cornrow braids and buns

Combine small and large plaits for a gorgeous straight-back four-cornrow braids look.

This style allows for customization in size, direction, pattern, and colour, making it a versatile choice with added texture.

It's a modern and alternative option for women and girls.

Knotless box braids with curly ends

Shoulder-length hair braids that provide a low-maintenance and protective hairstyle.

These braids offer a natural hair texture and are worth the effort for a stylish and comfortable look.

Cleopatra cornrows with braided straight-back part

Tiny waist-length box tribal braids with a single straight-back braid as a central part.

Crystal beads and silver rings add a bohemian touch to this regal and dramatic hairstyle.

Cute easy cornrow coiffure with gold accents

Adorable cornrow bun with whole-head goddess braids twisted into a tightly woven topknot.

Gold hair cuffs and metallic accessories elevate the look for a sophisticated or casual appearance.

Modern cornrow hairstyle with tight back braids

Intricate cornrow pattern pulling hair away from the face, suitable for those willing to invest time in this goddess-like look.

Back-swept rainbow braids

A colourful miniature box braid design that emphasizes the use of extensions' palette against natural black hair.

Perfect for teens and young adults, it's a simple and vibrant cornrow braid hairstyle.

Easy side-swept box braids

Diamond-based box braids offer a low-maintenance and edgy protective hairdo.

Medium-sized braids complement the look when swept to one side.

Red and black spirals with gold cuffs

Enormous spiralled goddess braids with bright red extensions, golden lock cuffs, and silver rings.

Perfect for bold fashionistas, these Afro-punk-cornrow braids are adorned with synthetic extensions for a unique look.

Chunky cornrow styles for short hair

Six chunky braids lying flat against the crown create a sophisticated style without synthetic extensions.

This extension-free coiffure aligns with minimalist hair trends in 2020.

Cornrow braids with cute pink extensions 2 cornrow braids

Perfect for those who want stunning cornrows without spending hours in the salon.

Four Dutch braids with bubblegum-pink extensions create a playful and low-maintenance look, ideal for the school year.

Miniature cornrows with loosely braided Mohawk braids

Create a dimension with box braids on top and miniature cornrows on the sides and back.

Weave the cornrows together for a bold Mohawk illusion, offering a favourite among cornrow braid ideas.

Black-gold braids with curly tips

Lovely black and gold box braids paired with curly extensions for texture and volume.

Versatile styling options, from buns to ponies, make it a chic and athletic choice.

Twisted cornrows with blonde bun braids

Straight-back cornrows form a super-high topknot with dip-dyed blonde highlights.

This attention-grabbing style complements bold makeup palettes.

Sideswept purple cornrows with pony

Dramatic sweeping purple hair cornrow braids with a low side part.

The addition of a half-up-half-down ponytail finishes this colourful and stylish braid idea.

Pink feed-in braids

Glamorous feed-in cornrow braids with five chunky goddess braids.

Pastel pink tips and a slightly off-centre placement create a playful and flirty appearance.

Blonde goddess braids with bold roots

Thick goddess braids with tapered roots and tips offer a protective and attention-grabbing hairstyle for weeks at a time.

Wear them down or twist them into an elegant topknot.

Simple butt-length copper box braids

Butt-length box braids with a shiny copper hue, add dimension and a reflective quality to these natural twists.

Cotton candy box braids

Extend your hair with adorable cotton candy box braids, adding a pop of colour with synthetic extensions.

Pressed ends preserve the hairline for a lightweight feel.

Chunky braids with locked-in waves

Shoulder-length box braids with added volume around the roots from extensions.

Curled ends with hot water provide locked-in waves, suitable for a professional appearance.

Large & long threaded box braids

Signature cornrow hairstyle with two extra-chunky face-framing box braids.

White string accents the largest plaits, creating an eye-catching design.

Bold, black, beaded cornrows

Butt-length cornrows taking traditional braids to a new level.

African beads and gold hair cuffs enhance the look for a unique and bold appearance.

Red straight-back braids in high-bun cornrows

Bold straight-back braids with crimson-tipped ends wrapped into a high topknot.

A daring and stylish choice for those looking for a high-impact look.

Chunky asymmetrical half-head cornrow braids

Strawberry blonde chunky half-done cornrows for a foxy appearance.

Showcasing plaits and natural texture with options for a bun or ponytail.

Girl on fire woven braid bun

Orange and red extensions create straight-back cornrows spun into a tight ballerina topknot.

Woven ends add intricacy to this fiery and bold hairstyle.

Big and small twisted straight-back braids

Combining big and small plaits for a cultured cornrow style. Wavy braids complement the natural contours of the head, providing a modern and versatile hairstyle.

Straight-back braids with heritage beads

Sleek straight-back cornrow braids layered on top of box braids for a dense canopy of hair. Chunky wooden beads pay homage to the style's deep African roots.

Straight-back braids with kinky extensions

Slinky straight-back cornrows with a rich burgundy hue and crimped extensions for an extra layer of texture. A contemporary twist on a classic style.

Four straight-back braids with extensions

Want to keep your salon chair time down to a bare minimum? Ask for four chunky boxer plaits instead of a head full of baby braids.

You can add extensions to increase the height or length of twists. Pair this look with pressed ends and chunky hoops for a truly rap-inspired hairdo.

Royal half-head cornrows with natural pony Mohawk

Give some of your roots a break with this deconstructed cornrow Mohawk. Divide your crown hairs into small braids.

Then, interweave the braids using a couple of gold cuffs to create a perfectly accessorized Mohawk. A few beaded braids on the side of the face are the perfect way to soften this bold look.

Chunky straight-back braids with plaited halo

Weave synthetic extensions into your hair to create extra-chunky braids. Then, weave the side braids into a chunky halo.

Straight-back braids are a super simple, cute hairstyle for women or girls. Plus, it's a rad hair idea for weddings, proms, and other formal events.

Over-the-top straight-back braids with light extensions

This look consists of lightly bleached straight-back braids in the front and box braids in the back.

The full cornrows help to bring your hair away from your face. If you're looking for a bold braided hair idea, this might be it.

Ghana and box braid combo

This intricate cornrow design will impress the most seasoned hair professionals. The front braids weave from side to side, like ripples on water.

The intricate half-head cornrows help pull the hair away from the face. With tiny box braids in the back, you still have something to toss over your shoulders.

Wear them down or twist them into a low chignon.

8 Cornrows with defining middle part

This spider-like hairdo consists of eight cornrows. These braids seal all of your locks into a tight, protective look that lasts for weeks.

These cornrow braids are ideal for short-haired children and adults. This protective hairdo is perfect for people of all ages.

High straight-back braids with high pony

Alternating big and little plaits are one of this season's coolest trends. This beautiful hairdo also consists of face-framing braids that extend from back to front.

Heritage beads dangle from the ends of these locks. Meanwhile, extra-long extensions are woven into the other cornrow braids to give them volume and length.

These lengthy pieces make a mind-blowing high pony.

Cute easy hairstyle with box braids

These tiny box braids are capped with curly extensions before being wrapped into an extra elegant high bun.

These cornrow braids let you rock a protective hairdo without having to square away all your natural hair.

It's a simple yet sexy hair idea for your natural hair that will last you a month or more.

Braids and spunky space buns

These chunky Ghana braids have been pulled into super cute high-space buns.

This modern hairstyle combines traditional and trendy cornrow braid concepts to create a one-of-a-kind hair idea. Ask your stylist to feed in extensions starting at the roots.

These extra threads will boost the height and texture of your cornrow braids.

Awesome straight-back cornrow braids

These cornrow braids are a cute easy hairstyle for women rocking the granny gray hair trend.

You can save yourself a lot of time by opting for bigger plaits. This look consists of just seven braids.

The braids are woven straight back to draw attention to your eyes and brows.

Sideswept cornrow braids with natural hair

This pretty half-up cornrow braid hairstyle for natural hair lets you show off your natural texture while rocking end-saving plaits in the front.

The braids are plaited at an angle so that they blend in with the natural contours of the head. Gather your ends into a high half-up bun when the tension gets too much.

Burgundy Ghana braids with jewellery

Burgundy Ghana Braids with Jewelry — *Source: halibeautie – instagram.com*

Are you searching for more traditional African cornrow braid ideas?

These twisty Ghana plaits create an eye-catching geometric design before pouring over the sides of the head.

Silver rings and lock cuffs align with this year's biggest cornrow accessory trends.

In some ways, this scalp braid style reminds us of Beyoncé's lemonade braid trend.

Cute Ghana braids

This pretty hairstyle consists of whole-head Ghana plaits gathered into a high topknot. Strategically placed ash blonde hair extensions brighten up naturally dark roots.

Feed synthetic extensions into bases of the straight-back braids to give them extra height. Then, twist the multi-coloured strands together to create a one-of-a-kind updo cornrow hairstyle.

You can keep things simple with uniform plaits, or variate between small and large braids.

Cool high pony with cornrows

These cornrows are pulled into a gravity-defying top-of-the-head ponytail. Golden hair cuffs, beads, and thread give this look a truly regal vibe.

While this look appears quite complicated, it's a pretty low-maintenance date night look.

The weight of the extensions might limit how long you are willing to rock these braids.

Diamond box braids with extensions

Diamond box braids are one of the coolest trends of 2020. These cornrow braids last for weeks with minimal maintenance.

If you're looking for protective cornrow braid ideas that you can easily pull up and out of your face, this one's worth a bookmark. Keep them natural or add some color.

Miniature box braids with blonde extensions

Let down your locks! These head-to-butt miniature box braids have been paired with extra-long wavy extensions.

We adore the dye job, which consists of a dark base with warm chestnut overtones.

Blonde, beaded cornrow braids

This parted cornrow look is incredibly fierce. The braids have been parted down the middle, with two sets of chunky backward-slanted plaits.

Then, there's that subtle yet look-defining braid down the centre of the head. The dark roots and blonde highlights look amazing together.

Then again, where would this look be without the wooden African hairheads?

Golden box braids in a high bun

These small blonde box braids are the ultimate protective hairdo. Since these are not technically cornrows, they're a bit easier to pull together.

They serve as an excellent base for a half-up bun. Though, you can also drape them over your back for a more casual look. We just adore this 90s-inspired braid style.

Cute box braids with cornrow braids

We adore this cornrow and box braid combo for kids and teens. The large braids zig and zag across the top of the model's head.

Beads give the chunky box braids a clean finish. Meanwhile, two backward cornrows frame the sides of the face.

Give your little goddess the hair she deserves with this youthful cornrow style.

Super-tight boxer braids with extensions

This yummy hairdo consists of four wet-and-wavy straight-back braids. These plaits are excellent candidates for low ponies and other down-the-back hairdos.

The wavy parts help this look stand out. If you're looking to express yourself, consider adding a few gold hair cuffs or coloured extensions.

Cool jumbo cornrow braid hairstyle

These jumbo head-to-butt cornrows are less effort than they look. Miniature cornrows are woven between much larger goddess braids to create the illusion of depth and texture.

Meanwhile, bleached hair extensions lighten up the ends of the braids. This is a popping look for any occasion.

These 57 cornrow braid ideas showcase the diversity and creativity within this traditional hairstyle.

Whether you prefer bold colours, intricate patterns, or classic styles, there's a cornrow look for everyone.

Experiment with these hairstyles to express your unique personality and embrace the beauty of natural hair.