Ultimate Guide: Maintain & Care for Hair Cornrows
Cornrows are a timeless style with deep roots in culture, fashion, and function. Whether you wear them as a go-to protective style or rock them for their clean look, one thing’s for sure: they need the right care to stay fresh. With proper upkeep, your cornrows can look great and last weeks without frizz, buildup, or damage to your natural hair.
At Lucky Hair Braiding and Locs in Aurora, Colorado, we’ve styled thousands of heads with cornrows—from classic straight backs to intricate custom designs. We know what it takes to keep them looking just as sharp on day 20 as they did on day one. This guide breaks down everything you need to know to maintain cornrow braids and protect your hair underneath.
Start With a Clean Foundation
Before getting cornrows installed, your natural hair should be freshly washed, deep-conditioned, and fully detangled. This helps your stylist work more smoothly and gives your hair a healthy start under the braids.
We always recommend booking a wash and blow-dry before your braid session—don’t skip this step!
Moisture is Still a Must
Cornrows might tuck your hair away, but your scalp still needs hydration. Dry scalp can lead to itching, flaking, or even breakage at the root.
Try these moisture tips:
- Use a light oil (like jojoba or argan) on your scalp 2–3 times a week.
- Spritz a water-based leave-in conditioner to refresh your braids.
- Avoid heavy creams or waxes that leave residue and cause buildup.
Keeping your scalp clean and nourished is one of the top cornrow maintenance tips we share with our clients.
Protect Them While You Sleep
Cotton pillowcases can snag your braids and dry out your scalp. The fix? Wrap your hair in a silk or satin scarf before bed. Or use a satin bonnet or pillowcase to reduce friction while you sleep.
This small step helps preserve your style and cut down on frizz—especially around the edges.
Keep Your Edges Intact
Tight braids can cause tension on your hairline. If your scalp feels sore or your edges look stressed, it might be time for a style break. You can also use edge control sparingly and massage a bit of castor oil into your hairline at night to keep it healthy.
Don’t Overdo the Styling
Yes, cornrows are versatile, but switching styles every day can wear them out fast. Too many ponytails or tight buns can loosen the braids or add tension. Go for low-manipulation styles to help them last longer.
Cleanse Without Ruining Your Style
Washing your cornrows is totally possible—you just have to do it right. Use a diluted shampoo in an applicator bottle and gently rinse your scalp. Let your hair air dry fully to avoid mildew or odor.
You can also use a no-rinse scalp cleanser or witch hazel on a cotton pad between washes to keep things fresh.
How Long Do Cornrows Last?
With the right care, cornrows can last 2 to 4 weeks. Some people stretch them a little longer, but we don’t recommend leaving them in past 6 weeks. At that point, your natural hair can begin to loc, tangle, or weaken at the roots.
If you’re wondering how to maintain cornrow braids over time, the key is staying consistent with care—especially when it comes to moisturizing and protecting your scalp.
FAQs
Can I work out with cornrows?
Yes—just wrap your hair in a sweatband or scarf to keep your braids neat and reduce frizz.
How do I stop my scalp from itching?
Lightly oil your scalp and avoid scratching. Use a gentle cleanser if it persists.
Can I get cornrows with short hair?
Yes, but your hair should be at least 2 inches long for a secure hold.
Let Lucky Hair Braiding and Locs Keep You Styled & Protected
Whether you’re wearing cornrows for fashion, protection, or both, our team at Lucky Hair Braiding and Locs is here to make sure your look lasts. With over 20 years of experience in African hair braiding and styling, we’ve mastered the art of keeping hair healthy underneath every style.
Want your braids to pop and last longer? Book your next appointment with us today.
- Open Monday through Saturday, 7am–4pm
- Serving Aurora and the Denver Metro area
- Note: Prices vary based on style and length.