How long does your hair have to be for cornrows?

Cornrows are one of the most known braid hairstyles. The cornrow is a type of braid made by braiding the hair close to the scalp while using an underhanded upward motion to create a continuous, raised row. The hairstyle first originated in Africa, but it soon became famous all over the world. Now, men women, & kids are rocking this hairstyle. The hairstyle can be done with both natural hair & even with hair extensions. But even with extensions, the natural hair should have a minimum length. So the question arrives: how long does your hair have to be for cornrows?

The article will provide information about the minimum length of hair for cornrows, both for natural hair & also for extensions.

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What is Cornrows hairstyle?

Cornrows braids are a style that involves hair braiding the hair close to the scalp while using an underhanded upward motion to create a continuous, raised row. The hairstyle can be rocked by both men & women, & even it looks great on kids.

The ‘Instagram’ suitable hairstyle has been in trend ever since it reached various parts of the world. The hairstyle gives a similar look to a man bun. Cornrows have this name because the braids that are made in this style look like that of cornrows.

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What is the required length of hair for cornrows?

The cornrow braids are trendy nowadays, & people love to get them. But there is one small requirement for the hairstyle. The hair should have a minimum length of 1.75 inches if you want cornrows with natural hair.

The hair length of five or six inches will be best if you want straight-back cornrows.

A minimum hair length is still required, even for those who wish to acquire cornrows with extensions or artificial hair. The minimum hair length, in that case, will be two inches.

How long does your hair have to be for cornrows in the case of natural hair?

You would need at least 1.75 inches of hair in order to create cornrows with your own hair. But, if you want proper & straight back cornrows, then you have to get more hair length, according to your hair type.

For Frizzy Hair: You need have at least five inches of hair if you want to wear cornrow braids all the way to the back of your head and have frizzy hair. Frizzy hair already has curls in it, so with pulling to braids, they will look longer.

For Less Curly Hair – The less curly hair with a touch of straightness needs to be six inches long for perfect cornrows on all over the head. However, the less curly hair has straightness, so they require more length to braid.

For Straight hair- The straight hair needs to be longer if one wants to get an easy & good grip for cornrow braids.

What is the minimum length of hair required for cornrows when wearing extensions?

If you don’t have that much long hair, but you still want to go for cornrows, then the best way to get them is to use extensions. But even for the extensions, you need to have minimum-length hair.

If one wishes to utilize extensions in the cornrows, the hair must be at least 2 inches long. Additionally, you need enough length to hold the weight of the additional hair and hold the cornrow style in place.

You should not use long or heavy extensions, as they can pull the natural hair. So use lightweight extensions on hair length of 2-3 inches to achieve beautiful & dashing cornrow braids.

The purpose of 2-3 inches of hair is to hold the extensions becuase there should be some length of hair that can hold onto additional hair.

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How long does your hair have to be to get cornrows for Guys?

As we have mentioned, the minimum length needed for cornrow braids is 1.75 inches, if one wants to have natural cornrows, & 2 inches for cornrows with extensions.

The required hair length for cornrows on guys varies but typically necessitates at least 2 inches (5 cm) of hair length. However, having longer hair, around 3-4 inches (7.5–10 cm), provides better grip and ease for the braiding process, resulting in neater and more defined cornrows. Longer hair allows for more intricate designs and durability in the style. Shorter hair might make it challenging to create the desired pattern or maintain the braids. It’s essential to consult with a professional hairstylist who can evaluate your hair length and texture to determine the best approach for achieving cornrows that suit your desired style.

If you have short hair & want extensions to achieve the cornrow look but are on a tight budget, then here are low-priced & good-quality extensions for you.

How Long are 1.75 & 2 inches of hair?

The length of hair required for cornrows at 1.75 inches may present some challenges. It’s a bit short for creating well-defined and durable cornrows. This length might limit the intricacy of the braid pattern and could make it tougher to grip the hair strands for braiding, resulting in less secure or more fragile braids. Stylists might suggest waiting until the hair grows a bit longer to ensure a neater and longer-lasting cornrow style.

On the other hand, at 2 inches of hair length, you’re closer to achieving better cornrows. While still a relatively short length, it provides slightly more grip and flexibility for braiding. However, it may still be considered borderline short for more intricate designs or smaller sections in the cornrow pattern. Stylists might have techniques to work with this length, but aiming for a bit more growth could result in a more stable and versatile cornrow style with cleaner lines and enhanced durability.

Bottom Line

Achieving optimal cornrows depends on hair length, typically requiring at least 2 inches for a more secure and defined style. While 1.75 inches is workable, longer hair provides better grip and durability for intricate designs. Consulting a hairstylist ensures the best approach based on your hair’s length and texture, guaranteeing a neater and longer-lasting cornrow style that suits your preferences.