Cornrows have always been the ultimate protective, low-maintenance hairstyle, but what are the alternatives for the girls who get bored easily?
Cornrows have existed since the dawn of time, as long as Black women have graced the earth. It’s the ultimate protective hairstyle — low-maintenance, stylish and flexible. This hairstyle, popularly known as “all-back”, is a cult favourite, with countless variations and takes of the same classic style.
However, even with the creativity the girlies employ when doing cornrows, it can get boring fast. Thankfully, with the newfound pride in our cultural hairstyles, or something some people believe is a recession indicator — we are going back to our roots, exploring modern takes and reimaginings of our cultural hairstyles.
So, if you’re looking for stylish protective, low-maintenance hairstyles, here are some alternatives to cornrows.
Patewo reimagined
This mohawk-like style has been a staple for Nigerian women since we were girls, regularly adorning our heads during secondary school days. The new versions come in many styles, with stitch braids, adorned with beads, made with French curls or even weave. True to its name, which literally translates to “clap” in Yoruba, the patewo hairstyle is a perfect cornrow alternative. It’s simple enough to cause no stress, yet stylish enough to turn heads, especially when styled up — with beads, weave or really neat stitch braids and patterns
The classic shuku
Another cornrow alternative rooted in traditional hairstyles is shuku — a low-maintenance choice that’s just as versatile. It can be dressed up or as down as you’d like — done with just your natural hair (which you can style with a detachable ponytail), extensions or even French curls. And that’s not the only way to add versatility to this hairstyle; the rows can also be Ghana weaving, done with a stitch braid method or a zigzag pattern. The possibilities are endless!
The ultimate cornrow alternative: The braided baldie
This innovative take on the classic cornrows hairstyle is a personal favourite. This hairstyle borrows from the close-cropped feeling of a bald haircut or the pixie cut, but with none of the permanence. With meticulous cuts, braiding and styling, this hairstyle entails an endless, singular braid done in different patterns — my favourites are hearts and flowers — which is then sewn into the grid. It’s a delightful and fresh take on the cornrows, and it’s freaking adorable too!
The bantu knot-weave combo
This traditional business in the front, party at the back hairstyle was Y2K inspired and popularised by Tems in recent times. It’s a fun twist on the traditional bantu knots, and you can either achieve it with French curl extensions or a sew-in at the back. The best part is that you can add whatever you want at the back, and style it however you want too!
In conclusion, these alternative hairstyles offer a wonderful way to express individuality and cultural pride beyond traditional cornrows. Whatever your style, there’s a stylish and low-maintenance option for everyone looking to add a fun or modern twist and switch things up — Nigerian style.
