Top Trending Cornrows in Summer 2024

There are so so many trending cornrows and braided hairstyles this summer. I saw a comment on TikTok the other day with a user saying that it seems that there’s always a new trend in cornrows. This was under @Tookiedidit_ TikTok post of the braided bald head hairstyle. The individual went on to say that they have not even done Alicia Keys braids yet, yet the braided bald head has already been termed the hairstyle of summer 2024. Well, I agree with the comment; there are so many trending hairstyles, and I will touch on some of my favorites in this article.

History of Cornrows

I love providing a brief history of each hairstyle, so here goes. Cornrows originated in Africa, in the 3000 B.C. Cornrows were first introduced to the Western world by enslaved Africans. African slaves often resorted to cornrows because they were low-maintenance and could keep their natural hair protected for several weeks. In some instances, cornrows were used to act as small acts of resistance and rebellion and were ways of discreetly communicating with each other. Today, various celebrities, including Alicia Keys and Beyonce, have embraced cornrows. For instance, Beyonce introduced us to lemonade braids in her 2016 album, where she rocked this hairstyle. Alicia Keys’ braids are also trending, which I will touch on in one section. Cornrows are a great way of protecting our hair.

Straight Back Trending Cornrows

Straight-back cornrows are like the little black dress of the black hairstyles world. They are versatile and ideal for various occasions, including weddings, beach vacations, or backyard BBQs. Besides, it only takes a very short time to do straight-back cornrows, and they require minimal maintenance. With cornrows, you can be sure that your hair will remain protected. However, to ensure they last longer, always wear a bonnet at night and engage in scalp care.

straight back cornrows
Photo creds: @izador4 (via Instagram)

Straight-back cornrows accentuate an individual’s facial features, such as cheekbones, eyes, and strong jawline. Therefore, if you are looking for a style that gives you an instant facelift, or rather, which will place focus on your pretty face, then straight-back cornrows are the way to go. You can always incorporate various designs, such as zigzags and triangles. A popular trend has been incorporating curl extensions at the back of the braids, which I think is very creative and gives a boho feel.

Braided Bald Head Hairstyle

The braided bald head, just like the conventional bald head, is for bold and daring souls. This is a hairstyle that will make heads turn, quite literally. They are used to express an individual’s boldness and creativity. From afar, you may think that the braided bald heads have no beginning or end, but they actually do. They involve continuous braiding from the beginning to the end. The braided bald head is quite a trendy style, with some terming it as the hairstyle of summer 2024. It is pretty edgy and futuristic. You can learn more about the braided bald head hairstyle in this article, where I cover how it is achieved and various styles you can consider rocking this summer.

braided bald head
Photo creds: @zydidit_ (via Instagram)
braided bald head
Photo creds: @nisaraye (via Instagram)

Alicia Keys Braids

Alicia Keys has been setting trends in black communities’ hairstyles since the early 2000s. Recently, an upsurge in a hairstyle known as Alicia Keys braids has occurred. This hairstyle has gained popularity, especially on Pinterest and Instagram. I guess individuals prefer this style because it is not only unique and creative but also very versatile and protects one’s hair. Alicia Keys Braids are a symbol of beauty and cultural heritage. Check out the images below for some inspiration on some of the hairstyles you can rock; most individuals often accessorize Alicia Keys Braids with beads. This is one of the top trending cornrows in 2024

Alicia Keys Braids
Photo creds: @breethebraiderr (via Instagram)

Lemonade Braids

Lemonade braids have been trending for ages now. You may ask, if they’ve been around for ages now, probably since 2016, then are they really a trend? Well, yes. Why? Over time, there have been various variations of lemonade braids. For example, nowadays, individuals incorporate various tribal designs into the cornrows side-swept. Besides, on the braided side, individuals are now incorporating braiding curls extensions, and beads. You can discover more about lemonade braids from this article.

lemonade braids
Photo creds: @tensbeauties (via Instagram)
lemonade braids
Photo creds: @didthatkatt (via Instagram)

Are Cornrows Here to Stay?

The short answer: yes. The long answer: cornrows have their deep roots in African history; they get better with time as there have been various variations over the years. They are a symbol of resilience, strength, and unity. They are not only a hairstyle but a way of celebrating our rich heritage. Therefore, you can expect that cornrows will continue trending for years to come. The only difference is that there will be newer trends and various variations of cornrows. Cornrows are minimal effort and give a polished look. You can expect that they will stay here for a long time.

Conclusion

So there you have it; those are the Top Trending cornrows. Cornrows are timeless braided hairstyles that can express an individual’s creativity and personality. These hairstyles offer endless possibilities for self-expression. You can add different variations or styles, including tribal designs, geometric patterns, cornrow extensions, curl extensions, or braids. Remember this: our hair is our crown, and we should wear it proudly.

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