Cornrows are timeless, and anyone can sport this type of hairstyle. Men and women are fond of rocking this braid hairstyle simply because it looks cool and stylish. However, cornrows are especially tight, which can lead to scalp irritation and hair damage.
As such, you should take extra measures to prevent hair and scalp damage when taking care of cornrows. Make sure to use some type of braid spray with African pride olive oil to keep your locks looking and feeling luscious. Also, follow these other tips:
Choose the Right Stylist
You need a stylist who understands your hair type’s needs. Also, you would want to make sure that you will get your cornrows from someone who has done it a couple of times. You want someone who’s experienced, so you wouldn’t have to deal with scalp irritations.
The key is to go to a few different salons and ask about the stylists’ experiences. You can ask if you could sit down and watch when they are doing cornrows on somebody else. Scouring feedback and recommendations online helps, too.
Avoid Washing Your Cornrows Way Too Much
Washing and shampooing your cornrows way too much can cause them to “spoil” faster than usual. If you choose to wash your cornrows, consider using a hairnet to protect them from the harsh chemicals of the shampoo.
Don’t use too much shampoo — a pea-sized amount is all you’d need. Make sure to use a mild shampoo, too, as harsh chemicals in some shampoos can cause your cornrows to break. You need all of the natural oils in your hair to stay to keep it looking and feeling luscious. Let the shampoo stay for a few seconds and then wash it off thoroughly.
Use a Conditioner
Now, conditioning your cornrows is a whole different story. You should consider conditioning your hair often, as this could reduce the breakage. You have two choices: you can either use a leave-in conditioner or one that you usually rinse off.
If you choose to use a rinse-off conditioner, be sure to dilute it with water before actually applying it on your hair. Undiluted conditioner can build up on your hair and scalp, which can be extremely itchy and untidy. For leave-in conditioners, consider applying it at least twice per week.
Choose a Satin Pillowcase
Cotton pillowcases usually tug on the hair, which can then lead to dryness. Consider using a satin o silk pillowcase or even a satin cap, as this will prevent moisture stripping. This also helps prevent split ends and thinning hair, offering benefits beyond taking care of your cornrows.
If you are using a satin cap, just make sure to choose one that fits your head snugly, so it would not cause a headache.
A final reminder: do not brush and pull on your cornrows, as this can ruin the braids eventually. For sure, your stylist warned you about that, but sometimes, it’s tempting to brush your cornrows, especially if your scalp is itchy. So again, make sure to apply a special type of oil to your hair frequently to make your cornrows healthy and look luscious.