THE CIRCULAR

Conrows, more than a hairstyle.

Cornrows are one of the most popular hairstyles for African women because they are a smooth, glossy, low maintenance hairstyle that lasts for weeks. They are worn primarily for convenience and as a protective hairstyle as you grow your hair to the desired length because they protect hair from moisture loss and breakage. 

Even though it has gained popularity worldwide, the hairstyle has its roots in Africa, where a person’s haircut could tell what tribe they belonged to. Many African communities, particularly in western and northern Africa, employed the style as a communication tool as well as a way to indicate one’s age, religion, wealth, and marital status. 

Photo by Oscar Ntege, Edited by Sarah Ntabadde using photoshop for Circular.org

Many Africans who were brought to America as slaves during the brutal slave era had their hair shaved off to take away their identity. However, cornrows returned to popularity in the 1960s and 1970s as more African Americans began to reject white beauty standards due to the Black power movement and sought out hairstyles that honoured their history. 

Photo by Tammie Allen on Unsplash

In Europe Conrow braids were introduced by traders from Greece were the people that introduced cornrows into Europe, they were trading with Egypt since 3500BC, Egyptians started exporting box braids to the people of Greece, they didn’t become popular until the recent years when Hollywood A-listers like Beyonce, Alicia Keys, and Trace Elis Ross among others rock them on and off the red carpet of Hollywood significant events. 

Photo by Matthew Henry on Unsplash

There are numerous different ways that ladies are currently sporting braids. Due to the wide variety of styles and  even the women who historically avoided wearing braids now desire to do so. 

With so many internet video lessons, you don’t necessarily need to visit a professional to rock cornrows, which is a positive thing about them. 

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