Cornrows

Hair is fed in continuously as the braid travels backward, so the braid never leaves the scalp until it clears the nape. The parts between rows are as much of the look as the braids themselves, which is why the sectioning has to be clean and evenly spaced. Straight-back rows are the simplest pattern and the easiest to sleep in. Tension at the front is the thing to watch: rows should feel firm but never drag the hairline forward.

• Suitsoval, round face shapes. Rows running front to back replace width at the sides with lengthwise lines, so nothing sits at the cheek, though the forehead and jaw are left completely uncovered.
• Hair typemedium density, thick, curly, coily. Texture that grips the scalp holds a flat braid far longer, so coily hair keeps the rows tight for weeks where straight hair slips loose.
• UpkeepTwo to four weeks before the roots lift and fuzz, with a scarf at night and oil applied along the parts rather than on the braids.
• Ask forAsk for straight-back cornrows with even parts, and tell the stylist how many rows you want across.

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