Cornrows are always considered a “growth style,” and I understand why. You put your hair away, stop touching it daily, and suddenly it looks like it’s thriving. But here’s the thing: your hair grows from the follicle under your skin, and cornrows do not affect your genetics or hormones. What cornrows can affect is how much hair you break off before you ever get to enjoy the length, which is why people swear by this style for length retention.
There is also a serious warning that needs to be considered. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, hairstyles that pull the hair, such as cornrows and dreadlocks cause hair loss if they are too tight. So, yes, cornrows can help, but only if they are applied and maintained properly. Keep reading, and I will tell you how cornrows promote length, when they can cause breakage, and how to wear them safely.
Understanding Cornrows as a Protective Hairstyle
Cornrows are close to the scalp braiding style where the hair is braided in rows, either in straight lines or in curved shapes. Fans of this style adore them because they are neat and easy to maintain on a daily basis, and they can even shield delicate ends from fraying due to constant rubbing against clothing and pillows.
However, “protective” doesn’t necessarily mean “risk-free.” Cornrows are a close-to-skin braiding style where the braider has complete control over the tension applied to your roots and edges. If this tension is extreme and you do the style consecutively, it can cause your roots to become stressed and your hairline to thin out.
Cornrows and Hair Growth Support
Cornrows do not speed up hair growth. What cornrows will do is help you retain the length that your scalp is already giving you. If your hair is growing at a rate of half an inch a month but you are breaking half an inch a month, it seems like you are not growing at all. Cornrows will help you retain the length, and you will finally see some growth when you stop breaking your hair.
Many people mistake this retention for new activity at the root, often asking: does hair fall mean new hair growth? Understanding that the hair was growing anyway and that the braids are simply helping it survive is key to setting healthy expectations.
Washing and Moisturizing Cornrows
Yes, you can wash cornrows, and you should, especially if you sweat, work out, or have dandruff. Washing your braids is about maintaining a clean scalp so that inflammation and itching do not drive you to scratch and break them.
Use this simple routine as your starting point:
- Cleanse your scalp with a diluted shampoo, targeting the parts and scalp, and then rinse thoroughly.
- Pat it dry with a towel and let it air dry completely to avoid scalp irritation.
- Apply a few drops of oil on the parts, and then massage gently with your fingertips—not with your nails.
- Refresh your braids with a light mist and seal it lightly on the ends so that the older hair does not get
brittle.
Dr. Boogies Hollywood Secret
To keep your scalp happy while wearing cornrows, Dr. Boogie’s Bionic Hair and Scalp Oil can be applied between braids. This lightweight botanical oil is designed to moisturize and soothe scalp irritations without weighing the hair down or causing heavy buildup.
Potential Hair Damage from Tight Cornrows
This is the part where cornrows can either make or break your hair. Cornrows can pull on your hair follicles and cause traction alopecia—a type of hair loss caused by constant tension. If you have ever taken down a style and noticed tiny broken hairs all along the edge, that is a warning sign. Another sign is if you have bumps or pimples on your scalp around your follicles.
Supporting Hair Health: A Checklist
- Request low tension at the hairline and larger sections if you have fine edges.
- Sleep with a satin scarf or bonnet so your braids don’t rub and frizz.
- Leave your hands out of your scalp as much as possible to avoid irritation.
- Take down the style slowly, working out buildup with conditioner before detangling.
Protect Your Growth
Give your protective style the support it deserves. Our Bionic Oil helps maintain elasticity and moisture while your hair is tucked away.
Conclusion
Cornrows can be a great addition to your hair journey, but not because they will make your hair grow faster. Cornrows are great if they help to minimize breakage and protect your ends. The moment they become too tight or painful, they are no longer protective but damaging. Check out Dr. Boogie Secrets and incorporate our Bionic Hair and Scalp Oil to keep your braids comfortable and promote stronger-looking hair.
