Mastering Cornrow Braiding: 25 Common Mistakes to Avoid for Perfect Results
Cornrow braiding is a timeless and versatile hairstyle that has been cherished for generations. As a professional hair braider, I can tell you that cornrows are one of the most popular hairstyles, so it's important for any aspiring braider to be able to offer this style on their list of services. One thing I've noticed about clients who get cornrows is that they typically come back on a consistent basis to get the style redone. This means that if you learn to do cornrows, you are more likely to succeed at establishing your own consistent clientele.
Whether you're a seasoned stylist or trying your hand at braiding for the first time, mastering the art of cornrows requires attention to detail and practice. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore 25 common mistakes to avoid when stitching cornrows to achieve flawless results every time.
1. Uneven Tension:
Consistent tension is crucial when braiding cornrows. Avoid pulling too tightly or loosely, as this can lead to an uneven and uncomfortable style. It's essential to maintain a steady and gentle grip on the hair throughout the braiding process to ensure a uniform and polished appearance.
2. Irregular Sections:
Take the time to create clean and uniform sections of hair before braiding to ensure a neat and professional-looking result. Irregular sections can result in uneven and messy cornrows, so invest the time in precise parting to set the foundation for a flawless style. Parting is one of the top 4 techniques you need to master in order to create perfect braids every time so again, take your time during the parting process, especially if you are a beginner. Trust me when I tell you that with time you'll be able to create neat parts in a fraction of the time.
3. Too Tight Braids:
While it's important to secure the braids firmly, braiding too tightly can cause scalp discomfort and even lead to hair breakage. Aim for firm but gentle tension when braiding to avoid unnecessary strain on the scalp and hair follicles. Our clients want to look beautiful, not feel pain. There are also different products to relieve tension for tight braids.
4. Loose Ends:
Secure the ends of each braid tightly to prevent them from unraveling or becoming frizzy over time. Failing to secure the ends properly can result in a messy and untidy appearance, so take care to secure them tightly for long-lasting results. You can secure the ends using rubber bands. I always keep a bag of black rubber bands and colorful rubber bands and give my clients the choice of choosing the color of their preferences. If you are like me, you find it fun to engage clients in the creation process and have them be part of your masterpiece.
5. Neglecting Hair Preparation:
Properly preparing the hair before braiding is essential for achieving smooth and polished cornrows. This includes detangling the hair thoroughly and moisturizing it with a lightweight oil or leave-in conditioner to minimize breakage and ensure a sleek finish. For clients with curly hair, stretching their hair with a dryer brush is part of the standard hair prep process at Sunny Braids.
6. Ignoring Scalp Health:
Be mindful of your clients' scalp health when braiding cornrows, as excessive tension can lead to discomfort, irritation, and even hair loss. Clients sometimes can be stubborn and may want to wear cornrows all the time. As a hair braider, we are responsible for advising them to take breaks between braiding sessions to allow the scalp to rest and recover, and avoid braiding too tightly to prevent unnecessary strain.
7. Lack of Maintenance:
Encourage clients to maintain their cornrows by moisturizing the scalp and edges regularly and refreshing the style as needed. Neglecting maintenance can result in frizz, tangling, and an untidy appearance, so stress the importance of proper upkeep to your clients.
8. Rushing the Process:
Take your time when braiding cornrows to ensure precision and neatness. Rushing the process can lead to sloppy results and uneven tension, so prioritize quality over speed for the best outcome.
9. Using Improper Tools:
Invest in high-quality combs and hair products specifically designed for braiding to achieve the best results. Using improper tools can make the braiding process more challenging and result in a less polished finish, so ensure you have the right tools for the job. These are the basic tools and products you need for creating cornrows:
Detangling brush: This tool is crucial for detangling your clients' hair before you start braiding. It helps to prevent knots and breakage, making sure braiding is smooth and easy.
Rat-tail comb: This comb has a pointy end to make clean sections. The comb's teeth also help smooth each section before you start braiding.
Hair clips: These are used to hold the separated sections of hair in place while you work on one section at a time. They help to keep your workspace organized and prevent the sections from tangling with each other.
Rubber bands: These are used to secure the ends of the cornrows to keep them from unraveling.
Braiding gel: You want to have some gel on hand to smooth down any flyaways and give your cornrows a neat, finished look.
10. Neglecting Hair Texture:
Consider the client's hair texture when braiding cornrows to ensure the style complements their natural hair pattern and doesn't cause unnecessary strain. Adjust your braiding technique accordingly to accommodate different hair textures and ensure a comfortable fit. Different hair textures need different products and handling.
11. Starting with Dirty Hair:
Braiding dirty hair can lead to buildup and scalp irritation, so always start with clean hair for optimal results. Shampoo and condition the hair before braiding to remove any dirt, oil, or product buildup and create a clean canvas for styling. You can include hair washing services in the price of your services, charge an additional fee for hair washing, or require clients to come to your studio with their hair clean and dry.
12. Lack of Consistency:
Maintain a consistent braiding technique throughout the entire process to achieve a uniform and professional-looking result. Inconsistencies in tension, size, or placement can detract from the overall appearance of the cornrows, so strive for consistency in your braiding technique. Choose a technique you are comfortable with and stick to it. Don't change your technique just because you see people on TikTok doing things differently.
13. Not Adjusting Braids for Hair Growth:
As the hair grows, adjust the tension and size of the braids to accommodate the natural growth pattern and prevent breakage. Neglecting to adjust the braids can result in tension on the scalp and hair follicles, leading to discomfort and potential damage.
14. Skipping Protective Styling:
Use protective styling techniques such as applying oils or serums to the hair before braiding to minimize damage and maintain moisture. Protective styling can help prevent breakage and promote healthy hair growth, so don't skip this essential step in the braiding process.
15. Overloading with Extensions:
Avoid using too many extensions when braiding cornrows, as this can weigh down the hair and cause strain on the scalp. Use extensions sparingly to achieve the desired length or thickness without compromising the health of the hair and scalp. When it comes to the amount of weave, ask your clients what they want. Some of them would leave it up to you, while others may specify thicker braids. Just ask to make sure you can deliver a hairstyle that makes them happy, but when they are unsure or don't have an answer, opt for less weave.
16. Failing to Secure Cornrows Properly:
Ensure each cornrow is securely anchored to the scalp to prevent them from coming loose prematurely. Use small, tight stitches and secure the ends of each braid tightly to minimize movement and maintain the integrity of the style.
17. Neglecting Client Consultation:
Communicate with your clients to understand their preferences and any concerns they may have before starting the braiding process. A thorough consultation can help ensure you deliver the desired outcome and address any potential issues or limitations upfront.
18. Ignoring Hair Health:
Braiding damaged or weakened hair can make existing issues worse and lead to further damage, so prioritize hair health when braiding cornrows. Assess the condition of the hair before braiding and recommend appropriate treatments or styling techniques to minimize damage and promote healthy growth.
19. Lack of Creativity:
Experiment with different cornrow patterns and styles to keep your braiding skills fresh and innovative. Don't be afraid to think outside the box and try new techniques or designs to create unique and eye-catching cornrows for your clients.
20. Not Protecting the Edges:
Be gentle when braiding around the hairline to prevent damage to delicate edges and promote healthy growth. Use lightweight products to smooth the edges and protect them from breakage, and avoid braiding too tightly in this area to minimize tension and discomfort.
21. Overlapping Braids:
Avoid overlapping braids excessively, as this can cause tension and discomfort on the scalp. Ensure each braid has enough space between it and the adjacent braids to allow for natural movement and prevent unnecessary strain.
22. Ignoring Tension Points:
Pay attention to areas where the hair is thinner or more fragile and adjust your braiding technique accordingly. Avoid pulling or twisting the hair too tightly in these areas to prevent breakage and discomfort for your clients. Every person has different tender spots, so pay attention to what your client communicates and avoid braiding too tightly around those sensitive areas.
23. Using Too Much Product:
Avoid overloading the hair with styling products, as this can weigh it down and make the braids appear greasy. Use lightweight oils or serums sparingly to add shine and moisture without compromising the integrity of the style.
24. Neglecting Post-Braiding Care:
Provide clients with care instructions for maintaining their cornrows, including how to wash and moisturize them properly. Proper post-braiding care can help prolong the life of the style and keep the hair healthy and hydrated between appointments.
25. Forgetting to Seal the Ends:
Seal the ends of each braid with a small amount of oil or product to prevent fraying and maintain a polished appearance. This simple step can help prolong the life of the braids and keep them looking fresh and neat for longer.
Conclusion:
By avoiding these common mistakes and following proper braiding techniques, you can achieve flawless cornrows that both you and your clients will love. Remember to prioritize hair health, take your time, and stay creative to master the art of cornrow braiding. Happy braiding!"
