The term for a hairstyle where hair is braided close to the scalp is cornrows. The braids form continuous raised rows that follow the scalp, often in straight lines but also in geometric or curved designs.
Cornrows are rooted in African hair-braiding traditions and carry cultural meaning connected with identity, community, age, status, and self-expression. The related Caribbean term “canerows” reflects the rows of sugarcane fields. Braiding has traditionally been a social practice passed between generations.
Cornrows differ from box braids, which hang freely from individual sections of hair rather than remaining attached to the scalp. They also differ from French braids, which gradually gather hair into a single braid toward the back of the head. Cornrows may be decorated with beads, shells, or cuffs.
The style can be low-maintenance and protective, but excessively tight braiding or prolonged wear may contribute to traction alopecia, a form of hair loss caused by repeated tension on the follicles.