Cornrow braids have been adorned for centuries, with origins deeply rooted in African culture. These braids have not only served as a hairstyle but also as a means of communication, conveying age, marital status, wealth, and even religious beliefs. Over time, cornrows have transcended cultural lines and have become a staple hairstyle in many parts of the world due to their low maintenance and stylish appearance. For those interested in learning how to do 2 cornrow braids, the classic two-cornrow style stands out for its simplicity and elegance among the various cornrow styles. This article is a comprehensive guide on how to achieve this timeless look.
Preparing Your Hair for Braiding
The secret to excellent cornrows begins well before the braiding process; it starts with hair preparation. Ensure that you begin with Hair that is clean, well-conditioned, and thoroughly detangled. This can be achieved using a sulfate-free shampoo followed by a hydrating conditioner to moisturize the Hair. To prevent breakage, carefully detangle your hair after washing with a wide-toothed comb. If you have tightly coiled hair, consider stretching it via banding or blow-drying in a relaxed setting to elongate it and make it more pliable for braiding.
Tools and Materials Needed
Before you begin braiding, gather all of the necessary equipment and materials. This includes a rat-tail comb for precise parting, hair clips to separate parts, hair ties or bands to secure braid ends, and hair products like edge control or hair gel to keep the Hair sleek and in place. Keep your hair decorations on hand if you want to beautify your cornrow braids.
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Sectioning the Hair
Accurate parting is crucial for the symmetry of your two cornrows. Begin by splitting your hair down the center, from the forehead to the nape of the neck. Use the tail end of a rat-tail comb to create a part as straight as possible. Once you have a clean part, secure one section with a hair clip to keep it out of the way while you work on the other.
The Braiding Process
The process of creating two cornrow braids is meticulous but rewarding. Here's an extended guide to help you through each step:
Starting the First Cornrow:
1. Section the Front: Begin by selecting a small piece of Hair at the front of the head on one side of your part. This piece should be about half an inch thick. The thickness can vary depending on hair density and the desired braid size.
2. Divide and Conquer: Split this small section of Hair into three equal strands. These will form the foundation of your cornrow.
3. Initiate the Braid: Cross the right strand under the middle strand, then do the same with the left strand. This underhand technique differentiates a cornrow braid from a French braid, which uses an overhand method.
4. Add Hair to the Braid: When you proceed with the initial stitches, add small pieces from the loose section to each strand before it crosses under the middle. Pick up these pieces as close to the scalp as possible for a tighter cornrow braid.
5. Keep it Neat: Ensure that the sections of Hair you add to the cornrow braid are smooth and tang-free. Use your fingers to detangle each new section before incorporating it into the braid.
6. Maintain Consistency: The key to a beautiful cornrow is consistency. Add equal amounts of Hair with each stitch to maintain a uniform size throughout the cornrow braid.
Completing the Cornrow:
7. Continue Down the Scalp: Keep braiding by adding Hair to each strand as you work towards the back of the head. Remember to maintain a firm but gentle tension to avoid causing scalp pain.
8. End the Scalp Braid: Once you reach the nape of the neck and there's no more hair to add, continue with a regular three-strand braid for the remaining hair length. This will complete the first cornrow.
9. Secure the End: Finish the braid down to the ends of your hair. Then, bind it with a thin, transparent elastic band or a hair tie that complements your hair color.
Braiding the Second Cornrow:
10. Mirror the First Cornrow: After the first braid is complete, start the second cornrow on the other side of the part. Try to mirror the thickness and tension of the first braid to maintain symmetry.
11. Check for Uniformity: As you braid the second cornrow, pause periodically to compare it with the first. This will help you ensure that the double braid is as neat and even as the first one.
12. Finish the Second Cornrow: Continue adding Hair and braiding down the side of the head until you reach the neck, then transition into a regular braid for the length of the Hair and secure the end.
Final Touches:
13. Smooth Edges: Once both cornrows are complete, use edge control and a soft brush to smooth down any flyaways around your hairline and the nape of your neck for a polished look.
14. Optional Decorations: If desired, add hair accessories such as beads, rings, or cuffs to the braids for personalization and flair.
Remember that the technique of braiding requires practice. Your first tries may be imperfect, but with practice and patience, your technique will improve. Feel free to undo a cornrow braid that isn't working out as planned; each effort teaches you more about tension, sectioning, and the overall flow of the braiding process. With this comprehensive instruction, you will be able to produce neat and even cornrows that look great and pay homage to a rich cultural heritage.
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Maintaining Your Cornrows
To keep your cornrows looking fresh, wrap your Hair in a scarf made of silk or wear an elasticated cap at night to prevent frizz. Keep your scalp and Hair healthy by moisturizing them with mild oils or sprays. Don't leave your cornrows in for more than two to four weeks to avoid hair stress or damage. And for a sleek, protective style that's always on-trend, cornrow wigs at JALIZA Wig Store provide a stunning, scalp-friendly option. Each wig is thoughtfully designed to ensure comfort, durability, and a seamless blend with your natural hairline, ensuring that you can step out with confidence.
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Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you have frizz, use a little edge control or mousse to control flyaways. If the cornrow braids are overly tight and creating headaches or discomfort, try lightly massaging the scalp to loosen them up. Use the tail of the comb to carefully correct the line for uneven sections, or consider starting anew if the cornrow braid is still in its early phases.
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Conclusion
Mastering the two cornrow braids may take some practice, but with patience and the proper technique, it can become a quick and easy style to pull off. Not only is it a protective style that allows your hair to rest from everyday manipulation, but it is also a sleek and stylish look that can be dressed up or down according to the occasion. JALIZA Wig Store is a premier destination that celebrates the beauty and diversity of black women's hair. Our collection includes the ever-popular bohemian braids wig, known for its effortless charm and free-spirited elegance.
Our platform is artfully crafted to provide an extensive selection of high-quality wigs that cater to the unique needs and preferences of our clientele. With a deep understanding of the importance of hair in expressing personal style and cultural identity, we have curated a range of products that encompass various styles, materials, and colors.
