Classic Straight Back Cornrows: The Foundation

Master the absolute foundation of braided styles. The straight back cornrow is a timeless statement of discipline and effortless cool.

Close up of classic straight back stitch cornrows, highlighting the clean, parallel lines.

The straight-back cornrow is the foundation of braided hairstyles. This timeless look is defined by its clean, parallel parts and uniform braids. It’s a powerful, low-maintenance protective style that exudes confidence and simplicity. This is where it all begins.

three black males afro textured hairstyles

Cornrows have a long and rich history, originating in Africa thousands of years ago, where the patterns often signified a person's tribe, status, or kinship. The ""straight back"" style, in particular, has endured as a fundamental, timeless pattern, a symbol of heritage and one of the most practical and protective hairstyles ever conceived.

KEY BENEFITS OF HAIRSTYLE

What's inside this guide

The Undisputed Original Classic.
Projects Clean, Disciplined Style.
Ultimate Protective Foundation.
Versatile for All Occasions.
Never Goes Out of Style.

GALLERY

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two afro modelsm showcasing black male hairstyle

How to ask your barber for this hairstyle

Tips

While the style is simple in concept, execution requires skill.
Hair Prep: Arrive at your appointment with your hair washed, detangled, and stretched (blow-dried) for the best and neatest results.
Simply ask for "straight back cornrows."
Size: Specify how many braids you want. Fewer braids (e.g., 6) will be larger, while more braids (e.g., 10) will be smaller.
Stitch Braids: For an even cleaner, more defined look, you can ask for "straight back stitch braids", a technique that creates a visible ""stitch"" or ""track"" effect within the braid for added precision. This technique creates a razor-sharp part.