Men's Cornrow Styles: The 2025 Definitive Guide

This is your ultimate cornrow guide for 2025. We cover everything from classic straight backs to modern stitch and feed-in braid techniques.

Man with modern cornrow styles, featuring a mix of thick feed-in and smaller, detailed stitch braids.

Cornrows are one of the most iconic and enduring hairstyles for men. From the timeless appeal of straight-backs to the artistry of modern stitch and feed-in braids, cornrow styles offer a powerful combination of cultural significance and contemporary flair.

three black males afro textured hairstyles

Cornrows are one of the most ancient hairstyles, with evidence of their existence dating back to at least 3,000 B.C. in Africa. The specific patterns could often be used to communicate a person's identity, including their tribe, marital status, age, or wealth. They are a powerful and enduring symbol of African heritage and a cornerstone of Black hair culture

KEY BENEFITS OF HAIRSTYLE

What's inside this guide

An Iconic, Versatile Style.
A Powerful Protective Option.
Endlessly Customizable.
Rich in Cultural History.
A Clean, Low-Maintenance Look.

GALLERY

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two afro modelsm showcasing black male hairstyle

How to ask your barber for this hairstyle

Tips

Find a Specialist: A true braiding artist is a master of their craft. Look at their portfolio to see if their parting is clean and their braid work is uniform.
Come Prepared: Arrive at your appointment with your hair washed, conditioned, and fully stretched (blow-dried is preferred by most braiders). This ensures the neatest possible result.
Be Specific: A picture is your best tool. When asking for cornrows, be specific and show your braider the exact style, parting, and braid size you want.
If you want a classic look, ask for ""straight back cornrows."
If you want something more modern, you could ask for "stitch braids," "zigzag cornrows," or "Pop Smoke braids."
You also need to specify the size/number of braids and if you want your natural hair braided or if you want extensions fed in.