Do you have cornrows that won’t stay smooth? Is your hair frizzing up no matter what you try? It can be frustrating trying to keep your cornrows looking fresh. Fortunately, we’ve got all the tips and tricks you need to help maintain your beautiful hairstyle.
But the one takeaway is not to keep your cornrows well-hydrated and not to wash regularly.
Let’s figure out more below:

- You have hydrated your hair but follow the wrong technique or use the wrong products.
How to solve: Try hot-oil treatment after deep-conditioning since it works great for all
- You were too hurry while washing and hydrating so you were far behind the max level.
How to solve: Take more time, effort, and sort out what works and what not! There is no one fixed hack that will fit for all. - You didn’t keep your hair moisturized and prevent it from becoming too dry and brittle.
How to solve: Don’t be rush, deep hair conditioning will help - You have not re-braid any loose ends.
How to solve: So, if you see any stray hairs sticking out, simply re-braid that section of hair. - You keep your hair wet after shower and then start braiding
How to solve: No hacks, just keep your hair completely dry before you braid it.
Want to know more! Yes, you have just come to know the surface idea above. In order to know more, dig deep into my post
Tips on how to prevent your cornrows from getting frizzy

One of the best things about cornrows is that they can last for weeks, if done correctly.
However, even the best cornrow jobs can start to look a little messy and unkempt after a few days.
So, what should you not do with cornrows? Here are they:
- Avoid products that contain alcohol or harsh chemicals unless your hair experts diagnosis it for you
- If you have black curly hair then don’t pick a hair product that ain’t for curly hair
Now, you let’s move on to tips:
1. Moisturize the cornrows and scalp regularly

What can I use to moisturize cornrows? That is the most freaking and common question, yes I know.
Now, let’s take you to the step-by-step processes, how to do it?
- When cornrowing your hair, be sure to use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner to avoid leaving your hair feeling dry
- It is also important to use a wide-toothed comb when detangling your hair before cornrowing to minimize frizz and breakage
- When cornrowing, be sure to seal the ends of your hair with an oil or cream to prevent them from becoming dry and brittle
- After cornrowing, it is essential to wrap your head with a silk scarf or bonnet before going to bed to maintain moisture levels in your hair and prevent frizzing overnight
2. Keep Braids Neat Overnight

If you’re like me, you love the look of braids but hate how they can start to look messy after a few hours. Here are some tips on how to keep your braids neat overnight:
I. Braid your hair before bedtime: If your hair is wet when you go to bed, loosely braid it or put it up in a bun.
This will help keep your hair in place while you sleep and prevent it from getting tangled.
II. Use a silk/satin pillowcase: Avoid sleeping with wet cornrows as this can cause them to unravel or become matted.
Instead of that, try these out:
If you’re trying to avoid frizzy braids overnight, then sleeping on a silk or satin pillowcase will last up to 4 to 6 weeks.
III. Secure your ends: You must secure your hair braiding ends with an elastic or bobby pin to secure the ends of your braids so they don’t unravel during the night.
This will help reduce friction and prevent your hair from getting frizzy or damaged while you sleep.
When you have a short hair or braid, then you may loosen up the braid before going to bed: This will allow your hair to breathe and prevent it from becoming too tight and uncomfortable overnight. Also, a popular shingling method on 4c hair will be helpful too.
IV. Wear a scarf at night: This will help protect your cornrows while you sleep and prevent them from getting tangled or mussed up.
V. mist your hair with water: Before going to bed, lightly mist your hair with a few drops of water to help lock in moisture.
3. Put Mousse on Braids

When it comes to mousse, there is no one-size-fits-all answer for how often you should put it on braids.
It all depends on your individual hair type and the style of braid you are wearing.
For example, if you have fine, thin hair, you may need to use mousse more often than someone with thicker hair in order to keep your braids from looking limp and lifeless.
On the other hand, if you are wearing a very tight or intricate braid style, you may need to use less mousse so that your hair doesn’t become too greasy or oily.
Ultimately, it’s best to experiment with different amounts of mousse until you find what works best for you and your hair type.
4. Keep Braids from Unraveling

Whether you’re trying to achieve a sleek and polished look or something more carefree and bohemian, it’s frustrating when your hard work unravels before your eyes.
So, how to keep your braids from coming undone, read on!
First, make sure that your hair is clean and free of any oils or product build-up.
This will help ensure that your braids have a good grip on your strands and are less likely to slip out.
You may also want to consider using a bit of leave-in conditioner or detangler in order to help with friction and keeping everything in place.
Next, when you actually start creating your braid, be sure not to pull too tight. This can cause breakage at the roots and ultimately lead to loosening or unraveling of the braid itself.
5. Tips for Cornrows On Wet Hair

First off, don’t touch your hair with your fingers as it will cause frizz too.
The best way to get rid of frizzy hair is to take a bath with some hair products.
The alternative is-if it ain’t your wash-day then spray your hair with warm water. Additionally, you may use hair milk, moisturizer, or leave-in conditioner while spraying (if you are not in a rush)
By the way, for your wash day, I know you will put all sorts of good products whatever suits you the best.
When you use the right products that suit your hair, everything changes and you feel like a $1,000,000
How to Natural Hair Coming Out of Braids

If you’ve been sporting braids for a while and are ready to take them out, there are a few things you can do to make the process as smooth as possible.
First, use a rat-tail comb to gently loosen any tight spots or knots.
Next, wet your hair with lukewarm water – this will help to release the individual strands from the braid without causing too much frizz.
Finally, start at the end of each braid and slowly work your way up, carefully unweaving each section until your hair is free.
Once your braids are out, don’t be discouraged if your hair looks a little wild – it’s probably just because your hair needs taming.
A quick brush through (or even better, a gentle finger comb) should help to tame any flyaways . Also, to make it quick and effective you may use a serum.
At the end of the process, it will give you an idea of how much volume you’re working with.
From there, you can style as usual – whether that means rocking your natural texture or reaching for some heat styling tools.
What happens if you leave cornrows in too long

If you leave cornrows in too long, they can become tight and uncomfortable. The hair may also start to break off at the point where the cornrow meets the scalp.
Again, they can become matted and difficult to remove. If you are unable to remove them yourself, you may need to seek professional help. In some cases, the cornrows may need to be cut out.
The tightness of your Cornrow will also affect how long it lasts. If your Cornrow is very tight, then it might only last for a day or two before starting to loosen up.
On the other hand, if your Cornrow is loose, then it could potentially last for weeks or even months without loosening up much at all.
How do you know when it’s time to remove cornrows

If you’re wondering how to know when it’s time to remove your cornrows, there are a few things you can look for. First, take a close look at your scalp. Are there any redness, itchiness, or irritation?
If so, it’s probably time to take them out. Second, feel along your hairline. Are the cornrows tight and pulling at your skin?
If they are, it’s time to let them go. Finally, listen to your hair. Is it begging for a break?
If so, give it one!
wash your cornrows without ruining them

Cornrows are often seen as a protective style because they can help reduce damage and breakage when done correctly
Here are some tips on how to keep your cornrows fresh: -Wash your cornrows regularly with a mild shampoo and conditioner.
It’s important not to over wash them because this can strip away natural oils and make the hair dry and brittle.
Washing once or twice a week should be sufficient.
However, moisturize your scalp and cornrows daily, if it irritates and tends to become frizzy more often.
This will help keep them from drying out and becoming frizzy. You can use an oil or cream based product for this. Just apply it directly to the scalp and massage it gently.
Related Articles:
- Were Cornrows Used as Maps: How Hairstyles Saved Lives
- Are Cornrows Cultural Appropriation
- Who Invented Cornrows
- History Of Cornrows
- History of Braids in Slavery
FAQ
Yes, you can, because a leave-in conditioner will help keep your cornrows moisturized and looking healthy. But make sure to use a very small amount so that your cornrows don’t become greasy. After that, increase the amount, if it won’t become greasy or it requires moisturizing.
“If your hair is in a protective style for up to 4-6 weeks, you will need to keep your scalp clean, moisturize, and well-hydrated,” said Kiyah Wright
She has recommended some products that you may safely use on your scalp.
Yes, you should cover it with a shower cap or a plastic cap and don’t sit directly under the shower. Before that, make sure you are applying the leave-in conditioner and gently massage your scalp with slow vertical motion. Finally, cover your head with a shower cap.
It depends if the regular shampoo is mild or not harsh and suits your hair best. However, also make sure that you are using a clarifying shampoo as it will give a gentle wash after a shower.
No, cornrows will not damage your hair. In fact, if done correctly, they can actually help to protect your hair from damage. Cornrows are a great way to style your hair and can be worn for both everyday and special occasions.
Yes, it’s normal for braids to get frizzy over time due to natural wear and tear.
Mousse can help temporarily reduce frizz in braids, but it may not fix it completely.
To prevent frizzy braids overnight, wrap your hair with a satin scarf or sleep on a satin pillowcase.
To prevent frizzy braids, use a leave-in conditioner to moisturize, avoid excessive styling, protect with a satin or silk bonnet or pillowcase while sleeping, and minimize touching or manipulating the braids throughout the day.
It’s recommended to give your hair a break between protective styles to allow it to breathe and prevent damage.
The duration of protective styles can vary, but it’s generally advised to keep them in for 4-6 weeks to prevent excessive tension on the hair.
Braids can become frizzy when wet, so it’s important to handle them gently and let them air dry to minimize frizz.
To make braids look fresh again, you can use a light oil or hair gloss to smooth down the frizz and add shine.
Box braids or twists are often recommended for frizzy hair as they provide good tension and minimize frizz.
Applying mousse to braids can be done as needed, but too much mousse can cause buildup and may need to be washed out.
The duration of braids can vary, but it’s generally recommended to keep them in for 6-8 weeks to prevent excessive tension on the hair.
To wash knotless braids without frizz, dilute shampoo with water, apply it to the scalp, and gently massage without disturbing the braids.
Shedding hair after protective styles is normal as it accumulates during the wearing period, and regular detangling and shedding management is needed.
Between protective styles, you can moisturize your hair with leave-in conditioner, use a scalp oil, and practice low manipulation hairstyles.
It’s recommended to let your hair breathe between braids for at least 1-2 weeks to avoid tension and promote healthy hair growth.
Moisturizing your hair in a protective style depends on your hair type and needs, but generally, every 2-3 days with a water-based moisturizer is recommended.
It’s time to take your braids out when they start to look frizzy, feel uncomfortable, or when you notice excessive shedding or breakage.
Braids may need to be redone every 6-8 weeks, depending on the individual’s hair growth and the condition of the braids.
Not giving your hair a break from braids can lead to tension, breakage, and scalp issues, so it’s important to take breaks in between styles.
Tight protective styles can cause hair loss due to excessive tension, so it’s important to choose a stylist who avoids excessive pulling or braiding.
It’s generally better to do protective styles on dry hair to prevent excess moisture from causing frizz and buildup.
Protective styles can promote hair growth by minimizing manipulation, reducing breakage, and protecting the ends of the hair from damage.
Leaving box braids in for too long can cause matting, tangling, and breakage, so it’s recommended to take them out after 8-10 weeks.
Oiling protective styles depends on your hair type and needs, but generally, applying lightweight oils to the scalp and braids 2-3 times a week is recommended.
Moisturizing protective styles depends on your hair type and needs, but generally, using a water-based moisturizer and sealing with oil every 2-3 days is recommended.
To restore your hair after a protective style, gently detangle, clarify, deep condition, and moisturize your hair. You may also consider a protein treatment to strengthen the hair.
Yes, it’s important to moisturize your hair in a protective style to prevent dryness and breakage.
Washing your hair in a protective style depends on your scalp and hair needs, but generally, every 1-2 weeks with a gentle sulfate-free shampoo is recommended.
The best oil for protective styles depends on your hair type and preferences, but lightweight oils like jojoba, argan, or sweet almond oil are often used.
Keeping braids hydrated can be done by using a water-based leave-in conditioner or moisturizer and sealing with a lightweight oil or hair butter.
Moisturizing braids depends on your hair type and needs, but generally, every 2-3 days with a water-based moisturizer and sealing with oil is recommended.
Taking care of low porosity hair in protective styles involves using lightweight and water-based products, avoiding heavy oils or butters that may cause buildup, and using a steamer or warm towel to open the cuticles for better product absorption.
The duration of keeping protective styles over locs can vary, but generally, 4-6 weeks is recommended to prevent matting and tangling.
Maintaining a protective style involves avoiding excessive manipulation, protecting the hair at night with a satin scarf or bonnet, and regularly moisturizing and sealing the hair.
Protective styles that involve minimal tension, low manipulation, and proper care, such as braids, twists, or updos, often promote the most hair growth.
Between protective styles, you can practice low manipulation hairstyles, moisturize and seal your hair regularly, and keep your scalp clean and healthy.
Resources:
- https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Hot-Oil-Treatment-for-Hair
- https://www.byrdie.com/how-to-braid-cornrows-400296
- https://www.carolsdaughter.com/blog/hair/hair-care-tips/shingling-hair-technique.html#:~:text=What%20Is%20The%20Shingling%20Method,shingling%20requires%20attention%20to%20detail.
- https://www.instagram.com/kiyahwright1/?hl=en
- https://shopmy.us/shops/kiyahwright
- https://www.johnfrieda.com/en-us/blog/frizzy-hair/how-to-get-rid-of-frizzy-hair/
- https://naturalgirlwigs.com/blogs/beauty/how-to-wash-cornrows#:~:text=Conditioning%20your%20cornrows&text=Gently%20massage%20it%20in%20slow,shower%20cap%20or%20plastic%20bag.