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40 Easy Cornrows Winter Protective Hairstyles For Black Girls Age 4-12 in 2024

Looking for a stylish and easy cornrow natural hairstyle for your daughter?

In this post, I have compiled a list of easy cornrow hairstyles that are appropriate for young girls in pre-school and grade school.

These hairstyles are easy enough to do at home if you have some basic braiding skills.

If you don’t know how to braid well, you can get the help of a hairstylist.

Before we get to the hairstyle recommendations, I’d first like to answer some frequently asked questions relating to braiding young children’s hair.

How do I find a hairstylist that does children’s hair in my area?

To find the best hairstylist for your child’s hair, I recommend searching for a hairstylist in your city on Instagram or ask other parents for referrals.

After calling up a few hairstylist and inquiring about their rates, you can try them out to see who is the best hairstylist for your kids.

How do I maintain my daughters’ hair while in cornrows?

To increase the longevity of your daughter’s hairstyle while also maintaining her natural hair, it’s essential to have a basic hair routine that is easy for both of you to follow on a daily basis.

This includes making sure she wears a shower cap when she showers in the morning.

To moisturize her hair during the week, simply spray it with one of these leave-in conditioner sprays or use your own DIY leave-in spray.

Remember to use an anti-itch scalp oil that will keep her scalp moisturized and hair growing while she has cornrows.

Finally, when she goes to bed at night, be sure she wears a satin bonnet so that her hair is kept in place while she sleeps.

You can also use a satin pillowcase, in case the bonnet comes off at night.

easy cornrow protective hairstyles for kids

How long can these hairstyles last?

I have included an estimated length of days or weeks each hairstyle should last for below. Please note that you can take your child’s hairstyle down at any point in time.

This means that you can take them out before or after the estimated time.

You will also notice that I underestimated the length of time each hairstyle should last for.

This is mainly because children’s hair gets frizzy much sooner than adults’ hair because kids have a more active lifestyle than adults.

Between playing games, running around, extracurricular activities, and being mischievous, most children are too busy being a child and can’t be bothered with how their hair looks.

Also, children grow fast biologically, which means that you won’t always have the opportunity to do cute hairstyles on your kids.

Very soon, your child will turn 13 and she will not be interested in doing childish hairstyles anymore.

So it’s best to take advantage of the time you have right now, by playing around with as many kid-friendly hairstyles as you can and while you can.

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These pictures are all sourced from Pinterest. To be credited for your personal picture, please contact me with the exact picture and I’ll be sure to credit you. This post also contains affiliate links which means that I earn a small commission if you make a purchase with my link, at no additional cost to you.

1) Cornrows in a Double Bun

This hairstyle is simple and stylish for any little girl.

To change up the hairstyle, you can braid or twist the ends so that her hair retains moisture and keeps growing.

How long this hairstyle can last for: Two weeks

What you’ll need: A blow dryer to do a blowout, detangling combs, rat tail comb to part her hair, leave-in conditioner for moisture, and kids hair oil to prevent dry scalp.

cornrows on black kids

2) Fulani Cornrows in Mickey Mouse Buns

This hairstyle can be done with or without hair extensions, depending on how long your daughter’s hair is and how long you want the hairstyle to last for.

Using braiding hair extensions can ensure the hairstyle lasts for a few more days.

How long this hairstyle can last for: Two weeks

What you’ll need: Kanekalon hair packs, kids hair beads, detangling combs, rat tail comb to part her hair, leave-in conditioner to keep her hair moisturized, and kids hair oil to prevent dry scalp.

hairstyles for black girls braids

3) Simple Cornrows on Little Black Girls

If you have a child that can’t sit long to get her hair done, this hairstyle will be perfect for her!

It’s an easy hairstyle that can be done on younger kids with shorter hair lengths.

To prevent pain while styling her hair, please make sure her hair is well moisturized with a leave-in conditioner and stretch her hair so it’s easy to part her hair.

How long this hairstyle can last for: Two weeks

easy cornrows on black kids

4) Curved Cornrows in a Twisted Bun

Due to the intricacy of this hairstyle, it will be more appropriate for older kids who are able to sit for a longer hairstyling session.

The good thing about this hairstyle is that an older sibling in her late teens can also wear the same hairstyle.

How long this hairstyle can last for: Two weeks

What you’ll need: detangling combs to detangle and part her hair, leave-in conditioner for moisture, and kids hair oil to prevent dry scalp.

cornrows bun on black kids

5) Cornrows with Braided Buns

This is another hairstyle that will be more appropriate on older kids.

For more volume, add some kanekalon braiding hair on the ends of the hair.

You may need to do a blowout so that it’s easier to part the hair, and her hairstyle will come out more polished.

How long this hairstyle can last for: Three weeks or more.

What you’ll need: A blow dryer to do a blowout, kanekalon braiding hair, and hair growth oil to prevent dry scalp.

little black girl braids updo

6) Three Cornrows Ponytails with Curled Ends

These ponytail cornrows are perfect for grade school kids. To prevent discomfort and protect her edges, you can leave out her baby hairs instead of forcefully pulling on them.

If her hair is long enough, you can skip using hair extensions and just twist the ends.

How long this hairstyle can last for: Three to four weeks

What you’ll need: braiding hair extensions, leave-in conditioner for moisture, and kids’ hair oil to prevent dry scalp.

Cornrows on school age black girls

7) Beaded Curved Double Ponytail Cornrows

What little girl does not like beads she can make noises with?

These cornrows are ideal for girls who likes to make a statement with her hairstyle.

How long this hairstyle can last for: Two weeks

What you’ll need: kids hair beads, braiding hair packs if you wish and leave-in conditioner spray to maintain moisture.

little black girl braided hairstyles

8) Side-sweep Cornrows for Teenagers

If you have a daughter in middle school, she will love this hairstyle.

If her hair isn’t long or thick enough, you can add some Marley hair to replicate the hairstyle.

How long this hairstyle can last for: Two weeks

What you’ll need: A leave-in conditioner for moisture, curling pudding for the twists, and kids’ hair oil to prevent dry scalp.

black kids braids hairstyles pictures

9) Tribal Cornrows on Kids with Bantu Knots

This is a beautiful hairstyle for older kids, because you may need to re-create the Bantu knots everyday.

If you’re into matching mommy-daughter hairstyle, you can get this hairstyle done on yourself, so that you can match with your daughter.

If you’re tired of wearing bantu knots, you can either cornrow or braid the bantu knots section.

How long this hairstyle can last for: Two weeks

What you’ll need: Kanekalon hair packs, children’s wooden hair beads, and kids hair oil to prevent dry scalp.

bantu knots on little black kids

10) Lemonade Braids Cornrows on Kids without Extensions

This is a beautiful hairstyle that any little girl would love. It can be worn to school, church, birthday parties and other special occasions.

The beads can be changed to your daughter’s favorite colors if she thinks Black is too boring.

How long this hairstyle can last for: Three weeks

What you’ll need: Hair accessories, hair beads and one of these kids hair oil to prevent dry scalp.

cute little black girl braids

11) Cornrow Updo in a Twisted Bun

This is a traditional hairstyle that is appropriate for any age, be it a child or teenager.

These cornrows can be accessorized with braid rings and beads.

How long this hairstyle can last for: One month

What you’ll need: Braiding hair extensions, Shea butter for shine, and leave-in conditioner for moisture.

little black girl braids updo

12) Lemonade Braids on Toddlers

These lemonade braids are so cute and lovely, they will look beautiful on your toddler.

If your daughter has a hair length that’s a few inches long, you will be able to replicate this hairstyle without using hair extensions.

You can opt-out of using beads to prevent choking.

How long this hairstyle can last for: Two weeks

What you’ll need: Leave-in conditioner spray to maintain the hairstyle. 

cornrows on black toddlers

13) Cornrow Bun on Little Black Girls

This soft cornrow bun will be ideal on older kids because they may take a couple hours to braid.

To switch things up, you can accessorize the cornrows with beads, ribbons/bows, and braid rings.

How long this hairstyle can last for: One month

What you’ll need: Leave-in conditioner spray to maintain the hairstyle and beads. 

cornrows updo with bangs on african american girls

14) Mohawk Cornrows on Black Girls

These cornrows are perfect for special occasions where you’d like your daughter to stand out.

How long this hairstyle can last for: Three weeks

What you’ll need: Kanekalon hair packs, children’s wooden hair beads, and kids hair oil to prevent dry scalp.

pretty little black girl braids

15) Black Kids Braids Hairstyles

If your daughter has healthy hair you want to show off, this hairstyle will help you achieve it.

We call this hairstyle in Nigeria “Patewo with Curve”.

How long this hairstyle can last for: Two weeks

What you’ll need: Leave-in conditioner for moisture, curling pudding for the twists, and kids’ hair oil for shine.

easy protective hairstyles on black kids

16) Toddler Lemonade Braids

Lemonade braids aren’t only for adults, they look cute on little girls of all ages.

You can either use your child’s own natural hair, or use small amounts of hair extensions so that the hairstyle still looks natural.

Whatever you do, please refrain from braiding too tight, since your daughters hair follicles are still developing.

How long this hairstyle can last for: Two weeks

What you’ll need: A curling pudding to soften her hair and cute beads.lemonade braids on black toddlers

17) Double Ponytail Cornrows on Little Black Girls

These stitch cornrow braids are perfect for little girls with short hair. They can be installed in less than an hour if your daughter is patient.

How long this hairstyle can last for: Two weeks

What you’ll need: Leave-in conditioner prior to styling, twisting cream, and beads.

cornrows on little black girls

18) Half-Up Half-Down Stitch Braids with Twists

This half-up half-down hairstyle is another kids cornrows that’s versatile and appropriate for any age. It’s a simple hairstyle that can be taken down quickly because twists are easy to take down.

How long this hairstyle can last for: Three weeks

What you’ll need: Braiding hair packs, kids hair bows, and beads.

little black girls hairstyles for school

RELATED POST: Beautiful Stitch Braids Cornrows That Will Make a Statement

19) Side Sweep Cornrows with Two Strand Twists

If you have a child in middle school, she may want a “big girl” hairstyle, which is why this hairstyle will be perfect for her.

To change up her style, you can put the twists into a bun and accessorize it with a hair accessory of your choice. For a fuller look, you can take down the two-strand twists, so that she will wear twist-outs for a few days.

How long this hairstyle can last for: Up to a month

What you’ll need: Leave-in conditioner prior to styling, twisting cream, and beads.

little black girl natural hairstyles with short hair

20) Criss-Cross Rubber Band Cornrows Hairstyle

This is a beautiful hairstyle for a tween or teen. It’s quick and easy to install and take down.

Accessorize it with braid rings and she’s ready for a special occasion.

How long this hairstyle can last for: Two weeks

What you’ll need: Kanekalon hair packs, curling pudding for the twists, braid rings.

cornrows for black kids in school

cornrow braided hairstyles for natural hair

21) Lemonade Braids Cornrows on Grade School Kids

This is a hairstyle that can be styled on young kids and their older siblings. You can also wear the same hairstyle if you’re into matching with your girls.

Accessorize the braids with beads to make this hairstyle even more fabulous.

How long this hairstyle can last for: One month

What you’ll need: Braiding hair extensions and colorful beads.

lemonade braids with beads on little black girls

22) Banana Shaped Double Cornrow Buns

These double buns are perfect for kids in elementary school.

They are easy to put in and take down, which means that your child can play around without worrying about her hair.

How long this hairstyle can last for: Three weeks

What you’ll need:  Curling pudding to achieve the juicy cornrows

Cornrow buns for african american kids

23) Cornrow Updo with Flat Twists Bangs

This fluffy is a beautiful hairstyle that will show off the health and beauty of your daughter’s natural hair, especially if she has 4c hair.

If you can stay creative with your child’s hair, you can get away with styling her hair without using hair extensions, straightening or relaxing her hair all throughout her childhood.

How long this hairstyle can last for: Three weeks

What you’ll need: Curling pudding to achieve the juicy flat twists and shiny cornrows.

little black girl braids on real hair

24) Overlapping Cornrows in Double Space Buns

If you’re short on time and don’t have the time to go to a salon, you can easily style your child’s hair in this unique and creative hairstyle that she will be happy to show off.

Accessorize it with bows and other kids hair accessories for special occasions such as weddings, birthdays or church.

How long this hairstyle can last for: Two weeks

What you’ll need: Curling pudding to achieve the soft twists, edge defining gel, and kids hair accessories.

pretty little black girl braids

25) Bouncy Ponytail Cornrows on Black Kids

This hairstyle is ideal for little girls with fine hair, although you can choose not to add hair extensions to her hair.

If you choose to add additional hair piece to her hair, you can take them down after a few days for a change of style and more comfort.

How long this hairstyle can last for: Up to ten days.

What you’ll need: Marley hair extensions and kids hair beads.

little black girl braids into a ponytail

26) Tribal Cornrows on School Children

If you need a simple, but elegant hairstyle to style your daughter’s hair in for an upcoming event, this tribal hairstyle will make a statement everywhere she goes!

Accessorize to your liking and she’s ready for her event!

How long this hairstyle can last for: One week

What you’ll need: Curling pudding to achieve the soft twists, edge-defining gel and kids hair accessories.

little black girl braids with beads

27) Customized Double Bun Cornrows

This hairstyle can only be achieved on little girls who enjoys getting their hair done because there is a lot of twists and turns involved in this hairstyle.

How long this hairstyle can last for: Two weeks

What you’ll need: Curling pudding to achieve the soft twists, edge-defining gel and kids hair accessories.

easy braids for little black girl with no extensions

28) Roundabout Cornrows on Kids

This is another hairstyle that will be appropriate on kids that can sit long enough to get their hair done. Accessorize it with a colored beads of her choice.

How long this hairstyle can last for: Up to a month

What you’ll need: Leave-in conditioner to keep her hair soft while braiding and hair beads.

Cornrows on kids with no hair

29) Cornrow Mohawk With Two Strand Twists Bangs

Little girls with type 4 hair texture will enjoy getting this fluffy hairstyle done.

It will look beautiful on kids with shorter hair length. You can add beads on the two-strand twists or curl it with small rollers.

How long this hairstyle can last for: Two weeks

black kids hairstyles with two-strand twists

30) Double Cornrow Puffs For Preschool Girls

This versatile hairstyle can be work in different ways.

After a few days, you can twist or braid the ends, put it in a bun or wear twist-outs while she has this hairstyle on.

How long this hairstyle can last for: Two weeks

little black girls hairstyles for school

31) Cornrows on Preschool Black Kids

For pre-school kids with lots of hair, you can choose to add hair extensions to their hair so that the hairstyle lasts longer.

Adding beads to the hairstyle will keep it kid-friendly.

How long this hairstyle can last for: Up to a month.

What you’ll need: Braiding hair extensions and colorful beads.

Cornrows buns on little black kids

32) Heart-Shaped Cornrows on Siblings

This is a perfect example of how you can modify a unique hairstyle for kids in different age groups.

A younger sibling can add colorful beads, while older kids can do without beads, but curl the ends instead.

How long this hairstyle can last for: Up to a month.

What you’ll need: Braiding hair extensions and colorful beads.

back to school hairstyles for black girls

33) Cute Cornrow Hairstyles For Black Girls

Little girls in pre-school will feel cute in this triple cornrow ponytail hairstyle. It’s the perfect hairstyle to grow and maintain her natural hair in, while she goes about her day.

How long this hairstyle can last for: Two weeks

What you’ll need: A blow dryer to do a blowout prior to styling and heart shaped beads. 

hairstyles for black girls braids

34) Braided Cornrows With Bangs on Little Girls

If you will be doing this hairstyle on an older child, you can do away with the beads and curl the ends instead.

How long this hairstyle can last for: Up to a month

What you’ll need: Braiding hair extensions, hair beads, and bows.

Braided Cornrows With Bangs on Little Girls

35) Side Sweep Cornrows on Little Black Girls

Looking for a quick protective style for your daughter?

These side-sweep cornrows will keep her hair healthy and protected while she has the hairstyle on.

How long this hairstyle can last for: Two weeks

What you’ll need: Braiding hair extensions,

Chunky side cornrows on kids

36. Stitch Braids Cornrows Buns on Little Girls

This elegant stitch braids cornrows with twisted ends is a perfect hairstyle for a little girl on the go, or for a busy mom. If maintained properly, it can last up to a month.

What you’ll need: Braiding hair extensions, hair beads and bows.

stitch braids cornrows on kids

37. Lemonade Braids for Tweens

The older your daughter gets, the more control she wants over her hairstyle choices.

She may want to wear the same hairstyle her older sibling has.

Since there are many cornrow hairstyles that are appropriate for little kids, you can choose age appropriate hairstyles such as lemonade braids and accessorize it to your liking so that it stays child friendly.

How long this hairstyle can last for: One Month

What you’ll need: Braiding hair extensions

lemonade braids on black kids

38. Half-Up Half-Down Cornrows with Beads

This is another hairstyle that is age appropriate for younger and older kids alike.

Adding some hair extensions will ensure that the hairstyle lasts a bit longer.

How long this hairstyle can last for: Up to a month

What you’ll need: Braiding hair extensions and beads.

kids half up half down cornrows with beads

39. Mohawk Cornrows with Fulani Braids

Who says kids can’t wear popular hairstyles? If you find a hairstyle you’d like your daughter to wear, you can make it kid-friendly by leaving out hair extensions and using kids hair accessories.

How long this hairstyle can last for: Two weeks

What you’ll need: Leave-in conditioner spray and beads.

Fulani cornrows on kids

40. Banana Shaped Ponytail Cornrows for Tweens and Teens

This is one of the best statement hairstyle your tween will be proud to wear. To style the ends, wrap the ends around small perm rods and dip the hair into hot water to achieve the curly ends.

How long this hairstyle can last for: Six weeks

What you’ll need: Braiding hair extensions and perm rods.

cornrows on black kids with extensions

In Conclusion

There are so many protective hairstyles you can style your child’s hair in regardless of her hair length or texture. The internet is full of so many good ideas you can replicate. Although you may need to get creative so that the hairstyle fits your child’s lifestyle and your preference as a parent.

Which one of these hairstyles will you be trying next? Let me know on Instagram @coilsandglory. 

cornrows hairstyles for little girl

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