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50+ Cornrow Braids That Look Handsome on Black Men

If there’s one hairstyle that always gets a lot of love in the black community, it’s cornrows. This iconic braid style is so popular because it suits everyone regardless of gender but it is especially stylish on black men. With a few well-done cornrows, you can go from looking basic to smooth and sexy.

Want to switch up your look with cornrow but need some style ideas? We got you. In this article, we’ve put together an awesome collection of cornrow styles to give you some inspiration.

How to take care of cornrows on Men?

Cornrows are very low maintenance so you do not have to do much to take care of them. All you need to do is apply a leave-in spray 1-2 times a week to hydrate your hair and seal in the moisture with some hair oil. To prevent frizz and help your cornrows last long, it is also important to cover your hair with a satin durag or silk scarf before going to bed at night.

What is the most effortless braid for men?

The most effortless braid style for men is straight-back cornrows. This classic hairstyle looks cool on anyone and it is very easy to do on your own.

What men’s braid styles look professional?

Some of the most professional braid styles for men include straight-back cornrows, ponytail braids, and stitch braids.

Can I get box braids with fade?

Yes, you can get box braids with a fade cut. However, it is important to make sure your hair is not cut too low as you need at least 2-3 inches of hair to achieve clean braids.

Are cornrows healthy?

Cornrows are a great protective style that can help maintain the health of your hair. They keep your ends tucked away, preventing excess moisture loss and breakage.

How should I prep my hair for braids?

To prep your hair for braids, it is crucial to cleanse with a shampoo. Then follow up with a deep conditioner to help replenish your hair with moisture. After deep conditioning, you’ll need to make sure your hair is thoroughly detangled. You can do this by applying some leave-in conditioner to hydrate your strands and then combing through your hair from the ends to the root. 

Once the hair is properly detangled, you can proceed with your braids or use a blow dryer to stretch your hair for a smoother braiding process. If you choose to blow dry your hair, be sure to apply a heat protectant first to prevent damage.

What are the disadvantages of cornrows for men?

Cornrows do not have any particular disadvantages for men especially when it comes to the health of the hair. However, here are a few not-so-great things you may experience with cornrows.

Scalp tension: Cornrows can put a lot of tension on your scalp, especially the first few days after getting them done. This might leave your scalp feeling a little irritated and uncomfortable.


Requires maintenance: Getting cornrows requires you to keep up with hair care practices like moisturizing your hair, oiling your scalp and even protecting your hair with a silk durag at night. All of this can be a little hard to keep up with if you are not used to dealing with your hair.

How long do men’s cornrows last?

Cornrows can last between 2-4 weeks depending on how well you maintain them.

What style is best for men with a beard?

If you have a beard, you can wear just about any hairstyle and look handsome. Some great choices include cornrows, stitch braids, or even pop smoke braids. 

Are men’s braids cheaper than women’s braids, as they don’t need many extensions?

Men’s braids are definitely cheaper than women’s braids. While prices will vary based on location and the hairstyle you want, you can generally expect to pay between $70-$90 for men’s braids while women’s braids can cost hundreds of dollars. Take a look at this stylist’s price list to get an idea of what you can expect to pay.

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1. Over-Under Cornrows

If a unique look that is creative and stylish is what you’re after, you can’t go wrong with this crisscross cornrow style.

men braids hairstyle
@sandrasbraids

2. Triangle Stitch Braids

Instead of regular straight-back cornrows, opt for something artist like these triangle-shaped braids.

cool cornrows for men

3. Heart-shape Cornrows

Add a romantic touch to your cornrows with tiny heart shapes and you are sure to have the ladies’ attention.

black men cornrows hairstyle

4. Traverse Straight Back Braids

These cool braids are another way to make your straight-back braids stand out.

stitch braids on men
@mikasstyles

5. Cornrows with Shaved Sides

Try these mohawk-style cornrows if you want to look edgy and suave.

high top cornrows

6. Pop Smoke Stitch Braids

Pop smoke braids are very popular and trendy among men of all ages. Try this version and you are sure to look stylish.

natural hair braids on men

7. Straight Back Cornrows with Beads

Who says guys can’t wear braids with beads? Spice up your cornrows with beads and stud earrings to stand out.

cornrows with beads on men
@marquinhos_afrohair

8. All-back Stitch Braids

If you want something simple and dapper, opt for a classic all-back look like this. You can include a heart shape for a touch of fun.

straight back braids

9. Zigzag Freestyle Braids

These zigzag braids will have you looking fresh and stylish.

man braids hairstyles

10. Wavy Braids

Put your creativity on display and experiment with different cornrow patterns. You can try waves, curves, or zig zag parts.

cornrows for black men
@braidstarz

11. Tribal Stitch Braids on Men

These tribal stick braids are a super cool protective style that will keep your hair healthy and classy.

stitch braids on men

12. Man Bun with Braids

A man bun cornrow is a great choice for guys with medium-length or long hair. You’ll need some hair oil to maintain the shine of this hairstyle.

cornrows with fade cut

13. Wavy Stitch Braids

Exude confidence and creativity with an intricate stitch braid style like this.

cornrows on black men

14. Freestyle Fishbone Braids

Fishbone braids are creative cornrow style that are guaranteed to elevate your look. Wear them with a silver chain for more finesse.

braids on black guys
@cryscrowned_em

15. Straight Back Feed in Braids

If you want something simple that will keep you looking sharp and fashionable, you can never go wrong with these straight-back feed-in braids

men fulani braids

16. Criss-cross Pop Smoke

Neatly done criss-cross pip smoke braids like these are sure to make you a favorite with the ladies. Just make sure you apply a little oil on your scalp to keep it well nourished.

pop smoke braids for men

17. Top Cornrows with Fade Haircut

Elevate your fade cut by pairing it with a unique cornrow design. This look is particularly perfect for those with a high fade.

cornrows hairstyle for black guys
@braidstarz

18. Cross Style Stitch Braids

These cross stitch braids are perfect for guys who want something that stands out.

cool cornrows design on men

19. Cornrows with Small Bun

If you have been wanting to try a man bun, there is no better way to do it than with a cornrow top knot like this.

high top cornrows for men
@creative.precision

20. Fauxhawk Braids

Opt for a cool intricate design on your braids if you want something unique and fashionable.

top braids with fade cut

21. Tribal Cornrows

Look stylish and confident with a tribal cornrow style like this. No matter the occasion, this look will make you look super cool.

freestyle cornrows on men

22. Pop Smoke Braids with Shave Sides

This pop smoke braids and fade look is an interesting take on an iconic style. It is perfect for anyone looking for something sharp and unique.

men pop smoke braids
@braidstarz

23. Updo Cornrows

A cornrow updo like this is a great choice for guys with a taper cut.

braids with undercut

24. Fishbone Braids

Want to look effortless fly and fashionable? Try fishbone braids. It is the perfect balance of simple and awesome.

fishbone braids on men
@k.rayyyhair

25. Middle Apart Braids on Men

A middle part is a great way to highlight your facial bone structure. Try any variation of a middle-part cornrow style and you are sure to get attention from the ladies.

cornrows hairstyle for men
@braidstarz

26. Zigzag Stitch Braids

Your cornrows don’t always have to have a uniform look. Try a zigzag parting style with stitch braids and you’ll be impressed by the results.

zigzag stitch braids on men

27. Man Bun Pop Smoke Cornrows

Whether you’re hanging out with the guys or going out on a date, these classy man bun braids are sure to make you look super cool and stylish.

mid apart braids on men

28. Crown Braids

Turn your braids into an interesting work of art by getting your stylist to create some cool designs. They can play around with different sizes and partings.

high top cornrows on men

29. Large Braids with Fade

If you have a lot of hair and don’t want to spend too much time getting your hair done, opt for larger braids like these. You can get a mid-fade cut to go with the look for more flair.

cornrows with undercut on men

30. Mohawk Stitch Braids

These mohawk stitch braids are too cool not to be noticed. Try them with a fade cut and you are sure to have a ladies intrigued.

high top braids on men
@1minmakeupandhair

31. Men Cornrows style

You can try your cornrows in as many ways as possible. Straight back, zig-zag, snake-shaped, curved. The styling possibilities are endless so feel free to get creative.

men cornrows hairstyle
@braidstarz

32. Classic Pop Smoke

Pop smoke braids are a sleek and freesheet hairstyle you can never go wrong with. Pair the look with a chain and you are guaranteed to look super stylish.

Classic pop smoke braids for black guys

33. All back Stitch Braids

If you have very short hair, it can be easy for your straight-back braids to look boring. Incorporate a curved parting grid into the look to make them more interesting.

stitch braids on men

34. Men Cornrows and Braids

No matter your preference, the key to pulling off cornrows is to play around with shapes and cuts. Opt for something with a cool design to shave years off your age.

plaited hairstyle for black men
@braidstarz

35. Center Stitch Braids

These trident-shaped stitch shapes are definitely to make you look cool among your peers.

stitch braids on men

36. Pop Smoke Braids

Pop smoke braids are a seemingly simple hairstyle that exudes class and confidence. Try them with a Zig zag parting style and you are sure to look dapper and fresh.

stitch braids hairstyle on men

37. Stitch Braids Cornrows

Tap into your creative side by rocking a stitch braid look with a cool design like this.

men braids hairstyle

38. Man Bun Stitch Braids

This is another cool stitch braid style that will make anyone look charming and confident.

man bun braids

39. Double-Sided Braids

These zig-zag double braids are a fantastic choice for guys who want something super simple and easy to take down. You’ll need some gel to keep this look sleek and frizz-free.

double braids on men

40. Top Braids with Fade Haircut

If you want your high fade cut to look even more awesome, rock it with crisp cornrows. You can put the braids into a top bun for more flair.

cornrows hairstyle on men
@braidstarz

41. Straight Back Stitch Braids

A simple yet stylish straight-back cornrow style like this is perfect for guys in their 30s and 40s. It will shave years off your age.

creative cornrows on men

42. Zigzag Pop Smoke Braids

These zig-zag pop smoke braids are an awesome hairstyle that will elevate your look.

zigzag pop smoke braids

43. Freestyle Pop Smoke Wave

Try these curved pop smoke braids if you want something unique and charming.

stitch braids hairstyle for black guys

44. Twists and Braids for Men

If you have medium-length or long hair, you can try a variation of twists and braids.

twists and cornrows on men
@braidstarz

45. Fishtail Braids Cornrows

These fishtail braids are a neat and crisp hairstyle that will look super handsome on anyone. This look comes out super cool even on those with short hair.

braids on men

46. Stitch Braids with Small Bun

Opt for two stitch braids like this if you want something simple that won’t take too long to install.

man bun with braids

47. Cornrows with Bun

Exude confidence in a cornrow bun like this if you prefer something with an intricate design.

cornrows with undercut

48. Mid Part Cornrows Hairstyles

For a charming and fashionable look that will instantly draw attention to your face, opt for something with a middle part. It will surely make you attract the attention of the ladies.

man braids hairstyle ideas
@braidsbychiqui

49. Fishbone Braids with Edge Up

A top fade with a cool line-up Is interesting but if you want to really take things up a notch, Wear It with neatly done fishbone braids.

fishbone braids

50. Creative Pop Smoke Cornrow

Cornrows are all about versatility and creativity so put yours on display by playing around with different shapes and cuts. You can try a triangle style like this if you want something stylish and attractive.

short pop smoke braids on men

51. Man Bun Braids

A man bun is an undeniably sexy look that is bound to look good on any man. Try a cornrow variation like this and you are sure to look handsome.

man bun with edge up

52. Freestyle Mohawk Cornrows

These mohawk braids are an awesome style that will have you oozing charisma and confidence.

braids with fade haircut

53. Feed-in Braids with Fade Cut

A neat feed-in braid is an amazing way to spruce up your fade cut. Keep it hydrated and smooth with a leave-in spray.

fulani braids on men

54. Dollar Sign Cornrows

If you want your braids to look cool and super creative, incorporating a dollar sign into the middle is honestly one of the best ways to do it with finesse.

cornrows for black men

Conclusion

Cornrows are a classic hairstyle that have been popular in the black community for ages and with so many cool new variations to choose from, they are definitely going to be around for a long time. They are the ideal look for black Men looking to switch up their hair game so don’t hesitate to give them a try.