Q&A for How to Clean Cornrows

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  • Question
    Can you get your cornrows wet?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Yes, you can. Water won't disrupt cornrows. You do want to make sure that you don't let them stay waterlogged though. After washing, gently blot the rows with a towel to help them dry.
  • Question
    Do you wash your hair when you have cornrows?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Yes, you should still wash your hair if it's in cornrows. The most important thing is to cleanse the scalp, don't worry about washing the cornrows themselves.
  • Question
    How long do you leave cornrows in your hair?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    You can leave them in for up to 8 weeks. Leaving them for longer can cause uneven tension on the scalp and possibly lead to breakage. You can take them out and immediately rebraid the hair if desired.
  • Question
    How do you wash your hair with braids?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    You should really focus on washing the scalp, not the hair. The easiest way is to mix shampoo and water and spray it on the roots with a spray bottle.
  • Question
    Can you wash your cornrows if they are cornrowed with extensions?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Yes, you can follow the same steps, just make sure you are rinsing for the maximum recommended time.
  • Question
    Is there a different technique for caucasian hair?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    If you have fine soft hair (a hair type that is not dependent upon race), you may want to skip the oil in these formulas and shampoo more frequently, such as every 3 to 5 days.
  • Question
    If I have naturally straight hair, will my cornrows be ruined by washing them?
    Community Answer
    Yes, they will. Your straight hair doesn't lend itself to being braided because it can't hold onto itself very well. Applying water to it, let alone working your hands along the scalp to wash it, will cause the braid to come undone or begin to have flyaway strands sticking out from the braid.
  • Question
    How do you cornrow natural short and nappy hair?
    Community Answer
    You may need to get extensions before you can grow your hair out long enough to cornrow it. Make sure to condition your hair and moisturize it more often if it's dry or breaking.
  • Question
    How do you know what oil is best for your hair?
    Community Answer
    Look up the benefits and the downsides for the oils you are thinking about using, so you are able to see if it's the right one for you.
  • Question
    Is it better to leave in or take out my braids when washing my hair?
    Community Answer
    It is much better to undo your braids before washing your hair.
  • Question
    Can I still wash my cornrows if I only have a couple of them braided?
    Community Answer
    Yes, it's up to you. Just make sure you follow the steps in the article and your hair will be fine.
  • Question
    When is it a good time to take out cornrows?
    Cristina Banducci
    Community Answer
    Usually after about seven or eight weeks, but it depends how often you moisturize them.
  • Question
    Can I use argan oil when shampooing, conditioning, and moisturizing?
    Community Answer
    Yes, argan oil is very good for you hair and helps prevent breakage, especially on braided hair.
  • Question
    How often do I need to shampoo, condition, and moisturize my hair when it's braided?
    Community Answer
    You need to shampoo and condition every 7-10 days. You can moisturize every 3 days, or whenever needed.
  • Question
    Will swimming damage extension cornrows?
    Community Answer
    The weight of the braids may become uncomfortable or painful while swimming due to the water. However, if you wear a swim cap, this can be avoided.
  • Question
    How do I moisturize cornrows?
    Community Answer
    Using a leave-in conditioner, focus on the ends. Because it can cause buildup, I recommend shea moisture product line JBCO, then apply your spray or mist. I use aloe vera and seal all the moisture with shea butter, allowing my hair to soak up and retain all the moisture. This lasts me a long time.
  • Question
    Can I wash fine silky hair that has cornrows?
    Community Answer
    Yes you can. Focus mostly on the scalp when you wash your hair because accumulation of dirt and dandruff on your scalp can stunt hair growth.
  • Question
    Do I protect my hair at night? If so, with what?
    Cutest_faith
    Community Answer
    Yes, you should protect your hair at night, you can use a bonnet or a silk scarf.
  • Question
    Can I wash cornrows with beads?
    Cutest_faith
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can, just be extra careful! Focus on your roots and carefully rinse your ends.
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