How to Clean Cornrows

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Cornrow braiding is an ancient African hairstyle that dates back to at least 500 B.C. and is still a widespread hair style across the globe. Cornrows are easy to maintain, especially for those with frizzy hair. [1] While maintenance may be easy, it's sometimes difficult to fully clean them without taking them out. Luckily, by using specific techniques, you can keep your cornrows clean and looking great for the long run.

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Shampooing Cornrows

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  1. Mix a quarter cup of shampoo with equal parts water and add 2–4 tablespoons (29.6–59.1 ml) of oil. Sulfate free shampoos may prevent your scalp from becoming irritated and may stop your hair from becoming frizzy and easily breaking. With cornrows it’s important that you capture your hair’s natural oils to prevent frizziness. [2]
    • Shake the bottle before applying the solution.
    • You can use grapeseed, jojoba, coconut, or olive oil depending on what kind of hair you have. Coconut oil and jojoba oil work well for all hair types. Almond oil works well if you have dandruff.
    • If you don’t have a spray bottle you can use a small bowl.
  2. Running your cornrows under warm water will open up your cuticles, and rinse the initial dirt out of your hair. [3]
    • Using a portable shower head can make this process easier. [4]
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  3. Shake your shampoo solution and apply it generously to your head and hair. If you're using a bowl, take some of the shampoo and lather the mixture in your hands. Once your hands are lathered apply it generously to your hair.
    • Do not neglect your scalp. This area can have a lot of built up dirt and leftover residue from hair products you've used in the past.
  4. Use your fingers to gently massage each cornrow until all of them are lathered.
    • You should wash your cornrows every 7-10 days.
    • Washing your cornrows will prevent breakage when you take your braids out.
  5. Make sure that you rinse your hair thoroughly—for 3 to 5 minutes—to get all of the shampoo out of it. Leaving shampoo residue in your hair can irritate your scalp.
    • Leaving shampoo in your hair could create residue build-up from the chemicals in your shampoo.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Conditioning Cornrows

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  1. Protein based conditioners contain keratin, which helps patch cracked or missing cuticles in your hair. [5]
    • Use olive or almond oil if your hair is prone to dandruff or dryness. [6]
    • Argan oil works well for coarse, unruly hair.
    • Grapeseed and jojoba oils are lighter oils for people who already have oil prone hair.
    • You can also use scented oils if you want your hair to smell good.
  2. Spray all of your cornrows with your conditioner solution. Make sure to get equal coverage on your hair.
  3. Covering your head in a plastic shower cap will help your hair retain moisture and stop the water that would normally evaporate from escaping.
    • If you don’t have a plastic shower cap you can use a grocery store bag as an alternative.
    • Do no leave the conditioner on for longer than 20 minutes or it may make your hair brittle.
  4. Hot water may cause unwanted frizziness in your hair. Doing a thorough rinsing will wash out any remaining dirt from your hair. [7]
    • You do not have to take a shower when conditioning. You just need access to the shower head.
    • Rinse your hair for 2 to 3 minutes to get all of the conditioner out.
  5. Use a soft cotton towel and wear a shower cap until your cornrows are dry. Do not rub your head or you may undo your braids.
    • You can also wring out the ends of your cornrows in order to get out excess moisture.
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Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Moisturizing Cornrows

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  1. Find a leave-in conditioner that works best for your type of hair. If you are prone to frizzy or dry hair, choose one specifically made to handle frizzy hair. For oil prone hair, look for lighter solutions. [8] Mix a quarter cup of leave-in conditioner with equal parts water and 2–4 tablespoons (29.6–59.1 ml) of oil.
    • Using coconut oil may leave an unwanted scent in your hair.
  2. If you have dry hair that is prone to breakage, you should moisturize your scalp on a daily basis. Gently spray over the top of your head to make your hair damp with moisturizer.
    • With oily hair, make sure that the ends of your cornrows are also getting oil.
  3. Rub each cornrow individually and remember to moisturize your scalp as well. Using this mixture will prevent your hair from getting dry and breaking. [9]
    • Shea butter is another option if you want to use a different product to moisturize your cornrows.
  4. Wearing a satin or silk scarf will prevent your hair from being dry and helps maintain volume. Unlike cotton, it will not absorb your hair's natural oils and will allow for less friction between your hair and pillow as you sleep. [10]
    • You can also use a satin or silk pillowcase as an alternative to a head scarf.
    • Satin scarves are also called bonnets or head-wraps.
    • Satin and silk headscarves can be found at beauty salons, certain department stores, or online boutiques.
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Expert Q&A

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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.
    Laura Martin
    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.
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    Not Helpful 18 Helpful 14
  • 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.
    Laura Martin
    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.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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    Not Helpful 7 Helpful 16
  • 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.
    Laura Martin
    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.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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    Not Helpful 1 Helpful 17
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GC1RSexvEFo
      2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZvvwFb3eggM
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrJ_T9ou4kg
      4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GC1RSexvEFo
      5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXUjv9RAENA
      6. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/oiling-hair
      7. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/the-dirty-truth-about-washing-your-hair
      8. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/hair-scalp-care/hair/curly-hair-care
      9. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cxoNgcm_Ryw
      1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VGiTC0Lum0

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      The best way to clean cornrows is to shampoo them regularly. Fill a spray bottle with 1/4 cup of sulfate-free shampoo, 1/4 cup of water, and 2 to 4 tablespoons of oil, like coconut or olive oil. Wet your hair completely, then spray the solution onto your cornrows and scalp. Massage the shampoo in, then simply rinse it out. For more advice on how to condition and maintain cornrows, read on!

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