How Much Do Cornrows Cost?
Cornrows can cost between $38 and $183, depending on where you get them done and the style you get. They’re a versatile style since they look great on their own and they’re used as a staple for many other popular protective looks. For starters, you can’t get gorgeous Fulani braids or a sew-in without starting off with cornrows. You can also create different designs and add accessories to customize your cornrows.
However, this versatility means you’ll find a large price range when you’re trying to figure out exactly how much cornrows cost. That’s why we put together this quick guide to cornrows costs so you can see what goes into the price and what prices look like across the country.
How much do cornrows cost across the U.S.?
The most expensive cornrows are in Utah at $183, according to our internal appointment data. South Dakota is on the cheaper end, at an average of $38 per appointment. See the average appointment costs for cornrows below:
| State | Average appointment cost |
|---|---|
| AL | $55 |
| AR | $41 |
| AZ | $70 |
| CA | $79 |
| CO | $84 |
| CT | $79 |
| DC | $82 |
| DE | $72 |
| FL | $66 |
| GA | $94 |
| HI | $92 |
| IA | $86 |
| IL | $64 |
| IN | $54 |
| KS | $48 |
| KY | $67 |
| LA | $53 |
| MA | $58 |
| MD | $67 |
| MI | $54 |
| MN | $61 |
| MO | $61 |
| MS | $54 |
| NC | $56 |
| ND | $62 |
| NE | $68 |
| NJ | $52 |
| NV | $77 |
| NY | $78 |
| OH | $54 |
| OK | $60 |
| OR | $83 |
| PA | $70 |
| RI | $45 |
| SC | $61 |
| SD | $38 |
| TN | $69 |
| TX | $63 |
| UT | $183 |
| VA | $64 |
| WA | $55 |
| WI | $74 |
| WY | $42 |
What affects the price of cornrows?
The state of your hair, your desired style, the salon, and the braider can all impact the final cost of your cornrows. Understanding these factors can help you narrow down braiders before you book your braiding appointment.
- Hair length and thickness, since more hair adds to the time of your appointment
- Cornrow styles, like if you want intricate Albaso braids rather than straight back cornrows
- Size of your braids, since smaller braids are more intricate and take more time than big braids
- Hair extensions can also bump up your price if your cornrows are a base for styles like sew-in weaves or crochet braids
- Additional services, like if you need a wash, deep condition, or cut
- Salon location, demand, and cost of living
- Braider’s skill level and experience
Some braiders charge by the hour or start at a flat rate. Cornrows for men can lean on the cheaper end since most have short hair, but all of these factors will affect everyone’s price.
How long do cornrows last?
Cornrows can last between two and six weeks, depending on how well you care for them. Some people can keep them up to 12 weeks, but we don’t recommend trying to maintain them for that long. Cornrows create lots of tension on your scalp and hair.
Keeping cornrows in for a long period of time can damage your hair and lead to traction alopecia down the line. Your hair is also much more prone to buildup while you have cornrows in for longer periods of time because it’s tough to thoroughly wash your hair and scalp when you have braids.
When in doubt, ask your braider how long they recommend you keep them in, when to come back to get them taken out, and how long you should take a break before your next protective style.
When you’re ready to get cornrows again or another look, consider getting another braided style or even a different pattern. This helps you avoid straining the same spots over and over.
How can I make my cornrows last longer?
You can make your cornrows last longer by prepping your hair before your appointment, taking precautions to make sure your braids aren’t too tight, and keeping your hair and scalp clean and moisturized with sulfate-free hair products. Here are some steps you can take:
- Wash and deep condition your hair prior to your appointment or ask ahead of time if they can do it at the salon.
- Speak up during your appointment if your braids feel too tight. This gives your braider a chance to adjust it so you can feel comfortable with them.
- Try safe at-home methods to loosen tight braids if they still feel uncomfortable at home.
- Wash and moisturize your scalp and braids to cut down on buildup and to keep them nourished.
- Let your hair and scalp dry thoroughly to prevent mold.
- Wrap your hair at night in a silk or satin bonnet to protect your hair from frizz, breakage, and moisture loss.
- Use sulfate-free shampoo and other hair products.
Can I do cornrows at home?
You can do cornrows at home if you want to save some money, but you miss out on the expertise and skills you’d get from an expert braider. Big, straight back cornrows are your best option if you’re attempting to braid your own hair for the first time.
Even so, simpler styles can still take you a few hours to complete if you’re still learning. Intricate designs and small braids may take multiple tries to perfect. On top of all that, you still need to spend time cleaning and detangling your hair as you would before or during an appointment.
If you don’t have the time to learn and practice, that’s OK! There are lots of braiders who are not only willing to create your dream look but can also give you tips for trying this style at home.
How do I know I’ve found a great braider?
Great braiders will take their time to chat through any concerns, walk through their prices, adjust their technique so you’re comfortable, and give you tips to maintain your braids and keep your hair safe. A great braider can also give you advice on the best hair to use for sew-ins and other looks you want to create with your cornrows.
You can find the right braider by looking through their portfolio and reading their reviews. This is especially important if you want an intricate style that requires lots of skill. Recommendations can also be helpful from someone you trust.
Look through our directory of braiders who specialize in cornrows to find a friendly and experienced stylist near you.
