@adwoaaboah/ Instagram

When it comes toprotective styles, you don’t get much more low maintenance than cornrows.

But don’t let that convenience fool you: Conrows can also be extremely versatile.

Ahead, see 40 stunning cornrow hairstyles that’ll have you calling up your braider for an appointment ASAP.

Close up of model Adwoa Aboah, her hair in straight back cornrows with plaits at her ears

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Rainbow Center Parted Braids

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A defined middle part always makes a statement.

Push that statement further with multicolored cornrows sectioned off horizontally instead of vertically.

The symmetry is stunning.

Actor Storm Reid with two French braid-style cornrows

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(And the vibrant eye makeup increases the appeal.)

Grab your favorite edge control gel and go to town.

For a romantic look,lay your baby hairsin swoops and swirls.

Rainbow Center Parted Braids, viewed from the top

@jamonit/ Instagram

That way, you might easily sweep back your hair.

And remember: The higher theponytail, the more striking it will be.

For special events, a headband can be added to enhance the look.

Close up of Alicia Keys with tribal/Fulani straight back braids

KMazur / Getty Images

The delicate touch ofbaby hairis also a vibe.

No problemyou can combine the two (and create bold braid patterns while you’re at it).

For a festive wintery look, attempt a six-pointed snowflake shape.

Mel B with simple straightbacks braided into full plaits

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The style looks extra stunning in boldshades of blue.

Add some artful edges or decorative charms, and get ready for the compliments to flow in.

Pink Bob

@BRAIDSGANG/ Instagram

Did you think you couldn’t achieve a beautifulbob hairstyle with cornrows?

Close up of two women with cornrows, their baby hairs laid in dramatic swooping designs

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It’s more than possible (and looks amazing with asymmetrical braided parts).

Throw in some pastel pink extensions for an edgy yet soft look.

Red Braided Updo

Take your cornrow hairstyle up a notch with a fieryred hue.

A cornrow half-crown hairstyle with a braided front and full, afro back

@afropunk/ Instagram

Trust us, you’ll stop traffic.

We also love it when beads can be thrown in.

To add extra definition, alternate between braid sizes.

A traditional Shuruba/Albaso cornrow hairstyle, viewed from the top of the head

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(And we’re kind of obsessed.)

Regal Red Puffs

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Okay, you caught uswe have a thing for puffs.

Beads and braid charms help to enhance the style further.

Actor Ella Balinska with a cornrow hairstyle on the red carpet

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High Pink Ponytail

@shomadjozi/ Instagram

Got love formillennial pink?

Why not show your allegiance with a partial cornrow-to-box braid ponytail?

Decadent earrings are the icing on the cake.

Half and half box braids and cornrows, viewed from the top down and close to the front of the head

@ancestralstrands/ Instagram

As with all protective styles, speak up if your braider is laying on the tension.

If you feel post-appointment tightness,loosen up your braids.

A silk scarf andcastor oilfor your edges are essential for maintaining this style and your hairline.

Actress Chanté Adams with a half cornrow, half loose coil hairstyle

Jim Spellman / Getty Images

it’s possible for you to use string or even ribbon to add a pop of color.

Long, Honey Colored Cornrows

Want to try a new hair color without committing?

Use braiding hair to experiment.

A blue cornrow hairstyle, swept back into a high bun

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Have fun with ityou only have to live with your new hue for four to six weeks.

Face-Framing Braids

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Add face-framing “fringe” like songstress FKA Twigs.

The loose ends here give this style extra oomph.

Rear view of a braided hairstyle with gold wire details throughout

@biancajasminelawson/ Instagram

Here, she adds gold embellishments to her braids, a simple way to elevate any cornrow hairstyle.

Waist-Length Braids

The ability to experiment with hair lengths is one of the best benefits of cornrows.

you’re free to go as short or as long as you want without hesitation.

Singer FKA Twigs with a space bun cornrow hairstyle

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Wavy Patterned Braids

Beyonce is constantly finding new ways to show off elements of her roots.

We love this look for a special event or when you want to shake up your cornrow hairstyle.

Intermix mini cornrows with regular-sized or jumbo braids to give your style some artistic rootsliterally and figuratively.

Close up of a cornrow bob hairstyle with pink extensions and an asymmetrical design

@BRAIDSGANG/ Instagram

Two Braids and Small Cornrows

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Rocking two braids doesn’t have to be boring.

Add a couple of small cornrows to each side for a little pizzazz.

Tobraidcornrows, use the tail end of a rat tail comb to create sections.

Actor Keke Palmer with bright red cornrows swept into a high ponytail

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Repeat from the crown of the head to the bottom.

Cornrows can last for two to six weeks.

Maintenance is keymoisturizing your scalp and wearing a head covering to bed can extend the life of your style.

Actor Jourdan Dunn with straight back cornrows, some thin, some thick

@jourdandunn/ Instagram

Be careful not to scratch or massage the braids too frequently and they’ll last even longer.

When you sleep, keep your style tied down with a skill scarf or wear a bonnet.

Rinse, and follow the same step-by-step with conditioner, oil and water.

A woman with braids in the front of her hair, the rest in afro puffs with accessories

@miss.cameroon/ Instagram

On average, you’re looking at anywhere from $80-$300.

Solange with platinum blonde plaits and cornrows

Mireya Acierto/Getty Images

Actor Amandla Stenberg with a cornrow hairstyle in a soft, old Hollywood wave

@amandlastenberg/ Instagram

Close up of a cornrow hairstyle with afro puffs down the center of the head

@HAIRBYSUSY/ Instagram

A model with a milkmaid braid with two cornrowed braids toward the front of the head

@magicfingersstudio/ Instagram

A woman with pink cornrows that go into plaits, piled onto the top of her head in a high ponytail

@shomadjozi/ Instagram

Actor Janelle Monet with cornrows down the side of her head, the center of her hair piled into one giant mohawk cornrow

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Rear view of a hair cornrowed into a heart-shaped design

@hairhealthhumanity/ Instagram

Actor Danai Gurira on the red carpet with a half cornrow, half box braid hairstyle, her hair and ears adorned with gold accessories

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Cornrow Hairstyles Straight Back Simple Kelly Rowland

@kellyrowland

Singer and socialite Justine Skye with micro cornrows, her baby hairs layed

@braidsgang/ Instagram

Cornrow Hairstyles Thick Cornrows with Woven Rope Janelle Monae

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A woman, looking with her head over her shoulder, her hair in a cornrow hairstyle with honey highlights

@joyjah/ Instagram

FKA Twigs applying red lipstick, viewed from the back, her cornrows in view

@fkatwigs/ Instagram

Actor Kerry Washington with cornrows and fluffy hair coming out of her low ponytail

@KERRYWASHINGTON/ Instagram

Singer and actor Serayah with a partially cornrowed, partially box braided hairstyle

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Singer Halsey with a partial cornrow, partial box braid hairstyle

Paul Morigi / WireImage / Getty Images

Beyoncé with cornrows styled into a swoopy curl on her forehead

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Yara Shahidi viewed from the side, her hair in cornrows of varying size

Gotham / GC Images / Getty Images

Gabrielle Union with two large cornrows, two smaller cornrows fed into them on the side

@gabunion/ Instagram