If you punch links we provide, we may receive compensation.

@therealbraidvixen/ Instagram

In This Article

Cornrows are among the most popularprotective stylesand rightfully so.

Straight-backcornrowsare always in style, but people are getting extra creative these days.

Close up of a heart braided into the side of a woman’s cornrowed hair

@therealbraidvixen/ Instagram

The latest trending style on social media?

Keep reading to learn more about heart cornrows.

Meet the Experts

What Are Heart Cornrows Braids?

The back of a woman’s head, a braided heart visible, the bottom of her hair loose and curly

@therealbraidvixen/ Instagram

How Are They Made?

Installing heart cornrows isverysimple.

Here’s Stephen’s step-by-step guide:

That was a breeze, right?

Close up of cornrowed hair, a braid designed on the side

@therealbraidvixen/ Instagram

However, there are some things to remember before, during, and post-installation.

The hearts are often placed along the sides of the head or even at the nape of the neck.

While this is very cute,tension from braids can be problematic for the scalp.

So, how you prepare, care for, and hydrate your hair is crucial for its health.

She also says to verify your hairstylist isn’t gripping your hair too tight in any areas while braiding.

Not because my hair wasbraided too tightlybut because the coating on the braiding hair had irritated my scalp.

The best way to avoid hairline breakage, she says, is to leave those baby hairs out.

The longer you wear a protective style, the more moisture your hair can lose, leading to breakage.

That said, Stephen notes that the longevity will ultimately come down to maintenance.

“The better you [care for] them, the longer they will last,” she says.

(More on that below.)

you’ll be rocking the style.