Locs
Straight-Back Cornrows With Skin-Faded Sides
- Difficulty
- ADVANCED
- Hair Type
- Coily hair, four inches or more on top
What it is
Six feed-in cornrows braided straight back from the hairline, tightening as they travel over the crown and hanging loose past the nape. The sides and back below the braid line are taken down to a skin fade that lifts into a shadow just behind the temple, so the braids sit on a clean shaved base. Parts between rows are narrow and even, and the front line-up is squared hard at the corner above the temple.
Who it suits
Suits coily hair with at least four inches of length on top, enough to braid and leave a tail. Best if the scalp tolerates tension well, since feed-in rows pull at the hairline. A practical option for anyone who wants a protective style but still wants fade sharpness at the sides. Works with any head shape because the fade controls the silhouette.
How to ask for it
Ask for six straight-back feed-in cornrows with a skin fade on the sides and back. Have the fade start bald at the ear and blend up to the braid line just below the temple corner, with the guard line sitting about two fingers above the ear. Request a squared line-up at the front hairline.
Upkeep
Sleep in a satin scarf or bonnet to stop frizz. Oil the scalp between the parts twice a week. Braids hold two to three weeks; the skin fade needs a touch-up every seven to ten days to stay clean.
