Box braids or cornrows are a popular hairstyle among youth. Although Janet Jackson popularized wearing cornrows in the ’90s, this hairstyle was always around. Cornrows are a common hairstyle among African people.
African people having a different hair texture from Asians and Americans prefer keeping their hair braided to keep it healthy and free of damage. However, many people often wonder how much does it actually cost to get cornrows?
The cost of getting cornrows done at a salon may range from anywhere near $35 to $475. Some salons charge $300 for the first 6 hours and then charge for an hourly basis for the extra hours. For men, it may cost $25 and above.
There are many types of cornrows. Dreadlocks, box braids, Fulani braids, Bantu knots with braids, etc. Each comes with a different price tag. In this article, we will be talking about how much does it cost to get cornrows in detail.
How Much Does It Cost To Get Cornrows?
If you are new to the world of cornrows, you may wonder why does it cost so much. It is because doing cornrows are a time-consuming process. Depending on the length of your hair and additional factors, it may take up to 7 hours for the braider to finish braiding your hair.
That being said, if you are wondering how much does it cost to get cornrows, you will need to understand a few things. The braider does it by hand. Thinning out small sections of hair and braiding small hairpieces together is not as easy as it seems!
The average pricing of cornrows depends on a few factors.
- Your hair length
- Your hair volume and texture
- The size of the braid
- Type of the braid
- Experience and skill of the braider
The pricing is entirely finalized by the braider. While some salons start with as low as $35 for cornrows, some charge $75 as the lowest. However, we have skimmed the internet and made an estimated price chart for you.
Long Cornrows
Long cornrows can take up to 7 hours or more to finish. The stylist usually does it in one sitting hence the pricing is not cheap. Long hair cornrows can cost somewhere from $200 to $475.
Medium Cornrows
Medium hair-length cornrows are not as time-consuming. These can take somewhere around 4 hours to get done depending on the designs. For medium-length cornrows, the price ranges from $120 to $350.
Design intricacy
The design intricacy is one of the most important factors. If you want small cornrows with long hair, it will cost more. Small cornrows require more precision and time. If you have long hair then you will have to spend more than average. For small cornrows with long hair, you may have to spend as much as $475.
If you are into bigger, loose, and not-so-tight-looking cornrows, you can get it done with comparatively cheaper prices. Bigger cornrows do not require as precision and can be done in 3-5 hours depending on your hair length.
Bigger braids with long hair can cost you between $200-$350. For medium-length hair and bigger braids, the price starts from $120 and can cost up to $250.
Some of the most popular braiding styles’ average price is given below. Keep in mind, the price may go up or down depending on your hair.
- Nubian Twists ($200 to $300)
- Passion Twists ($200 to $300)
- Senegalese Twists ($250 to $350)
- Two Strand Twists ($150 to $200)
- Kinky Twists ($175 to $250)
- Nubian Twist ($180 to $250)
- Fulani braids ($180-$200)
Hourly Basis And Flat Rates
Some braiding salons do not have a flat rate and charge on an hourly basis. This can range from $50 to $75 per hour for cornrows. However, some salons have a flat rate for the first 6 hours where they charge $300. If your hair requires more time, they will charge on an hourly basis for the additional time.
Cornrows For Men
Cornrows for men are much cheaper. Their hair often time is not long, does not come with a lot of volume and the designs are much simpler. While many men like to add extensions and try intricate designs to look stylish, many prefer the simple, good old cornrows!
The price range for cornrows for men starts at as low as $25. The price will hike depending on whether the customer wants to add extensions or opt for an intricate design.
Factors That May Hike The Price
It does not cost the same everywhere to get cornrows. But some factors may hike the price. If you are looking to save money while getting cornrows done by professionals, these are the things you should keep in consideration:
1. Pre-braiding care
Before you braid your hair, you will need to wash and deep condition your hair. Most salons offer to do this and charge from $30 to $50. If you want to save a few bucks, we would suggest you shampoo and condition it at home. But be sure to contact your hairstylist and let them know about it.
2. Hair extensions
If you have thin and shorter hair, then you may need hair extensions to create the desired volume and length of your braids. If you have long and thick hair, you can choose not to use extensions in your braid.
Many salons use their self-produced hair extensions. The price of the extension starts from $15 per pack.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does it hurt to get cornrows?
It does not hurt to get cornrows. Yes, braiding your hair with precision indeed requires a lot of pulling and tugging. But, an expert stylist will never tug on your hair in a way that hurts your scalp.
But cornrows may feel a little tight and uncomfortable for the first few days. Since cornrows are supposed to stay in place for at least 6-8 weeks, the braiding needs to be a little tighter. Or else the braids may become loose after a few days. But this feeling of uneasiness will go away in 4-5 days.
Q. How do I sleep with my cornrows?
There is a chance of your ruining your cornrows while you are sleeping. A cotton pillow cover can cause frizz in your braids and make them look rough overnight. To prevent this from happening, replace your cotton pillow cover with a satin pillow cover.
Moisturize your braids right before going to bed. Tie your braids with a silk scrunchie to stop them from moving around while you are sleeping. And then tie a silk scarf or headcover on your head to prevent friction between your hair and the pillow cover.
Q: How often should I wash my cornrows?
The washing routine for braided hair differs from one to another. If you have textured, thick and coarse hair, then washing it once a week will ensure maximum freshness and reduce frizz.
The washing routine for braided hair should be the same as your washing routine with non-braided hair. Wash your braids at least once a week thoroughly. If it is not possible, then wash at least once every 1 to 3 weeks.
Q: How should I maintain my cornrows?
Maintaining your cornrows is a simple process. The 3 essential steps to keep your cornrows healthy are, cleaning once a week, moisturizing regularly, and covering them while you are sleeping.
Moisturizing your braids is important as it reduces the frizz and the flakes in your scalp. It also ensures your hair inside the braid is not dry and rough. Cornrows can be quite itchy.
Moisturizing helps to reduce the itchiness and the breakage of hair from the braid. If your scalp is flaky, then use a mousse to keep the scalp moisturized and soft. We recommend moisturizing your scalp and braid every other day.
Q. Can you do it at home?
The truth is, cornrows are quite costly. Not everyone wants to spend that much money. The good news is, yes you can do cornrows at home. It is not entirely impossible to do it at home.
But the bad news is that doing cornrows require a lot of time and patience. Sectioning thin pieces of hair, braiding them with precision, and keeping the details on point for hours; (6-7 hours minimum) is not a task everyone can do. But with practice and patience, you can do it at home.
Conclusion
Cornrows not only look good but are also good for your hair. But, cornrows are an intricate hairstyle that requires precision and a lot of time. It is also a quite pricey style. If you are planning to get cornrows, make sure to do your research. We would suggest asking your acquaintances for recommendations. The next step is talking to a few salons, and comparing their price and services. This way you will be able to find out the best salon and hairstylist for your hair.
Hi, I am Alana Young. As a lifestyle expert, I have studied and researched the ways of life of people far and wide. I can say that I have extensive knowledge in the field to teach and educate people on the proper lifestyles to lead, as well as how to effectively manage costs and maximize output in all aspects of their lives.