26 Stylish and Creative All-Back Cornrow Hairstyles to Try Right Now

Cornrows have been a go-to protective hairstyle for generations, offering not only functionality but also an artistic outlet for creativity.

One of the most timeless variations is the all-back cornrows style, where the hair is braided straight back from the hairline to the nape of the neck.

In this article, we’ll dive into 26 all-back cornrow hairstyles that showcase the beauty and versatility of this timeless style.

From artistic zigzags and leaf patterns to beaded braids and voluminous buns, these looks offer a fresh take on classic cornrows.

All-Back Cornrows Hairstyles

1. Beaded All-Back Cornrows

This all-back cornrow style features straight-back braids adorned with eye-catching beads at the ends. The hairstyle begins with well-parted sections braided tightly to the scalp, showcasing a sleek, neat finish.

The use of large, white, and transparent beads at the ends adds a playful and elegant touch, perfect for kids and young adults. To achieve this look, start by parting the hair into neat, thin sections from the front hairline to the nape, then proceed with cornrowing each section backward.

Once the braids are complete, add beads to the ends, securing them with rubber bands for a long-lasting style. This look is ideal for both casual and special occasions, blending traditional and modern flair.

2. Spiral Cornrow Design

This intricate spiral cornrow design showcases a creative pattern where the cornrows are braided in a swirling shape. The design gives the hair a dynamic and artistic feel, making it perfect for those who want to stand out.

The precision of the parting and tightness of the braids highlight the skill required for this style. To achieve this, the stylist parts the hair in circular sections and braids the cornrows to follow the curved lines, ensuring the spirals are symmetrical and smooth.

This hairstyle is perfect for those seeking a bold and unique braided look that’s ideal for special events or to show off a creative twist on the classic all-back cornrows.

3. Side-Swept Pattern Cornrows

This cornrow style adds a twist by incorporating a side-swept design, where the braids are parted diagonally instead of the traditional straight-back direction. This pattern gives the style an asymmetrical and chic look.

The sections are divided diagonally from the crown and braided tightly to the scalp, maintaining sleekness and a long-lasting hold. To recreate this style, part the hair from one side of the head in diagonal lines and braid each section towards the opposite side.

This hairstyle works well for both casual and formal settings, making it versatile and elegant while keeping the essence of all-back cornrows intact.

4. Curved Cornrows with Baby Hair Styling

This style features curved cornrows paired with intricately laid baby hairs, creating a seamless blend between the scalp braids and the edges.

The braids curve in neat rows, following the natural contours of the head. Achieving this look requires precise parting and consistent braid tightness to maintain the pattern’s symmetry. The baby hairs are styled separately using a fine-tooth comb and hair gel to create smooth swirls along the hairline.

This design is perfect for a polished, feminine look that is both protective and elegant, ideal for special events or everyday wear with a touch of glamour.

5. Beaded Classic All-Back Cornrows

This classic all-back cornrow look is enhanced with the addition of transparent beads at the ends, giving it a playful yet traditional touch. The hair is neatly parted in straight rows and braided tightly to the scalp.

The ends are adorned with multiple beads to create a visually engaging style that blends both elegance and simplicity. To achieve this look, begin by parting the hair into even sections from the front hairline to the nape, ensuring the lines are straight and the braids are tight.

Once the braids are completed, add beads to each braid end, securing them with small rubber bands. This style is perfect for a protective hairstyle that is easy to maintain yet stylish.

6. Zigzag All-Back Cornrows

This hairstyle offers a zigzag twist on traditional cornrows, featuring uniquely patterned rows that add an edgy look to the typical all-back style. Each braid is intricately braided following a zigzag parting that gives the scalp a striking appearance.

The method involves carefully parting the hair in zigzag sections and braiding each cornrow tightly for a sleek finish. This style stands out with its sharp lines and can be paired with beads or left simple for a more understated look.

The zigzag pattern adds dimension and personality to the hairstyle, making it a perfect choice for those who want something both stylish and functional.

7. Sleek Brown All-Back Cornrows

These sleek brown all-back cornrows are a great example of a polished, protective style. The braids are done in a classic straight-back pattern, with brown hair extensions adding length and fullness to the look.

The hairline is accentuated with styled baby hairs for a neat, finished touch. To achieve this look, the hair is parted evenly, and brown hair extensions are added as the cornrows are braided to create uniform thickness throughout.

Finish the look with carefully laid baby hairs using edge control gel. This style is perfect for both casual and formal occasions, offering versatility and elegance in a protective, long-lasting hairstyle.

8. Shoulder-Length Cornrows with Brown Beads

These all-back cornrows are accented with brown beads at the ends, adding a stylish flair to the traditional braid style. The cornrows are neatly parted and braided straight back, with the beads giving the style a personalized touch.

To achieve this look, the hair is parted into thin sections, and each section is cornrowed from the front to the back. Brown beads are then added at the ends of the braids, giving it an earthy, rustic finish.

This hairstyle is perfect for casual outings and provides a playful, youthful vibe while maintaining the protective benefits of traditional cornrows.

9. Curly Accent Cornrows

This curly accent cornrows style features intricate cornrows braided straight back, with curly hair pieces left out to frame the face, creating a romantic and feminine touch.

The cornrows are neatly done with fine parting, and the baby hairs are styled into soft swoops along the hairline. To achieve this look, cornrow the hair from the front hairline towards the back, leaving some sections out near the face for loose curls.

Add curl-defining cream or mousse to enhance the curls for a polished finish. This style is perfect for a formal event or a chic everyday look, combining both protective and stylish elements.

10. Swirled Cornrow Design

The swirled cornrow design is a bold, visually striking hairstyle where the cornrows follow a swirling pattern across the scalp. This creates a unique, artistic look that stands out from traditional straight-back cornrows.

Achieving this style requires skillful parting of the hair into circular or spiral patterns and tightly braiding the cornrows to follow these shapes.

The result is an eye-catching design that’s ideal for those who want to make a statement with their hairstyle. This protective style is long-lasting and can be accessorized with beads or left as-is for an elegant, defined look.

11. Structured Swirl Cornrows

These structured swirl cornrows follow a precise spiral pattern, creating a structured yet creative style. The cornrows are braided with a high level of precision, following a swirling design that gives the hairstyle movement and dimension.

To achieve this, the hair is parted in spirals and braided tightly to form neat, symmetrical cornrows. The baby hairs are styled into small swoops along the hairline to complement the structured look.

This hairstyle is ideal for someone who wants a protective and elegant look with a bit of edge, perfect for both casual and formal occasions.

12. Spiral Wave Cornrows

This hairstyle showcases spiral wave cornrows, where the braids are meticulously parted and braided to form a wave-like design across the scalp.

The result is a dynamic, flowing pattern that gives the cornrows a sense of movement. To recreate this look, start by parting the hair into wave-shaped sections, and cornrow each part in a way that follows the natural curves of the pattern.

The baby hairs are styled in delicate swirls along the hairline for a softer finish. This style is perfect for those who want a bold yet polished look that offers a creative twist on the classic all-back cornrow style.

13. Geometric Wave Cornrows

This geometric wave cornrow style features a unique pattern where the cornrows are braided in a structured wave formation across the scalp. The waves follow symmetrical curves that give the hair a sense of flow and movement.

To achieve this look, the hair is parted in curved sections and braided tightly to the scalp to maintain the integrity of the wave design. The key to this style is the precision in parting and braiding, ensuring that the waves are evenly spaced and smooth.

This look is ideal for anyone wanting a bold yet neat and structured cornrow style that’s both artistic and protective.

14. Wavy Cornrows with Loose Curls

This hairstyle combines wavy cornrows at the top with loose curls cascading down the back. The cornrows are braided in a swirling pattern that enhances the scalp’s natural shape, while the ends of the braids are left loose and curled for a soft, romantic look.

To achieve this, the hair is sectioned and braided in a wavy design, and the ends are curled using a curling wand or rollers.

This style is perfect for those seeking a blend of sleek cornrows with the feminine touch of curls, ideal for both casual and formal events.

15. Long, Sleek All-Back Cornrows

This long, sleek all-back cornrow style features straight-back braids that extend beyond the shoulders, creating a polished, neat look.

The cornrows are done with fine parting to ensure smooth lines and tight braids, adding length and definition to the overall appearance. To achieve this look, the hair is parted from the front to the back in narrow sections and braided tightly.

Extensions can be added for length and thickness if desired. This protective style is perfect for anyone looking for a simple yet elegant look that’s low-maintenance and versatile for any occasion.

16. Chunky Cornrows with Defined Baby Hairs

This hairstyle features chunky cornrows braided straight back, paired with intricately styled baby hairs along the hairline. The chunky braids give the style a bold look, while the swooped baby hairs add a delicate, polished finish.

To achieve this style, the hair is parted into larger sections for the cornrows, which are braided tightly for a sleek appearance. The baby hairs are styled using edge control gel and a fine-tooth comb to create smooth, defined curves.

This look is perfect for someone who wants a bold yet feminine cornrow style that emphasizes both structure and detail.

17. Chunky Crown Cornrows

This chunky crown cornrow style involves thick, raised cornrows that form a crown-like structure around the head. The style is bold and adds dimension to the scalp, making it ideal for anyone looking for a statement-making braided look.

The braids are parted into large sections, with each cornrow raised for a voluminous effect. To achieve this, part the hair into chunky sections and braid each tightly, angling them to follow the natural curve of the head.

This hairstyle is ideal for formal occasions or events where a regal and structured look is desired while still maintaining a protective style.

18. S-Pattern Cornrows

These S-pattern cornrows add an artistic twist to traditional straight-back styles by incorporating a curvy, snake-like design. Each braid follows an “S” curve, creating a fluid and dynamic appearance.

The sections are intricately parted, and the braids are tightly done to follow the curved lines perfectly. To achieve this look, carefully part the hair in “S” shapes and braid along the curves.

This style is perfect for someone looking to add creativity to their look while keeping it sleek and stylish, ideal for both casual and formal settings.

19. Beaded Cornrows

This beaded cornrow style incorporates medium-width braids that are adorned with white and brown beads at the ends. The beads add an elegant, cultural flair to the traditional all-back cornrows.

The braids are parted into neat sections and braided straight back, with the beads secured at the tips for a decorative finish. To recreate this look, cornrow the hair in sections, braid to the desired length, and add beads to the ends, securing them with rubber bands.

This hairstyle is perfect for anyone looking to blend classic cornrows with a playful, stylish accessory.

20. Zigzag and Wave Cornrows

This hairstyle features a combination of zigzag and wave cornrows, adding a creative edge to the classic all-back style. The braids are parted in alternating straight and curved sections, creating a dynamic and eye-catching design.

To achieve this look, part the hair into zigzag and wave patterns and braid each section tightly for definition. The baby hairs are styled into soft swoops for added elegance.

This unique hairstyle is perfect for those who want a bold yet refined look, combining geometric patterns with the natural flow of waves for a stylish finish.

21. Floral Cornrow Design

This floral cornrow design forms a striking flower-like pattern across the scalp, creating a unique and artistic look. Each braid is parted into sections that form petal-like shapes and braided tightly to maintain the intricate design.

The hairstyle is finished off by connecting the cornrows into a circular floral structure. Achieving this look requires precise sectioning and consistent braiding to maintain symmetry.

It’s ideal for special events or those looking to showcase a bold, creative hairstyle that is both protective and expressive.

22. Cornrows with Curly Bun

This cornrows with a curly bun look combines sleek all-back cornrows with a voluminous curly bun at the back. The hair is neatly parted and braided in straight-back sections, then gathered into a textured curly bun at the nape of the neck.

To recreate this look, braid the hair in tight cornrows, leaving the ends unbraided and styled into curls for added volume and flair.

It’s a perfect style for both casual and formal occasions, mixing the precision of cornrows with the playful volume of curls.

23. Neat Cornrow Pattern with Low Bun

The neat cornrow pattern with a low bun features straight-back cornrows braided tightly to the scalp, with the braids gathered into a smooth bun at the base.

The symmetrical and precise parting gives this style a clean, polished look. To achieve this, the hair is sectioned evenly into thin cornrows, braided straight back, and secured into a neat bun at the back.

This hairstyle is ideal for those looking for a sleek, low-maintenance protective style suitable for everyday wear or professional settings.

24. Thin Cornrows with Curly Bun

This style features thin, delicate cornrows braided straight back and gathered into a curly bun. The braids are tightly woven for a sleek and smooth appearance, while the curls at the back add texture and volume.

To achieve this, the hair is parted into small sections and braided closely to the scalp, leaving the ends unbraided and styled into a full curly bun.

The contrast between the thin, sleek braids and the voluminous curls makes this style a great choice for anyone seeking a modern, protective hairstyle that’s easy to maintain but still fashionable.

25. Zigzag Cornrows with Ombre Curls

This zigzag cornrow style incorporates tight, curved braids that transition into ombre curls at the back. The cornrows follow a zigzag pattern that adds dimension and a creative edge to the scalp design.

The ends of the cornrows are left unbraided and curled in a stunning ombre transition from dark roots to vibrant orange curls. To achieve this look, section the hair into zigzag patterns and cornrow each tightly.

Add ombre hair extensions for the length and curl the ends with a curling wand. This style is perfect for anyone who wants a bold, playful hairstyle with a mix of sleek cornrows and bouncy curls.

26. Leaf-Pattern Cornrows

The leaf-pattern cornrows feature intricate braiding that mimics the shape of leaves, making this style both unique and sophisticated. The braids are tightly woven from the hairline, following a curved pattern that creates a leafy, flowing design across the scalp.

To achieve this look, the hair is sectioned into multiple leaf-like shapes and braided tightly to keep the design crisp and clean.

This style is ideal for anyone seeking an artistic and intricate protective hairstyle that stands out while remaining sleek and polished, perfect for formal occasions or casual wear alike.