How to Clean Cornrows

Co-authored by Laura Martin

Cornrow braiding is an ancient African hairstyle that dates back to at least 500 B.C. and is still a widespread hair style across the globe. Cornrows are easy to maintain, especially for those with frizzy hair.^{[1]
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Research source} While maintenance may be easy, it's sometimes difficult to fully clean them without taking them out. Luckily, by using specific techniques, you can keep your cornrows clean and looking great for the long run.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Shampooing Cornrows

1
Mix sulfate free shampoo, oil, and warm water in a spray bottle. Mix a quarter cup of shampoo with equal parts water and add 2–4 tablespoons (29.6–59.1 ml) of oil. Sulfate free shampoos may prevent your scalp from becoming irritated and may stop your hair from becoming frizzy and easily breaking. With cornrows it’s important that you capture your hair’s natural oils to prevent frizziness.
- Shake the bottle before applying the solution.
- You can use grapeseed, jojoba, coconut, or olive oil depending on what kind of hair you have. Coconut oil and jojoba oil work well for all hair types. Almond oil works well if you have dandruff.
- If you don’t have a spray bottle you can use a small bowl.
2
Run your head under warm water. Running your cornrows under warm water will open up your cuticles, and rinse the initial dirt out of your hair.^{[2]
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- Using a portable shower head can make this process easier.^{[3]
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3
Spray your shampoo solution onto your cornrows and scalp. Shake your shampoo solution and apply it generously to your head and hair. If you're using a bowl, take some of the shampoo and lather the mixture in your hands. Once your hands are lathered apply it generously to your hair.
- Do not neglect your scalp. This area can have a lot of built up dirt and leftover residue from hair products you've used in the past.
4
Massage the shampoo into your scalp and braids. Use your fingers to gently massage each cornrow until all of them are lathered.
- You should wash your cornrows every 7-10 days.
- Washing your cornrows will prevent breakage when you take your braids out.
5
Rinse your cornrows. Make sure that you rinse your hair thoroughly—for 3 to 5 minutes—to get all of the shampoo out of it. Leaving shampoo residue in your hair can irritate your scalp.
- Leaving shampoo in your hair could create residue build-up from the chemicals in your shampoo.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Conditioning Cornrows

1
Mix a protein based conditioner, oil, and warm water in a spray bottle. Protein based conditioners contain keratin, which helps patch cracked or missing cuticles in your hair.^{[4]
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- Use olive or almond oil if your hair is prone to dandruff or dryness.^{[5]
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- Argan oil works well for coarse, unruly hair.
- Grapeseed and jojoba oils are lighter oils for people who already have oil prone hair.
- You can also use scented oils if you want your hair to smell good.
2
Spray your cornrows with your conditioner solution. Spray all of your cornrows with your conditioner solution. Make sure to get equal coverage on your hair.
3
Cover your head with a shower cap and wait for 20 minutes. Covering your head in a plastic shower cap will help your hair retain moisture and stop the water that would normally evaporate from escaping.
- If you don’t have a plastic shower cap you can use a grocery store bag as an alternative.
- Do no leave the conditioner on for longer than 20 minutes or it may make your hair brittle.
4
Rinse off your conditioner with room temperature or cool water. Hot water may cause unwanted frizziness in your hair. Doing a thorough rinsing will wash out any remaining dirt from your hair.
- You do not have to take a shower when conditioning. You just need access to the shower head.
- Rinse your hair for 2 to 3 minutes to get all of the conditioner out.
5
Pat your cornrows with a towel and wear a shower cap. Use a soft cotton towel and wear a shower cap until your cornrows are dry. Do not rub your head or you may undo your braids.
- You can also wring out the ends of your cornrows in order to get out excess moisture.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Moisturizing Cornrows

1
Mix leave-in conditioner, oil, and water in a spray bottle. Find a leave-in conditioner that works best for your type of hair. If you are prone to frizzy or dry hair, choose one specifically made to handle frizzy hair. For oil prone hair, look for lighter solutions.^{[6]
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Research source} Mix a quarter cup of leave-in conditioner with equal parts water and 2–4 tablespoons (29.6–59.1 ml) of oil.
- Using coconut oil may leave an unwanted scent in your hair.
2
Shake your bottle and spray your cornrows with moisturizer. If you have dry hair that is prone to breakage, you should moisturize your scalp on a daily basis. Gently spray over the top of your head to make your hair damp with moisturizer.
- With oily hair, make sure that the ends of your cornrows are also getting oil.
3
Gently rub the moisturizer into your cornrows. Rub each cornrow individually and remember to moisturize your scalp as well. Using this mixture will prevent your hair from getting dry and breaking.
- Shea butter is another option if you want to use a different product to moisturize your cornrows.
4
Wrap your hair in a satin or silk scarf. Wearing a satin or silk scarf will prevent your hair from being dry and helps maintain volume. Unlike cotton, it will not absorb your hair's natural oils and will allow for less friction between your hair and pillow as you sleep.^{[7]
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- You can also use a satin or silk pillowcase as an alternative to a head scarf.
- Satin scarves are also called bonnets or head-wraps.
- Satin and silk headscarves can be found at beauty salons, certain department stores, or online boutiques.

Expert Q&A
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Question

Can you get your cornrows wet?

Laura Martin
Professional Hair Stylist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.

Laura Martin

Professional Hair Stylist

Expert Answer

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Yes, you can. Water won't disrupt cornrows. You do want to make sure that you don't let them stay waterlogged though. After washing, gently blot the rows with a towel to help them dry.
Question

Do you wash your hair when you have cornrows?

Laura Martin
Professional Hair Stylist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.

Laura Martin

Professional Hair Stylist

Expert Answer

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Yes, you should still wash your hair if it's in cornrows. The most important thing is to cleanse the scalp, don't worry about washing the cornrows themselves.
Question

How long do you leave cornrows in your hair?

Laura Martin
Professional Hair Stylist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.

Laura Martin

Professional Hair Stylist

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

You can leave them in for up to 8 weeks. Leaving them for longer can cause uneven tension on the scalp and possibly lead to breakage. You can take them out and immediately rebraid the hair if desired.