Cornrow braids are a type of African American hairstyle in which the hair is braided close to the scalp in rows. The hairstyle can be traced back to ancient Africa, and it is still worn today by many African Americans.
In recent years, however, hairstyle has been adopted by people of all races and genders. This trend is particularly evident among men, who have increasingly seen sporting cornrow braids.
There are a number of reasons for this trend, including the fact that cornrow braids are seen as a cool and trendy style. Additionally, cornrow braids can be a practical choice for men who have trouble growing their hair out.
If you’re thinking about getting cornrow braids for men, then read on to learn more about this trendy hairstyle!
Cultural Appropriation of Cornrow Braids
Cultural appropriation of Cornrow Braids for men is the idea that there are certain things. Or practices that belong to a culture and when people outside of that culture copy them. Or use them wrongly the practice can strip meaning from the original practice. The case of hair represents a truly sensitive issue as hair is highly symbolic. And when cultural aspects like hairstyles are replicated by someone who does not identify with those values it can change not only the intent but also the entire meaning.
Cultural appropriation is defined as: “the adoption or use of one culture by members of another culture,. Especially without showing any understanding” (Wikipedia). In this way, Cornrow Braids can be seen as an instance of cultural appropriation because men wearing a braid belongs in society to our women. The style is associated only with females in African communities preventing men from wearing braids as representatives.
Origin
The cornrow braid originated from African countries such as South Africa. It is hard to define “cultural appropriation” without getting into discussions about reverse cultural appropriation. And the entire debate on who can claim ownership over a culture.
This article discusses something that is considered a cultural symbol for African people. Which is misused by non-African people or called reverse cultural appropriation. For example, this happen when Michael Jackson wore cornrows before it was popular for a white man to do so in the west. The author illustrates these hair braids have gained popularity among foreigners pretending to be ethnic minorities because of the exotic. And wild appearance these braids give off, which in return piss off Africans who see this as racism against their traditional way of life,. Adding more violence and discrimination to their already difficult lives. When attention goes only one way,. It might boost someone up but also pushes down someone else that struggles with racism.
The resurgence of cornrow braids in pop culture
Cornrow braids for men are the latest trend in black hairstyles. They are considered an alternative to flattop haircuts and have been seen by many celebrities. Depending on the thickness of your hair and the desired look,. This style can be as simple or complex as you want it to be.
In spite of looking more womanly, cornrows make a great hairstyle. For men who want a strong look from their short haircut. They can also provide an alternative to braids that require maintenance that some feel may not suit them. Some barbers are beginning to offer cornrow-style services for men,. Which would accompany the trend in new male hairstyles like fades and balds.
Hollywood has come full circle when it comes to cornrow braids being popularized by Black Gays, Minority Girls & Breakout Artists of 2016. The resurgence has not just been seen through social media. But through TV show appearances by famous actors such as Wayne Brady with style icon Lena Waithe.
How to get cornrow braids
Cornrow braids are quite the trend these days. They come in several variations, from mullered to malo. If you’re thinking about getting some for your locks, it’s direct and simple number one is to make sure that your hair is in an almost high ponytail before you start. This will have a ton of benefits when forming braids because your hair will stay really still – and it also makes them easier to undo later on.
When forming cornrow braids, plaits won’t look as awesome if they don’t start high up on your head and we do go gradually lower inch by inch down towards the end so that when they come undone they revert back to their original form instead of being just a messy tangle of braids at the bottom of your head.
Getting cornrow braids for men made my life easier in many different ways. For example, I now no longer need to worry about my hairstyle as cornrows can last much longer too.
There is a variety of traditional African American hair products that many people may have never used, but after getting a few braids, I was willing to try any type of product.
Maintenance and care for cornrow braids
Getting cornrow braids for men can be tricky. Cornrows braids for men only require a little added care to maintain the style.
Male styles like cornrows only require that their hair be washed and conditioned every three to four days, with unbraided sections left out in the twists of the locks clipped on both ends. Never expose cornrows to flat iron and never wash them with shampoo since they may recede. Cornrow braids for men are a popular style, but the upkeep and care for cornrow braids can be tiresome.
Since wearing cornrow braids is all about preserving natural African-American beauty, cleansing and refreshing your hair strands that fall out of cornrows. African-American hair has a tendency to be relaxed, so not all wear their natural wig every day, many have been content to sew in their scalp using chemicals like relaxers and conditioners that keeps hair tamed.
Most white men do not know what they are getting into if they decide to wear cornrows braid since they have lower same procedures like retexturizing or pressing to maintain sleek appearances. Consistent updos on African-American hair could take its toll on the scalp when worn solely and every day making it important for those with thick or textured strands to visit a salon for shampooing where excessive oils are expelled from the scalp.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many reasons why more men are getting cornrow braids. Cornrow braids are a practical and stylish way to keep your hair out of your face. They are also low-maintenance and can last for weeks at a time. With so many benefits, it’s no wonder that cornrow braids are becoming more popular with men of all ages.
