Cornrows vs. Box Braids (Comparison)

Hair is the crown people wear in their day-to-day lives and they love to have it in style. Choosing a hairstyle may sometimes influence by today’s trends or culture.

Cornrows and Box raids are both types of braids. If you’re contemplating what style to choose, then you might consider those two. They may look the same but the difference lies in the way in which they’re styled.

If you’re an enthusiast about different hairstyles, then I’ve got you covered! In this article, I’ll provide a detailed account of the differences between cornrows and box braids. You’ll also come across the best kind of braids to naturally grow your hair later on in the article!

So let’s dive right in!

What’s the difference between cornrows and box braids?

Cornrows are braids in lines and they’re attached to the scalp. Whereas, box braids make a square. Basically, they’re individual braids in a “box” section.

They’re both a form of braids. Cornrows have many names known as boxer braids, bobby-pin headbands, inside-out plaits, etc.

Cornrows, also known as Canerows, are a traditional style of braids. The hair is braided very close to the scalp using a special technique. This technique includes using an underhand, upward motion to make a continuous, raised row.

There are so many braided hairstyles that flood our feeds every day and end up creating confusion. Don’t worry, I’ll help you out by differentiating the different types of braids!

Whether you have braids leading into a ponytail or them going back to the nape of your neck, cornrows are all the same. You can identify cornrows as a series of tight, three-stranded braids, which are weaved very close to the scalp.

They’re pretty visible and once you know what they look like, it’s easier to identify them. The main difference between cornrows and French braids is that you cross-section under, rather than over to make them pop off the head.

On the other hand, box braids are also known as Poetic justice braids. These are single three-strand plaits made using tiny and sectioned-off parts that resemble a box. Hence, the name “box braids”.

Moreover, cornrows are braided parallel to the scalp. They’re often referred to as scalp braids or French braids. With cornrows, each portion of the hair is braided till the middle of each braid.

Box braids are oftentimes referred to as plaits. They’re also considered as a form of braiding which consists of using synthetic braiding hair and plaiting it with the actual hair of the person.

What’s the difference between braids and box braids?

The main difference between knotless braids and box braids is again the technique used. Knotless braids start off with the hair and then the braid is added using a feed-in technique. This gives a seamless natural look. Whereas, traditional box braids are braided by forming a knot around the base of the hair.

Moreover, another notable difference is that with knotless braids there’s less tension applied. Therefore, this results in a pain-free installation. However, in box braids, a lot of tension is applied while forming the knot. This results in a bit of discomfort and irritation.

Although knotless braids can come in the same sizes and lengths as box braids, they look like they’re growing out of the scalp. Here’s a list of key factors differentiating between knotless braids and box braids:

• Installation technique
  Knotless braids appear natural and blend with the hair as they use a feed-in technique. Box braids usually add the braid as an extension around your hair and then make a knot at the base. The knot basically holds your hair and synthetic hair tightly together.
• Versatility
  Box braids are generally inflexible and difficult to style because of the tension from the knot. You may need to wait a few days for them to loosen up. Knotless braids, however, can be easily styled right after they’ve been installed. They’re very light and cause no strain to the hair.
• Installation time
  Knotless braids take a longer period to install because the method of installation is technical. It takes about 4 to 8 hours to finish depending on their size. Box braids take from one hour to three hours, depending on the speed of the hair technician.
• Hair breakage
  Traditional box braids tend to cause more breakage as compared to knotless braids. Box braids tend to cause hair loss and can also lead to alopecia. However, in knotless braids, the damage can be driven on the edges.

Do cornrows last as long as box braids?

How long cornrows last depends on multiple factors. These include the style, hair texture, lifestyle, and how well you maintain or take care of your hair while it’s in this style. Generally, they last about 2 to 8 weeks.

The jumbo cornrows stay in for a less time as they’re harder to manage. However, easier styles like box braids stay in for longer as you can easily wash your scalp in this style.

If you’re looking for a braid style that lasts you months, then go for the “Micro box braids”! They’re thin braids that can stay in the longest, up to 3 months. Out of all the braid sizes, they stay the longest time without having to go back to the hair technician.

Box braids can last up to 10 weeks. However, they only last this long if the nape and hairline are redone in the sixth week. Otherwise, they may only stay for eight weeks.

Moreover, if you have the patience to keep cornrows, then they may last up to about three months. After this amount of time, they start getting dangerous as they could break off, dread, or knot up.

When should you remove cornrows?

You may have the temptation to leave your cornrows in for as long as possible because of how amazing they look. However, experts recommend you to keep them in for only about 2 to 8 weeks. This also depends on how active you are and the overall condition and health of your hair.

Cornrows are classified as “protective” styling. They help protect your hair from losing its moisture as well as breakage.

They’re also a style that tucks the hair away and doesn’t require daily retouching. This discourages tugging, pulling, and manipulation.

Moreover, most styling professionals agree that you must wash your hair and scalp every 1 to 3 weeks. However, they also say that you should generally wash your hair while it’s braided in any protective style as often as you normally would.

Pro tip: Avoid using hot water on hair as the heat being intense can cause breakage as well as dry hair!

What is the difference between box braids and twists?

Box braids are made by intertwining three strands of hair. Whereas, twists require only two strands to be wrapped around each other. Therefore, the main difference lies in the technique.

Twists tend to weigh less on the scalp, but they require more maintenance as they’re quicker to unravel. However, according to some people, they age more gracefully than braids as the roots blend in with the twist when they grow out.

If you’re someone who prefers a sleeker look, then opt for braids. This is because twists are fluffier in appearance. There are mainly four types of twists: Senegalese, Havana, kinky, and Marley which is also known as Mali.

One thing which braids and twists have in common is that they’re both considered protective styles. This means that you should choose a stylist who won’t ruin your natural hair.

Take a look at this video explaining how to make box braids:

Do box braids damage hair?

While these hairstyles may look amazing, they also tend to cause damage to your hair. The most common type of damage caused by box braids is major hair loss.

When box braids are made too tightly, they can literally pull the hair out of the roots. The damage caused isn’t immediate, but it takes place over time. Look out for signs like scalp redness, soreness, and bumps to see if your box braids are pulling your hair.

Moreover, you should always know if your hair can actually tolerate box braids. There are many hair characteristics that actually make a difference in the damage risk. You’re more likely to experience damage from box braids if you have fragile hair.

These are a few signs to know if your hair is too delicate for this type of styling:

• Your hair is fine and thin
• Color-treated or bleached
• If you’re losing your hair

Which braids are best for hair growth?

There are many different types of braids, some are loose while some are tight. If you’re looking for a braid style for hair growth, then try loose ones instead of tight braids. For instance, French braids, linear plaits, or fishtail braids.

Unfortunately, braiding doesn’t necessarily speed up hair growth. Your hair growth rate depends on genetics, lifestyle, diet, and stress levels.

The type of hairstyle doesn’t determine the growth rate. However, braiding can protect the hair as it reduces hair breakage. It also strengthens its structure.

The hair strands remain strong when they’re woven into a braid. This restricts movement like tugging and pulling. It also reduces daily wear and tear caused by friction. These factors minimize hair damage and promote healthy hair growth.

Here’s a table describing techniques to make different types of braids:

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the main difference between different types of braids is the technique used to make each of them. Cornrows are braids in lines that are attached to the scalp. Whereas, box braids hang off the scalp and are made using sectioned hair which resembles a box.

This type of braiding is known as protective styling as it prevents hair breakage and damage. It encourages healthy hair growth. Braids help in retaining hair moisture and reduce friction and movement which may cause damage to hair.

However, some braid styles, like box braids, do pose a risk of damaging hair if it’s fragile. They can be rough and cause soreness or redness on the scalp which is an indication of hair being pulled. This could lead to major hair loss or alopecia.

I hope this article helps you out with your braiding queries!

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