Scalp braids have a much more common name: cornrows. Scalp braids, or cornrows, are braided along the scalp which creates neat spaces in between the braids to showcase either simple or complex parting designs. Scalp braids hairstyles are great protective hairstyle choices that last from one to six weeks depending on the size and how well they’re done. The biggest reason this style of braids is so popular, though, is because they can be done in so many different ways, shapes and patterns—as you’ll see in this list, the only limit is your imagination.
Scalp braids keep your hair very well-protected and your hair can still be maintained with all your favorite products while you have the scalp braids in. These are some absolutely gorgeous scalp braids hairstyle ideas that are sure to convince you to ask for them on your next trip to the salon!
1. Feed-In Scalp Braids
Feed-in scalp braids are braids that are done without the braiding hair being noticeably visible. This effect is achieved by adding small pieces of braiding hair underneath the cornrows as you braid until you reach your desired thickness. Feed-in scalp braids are meant to make the braids look more natural and flat. The best part is that they can be made into any cornrow style and length of your choice.
2. Scalp Braids With Beads
Scalp braids with beads are made by braiding the hair with or without braiding hair, very close to the scalp and adding beads at the ends. Adorning your scalp braids with beads makes your braids look brighter, fuller and more decorative! Beads come in all different styles, shapes and colors to fit everyone.
3. Layered Scalp Braids
Layered scalp braids are usually tribal braids made in rows that overlap each other. They’re done by horizontally sectioning the hair into two or more parts and making vertical scalp braids on each section to create the layers. Layered scalp braids are unique and they can be spiced up by adding beads or curls to the ends.
4. Scalp Braids Ponytail
Scalp braid ponytails involve braiding the hair from all sides of the head to meet at the top, middle or back of the head, then securing the braids into a ponytail. The scalp braids can be done in different designs and the ponytail can be a high, middle or low ponytail. If you prefer, the ponytail can also be styled into a bun.
5. Scalp Braids With Bun
Scalp braids with a bun is your go-to for when you need a simple and stress-free yet classy hairstyle. To create a nice scalp braids with a bun hairstyle, braid the hair into straight back cornrows and put the ends into a bun. For more ideas like this, check out our braid hairstyles for men article. The bun can be made from one big braid rolled into a bun or from the ends of several individual braids packed together. Scalp braids with a bun doesn’t require daily styling as it’s already in one style for the duration you have it in—in other words, it’ll save you a lot of time getting ready in the morning.
6. Scalp Braids With Box Braids in the Back
Scalp braids with box braids in the back is a very lovely style—perfect for your next well-deserved vacation! It’s created by horizontally sectioning the hair in two and putting the crown of the head into cornrows or scalp braids. Then, you’ll want to make individual box, knot or knotless braids at the back section. Scalp braids with box braids in the back can be done in any color and can also be styled in a lot of other ways.
7. Goddess Scalp Braids
Goddess scalp braids are scalp braids that have curly hair strands on them. They’re made by adding curly extensions to each braid. You can do this with a crochet pin, by adding the curly hair on as the hair is being braided, or simply leaving strands of hair out of the braid as you’re braiding and curling them yourself later. Goddess braids help to switch up regular scalp braids and give a more voluminous and glamorous look.
8. Men’s Scalp Braids
Men’s scalp braids are easy and convenient for men to maintain when they don’t want their hair out. Men’s scalp braids are made by parting the hair into any style of choice and braiding it very close to the scalp. The most common scalp braid hairstyle for men is straight back cornrows because it’s very simple, clean and convenient.
9. Cute Scalp Braids
Cute scalp braids are usually very pretty and aesthetically-pleasing. Cute scalp braids are usually made with cute designs such as hearts, floral designs, zig zag patterns, etc.. If you really want to steal the show, cute scalp braids can be accessorized with beads and other hair accessories to make your look even more jaw-dropping.
10. Scalp Braids for Little Girls
Scalp braids for little girls are common, easy and absolutely adorable! They are made by braiding the hair very close to the scalp into any style. Scalp braids for little girls are a fun look and can be accessorized with bows, scrunchies, beads, etc. and curls can also be added to the braids.
11. Long Scalp Braids
One way to switch up your scalp braids is by getting them in long lengths. Long scalp braids involve using braiding hair to braid the hair very close to the scalp and making the ends in a long length. Long scalp braids can be created in any color or size you like, typically through the use of a lot of braiding hair.
12. Jumbo Scalp Braids
Don’t have the time to sit in your braider’s chair for hours this time? You should get jumbo scalp braids. Jumbo scalp braids are made by parting the hair into large sections and making big scalp braids on each section. Jumbo scalp braids take less time to complete but may not last for a very long time.
13. Small Scalp Braids to the Back
Small scalp braids to the back may also be called all back braids. They are made by braiding the hair from the front of the head all the way back to the nape of the neck. Small scalp braids to the back are made in small sizes and last for a long while because of their size.
14. Scalp Braids With Heart
Scalp braids with a heart is the official certified lover girl hairstyle! You pull this style off by braiding any cornrow style you like while incorporating a braided heart shape at any part of the head. The heart design can be at one side, both sides, front, back or center of the head.
15. Lemonade Scalp Braids
Lemonade scalp braids are braids that all travel all the way to one side of the head. It’s a fabulous asymmetric style that involves making horizontal scalp braids from one side of the head to the other side, then making individual braids underneath the scalp braids to give the style a fuller look.
16. Two Scalp Braids
Two scalp braids are another easy and minimal scalp braids style to get. They are made by sectioning the hair into two parts, left and right, and making cornrow braids from the front of the hair to the nape of the neck on each section. Two scalp braids can also be called two French braids and they can be done with a middle or a side part.
17. Two Strand Twists to the Scalp
Two strand twists along the scalp are popularly known as flat twists. They are made by intertwining two strands of hair, very close to the scalp. Two strand twists look great with both natural hair and with extensions. The best extensions for two strand twists to the scalp are extensions with kinky hair texture.
18. Red Scalp Braids
Red scalp braids are made using red braiding hair and are great for people who like flashy hair colors. Using red braiding hair, you can make any cornrow style. If you’re really feeling bold, you can dye your natural hair to match with the red braiding hair and it would look exceptional.
19. Scalp Braids With Natural Hair
Scalp braids with natural hair are scalp braids that are done without any braiding hair, just the natural hair. Scalp braids with natural hair can be done into straight backs, updos or any desired cornrow style. Scalp braids with natural hair is a great protective style for both short and long natural hair.
20. Scalp Braids to the Side With Weave
Scalp braids to the side with weave are created by making scalp braids on a third of the head on the preferred side, then adding weave to the rest of the hair. The weave could be a sew-in or crochet extensions. Scalp braids to the side can be done with a straight, curly, wavy or any type of weave you like.
21. Scalp Braids in a Mohawk
Scalp braids in a mohawk are scalp braids that are done on both sides of the head to meet in the middle. They’re done by making cornrow braids on each side of the side that flow upward to middle of the head, then either making individual braids at the middle or one big braid from the front to the back of the head.
22. Scalp Braids With a Swoop
Scalp braids with a swoop are created by making straight back cornrow braids on one side of the head. Then, you’ll want to make cornrow braids on the other side but instead of all of them going straight back the ones in the front should dip forward and down to cover a little side of the forehead. When you’re done, you should have a small swoop on one side of the face. Scalp braids with a swoop look best when made with a side part and can be made with a high or low ponytail depending on preference.
23. Zig-Zag Scalp Braids
Zig-zag braids to the back are made by parting the hair in sections from the front to the back. Then, on each section, braid the cornrows horizontally back and forth from one side of the part to the other instead of straight back. Zig-zag straight back braids will definitely stand out because they’re less common and give Y2K vibes.
24. Scalp Braids With Shaved Sides
If you have a haircut and would still like to get braids, scalp braids with shaved sides is an awesome option. It involves shaving the sides of the hair and making cornrows braids in the middle. Scalp braids with shaved sides look best when you get a fresh cut and the braids can be done in any size, color or length.
25. Micro Scalp Braids
Micro scalp braids are extra small braids made against the scalp. Micro scalp braids can be made with or without braiding hair but when using braiding hair, extra small pieces of hair should be used to get the micro size. Micro scalp braids may take a long time to complete but it’s always worth it since they last for such a long time.
