Can’t Choose Between Cornrows or Box Braids? Try These 17 Styles

Stuck between getting cornrows or box braids? I’ve been there too!

That moment of indecision at the salon when both styles call your name is all too familiar. But here’s the good news – you don’t have to choose just one.

I’ve discovered some amazing hybrid styles that give you the best of both worlds, combining the sleekness of cornrows with the versatility of box braids.

1. Front Row Party

Cornrows in the front with box braids flowing in the back creates the perfect mullet-inspired protective style. I tried this look last summer and loved how it kept my hairline neat while still giving me the length and movement of traditional braids.

The front cornrows can be styled in simple straight-back patterns or something more creative with curves and designs. Your stylist can make the transition so seamless nobody will guess it’s two different styles in one.

This combo works great for active people since the front stays secure during workouts while the back portion gives you styling options. Budget bonus: maintenance is easier since you only need to touch up the front cornrows periodically!

2. Half-and-Half Division

My sister rocked this style at her graduation and turned heads everywhere. Picture this: one side of your head sporting neat cornrows while the other half features full, beautiful box braids. The clean division creates a bold statement that’s both edgy and sophisticated.

This style especially pops when you add different colored extensions to each side. I recommend keeping the cornrow side slightly more subdued if you work in conservative environments – you can always flip your hair to show the more creative side after hours!

The beauty of this half-and-half approach is how it dramatically changes your appearance depending on how you part and style it. Plus, it gives your scalp partial relief from the tension of full box braids.

3. Cascading Side Sweep

Got this style for my cousin’s wedding and the photographer couldn’t stop taking pictures of it! Side-swept cornrows that gracefully transition into cascading box braids create a waterfall effect that frames your face beautifully.

The cornrows start at one temple and sweep across your head, following your natural hairline. As they reach the opposite side, they blend into box braids that fall over your shoulder in an elegant cascade.

This style works magic for special events because it stays put all day while giving dimension and movement in photos. I found it particularly flattering since the side positioning draws attention to your cheekbones and eyes. For extra pop, add some gold cuffs where the cornrows transition into box braids!

4. Zigzag Paradise

My roommate calls this her “conversation starter” hairstyle because people always ask about it! Instead of boring straight parts, zigzag cornrow partings create geometric patterns across your scalp before flowing into traditional box braids.

The sharp angles of the zigzag parts contrast beautifully with the softness of the hanging box braids. I’ve seen this style done with both thin and thick cornrows, but the zigzag pattern stands out more dramatically with thicker rows.

For maximum impact, consider adding bright colored extensions just to the box braid portions. The defined parts also make it easier to apply scalp treatments without redoing your entire style. This look typically lasts 6-8 weeks with proper care and nighttime protection.

5. Feed-In Fusion

My go-to protective style combines sleek straight-back cornrows that gradually feed into box braids. The genius of this style is how the cornrows start small at the hairline and progressively thicken as they move backward, creating a smooth transition into full box braids.

This style gives you a clean, pulled-back look from the front while maintaining the fullness and versatility of box braids from the back and sides. I particularly love how it keeps my edges protected while still giving me styling options.

The feed-in technique distributes tension more evenly across your scalp compared to traditional box braids. My hair actually grew an inch during the two months I wore this style! For best results, make sure your stylist uses light tension on the cornrow portion to prevent stress on your edges.

6. Goddess Braid Blend

My aunt got married with this hairstyle, and I’m still obsessed with how it photographed! Thick, curved goddess braids crown the top of your head before transforming into flowing box braids that cascade down your back and shoulders.

The contrast between the substantial, sculptural goddess braids and the more delicate box braids creates a truly regal look. The top portion provides amazing definition and height, while the box braid ends allow for movement and versatility.

This style particularly flatters round and heart-shaped faces by creating length and drawing the eye upward. For special occasions, thread thin gold wire or string through the goddess braid portion for a truly show-stopping effect. Just remember this style requires a skilled braider who can execute the transition smoothly!

7. Chunky-Slim Contrast

My friend’s teenager picked this style for her sweet sixteen, and it perfectly matched her bold personality! Extra-thick, chunky cornrows create dramatic definition across the scalp, then transition into much slimmer box braids for a striking contrast that plays with proportion.

The visual impact comes from the unexpected shift from bold to delicate. Usually, 4-6 chunky cornrows are enough to create the statement look on top, while the slim box braids keep the style from feeling too heavy or overwhelming.

This style works particularly well for people with thinner hair who want the appearance of fullness without excessive weight or tension. The maintenance is surprisingly easy too – the chunky cornrows hold up well during washing, and the smaller box braids don’t tangle as much as larger ones might.

8. Royal Crown Creation

I wore this to my college graduation and felt like absolute royalty! Cornrows braided in a circular pattern create a crown-like formation on top of your head, with box braids extending downward from the crown’s perimeter.

The cornrow crown can be as simple as a single circle or as complex as a spiral or starburst pattern. The box braids flowing from this structured crown create a beautiful contrast between the geometric precision on top and the free-flowing length below.

This style offers amazing versatility – you can gather all the box braids into a low ponytail for professional settings or leave them loose for casual days. Adding small golden beads or cuffs to the points where the cornrows meet the box braids enhances the regal effect. Just be prepared for the crown portion to take longer at the salon!

9. Vertical Blend Vision

My cousin calls this her “business in the front, party in the back” style! Vertical cornrows running from forehead to nape create clean, defined lines that gradually blend into long, flowing box braids. The transition happens so smoothly you barely notice where one style ends and the other begins.

The vertical pattern elongates your face shape and creates a slimming effect. I love how the cornrows keep everything sleek and controlled near the face, while the box braids add volume and movement where you want it.

This style is perfect for growing out damaged ends since the box braid portion can incorporate extensions while your natural hair recovers. For a fun twist, ask your stylist to add a zigzag or curved pattern to some of the vertical cornrows before they transition to the box braids.

10. Tribal Pattern Mix

When I traveled to Ghana last year, I was inspired by the intricate tribal braiding patterns and brought this idea to my stylist back home. Complex geometric cornrow patterns create meaningful symbols and designs across the scalp, while box braids extend from specific points within the pattern.

The cornrow section can incorporate authentic tribal symbols like spirals, diamonds, or zigzags that hold cultural significance. The box braids are strategically placed to enhance rather than distract from these meaningful patterns.

This style truly celebrates African heritage while providing practical protection for your hair. I recommend taking reference photos to your stylist and being patient – the intricate cornrow section can take several hours to complete perfectly. The result is absolutely worth it though – a walking work of art that honors traditional braiding techniques!

11. Center-Part Layered Look

I created this style for my sister’s prom, and everyone thought she’d gone to a celebrity stylist! A clean center part serves as the foundation, with cornrows extending outward from the part on both sides. These cornrows then feed into layers of box braids that cascade down at different lengths.

The layered effect creates amazing dimension and movement. Some box braids can be cut shorter around the face to frame your features, while longer ones in the back provide fullness and drama.

This style photographs beautifully from every angle and holds up well during active events. For a cohesive look, keep the cornrow portion relatively simple with straight lines to balance the complexity of the layered box braids. My sister added small pearl accents along her center part for her prom night, which elevated the entire style!

12. Topknot Transformation

My mom calls this my “professional-to-party” style because it works for both settings! Cornrows spiral upward to form a secure topknot on the crown of your head, while box braids emerge from the knot and hang down freely.

The cornrow topknot creates a clean, polished look that’s perfect for work or formal occasions. The hanging box braids add length and movement that can be styled in countless ways – gathered to one side, pulled into a low ponytail, or left completely free.

This style is particularly flattering for oval and long face shapes as it adds height at the crown. I find it’s also great for hot weather since the cornrow portion keeps hair off your neck while still giving you the beauty of braids. For extra security, have your stylist add a small, invisible hairnet around the base of the topknot.

13. Undercut Illusion

My brother’s girlfriend got this style for music festival season and it broke the internet! This bold look features an actual or simulated undercut on one or both sides, with tight cornrows creating the shaved appearance. The remaining hair is styled in full, voluminous box braids that create a dramatic contrast.

The beauty of this style is that you can get the edgy undercut look without actually committing to shaving any hair. The tight cornrows lie so flat against the scalp that they create the perfect illusion.

This style works especially well with colorful extensions incorporated into the box braid portion. For festivals, my brother’s girlfriend added temporary color spray to her cornrow sections in neon colors that matched her outfits. Just make sure your stylist creates clean, straight parts for the cornrow sections to maintain the crisp undercut illusion!

14. Braided Mohawk Magic

When my cousin wanted something dramatic for her album cover shoot, we created this show-stopping style! Cornrows on both sides of the head angle upward toward the center, where they connect with a dramatic strip of box braids that run from forehead to nape like a mohawk.

The cornrows create a clean, sculpted look on the sides while the center box braids add height, volume, and drama. The contrast between the flat, sleek sides and the full, textured center creates a mohawk effect without shaving anything.

This style photographs amazingly from all angles, especially in profile. For extra impact, consider adding colored extensions just to the box braid mohawk section. My cousin’s photographer said it was the most photogenic protective style she’d ever worked with because of how it created such defined lines and shapes.

15. Accent Braid Arrangement

I got endless compliments on this subtly mixed style at work! Primarily consisting of traditional box braids, this look incorporates strategic cornrow accents that add interest and definition without overwhelming the overall style.

The cornrow sections might include a small design at the temple, a single cornrow as a headband effect, or a few cornrows creating a side part. These accents break up the uniformity of box braids while adding architectural interest to the style.

This approach gives you the versatility of box braids with the added visual interest of cornrow detailing. I found it particularly practical because when the box braids started to grow out, I could refresh just the cornrow accents to extend the life of the entire style. For a cohesive look, keep the cornrow sections relatively small and focused in 2-3 areas rather than scattered throughout.

16. Freestyle Part Fusion

My dance team got matching versions of this style for our hip-hop competition! Instead of traditional straight or geometric parts, freestyle organic partings create fluid, curved sections across the scalp. Each section starts with a cornrow that feeds directly into a box braid.

The curved, flowing parts create a beautiful map-like pattern across your head that’s totally unique to you. No two freestyle part fusions ever look exactly alike, making this a truly personalized protective style.

This approach distributes tension more evenly across your scalp than traditional grid partings. My entire dance team reported less scalp soreness after getting this style compared to regular box braids. For maximum impact, consider using two complementary colors of braiding hair – one for the cornrow portions and another for the box braid lengths.

17. Diamond Section Stunner

I first saw this style on my favorite R&B singer and immediately booked an appointment to get it! Diamond-shaped sections mapped across your scalp create a quilted pattern, with alternating sections done in either cornrows or box braids.

The diamond sections typically measure about 2 inches across, creating a checkerboard-like effect of contrasting textures. Some diamonds feature cornrows that follow the diamond’s shape, while others contain box braids emerging from the center of each diamond.

This geometric approach creates amazing dimension and visual interest from every angle. The diamond sectioning also makes it easier to access your scalp for cleaning and moisturizing compared to traditional box braids. Just be prepared for a longer appointment – the precise sectioning requires extra time and attention from your stylist!