As far as we’re concerned, the creativity of cornrow hairstyles remains unmatched. Some of the more complex patterns could easily be considered works of art. But when you’re in the mood for a simple, but chic hairstyle, straight-back braids are hands down, the way to go.
Now don’t think for a minute that ease means uninteresting. You can still experiment with size, number, color, designs, accessories, and even buns. You’ll actually be surprised by the possibilities.
And the best part is, straight-back braids are the ideal protective style. They’re typically quick, easy to maintain, and help with length retention.
As long as you keep your mane moisturized and cover your braids at night with a silk scarf, other than laying your baby hairs, you should be good to go for at least 4 weeks, for most styles.
If you’re still not quite sold on straight-back braids, scroll down for all of the ideas and inspiration you’ll need to seal the deal.
40 Stylish Straight Back Braids You Have to See
1. Long Straight-Back Cornrows
No matter the size or number of straight-backs, always go longer, for an instantly sexier style.
2. Thigh Length Straight-Back Cornrows
3. Straight-Back Braids with a Heart and Baby Hair Bangs
We adore straight-back braids with a heart design, but the baby hair bangs have us smitten with this style.
4. Blonde Straight-Back Cornrows into Low Buns
Opt to go bold with your straight-backs by using blonde braiding hair and creating multiple buns.
5. Jumbo Straight-Back Feed-In Braids with Curly Ends
A jumbo take on straight-back cornrows, these braids are big, long, bohemian and beautiful.
6. Straight-Back Stitch Cornrows with a Heart Design
There’s just something extra special about the precision of stitch cornrows done by a skilled braider. Needless to say, we heart this style too.
7. Straight-Back Ghana Braids
On the chunkier side, these straight-back Ghana braids are giving.
8. Iverson Braids
A literal twist on straight-backs, these wavy Iverson braids are wonderful.
9. Straight-Back Cornrows into a Low Curly Ponytail
If you can cornrow, then this straight-back look will be a cinch. We’re always amazed by how many simple, stunning styles are possible with a ponytail.
10. Boho Curly Goddess Cornrows
Yara Shahidi shows us that straight-backs don’t have to be so structured. The juxtaposition of formal attire against this boho goddess look is absolutely gorgeous.
11. Small Ombre Straight-Back Cornrows
You have so many options when incorporating color. Personally, we’re partial to neutral ombre shades, but blonde highlights on select braids, can make a straight-back style pop.
12. Small Straight-Back Braids with Blonde Highlights
13. Maroon Straight-Back Braids
Fans of red can go full-on maroon or select a slightly more subtle ginger, which can be equally appealing.
14. Ginger Straight-Back Braids
15. Jumbo Bohemian Feed-In Cornrows
Adding Water Wave hair is an easy way to elevate your jumbo straight-backs from attractive to ethereal.
16. Zig-Zag Straight-Back Cornrows
Again, straight-backs don’t have to be so straight forward. The braids might not zig-zag too, but the parts add enough interest to make this hairstyle a hit.
17. Four Straight-Back Cornrows with a Heart Design in a Low Bun
They already had us at the heart design in this hairstyle. But seeing the cornrows, wrapped with box braids into a low bun AND finished with cord? We are head over heels in love.
18. Long Black and Blonde Straight-Back Braids
Different from the subtle gradient you get with ombre hair, combining black and blonde is a great way to make super long straight-back braids stand out even more; or you can super size them like the Ghana braids below.
19. Long Straight-Back Ghana Braids
20. Crimson Red Straight-Back Braids
For those who aren’t afraid of color, or attention, these crimson red straight-back braids are lit.
21. Six Thigh-Length Straight-Back Braids
Sexy yet subtle, a minimum number of braids can still deliver maximum impact.
22. Side-Swept Straight-Back Braids
On the smaller side, these chic straight-back braids are a happy medium.
23. Black and Blonde Ombre Straight-Backs with Curly Ends
Color and curls are a killer combo with straight-back braids , whether it’s just the ends, or actual ponytails.
24. Brown and Ginger Straight-Backs in Two Low Ponytails
25. Chunky Feed-In Cornrows with Star Design
This stunning straight-back style features crossover braids and star designs that truly sparkle.
26. Small Straight-Back Braids
No accessories, color or variety of sizes needed. These small straight back braids are truly simplicity at its finest.
27. Mixed-Size Straight-Back Cornrows
Shake up your straight-back style, and lean a little more boho, by incorporating multi-size cornrows and gold cuffs.
28. Four Straight-Back Braids
This pretty look proves that a handful of straight-back braids can be just as fierce as a head full.
29. Six Side-Swept Straight-Back Stitch Braids
Side-swept and stunning, these six straight-back stitch braids are…chef’s kiss.
30. Jumbo Straight-Back Cornrows
These juicy, jumbo straight-back cornrows are just as big on style.
31. Straight-Back Braids into Two Low Buns
This straight-back braided look lets you double your pleasure with two, lovely low buns.
32. Butt Length Straight-Backs with Micro Cornrows
Micro cornrows can make a straightforward straight-back style more visually interesting, but adding blue, like in the look below, is an unexpected but effective approach.
33. Multi-Size Straight-Back Braids with Blue Tips
34. Eight Feed-In Stitch Braids
Edgy, without harming your edges, this look features eight feed-in stitch braids for the win.
35. Straight-Back Cornrows Chignon
As you can see, there’s no wrong way to style straight-backs. These braids started as cornrows and ended with twists, which were then wrapped into a chignon, all without adding extensions. And needless to say, they’re exquisite.
36. Straight-Back Feed-In Freestyle Braids
Taking a little creative license with the straight-back style, these freestyle braids are fire.
37. Nine Gold Straight-Back Stitch Braids
Daring and dazzling, these gold straight-back stitch braids are absolutely gorgeous.
38. Medium Length Straight-Back Braids with Gold Cuffs
While straight-back styles tend to lean toward the longer side, this look proves that medium length braids can be just as lovely.
39. Four Straight-Back Braids in a Low Bun
An easy natural hairstyle to copy, Tia Mowry’s four straight-back braids, finished with a bun, are flawless.
40. Honey Blonde Feed-In Cornrows
It’s no secret that we adore blonde braided hairstyles, and these honey blonde feed-ins are absolutely fabulous.
As promised, we came through with this must-see mix of straight-back styles. But if you’re still in search of even more banging braided looks, we’ve got you covered there too.