BY: PORTIA COLE | PHOTO: @BraidedbyNicks
Cornrows are always a vibe but some stylists are taking things to the next level by incorporating hearts! Heart braids aka cornrowed hearts aka designer braids are usually done with the stitch effect. Stitch braiding is a technique where the stylist creates a train-track like pattern or stitch pattern running along the length of each cornrow by braiding horizontal sections of hair into the cornrows. As you continue to braid, hair is added, however, braiding hair does not always have to be used to achieve a heart cornrow. Combined with the heart design, this minor embellishment can have a big effect on your look, which may be why we’re seeing more people wearing their hearts on their crowns.
This beloved trending hairstyle is requested so often that stylists are being asked to do the style more frequently than traditional cornrow styles. Where the heart is placed is completely up to you, but most opt to have their hearts placed close to their temples or on the backs of their heads. Cornrows with hearts are proof that hair can be art and when it comes to this trend, there’s something for everyone. From simple to colorful, sit back and enjoy these twenty cornrowed hearts that may inspire your next look. We even threw in a few “bonus” shapes too!
Cornrows with Hearts: Simple is Best
Sometimes, keeping things simple works in your favor.
One Heart is Never Enough
Some times more is more. Braiding more hearts into your cornrows takes your hair from just a look to a statement.
Designer Braids: It’s the Details for Us
Here’s where we go from hair style to work of art. The stylists who did these braids are true artists.
All the Colors
If design alone isn’t giving you enough oomph, try adding color!

Long Hair Don’t Care: Cornrowed Hearts with Length!
Hearts can be braided into Fulani braids to spice them up, or braided into a lusciously long weave ponytail.
Bonus Braids!
If hearts aren’t quite your thing, there are other lots of symbols you can design into your cornrows. The world is your oyster (as long as you’ve got a good braider).

If you’d like to try this new cornrow design, check out this YouTube tutorial on how to create your own heart cornrows at home.