Thinking about braids or cornrows? This guide covers popular men’s braiding styles, how long they should stay in, and how to care for your hair before and after your appointment. Practical advice from a Peterborough barber studio experienced in working with textured and protective styles.
Braids aren’t a trend you try. They’re a style you wear properly.
In UK hair culture, cornrows and braids sit at the intersection of technique, artistry, and identity, and they can look uncompromisingly clean when installed and maintained with the right approach. UK industry content describes cornrows as a traditional braiding technique that continues to thrive today, defined by close-to-scalp pattern work that can be straight, curved, or geometric.
If you’re searching for cornrows in Peterborough or considering men’s braids for the first time, this guide explains your options, what to do before your appointment, how to look after your scalp, and how long to keep the style in for the healthiest result.
Braids can be:
Dermatology guidance also notes that braids can be beneficial and protective when done correctly because the hair is stretched and less prone to knotting while braided.
In Peterborough, booking platforms categorise cornrows explicitly, which reflects real local demand for these services. Here are the most requested styles and what they communicate:
Straight-back cornrows
Clean, classic, timeless. Works for everyday wear and looks sharp with a taper or fade.
Stitch braids / geometric partings
More design-forward. Crisp partings are the whole point, premium results depend on clean sectioning.
High-top cornrows
Ideal if you keep length on top and prefer a fade on the sides. Local listings show “high top cornrows” as a common service format.
Twists / box braids (high-top or full head)
More movement and length options. Good if you want a fuller look rather than flat-to-scalp patterning.
Loc maintenance
Locs require their own routine. Dermatology guidance stresses thorough drying after washing to avoid issues like mildew build-up.
A premium braiding appointment isn’t rushed. Your prep matters.
Arrive with a clean scalp
Build-up makes partings messy and can trigger itching. Clean hair gives cleaner results.
Detangle properly
Detangling reduces breakage during sectioning.
Bring reference images
Especially for pattern work. “Cornrows” is a category; the actual design is personal.
This is non-negotiable.
The British Association of Dermatologists advises:
That guidance isn’t just theory, it’s what keeps your hairline healthy.
Traction alopecia is hair loss caused by repeated tension from tight hairstyles. BAD guidance lists tight ponytails, buns, extensions, and tight braids (including cornrows and locs) as common causes, and notes that longstanding traction alopecia can become permanent if follicles are damaged.
Practical prevention:
Healthy timing is part of premium grooming.
BAD guidance recommends not leaving braids in longer than about 6 weeks. If you push styles longer, you increase:
Moisturise lightly, consistently
Dry scalp equals itching. Use a light scalp oil or moisturiser, not product overload.
Protect at night
A durag or satin wrap preserves neatness and reduces friction.
Keep styles loose when you tie them up
Constant tension is what damages edges.
Know when to remove
Pain, bumps, redness, or thinning at the hairline means it’s time to take them out and let the scalp recover.
Fade + braids is a premium look when the proportions are correct:
Ritzy was built on raising standards and welcoming all styles. If you want cornrows, twists, or textured styling with a premium finish and proper care guidance, book in and we’ll talk through the right option for your hair type and the look you want.
