Guys: If You’re Over 21, It’s Time To Let The Cornrows Go!
A few weeks ago while out at happy hour, a friend and I started talking about grown men and cornrows (aka braids). The big question up for debate was, “when should a man stop wearing them?”
I understand if teenagers and boys in college wear cornrows. In college, everyone was focused on school having a good time; in college the “real world” didn’t exist so the need to look mature and professional wasn’t really necessary. But once a guy has graduated college and now working in the real world, the cornrows need to go!! I take that back; fellas, if you’re in college and interviewing for a job post graduation, you may want to consider letting them go.
You’ve entered the “real world” and you’re now a grown up; your look should reflect that. A man in his 30s, 40s or, dare I even say, 50s (sigh….) wearing cornrows with his suit doesn’t necessarily scream professional.
I think the biggest reason this hairstyle for men needs to go after a certain age is because at a certain point grown men rocking cornrows look like they are trying very hard to hold on to their youth. The hairstyle is cool for young boys, but grown men, not so much. Especially when you are still trying to hold on to your cornrows and your hairline has started to recede due to the stress of the braids. Not a good look at all.
I have a number of guy friends who wore cornrows in college. Within a year or two after graduation, they all cut their hair. Not only do they look more handsome, they look so much more mature. Had they kept their cornrows, they would’ve looked like 26 year old men trying to be 18 years old. The look just doesn’t work. Think about it, celebrities like Ludacris and Jim Jones held on to their cornrows for THE LONGEST TIME EVER! For a while, that was their signature look. Once they cut their hair, they looked soooooo much better and for once I feel like I could actually take them seriously. Allen Iverson even cut his hair!!!
Please keep in mind, there is a HUGE difference between cornrows and dreads. If kept neat, dreads look great on some men. However, if you are not going to keep them neat and at a reasonable length, you might as well let them go too.
When do you think guys should let their cornrows go? Fellas, if you currently wear this hairstyle, do you think you should cut your hair?
Once a man hits 25 (I am being generous)he has got to let the braids go. I can not stand seeing a man over 30 with braids on his head. And please do not approach me with those things on your head because all I can do is side eye your braids.
I do not mind dreads (the neat thin ones) on some men they look good. Just want to pull on them . . .sorry lost myself for a moment. . .haha.
I have NEVER liked cornrows on men period! There’s just something about then that irks me..and then they have the nerve to line up the baby hair? Nuh uh.. lol!
I think as long as they look good you can wear them for as long as you like. Just keep them looking good and keep them clean cause there is nothing worse then dirty hair! That’s a bad look on everyone. :-p
Lol, I wish I would cut my hair for some woman. Don’t have time for superficial people, I like what I like. I’m a 24 year old man with braids, I keep them nice and neat. Sorry if I look to black for the world. Straddling are ok tho? Says who? Oh I have a good paying job by the way
Im a man over 30 and I would never cut my hair to please anyone…love my corn rows…if you dont like cornrows then cut your hair..part of being grown up is learning to be comfortable with who you are and what you like..no matter what….living and enjoying life!!! Oh, I’m happy with my age too..lol.
Wow some people are sad ! No one has the right to tell or ask any one to cut there hair ! You sound like hair nazis ! When people start trying to be dictator’s it’s sad ! I am 30 years old and have had brads on and off more than half of my life and just grow them back 9 mouths ago and I never would cut them for any one ! I do it cuz I love them not be cuz I won’t to be younger , that is the most crazy thing I have ever heard some one say about hair ! If you have to make statements about other people you are the one that needs to grow up PONT BLANK . !
Thanks for checking out the post. I’m sure your braids are well kept. As with any topic I’m entitled to my opinion
Can I just say I found this post as I was googling out of frustrating because of my boyfriends hair and a debate about it!!! He is now 32 and I keep telling him along with MANY of his family and friends its time to the the braids go!! its not just about being in his 30’s but it is also that he does not have the time to keep them up so he constantly looks like old dirty bastard and his job is a dirty construction job so they constantly smell when we are laying in bed!! he tries to argue with me that I like getting my toes done just like he likes getting his hair braided! How is that any comparison???? It’s so annoying that I can’t get through to him! I have actually been teased by friends because of how uncleanly he looks! Am I wrong for wanting them CUT??!!!
I understand where your coming from. But can i ask when will woman stop wearing weaves it’s not cute. If you don’t like braids then say you don’t like it. I pretty sure not everyone likes fake hair lol just my opinion.
Oh yeah Allen Iverson did eventually grow his hair back
I think by the time you hit at least 35 but definitely 40. The braid should go… Example.. I’m on facebook a male friend just inboxed me and said ” It’s been a while since you and I hung out>”… Now lets back up. I was out at a bar/lounge this past Thursday. He texted me and asked what I was into that night.. I told him and invited him to come down and have a drink with me. He said,… ” My hair is not done!!” Now Saturday he texted me and said..”What are you doing tonight I told him I was hanging out and suggested he bounce on thru. He once again said, ” My hair is not braided.” I teased him and said if you would take those braids down and cut that shit off all you would have to do is brush your hair!! Of course he replied.. ” Absolutley Not”.. Well old man this is why we haven’t hung out!!! 44 year old
Rapper?? Smh.. I like it nice and neat.. Cut low.. or Sexy bald… So yes at 24 rock your braids.. But at 44 take them damn Braids DOWN!!!!