IDK about you, but now that we’re in the swampiest, hottest part of summer, I’m officially over my puff hairstyles and twisted knots and looking for some new summer hair inspo. Enter: This week’s Braid Up look, which is probably one of my favorite protective styles that’s both striking and practical. Yep, I’m talking about a cornrowed mohawk—and honestly, it’s just as cool as it sounds. The best part? This style from Jerdonna Burch doesn’t mean you’ll need to go for the big chop. Peep the video above and you’ll see that razors and scissors aren’t required to get this edgy mohawk look. How’s that for hair magic?
Want to copy this look? Here are a few tips to help you out:
1. Grab a blow dryer. A surefire way to establish a smooth foundation for this style is to give yourself a quick blowout before you get started. After washing your hair, thoroughly dry it in small sections. Make sure to apply some heat protectant beforehand to avoid any damage.
Tresemmé Keratin Smooth Heat Protection Shine Spray
Deeper Than Hair Glass Brilliant Shine
IGK Good Behavior Spirulina Protein Smoothing Spray
2. Hydrate your scalp. To avoid any annoying dry scalp issues, reach for a hydrating oil. Massage castor oil or peppermint oil between your braids every day to prevent dryness and keep your natural hair soft and healthy. A win-win, really.
3. Try out different colors. You’re already working with a fun mohawk, so why not take it to the next level with some shade variety? With the main middle braid, feed in extension hair in a different tone for a really cute color moment.
4. Protect your style. In order to keep this style in tip-top shape, you’ve gotta make sure to cover it while you sleep. Whether you opt for a satin bonnet or a cool head wrap, never ever go to bed without protecting your hair.
Hair: Jerdonna Burch
Annabel Iwegbue is an assistant editor at Cosmopolitan where she primarily covers lifestyle and fashion. Before joining Cosmo, she covered entertainment at Harper's Bazaar, The Knockturnal, and Black Film. She's originally from Charleston, South Carolina, and is currently based in Brooklyn, New York. She holds a B.A. in Journalism and Cinema Studies from New York University. You can check out some of Annabel’s work here and also find her on Instagram and Twitter.
