Short answer: plain cornrows braided into your own hair usually cost £20 to £40 in the UK. Add extensions and the price begins to climb. Feed-in cornrows cost roughly £30 to £90 depending on how many, how long and how detailed, with longer or intricate designs in London reaching £100 or more. Men’s and boys’ cornrows sit at the lower end, around £15 to £45.
Cornrows cover a lot of ground, from a few quick straight-backs to a full head of fine feed-in braids with a pattern, so the price swings with the work involved. This post covers what affects the price, whether hair is included, and how to ensure you get an accurate quote without any misunderstandings.
Typical cornrow prices in the UK
These are indicative 2026 ranges – from live UK salon and booking listings. Whether extension hair is included varies a lot with cornrows, so treat these as a starting point and confirm the actual price with your braider.
| Type of cornrows | Typical UK price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Plain straight-backs, no extensions | £20–£40 | Braided into your own hair, quickest option |
| Feed-in cornrows, a few braids | £25–£55 | Two to four braids with added length |
| Full head of feed-in cornrows | £45–£90 | More braids, longer sit, added hair |
| Detailed patterns or long designs | £80–£120+ | Zig-zags, geometric parts, waist-plus length; higher in London |
| Men’s and boys’ cornrows | £15–£45 | Top knot from ~£35, full head from ~£50 at some braiders |
Indicative mid-2026 ranges. Prices vary by braider, area, length and how many braids your design needs. Always confirm what the quote includes before you book.
What you are actually paying for
Cornrows are priced on time and detail, but there are a few things that decide both.
How many braids, and how fine
A handful of chunky straight-backs is quick. A full head of thin cornrows, or lots of small braids in a pattern, is far more work. So the price rises with the number and fineness of the braids. This is the biggest single factor.
Plain or feed-in
Plain cornrows braid your own hair flat to the scalp. Feed-in cornrows add extension hair as the braider goes, for length and thickness. This takes longer and uses hair, so it costs more. Most of the jump in price from £30 to £90 is whether you have plain versus feed-in cornrows.
Length and design
Longer feed-in braids need more hair and take more time to braid down. A simple back-to-back set is cheaper than a design with curved parts, zig-zags or geometric sections, which are slower and need more skill. So, if your budget is tight, a simpler pattern can save more than you might think.
Where you book
London and the larger cities charge more than smaller towns and home-based braiders for the same style. Some of that is overheads, some is demand. That does not track on quality, so it is worth comparing a few braiders near you.
Is the hair included, or extra?
With feed-in cornrows, hair is often not included. Plenty of UK braiders quote for their time and ask you to bring your own pre-stretched extension hair, or buy it on the day. Which commonly costs a few pounds a pack. A quote that looks cheap to start with, can actually end up higher once hair is added to the calcualtion. So, before you book, get three things clear: whether hair is included, how many packs your design needs, and whether take-down is separate.
Cornrows for men and boys
Men’s and boys’ cornrows are usually the most affordable braiding you can book. Why? Because they tend to be plain straight-backs or a simple pattern with no added length. A few braids can cost as little as £15 to £25; but expect a full head or a neater design to cost a little more.
If you are booking for a child, ask the braider whether they work with kids and how long the sitting is likely to take.
The costs people forget
Take-down is the main one for feed-in styles. Some braiders include it, others charge a small fee to remove extensions properly. Plain cornrows in your own hair are simple to undo yourself, so there need not be a cost involved there.
Aftercare is cheap but necessary to keep your looks at their best. A satin scarf or bonnet at night keeps the parts clean and the style lasting longer.
How to get an accurate quote
Message the braider with the number of braids or the design you want, whether you want length added, and a photo if you have one. Ask directly: what is the total, is hair included, how many packs, and is take-down extra.
A good braider will give you a clear number and tell you if your idea needs more braids than you think. Vague pricing usually means a surprise at the end.
Find a braider who does cornrows near you
Prices here are UK averages. The real number depends on the braider and the design. So, compare a few in your area.
Browse cornrow braiders by city below, or start from the main cornrows page.
Frequently asked questions
- How much do cornrows cost in the UK on average?
- Plain cornrows in your own hair are usually £20 to £40. Feed-in cornrows with added length run about £30 to £90, and detailed or very long designs can reach £100 or more, especially in London.
- Why are feed-in cornrows more expensive than plain ones?
- Feed-in cornrows add extension hair as the braider works, for length and thickness. That takes longer and uses hair, so it costs more than braiding your own hair flat to the scalp.
- How much are men’s cornrows?
- Usually £15 to £45. A few plain straight-backs sit at the lower end; a full head or a neater pattern costs a little more. Men’s cornrows are among the cheapest braiding to book.
- Is the hair included in the price?
- For feed-in styles, often not. Many braiders ask you to bring pre-stretched extension hair or buy it on the day, usually a few pounds a pack. Plain cornrows need no added hair. Always check before you book.
- How long do cornrows last?
- Plain cornrows tend to last one to two weeks; feed-in cornrows with extensions can hold longer with good aftercare. A satin scarf at night and keeping the scalp clean will get the most out of them.
- Are cornrows cheaper outside London?
- Usually, yes. London and the larger cities sit at the top of every range; smaller towns and home-based or mobile braiders tend to be lower for the same style.
