cornrow

Etymology

Compound of corn + row.

noun

1. (chiefly in the plural) One of a set of rows of tightly braided hair close to the scalp, forming a hairstyle, of African origin.
   The physician should evaluate for a history of tight ponytails, buns, chignons, braids, twists, weaves, cornrows, dreadlocks, sisterlocks, and hair wefts in addition to the usage of religious hair coverings. 2021, Becky S. Li, Howard I. Maibach, Ethnic Skin and Hair and Other Cultural Considerations, page 154
   Coolio, whose spindly and sprouting cornrows defined his look, went on to sell over 17 million records throughout his career. 2022-09-29, Eduardo Medina, McKenna Oxenden, “Coolio, ‘Gangsta’s Paradise’ Rapper, Dies at 59”, in The New York Times, →ISSN

verb

1. To braid the hair in this fashion.
   He … passed his hand over her hair, which was now neatly cornrowed. 2005, Helen Oyeyemi, The Icarus Girl, Bloomsbury, page 50