Faux Hawk Braids
Cornrow Construction Family
Illustration -- About our illustrations
Faux hawk braids create a mohawk shape without shaving: cornrows on both sides of the head travel up towards a raised centre strip that runs from the front to the nape. The centre can be a braid, a row of curls or puffed natural hair.
Distinguishing characteristics
The silhouette defines the style: flat sides and a prominent centre. Side rows are braided upward or diagonally towards the middle, and the centre is finished with a raised Dutch braid, a French braid, curls or loose hair. "Faux hawk" describes the shape rather than one fixed centre construction.
Advantages
A bold, edgy look with volume where you want it and a neat profile at the sides.
Considerations
Upward-directed rows pull against the natural fall of the hair, so tension at the temples needs care.
Warning signs
Pain at the temples or nape, bumps along the side rows or thinning edges mean it is too tight.
Preparation
Decide how wide the centre strip should be and how it will be finished. Start with clean, stretched hair; extensions can add height and length to the centre.
Daily Care
Keep the sides smooth with your palms and lightly moisturise the centre.
Night Care
Wrap the sides with a satin scarf and protect the centre with a loose satin bonnet so it is not crushed flat.
Washing
Cleanse the scalp along the side rows with diluted shampoo, rinse well and dry fully, especially in the thicker centre.
Scalp Care
Side rows meeting at the top carry tension upward; check the temples and nape for soreness.
Refreshing
Re-fluff or re-curl the centre and lay down the sides with mousse and a scarf.
Removal
Undo the centre first, then unravel each side row from its end.
Styling tips
Try a Dutch-braid centre for a raised ridge, a French-braid centre for a flatter finish, or curls and coils for softness. Colour on the centre strip adds contrast.
At a glance
- Estimated price
- $80–$200
Planning estimate, not a validated market benchmark -- local salon pricing varies and this figure should not be treated as a typical or standard price. - Chair time
- 2–5 hrs
- Sizes
- Small
- Lengths
- Shoulder Length
- Looks
- 4 looks
Looks
- Classic Faux Hawk Braids -- Small, Shoulder Length, Natural Black
- Faux Hawk Braids with Dutch Braid Center -- Small, Shoulder Length, Natural Black
- Faux Hawk Braids with French Braid Center -- Small, Shoulder Length, Natural Black
- Dark Brown Faux Hawk Braids -- Small, Shoulder Length, Dark Brown
Price & time
- Estimated price: $80–$200
- Estimated time: 2–5 hrs
- Confidence: Low
Planning estimate, not a validated market benchmark -- local salon pricing varies and this figure should not be treated as a typical or standard price.
Estimate only -- no direct source; not region-specific.
Culture & history
Faux Hawk Braids as a Directional Silhouette Cornrow Style
Faux hawk braids section hair into two side panels and one center strip; the side panels are braided into flat cornrows (often using the stitch-braid technique already documented in this catalog), while the center strip is built up and forward -- commonly with a Dutch or French braid -- to read as a mohawk silhouette without shaving the sides. Like Tribal Braids, this is a pattern/silhouette-defined cornrow style rather than a new installation method, but the directional, height-building center construction is different enough from every other cornrow style in this catalog to warrant its own entry.