In defining the length your locks need to be it can be at short as an inch. But do not run off to the salon just yet. If you want cornrows you may pay a pretty penny, especially if the stylist has to add hair to your head.
It will also be very time consuming. This is what costs the most money for shorter lengths as you are paying for the stylist's time. A good weave will run you close to a hundred dollars or more depending on where you live. It will also depend on how many people are working on you.
Speed is something that a stylist builds if they do this style often. You do want to find someone who does it well. The time and hold is better for curly manes but often someone with straight hair wants this look as well. It can be done but know that shorter, or one inch in length, will most likely not stay in long.
If you want the look to last after you have paid a lot of money to get it, try to have your hair at least four inches. This way you can get a great foundation and fabulous hold. As you let it grown it will stay in much better for your needs.
It is also recommended to go to a salon that specializes in this type of style as they to the longest lasting work. No matter what the length they know and have the skills to make it last. A Caribbean salon, for example, usually rocks at putting in cornrows.
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