Here are some images of old photographs of communities wearing cornrows, far removed from their roots, from different eras, ethnic traditions, and cultures.
Some photographs, originally in black and white, have been partially or entirely colourized by the graphic designer AGOBO.
Cornrows, when worn far from the roots, are not braids that have become damaged or have regrowth at the roots. Rather, they are cornrows that are intentionally started far from the roots. This style of braiding creates specific, flat, and uniform bands of hair.
This type of braiding can be found in many ethnic traditions.