Cornrow Modifier

The Cornrow modifier creates cornrow-style braids with anchor strands that sprout from the scalp, join the braid, and continue to the end. This is the authentic cornrow look - a raised braid with strands feeding into it from the sides.

What are Cornrows?

Cornrows are a traditional African braiding style where hair is braided very close to the scalp in continuous, raised rows. Unlike regular braids that hang free, cornrows have anchor strands that emerge from the scalp, join the braid, and continue along its length.

Visual effect: Raised braids on the scalp with visible anchor strands feeding in from the sides.

When to use: Cornrow hairstyles, protective styles, braided patterns on the scalp, any style where braids are tight against the head.

Cornrow vs Braid

Braid Modifier: Creates free-hanging braids (just the weave pattern) Cornrow Modifier: Creates scalp-attached braids with anchor strands

Key difference: Cornrows have anchor strands that sprout from the scalp and join the braid. This creates the characteristic "raised row" look.

Curve-Driven Workflow

The Cornrow modifier uses the same curve-driven workflow as the Braid modifier:

  1. Create/Select a Curve - Define the cornrow path
  2. Adjust Parameters - Set braid shape + anchor settings
  3. Generate Guides - Convert to FFX guides
  4. Generate Strands - Use Primitive tab to create hair

Key concept: The curve defines the cornrow path on the scalp. Anchor strands automatically sprout from the sides.

Curve Source Section

The Curve Source section lets you select or create the curve that defines the cornrow path.

Curve Selection

Curve Field: Shows the currently selected curve name.

⊕ Button: Click to select a curve from the scene.

Workflow:

  1. Create a curve in Blender
  2. Click the ⊕ button
  3. Select your curve

Tip: For cornrows, use curves that follow the scalp surface closely.

Create New Curve

Create New Curve Button: Creates a new curve at the 3D cursor.

Workflow:

  1. Position 3D cursor on the scalp
  2. Click "Create New Curve"
  3. Edit the curve to follow the scalp

Draw Curve on Surface

Draw Curve on Surface Button: Creates a curve that projects onto the scalp mesh.

What it does: Lets you draw directly on the scalp surface. The curve automatically follows the mesh contour.

When to use: This is the best method for cornrows! Drawing on the surface ensures the curve follows the scalp naturally.

Workflow:

  1. Click "Draw Curve on Surface"
  2. Click and drag on the scalp to draw the path
  3. The curve automatically projects onto the mesh

Tip: Use this method for authentic cornrows that follow the scalp shape.

Update Guides (Curve Moved)

↻ Update Guides Button: Updates guides after moving/repositioning the curve.

When to use: Click after moving, rotating, or scaling the curve.

Important: Parameters update in real-time, but curve position changes require manual update.

Braid Shape Section

The Braid Shape section controls the core braid structure (same as Braid modifier).

Live Update Guides

Checkbox: Automatically update guides when parameters change.

Default: Checked (enabled)

Tip: Leave checked for real-time feedback.

Strands

Number of braid strands.

Range: 2 to 6 (Default: 3)

What it does: How many strands weave together in the braid.

  • 2 = Twist
  • 3 = Classic braid (most common for cornrows)
  • 4+ = Complex weave

Tip: 3 strands is standard for cornrows.

Thickness

Strand tube thickness.

Range: 0.005 to 0.05 (Default: 0.015)

What it does: How thick each braid strand is.

  • 0.01 = Thin strands (fine cornrow)
  • 0.015 = Normal strands
  • 0.03 = Thick strands (chunky cornrow)

Tip: Cornrows are usually thinner than free-hanging braids. Use 0.01-0.02.

Width

Braid width (lateral spread).

Range: 0.01 to 0.15 (Default: 0.04)

What it does: How wide the braid spreads from the center curve.

  • 0.03 = Narrow cornrow
  • 0.04 = Normal width
  • 0.08 = Wide cornrow

Tip: Cornrows are usually narrow. Use 0.03-0.06 for authentic look.

Tightness

Weave tightness.

Range: 0.0 to 1.0 (Default: 0.6)

What it does: How tight the weave crossings are.

  • 0.4 = Loose weave
  • 0.6 = Normal tightness
  • 0.8 = Tight, crisp weave

Tip: Cornrows are usually tight. Use 0.6-0.8.

Twist

Number of weave cycles.

Range: 1.0 to 12.0 (Default: 5.0)

What it does: How many times strands complete a full weave cycle.

  • 3.0 = Loose weave
  • 5.0 = Normal frequency
  • 8.0 = Tight, frequent crossings

Tip: Cornrows have more frequent crossings than free braids. Use 4.0-8.0.

Weave Depth

How far the braid lifts off the scalp, as a fraction of its width.

Range: 0.0 to 1.5 (Default: 0.35)

What it does: a real cornrow is a flat plait that hugs the head, not a round rope lying on it. Lower values flatten the braid onto the scalp. Measured height-to-width ratio is 0.73 at 0.6 (nearly round), 0.45 at 0.35 (a flat plait) and 0.25 at 0.15.

It also sets how far the fed-in hair has to climb to reach the braid, so lowering it settles the feed-in as well as flattening the braid. If the hair between rows looks like it is standing up off the scalp, this is the control to reach for before touching Feed Angle.

Anchor Strands Section

The Anchor Strands section is what makes cornrows unique. These are the strands that sprout from the scalp and join the braid.

Feed Angle

The angle, in degrees, at which fed-in hair meets the row.

Range: 0 to 80 (Default: 35)

What it does: sets how steeply each hank of hair is combed into the braid. Low values run the hair almost parallel to the braid, so it reads as pointing forward past the row instead of being gathered into it.

Crucially, this sets the approach length from the angle, so the look holds no matter how long the row is. The older Lead In control could not do that — it is a fraction of the row, so the same value gives a different angle on every row: about 17° on a 20 cm row and about 4° on a 90 cm one.

Set Feed Angle to 0 to drive Lead In directly instead, which reproduces the older behaviour exactly.

Count

Number of anchor strands.

Range: 4 to 30 (Default: 14)

What it does: How many anchor strands feed into the braid (alternating left/right).

  • 8 = Few anchors (sparse)
  • 14 = Normal density
  • 24 = Many anchors (dense)

When to use:

  • Sparse cornrows: 6-10
  • Normal cornrows: 12-18
  • Dense cornrows: 18-26

Visual effect: More anchors = more strands feeding into the braid = fuller look.

Tip: 14 is good for most cornrows. Increase for denser, more visible anchor strands.

Start

Where anchors start along curve.

Range: 0.0 to 0.3 (Default: 0.05)

What it does: Position where first anchor strands appear (0=beginning, 1=end).

  • 0.0 = Anchors start immediately
  • 0.05 = Anchors start 5% down the curve
  • 0.15 = Anchors start 15% down

When to use: Usually 0.0-0.1. Start anchors near the beginning for full cornrow.

Tip: 0.05 gives a clean start before anchors begin.

End

Where anchors end along curve.

Range: 0.5 to 1.0 (Default: 0.80)

What it does: Position where last anchor strands appear.

  • 0.7 = Anchors end at 70% (last 30% is just braid)
  • 0.8 = Anchors end at 80%
  • 1.0 = Anchors continue to the end

When to use: 0.7-0.9 for natural taper. Last section is just braid without new anchors.

Tip: 0.8 is natural. Anchors stop before the tip, leaving just the braid.

Scalp Offset

Distance below braid to scalp.

Range: -0.1 to 0.0 (Default: -0.025)

What it does: How far below the braid the anchor roots are (negative = down toward scalp).

  • -0.01 = Very close to braid (subtle)
  • -0.025 = Normal offset
  • -0.05 = Far below braid (pronounced)

When to use: -0.02 to -0.04 for visible anchor strands.

Visual effect: Larger negative values = more visible "feeding in" effect.

Tip: -0.025 is good. Anchors clearly feed into the braid from below.

Thickness

Thickness of anchor strands.

Range: 0.002 to 0.02 (Default: 0.006)

What it does: How thick the anchor strands are.

  • 0.004 = Thin anchors
  • 0.006 = Normal anchors
  • 0.012 = Thick anchors

Tip: Anchors are usually thinner than the braid strands. Use 0.005-0.008.

Root Spread

Random spread at anchor roots.

Range: 0.0 to 0.05 (Default: 0.02)

What it does: Random variation in anchor root positions.

  • 0.0 = Perfectly aligned roots
  • 0.02 = Natural variation
  • 0.04 = High variation

When to use: 0.01-0.03 for natural, non-uniform look.

Visual effect: Prevents anchors from looking too uniform and CG.

Tip: 0.02 adds natural variation without looking messy.

Side Offset

How far to side (multiplier of width).

Range: 1.0 to 3.0 (Default: 1.5)

What it does: How far from the braid center the anchors sprout (as multiple of braid width).

  • 1.0 = Close to braid (tight)
  • 1.5 = Normal offset
  • 2.5 = Far from braid (wide spread)

When to use: 1.2-2.0 for natural cornrow look.

Visual effect: Higher values = anchors sprout farther from the braid center.

Tip: 1.5 is natural. Anchors clearly come from the sides.

Bundle Shape Section

A braid strand is a bundle of hairs, not a tube. These control its cross-section — without them each bundle collapsed flat and the braid read as a ribbon rather than a rope.

  • Bundle Packing — how tightly hairs pack within one braid strand. Low values leave the bundle open and soft; high values make a dense cord.
  • Bundle Radius — the bundle’s cross-sectional radius. This is what gives the braid its roundness in silhouette.
  • Bundle Pack Margin — clearance kept between neighbouring bundles so they sit against each other rather than interpenetrating.
  • Weave Depth — how deeply the strands sink into one another at each crossing. Previously this had no reachable effect; it now controls how pronounced the weave reads, from a nearly flat plait to a deeply interlocked braid.

Feed-In Controls

How loose hair feeds into the row.

  • Anchor Feed Angle — the angle at which loose hair feeds into the braid. Has a floor, so the feed-in can no longer collapse to a vertical spike.
  • Follow Taper — makes the anchor fan follow the braid’s taper, so the feed narrows with the braid instead of staying at full width down a thinning row.
  • Side Limit — caps how far to the side an anchor may reach. This is the limit that previously made Side Offset appear to do nothing; it is now exposed so the two work together. Reach is clamped by local row spacing rather than one global minimum, so tightly and loosely spaced rows both behave.

Taper Section

The Taper section controls how the cornrow tapers toward the tip. This section starts collapsed.

Start Scale

Scale at cornrow start.

Range: 0.5 to 1.5 (Default: 1.0)

What it does: Multiplier for size at the start.

Tip: Usually leave at 1.0.

End Scale

Scale at cornrow end.

Range: 0.1 to 1.0 (Default: 0.6)

What it does: Multiplier for size at the end.

  • 0.4 = Sharp taper
  • 0.6 = Moderate taper
  • 0.9 = Minimal taper

Tip: 0.6 is natural for cornrows.

Taper Start

Where taper begins.

Range: 0.3 to 1.0 (Default: 0.7)

What it does: Position where tapering starts.

Tip: 0.7 is natural - full size for most of length, then taper.

Action Buttons

Generate Cornrow Guides

Primary Action: Generates FFX guides from the cornrow (braid + anchors).

What it does: Creates guide curves for both the braid and all anchor strands.

Workflow:

  1. Set up curve and parameters
  2. Click "Generate Cornrow Guides"
  3. Go to Primitive tab
  4. Generate strands from guides

Important: This creates GUIDES, not final hair. Use Primitive tab for actual strands.

Preview Mesh (Debug)

Secondary Action: Generates a preview mesh for visualization.

What it does: Creates a mesh showing the cornrow structure.

When to use: Use this to see the cornrow before generating guides.

Practical Examples

Example 1: Classic Cornrow

Strands: 3
Thickness: 0.015
Width: 0.04
Tightness: 0.6
Twist: 5.0
Anchor Count: 14
Scalp Offset: -0.025
Anchor Side Offset: 1.5

Result: Natural cornrow with visible anchor strands

Example 2: Tight, Fine Cornrow

Strands: 3
Thickness: 0.01
Width: 0.03
Tightness: 0.8
Twist: 7.0
Anchor Count: 18
Scalp Offset: -0.02
Anchor Thickness: 0.005

Result: Tight, fine cornrow with many anchors

Example 3: Thick, Chunky Cornrow

Strands: 3
Thickness: 0.025
Width: 0.06
Tightness: 0.5
Twist: 4.0
Anchor Count: 10
Scalp Offset: -0.035
Anchor Thickness: 0.01

Result: Thick, visible cornrow with pronounced anchors

Example 4: Dense Cornrow

Strands: 3
Thickness: 0.015
Width: 0.04
Tightness: 0.7
Twist: 6.0
Anchor Count: 22
Scalp Offset: -0.03
Root Spread: 0.015

Result: Dense cornrow with many feeding strands

Example 5: Loose, Wide Cornrow

Strands: 3
Thickness: 0.02
Width: 0.08
Tightness: 0.4
Twist: 3.0
Anchor Count: 12
Scalp Offset: -0.04
Side Offset: 2.0

Result: Loose, wide cornrow with spread-out anchors

Tips and Best Practices

Draw on Surface: Use "Draw Curve on Surface" for authentic cornrows that follow the scalp.

3 Strands Standard: Three strands is the classic cornrow weave.

Thin and Tight: Cornrows are usually thinner and tighter than free braids. Use Thickness 0.01-0.02, Tightness 0.6-0.8.

Narrow Width: Cornrows are narrow. Use Width 0.03-0.06.

More Twist: Cornrows have frequent crossings. Use Twist 4.0-8.0.

14 Anchors is Good: Default 14 anchors works well. Increase for denser look.

Scalp Offset Matters: Use -0.02 to -0.04 for visible anchor strands feeding in.

Anchor Thickness: Anchors should be thinner than braid strands. Use 0.005-0.008.

Root Spread for Realism: Use Root Spread 0.01-0.03 for natural variation.

Side Offset 1.5: Default 1.5 is natural. Anchors clearly come from the sides.

Taper for Natural Tips: Use End Scale 0.5-0.7 for natural taper.

Live Update: Keep "Live Update Guides" checked for real-time feedback.

Update After Moving: Remember to click "Update Guides" after repositioning the curve.

Common Mistakes

Too Thick: Using Thickness 0.03+ for cornrows. Cornrows are thin. Use 0.01-0.02.

Too Wide: Using Width 0.10+ for cornrows. Cornrows are narrow. Use 0.03-0.06.

Not Enough Twist: Using Twist 2.0-3.0. Cornrows have frequent crossings. Use 4.0-8.0.

Too Few Anchors: Using 6-8 anchors. This looks sparse. Use 12-18 for normal density.

Wrong Scalp Offset: Using Scalp Offset 0.0 or -0.01. Anchors won't be visible. Use -0.02 to -0.04.

Thick Anchors: Using Anchor Thickness same as braid thickness. Anchors should be thinner. Use 0.005-0.008.

No Root Spread: Leaving Root Spread at 0.0. This looks too uniform. Use 0.01-0.03.

Wrong Side Offset: Using Side Offset 1.0 or 3.0. 1.0 is too close, 3.0 is too far. Use 1.2-2.0.

Forgetting to Update: Not clicking "Update Guides" after moving the curve.

Not Using Draw on Surface: Creating curves in 3D space instead of drawing on the scalp. Use "Draw Curve on Surface"!

Next Steps

After generating cornrow guides:

  1. Go to Primitive Tab — Generate hair strands from the guides
  2. Adjust Density — Control strand density
  3. Add Modifiers — Apply Frizz or other modifiers if desired

Related Topics:

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The Cornrow modifier creates authentic cornrow braids with anchor strands. Use "Draw Curve on Surface" and adjust the anchor parameters for realistic results!