Knotless Braids: Everything You Need To Know

Maybe you've always heard of “knotless braids” but wonder what they look like, or you've seen them but don’t know anything about them.

That's about to change because in this article, you will learn what the braids are about, their installation, advantages, disadvantages, and everything.

Let's get started!

What Are Knotless Braids?

The knotless braid unlike the normal, traditional braids you know, is a gorgeous hairstyle that has become quite famous due to its braiding technique. These braids do not have the knot at the start, making them unique, lightweight, and widely sought after these days.

The braids start with the natural hair, then, with the gradual infusion of hair extension, they give a sleek, flat, and very fancy look.

It uses the feed-in technique when the braiding process starts and that makes the braid a popular, protective style option in black society, almost taking the position of the traditional box braid.

Also known as the knotless box braid, the style appears appealing to the eye. But frankly, its benefits outweigh everything else.

Related Read: How to blend in hair extensions

Preparing Your Hair for Knotless Braids

The knotless braid gives you versatility, protection, and beauty. This means similar to any other protective hairstyle you wear, you must prep your hair for the gains it gives your hair.

Start by prepping your hair to enjoy all its benefits. It will foster growth, protect your hair from external factors, and last. We know you want all of that. So, start with a good foundation.

• First, pick a good shampoo and wash your hair and scalp. Make sure you get rid of any dirt and products that may be there.
• Next, rinse and go in with a conditioner for moisture.
• That shouldn't end there. Use a deep conditioner to keep your hair in perfect condition after rinsing off the conditioner. The product will add extra nutrients to your hair.
• You can start braiding once you've ticked shampooing and deep conditioning.

The main reason we encourage preparing your hair for knotless braids is so you can have nice, clean hair as the base, which allows your hair to grow after installing this lasting protective style.

Using products that contain essential and excellent ingredients is compulsory to achieve this goal.

How to Do Knotless Braids?

The installation process of knotless braid is distinct from traditional box braid.

Although there are different styles you can try with it, the braiding technique doesn't change.

Step 1: Get Your Tools Ready

To braid your hair, you will need a wide-tooth comb, big hair clips, rattail comb, gel, and your desired color extensions (can be pre stretched braiding hair or human hair extensions).

Step 2: Prep Your Hair

Remember you've cleaned your hair properly in the previous section. All you need to do now is detangle and add a moisturizer. You can apply a leave-in conditioner or a moisturizing oil.

Step 3: Section Your Hair

For good results, you must have clean partings.

So, start by parting your hair into various sections. The number of sections can be based on how many you want your knotless braids to be.

While you part your hair, keep the lines straight and the sections equal. After parting, the sections should create a square shape, forming a box. 

Step 4: Start with the First Section

Your hair is properly sectioned. So, it's braiding time.

• Pick the first section and comb through it.
• Use your gel or edge control to flatten the root of the first section. The gel is to keep it sleek and beautiful. However, buy the best product so it doesn't cause flakes or whiten your hair.
• Further, divide the first section into tiny squares, let's start braiding.

Step 5: Let the Braiding Begin

To create the braid, start plaiting your natural hair using the three strands technique you're familiar with. Go about two to three times then start feeding in the extensions at intervals.

The extensions should be small. That way, they will blend perfectly with your hair and won't create a knot or look big.

You can keep adding extensions until you're satisfied with the length.

Step 6: Move to the Next Square

Once you've braided the first one, go ahead and section another square, add gel then repeat the braiding process. You'll keep redoing the steps above till you complete your entire hair.

Advantages of Knotless Braids

The knotless braids have lots of benefits, making them a top choice for women. Some of its pros are;

1. It serves as a protection shield for natural hair.
2. Knotless braids can be your next hairstyle if you've suffered from traction alopecia. That's because it causes less tension and it's gentler to the hair and scalp than traditional braids.
3. For a versatile style, try knotless braids. It's quite functional yet beautiful.
4. The knotless braids are lightweight and very comfortable. You can rock them without feeling heavy on your head.
5. It's natural looking.
6. The braids last long and promote hair growth.
7. Reduce breakage of the natural hair.

What are the Disadvantages of Knotless Braids?

Different from the advantages, the cons of the knotless braids are a few. Let's list them.

1. Knotless braids require more maintenance than traditional braid styles. You need to be consistent and patient to keep them shining and gorgeous.
2. The installation takes longer time due to the technique used when braiding. This is unlike the normal braids that require less time to complete.

What is the Difference Between Knotless Braids and Traditional Braids?

From the looks of both, you might see little similarities between them. However, each has its distinctions that separate them from the other.

• Knotless braids from its name, have no knot at the beginning of each braid. It looks natural, and sleek, most times following the size of the natural hair. However, traditional braids have pronounced knots at their beginnings, which shows a difference in size from the natural hair. This gives it volume and makes it bulky.
• The addition of extensions of the two braid styles is different as well. While knotless braids include extensions to the hair in smaller sections, traditional braids add extensions (kanekalon hair) once at the beginning.
• Their different techniques give them unique looks and distinct feel. It's evident that knotless braids are more lightweight than traditional braids. They also cause no tension to the scalp, as traditional braids may do.
• Finally, you should notice a lift from your scalp with traditional braids but knotless braids rest flat, which makes them more flexible and flatter.

How Long Do Knotless Braids Last For?

You can expect your knotless braids to last around four to six weeks. It can also last longer. But the number of weeks your braids last depends on different things. It depends on the size of the braids, how you maintain them, and your hair texture.

- Hair Texture Factor

Those with tighter curls can wear their braids much longer due to the nature of their hair.  But we can't say the same for those with looser curls and fine hair texture.

- Braid Size

If you decide to rock bigger sizes of knotless braids, they will not last as long as smaller sizes would. The smaller the braids are, the bigger the tendency for the braids to last longer. So, choose the size of your braids based on how long you want to wear them and watch them last long.

- Maintenance Factor

If your braids are small, to last long, there’s still a must for you to maintain them. Follow our tips in the next section on how you can care for and maintain knotless braids.

How to Care for Your Knotless Braids?

The maintenance of knotless braids differs slightly from regular box braids. In this case, you can see your scalp. Plus, there's no added hair at the beginning of the braids. So, caring for the braids is a little easier but consistency is key, which might make it tiring.

Like other protective styles you've tried, knotless braids need a lot of moisture due to dryness and frizziness. Since it's more difficult to hide for knotless braids, you must take moisturizing seriously.

1. Use oils, serums, or any moisturizer of your choice. It'll make your hair stay hydrated and keep the dryness and frizziness at bay.
2. Secondly, don't sleep on applying mousse to your hair for extra shine, definition, and freshness. It's more of a retouching product and makes the braids look new again.
3. If you ever decide to wash your hair, after washing, the mousse can do wonders for the braids. Apply some, tie a scarf, and blow dry your hair.
4. Lastly, for protection at night, wrap your hair around and wear a silk bonnet to sleep. The bonnet will protect your hair from tangles and breakage. You can also use a silk scarf or a satin bonnet.

If there are any other maintenance concerns, visit your stylist. Your stylist can guide you on what to do or help refresh the knotless braids.

Final Words

The knotless braids hairstyle is a beloved style that's worth learning about. Its benefits are numerous, giving you the best when it comes to style and functionality.

Now that you know what knotless braids are, will you try it? Let’s know below.