Introducing knotless braids that's not just a trend, but a game-changer hairstyle! If you're someone who loves to keep up with the latest in hair fashion, you're in for a treat. Knotless braids have emerged as a revolutionary technique that's redefining the way we approach braided hairstyles. Zendaya’s blue carpet braids and Beyoncé’s blonde braids just show how comfortable yet chic this style is! Say goodbye to the discomfort and tension of traditional braids, and say hello to a more comfortable, and natural-looking option. So, delve into the world of these braids, exploring what sets them apart, and why they're the go-to choice today.
QUICK NAVIGATION
- What Are Knotless Braids?
- Are Knotless Braids Better?
- How do you do knotless braids?
- How Do I Care For Knotless Box Braids?
- Stylish Options For Girls With Knotless Braids
- Knotless Braids with Color Accents
- FAQ
What Are Knotless Braids?
Knotless braids are a modern and more comfortable alternative to traditional box braids. Unlike traditional braids, where the hair is tightly secured at the base with a knot, these braids are created without a visible or prominent knot. Instead, the braider gradually incorporates the natural hair into the braid, resulting in a smoother and more seamless look that causes less tension on the scalp. Also known for their gentle installation process, they reduce the likelihood of scalp irritation and hair breakage. The absence of knots at the base of the braid also means less pulling on the scalp. This makes knotless braids a popular choice for those seeking protective hairstyles that promote hair health.
Knotless Braids vs. Box Braids
Knotless braids and box braids are both popular and stylish protective hairstyles, but they differ in their application and comfort. Knotless braids are created without the traditional method of using knots at the base, resulting in a more natural and seamless appearance. This technique places less tension on the scalp, making them generally more comfortable and less likely to cause breakage.
On the other hand, box braids are created by dividing the hair into square-shaped sections and then braiding from the roots with a knot. While box braids can be versatile and last a long time, they can sometimes feel heavier and more taxing on the scalp due to the knots. Nowadays, people now combine the knotless technique when making their square braids.
Are Knotless Braids Better?
Let us just show you 5 reasons why many women of color opt for knotless box braids, so you will tell us if they’re better or not!
- Less pain and tension. Since knotless box styles don’t involve the knots sticking out, there’s less tension in the scalp. Even though most protective styles are meant to actually protect the hair, they may still cause irritation and itchiness after a certain amount of time. Plus, it’s no secret that undoing those tight knots is a pretty painful aspect!
- Better styling. If someone told us that natural braids could become even more flexible, we wouldn’t believe a word a few weeks ago! Still, that’s true with the knotless trend. These braids feel light and hence go easy with any style. You can instantly switch from one style to another, forgetting about the weight of the style.
- Even healthier hair. Let’s not forget that natural braids are not only a way of self-expression of African American goddesses but they’re also meant to keep natural hair healthy. Well, with the lightweight texture of the style, it’s like an extra glass of water and breathe of fresh air for your hair.
- A truly protective style. Compared to traditional protective hairstyles, knotless box braids use a lot less hair. All in all, you only feel the weight of your own locks so you’re basically saving your hair. On top of that, this style is way more low-maintenance, which is a win for busy ladies who want to keep things fab and comfy.
- A fresh take at the popular styles. Last but not least, the knotless style looks pretty much familiar while still feeling fresh and brand new. This style re-imagines the idea of protective hairstyles in a healthier and more aesthetically pleasing way.
How do you do knotless braids?
Even if you’re no stranger to protective styles, it’s always better to know what to expect from a new one. So here’s a great video showing how the most popular protective style of now is done!
Things to know before the appointment
How long do knotless braids take?
How long do they last?
How Do I Care For Knotless Box Braids?
When rocking a protective style, it’s crucial to take the right approach to its maintenance. The braid care routine may raise many questions, so we’d like to share the basics answering the most popular ones.
How do you keep knotless braids fresh?
How do I keep my braids from smelling?
How do you sleep with knotless braids?
Stylish Options For Girls With Knotless Braids
From ombre half-up with angular sections and sophisticated high buns to side-swept knotless crochet braids and defined looks, you are free to experiment with tons of styles with your weightless gorgeous braids.
Traditional Knotless Box Braids
With knotless box braids, you do not have to reinvent the wheel. The traditional version of the hairstyle is bold and edgy on its own. Going for it guarantees that you will be at the center of attention. If you are worried that you will be limited in styling options, don’t be. There are plenty of ways how you can pull off box knotless braids.
Knotless Braids Half Updo Style
Like with any other long hairstyle, you can get a bit tired of your ombre knotless braids. So that you do not have to take them out immediately, which you may regret afterward, try to put them into a half updo. In this way, you will kill two birds with one stone. On the one hand, you will take the hair away from your face, thus showing off your gorgeous features. On the other hand, you will still keep the braids on display. This look comes out especially good if you add a bold color to it. Go for red knotless braids, which will appear striking against your natural hair color.
Medium Knotless Box Braids with Hair Rings
Medium knotless box braids with hair rings exemplify the evolution of hairstyling. This creative union combines the protective benefits of knotless braids with the edgy charm of hair rings, resulting in a look that's both trendy and practical. Hair rings are stylish accessories that add a touch of edginess to your braids. These tiny metallic rings, available in various sizes and designs, are threaded onto your braids for a distinctive look. They provide an excellent opportunity to experiment with patterns, spacing, and placement, allowing you to tailor the style to your taste.
Knotless Braid Style with Bubblies
The bubble style takes knotless braids to a whole new level by creating a series of voluminous "bubbles" along the length of your braids. Deep-conditioning your natural hair before braiding will ensure a smooth and healthy foundation for your style. Opt for high-quality extensions that match your hair's texture and color. These extensions will add length and volume to your braids. As you braid, create segments by securing sections of hair with small, clear elastics. These segments will eventually form the "bubbles."
Tiny Knotless Braids into Genie Ponytail
Gather your mini knotless hair together and add a ponytail extension at the tip. With the top section of your braids, gather the hair into a high ponytail at the crown of your head. Use a hair tie to secure it firmly in place. Remember, the higher the ponytail, the more magical your genie ponytail will look! Take a small strand of hair from the ponytail and wrap it around the hair tie to conceal it. Secure the end of the strand with a bobby pin. This step adds a polished touch to your hairstyle.
Cornrows and Knotless Braids Combo
For a well-defined style, use tiny cornrows to clearly define the sections of your braids. Just like the cut of box braids, weave cornrows in that pattern and then braid your knotless hair at the center of each box. It’s hard not to fall in love with this unique and eye-catching hairstyle combo! This is because these delicate cornrows offer a unique texture and can be strategically placed to enhance the overall look of your braids.
Short Black Hair with Tiny Knotless Sides
Whether you prefer a sleek and polished appearance or a more textured and voluminous vibe, this hairstyle accommodates both with ease. Combine tiny cornrows together with mini knotless at the lower base of your hair. You can then add short curly extensions at the top to complete the look. The addition of tiny knotless sides brings an element of intricacy that sets this look apart from the traditional style.
Medium Jumbo Braids
Medium jumbo knotless braids are beloved for several reasons. Unlike traditional box braids, these braids start with your natural hair, eliminating the need for a bulky knot at the base. The medium-sized box braids strike a balance between the thickness of jumbo braids and the manageability of smaller ones, giving you a stylish yet practical look. Keep your scalp moisturized by using a water-based leave-in conditioner to prevent dryness and itchiness.
Medium Knotless with Hair Boho Style
The Boho style is all about embracing a relaxed and carefree aesthetic. To infuse this vibe into your medium knotless hairstyle, consider incorporating loose waves or gentle curls using a curling wand or braiding method. You can also strategically pull out a few strands around your face to frame it beautifully and add to the effortless allure. For a more authentic look, allow a few of your natural edges to remain unbraided at the front and sides.
Medium Knotless Braids with Fuller Look
To create this style, opt for high-quality extensions that match your hair's texture and color. These extensions will seamlessly blend with your natural hair, adding volume and length. Dividing your hair into smaller sections allows for better distribution of extensions, resulting in a fuller appearance. This technique also ensures that each braid is lightweight and comfortable. Integrate the feed-in method by gradually adding extensions as you braid. Also, if you like it, consider adding colored strands from your extensions on a few braids. After which you can curl them up to spice your look.
Large and Long Knotless Braids
Large braids basically involve taking larger portions of hair which causes pressure on the scalp when braiding. However, by opting for a knotless style, the tension on your scalp is completely eased. So divide your hair into sizable sections to ensure each braid is substantial and visually striking. Larger sections allow for a more pronounced effect, emphasizing the beauty of your braids. Don’t forget to use hair gel to get that sleek and polished result.
Short Knotless Braids with Clear Beads
Incorporate transparent or clear beads strategically placed throughout the ends of your braids. These beads catch the light beautifully and can be customized to match any outfit or occasion. When it comes to selecting the right clear beads for your knotless braids, consider the size, shape, and design. Larger beads can create a bolder look, while smaller beads offer a more delicate appearance. Experiment with different bead shapes, such as round, square, or hexagonal, to find the style that resonates with you.
Boho Kotless Braided Style
Boho-chic hairstyles have an undeniable charm that effortlessly combines free-spirited elegance with a touch of whimsy. It is all about embracing natural textures, flowy silhouettes, and a carefree attitude. Consider wavy or curly extensions for a more relaxed and bohemian look. Choose a braiding thickness that suits your preference and complements your facial features. Thicker braids can add a bold boho statement, while thinner braids offer a delicate, ethereal vibe.
Knotless Criss-Cross Locs
To take your knotless braids up a notch, you can play around with their size, number or braiding style. Thus, you can never go wrong with criss cross knotless braids. They instantly draw attention to their unique pattern on the head and take your hairstyle to the center stage. Of course, you will need to find a really skillful braider to help you create this look. But you may rest assured that all the effort will pay you off with millions of compliments you are going to rake in.
Large Jumbo Knotless Braids
If you do not feel like spending the whole day in the beautician's chair, big knotless braids are your way out. They also look stylish and trendy, yet require much less time to create. The variety of styles is quite sheer so everyone will be able to match a look to their preferences. For those who cannot decide what braids to choose, bulky jumbo knotless braids are always a good idea.
Jumbo Bohemian Knotless and Spirals
Take your large knotless braids to a whole new level of beauty by opting for jumbo bohemian knotless braids adorned with spirals. This hairstyle is far from effortless, so it will take quite some time to achieve the desired result. However, it is totally worth it, as your hair look will make heads turn and jaws drop. To accentuate it, you can ask your braider to weave in some colorful strands.
Coileray Knotless Style
Medium knotless braids offer you the golden mean between large jumbo braids and knotless micro braids. They are relatively easy to get, while still looking elaborate and classy. Pairing knotless braids with curls results in a stylish and fashionable Coi Leray hairstyle. For an added emphasis, you can embellish your smedium knotless braids with beads, gems, or other hair accessories.
Knotless into Updos
An easy way to elevate your knotless braid hairstyle is to turn it into an updo. Not only does it open up your face but it also stops the hair from getting in your way, which can sometimes be really annoying. Besides, this hairstyle looks chic and sophisticated. So, you can wear it to almost any event, even moderately formal. Yet, it seems equally appropriate with a casual outfit, which makes this hairstyle incredibly versatile.
Tiny Small Knotless Style
Small knotless braids are one of the most awe-inspiring braided hairstyles existing. At a quick glance, you realize how much work has been done, which evokes nothing but admiration. If you venture out for this painstaking hairstyle, you need to be ready to devote the whole day to it. To nail it, you should ideally have a full head of hair. In case your tresses lack density, you may want to incorporate braiding hair. Another way to create an impression of a fuller mane is to get blonde knotless braids, which are less exposed but as daring as other small box braids.
Extra Long Knotless Braided Style
Those who are not afraid to stand out in the crowd will definitely love an extremely long knotless braid style. In case your natural hair is not long enough, you can always resort to hair extensions. In addition to elongating your strands, they allow you to introduce a different hair color to your look. As such, burgundy knotless braids are so on-trend at the moment that you are bound to try them on. Optionally, you can complement knotless braids with curly ends or adorn your extended knotless braids with beads.
Knotless Box Braids With Colorful Extensions
Triangle Knotless Box Braids
Knotless braids are the revolution in the world of natural hairstyles that have made a protective style even healthier and more beautiful. Now that we all know why so many women are crazy about the trend, it’s safe to say it: the future is knotless!
Knotless Braids with Color Accents
It is always a good idea to spice up knotless braids with color. There are multiple ways to do it and in the majority of them, you do not even have to dye your hair. Sounds intriguing? Then you will definitely love the collection of the best colored knotless braids we have put together below.
Ombre Knotless Braids
Ombre knotless braids pay tribute to one of the trendiest hair coloring techniques of the decade. Yet, if you feel that you will want to switch it up for something else soon, there is no need to get your hair dyed. A skilled braider will be able to weave braiding hair into your knotless braids so that it blends in them seamlessly, creating an ombre effect.
Peekaboo Knotless Braids
To add a pop of color to your hairstyle while keeping it quite low-key, go for peekaboo braids. They are usually incorporated into the underneath layers of your hair, so they become visible only when you move or wear an updo. A high peek-a-boo knotless braids bun is a hairstyle that cannot leave anyone indifferent.
Burgundy Knotless Braids
Burgundy knotless braids look unbelievably flattering on deeper skin tones, so you can never go wrong with them. This gorgeous hair color gives your braids definition and structure, so you can rest assured that they are going to be in the spotlight. Burgundy knotless box braids can be then styled in a myriad of different ways, from a high pony to a full bun.
Honey Blonde Knotless Braids
If you naturally have Black locks, you should not shy away from light color knotless braids. However, in case this option is too bold for you, you can always opt for its softer version, such as honey blonde knotless braids. It is not hard to tell that it will make you stand out in the crowd. So, get ready to be the center of attention.
Ginger Knotless Braids
How beautiful are these ginger knotless braids? They are so fun and playful that you are sure to collect compliments left, right and center when wearing them. Besides, they are an excellent way to transition from a darker to lighter knotless braids color. And you also get the ease of maintenance as a nice bonus.
Red Knotless Braids
A red knotless braid hairstyle is not for faint hearted. If you go for it, you can rest assured that you will never go unnoticed. Yet, to take it to another level of boldness and accentuate your flamboyant hair color even more, complement your knotless braids with heart design on the sides and back.
Blonde Knotless Braids
It goes without saying that blonde knotless braids on dark skin look striking. So, if you want to have all eyes on you, this hair look is your sure bet. Blonde braids work wonders for any hair type, but especially for kinky hair, as they also protect them from frizz, damage and drying. To emphasize your natural hair texture, consider blonde knotless braids with curly ends.
Brown Knotless Braids
If you are not up to changing your hair color drastically, you can always enhance your brown knotless braids with beads and other hair accessories. In this way, your hairstyle will turn out very coordinated and tasteful. So, you will be able to wear it in the majority of situations.Extra Long Knotless Braided Style
Pink Knotless Braids
What is a more feminine hair color than pink? You can hardly find one. So, whenever you feel like wearing a very girlie and cute braided hairstyle, pink medium knotless braids are your surefire option. If your braider is skillful enough, you can ask them for a hair design, for instance, pink heart knotless braids.
Black And Blonde Knotless Braids
By incorporating black and blonde strands, you can pull off skunk stripe knotless braids, which is all the rage now. You can also pair this high contrast color combo with criss cross knotless braids, as they complement each other flawlessly. Show off your impactful hair look with various styling, from a top knot to jumbo knotless braids.
Red And Black Knotless Braids
You should not be afraid to level up mixed color knotless braids with color. There is a myriad of combinations to choose from. If you are unsure whether the colors match, you can always choose timeless classics, like red and black. Finish off your knotless braids with curls to give them an authentic feel.
Brown And Blonde Knotless Braids
Another color combo that will allow you to create a contrasty hairstyle is brown and blonde. It is less intense than black and blonde, yet is still quite prominent. Blonde strands can be added to the tips of the braids or weaved into them for a boho knotless braids effect.
Black And Brown Knotless Braids
Those who find purple knotless braids a little too much may feel comfortable with black and brown braids. You can implement the color as peekaboo braids or highlights, which will give your hairstyle depth while looking very delicate and natural. For this reason, you may play around with different patterns, getting triangle knotless braids and suchlike.
Grey Knotless Braid Style
Gray hair remains one of the most popular hair color trends for a good reason. That is why it may be a great way to give your knotless braids hairstyle a fashionable touch. It is also a wonderful option for women who want to embrace their gray locks instead of dyeing them.
FAQ: Knotless Braids
Do knotless braids last longer?
Knotless braids have the ability to last longer for rougher textures with tighter curls, lasting up to 3 months. However, they may not stay as long on silkier textures with loose curl patterns.
What is the point of knotless braids?
When done correctly, the knotless approach prevents traction alopecia, which is a kind of hair loss for people who wear braids that are put too tight with huge knots. This approach takes a little longer to set up, but it’s worth the beauty and the health of your hair.
Are knotless braids heavy?
Knotless braids are not too heavy, and they are not too thick. They are simply flat and lie down in that manner. So, you won’t feel like you have too many braids on your head. Knotless braids are ideal for busy ladies who want to protect their natural tresses, as well as for those looking for a low-maintenance holiday hairstyle.
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