Everything you should know about knotless braids

Braiding hair is so complex but so beautiful. There are various types of braiding techniques for the black hair community, which usually confuse girls. Here in this post, we are going to talk about knotless braids. If you also have an interest in this pain-free hairstyle, keep scrolling.

What are knotless braids?

As the name implies, knotless braids refer to making box braids with feed-in braiding hair without creating a knot at the roots. Since knotless braids have no knot on the base, they work to provide a more flat and natural appearance and offer you more versatility in styling. Moreover, this style adds fewer hair extensions than regular braiding, so it lessens the tension on the scalp and is more comfortable for long-term wear. 

Do knotless braids damage your hair?

Knotless braids won't cause any friction or pulling on your scalp with proper installation. The most common damage caused by braiding is traction. This typically occurs when you pull your hair very tight or you put too much hair extension on your head. Similar to all hairstyles, knotless braids can also damage your natural hair with improper installation and care. However, knotless braids are a better option, since they put less stress on your natural hair and scalp than traditional knot braids. 

How long can knotless braids last?

With proper installation and care, knotless braids can last up to 6 weeks. Any protective style (including knotless braids) should not be worn for longer than 10 weeks. This is to avoid any breakage to your natural hair. 

How much do knotless braids cost?

The cost of knotless braids usually ranges from $200 to $600. It varies depending on your area, your stylist, the length and thickness of braids you desire, etc. Long and thin braids typically cost more. When you try the knotless braid style, you will find it worth it. Since it can last for a long time and requires low maintenance. What's more, it brings less stress and tension to your scalp than other braiding styles. 

Pros and cons of knotless braids:

Here are a few pros and cons to think about when considering which braiding style is better for you:

Pros:

• Less tension on the scalp: Since knotless braids are fed into your braids, they put less stress and tension on your scalp than traditional knot braids. Of course, if you put too many hair extensions on your head, knotless braids can still be heavy and lead to damage. It even doesn't cause tension on your scalp when installed properly. 
• Natural, versatile, and not so bulky: Since there is no knot on the base, knotless braids are flatter and more flexible than box braids. Knot braids require more hair, and the braids are thicker. When you pull all the braids into a bun, traditional knot braids look a bit blunt and look like you put another head on top of your head. Knotless braids provide a more natural result that seems your braids were done with your real hair. 
• More lightweight, painless: Traditional knot box braids weigh more than knotless box braids because they require more braiding hair than knotless braids. A full-head knotless box braid takes about 1-2 packs of braiding hair, while a traditional knot braid takes at least 3 packs. Thus, knotless braids are more lightweight and more comfortable to wear. 
• Moist retain: Similar to traditional box braids, knotless braids can keep your hair hydrated and speed up natural hair growth to some extent. 

Cons:

• More expensive: Knotless braids require more skill and take a longer time to install. It's more complex than making knot braids. Thus, knotless braids are typically more expensive than traditional knot braid styles. 
• Take longer time to install: Since with knotless box braids you have to add the braiding hair step by step as you go per braid, which lengthens the installation time. The installation time can take about 4-7 hours, varying depending on the length and thickness of the braids you prefer, and the technical level of your stylist.
• Don't last as long: Typically, knotless box braids can last up to 6 weeks with proper braiding technique and care. The duration of knotless braids is shorter than traditional box braids. Since there's so much hair extension in place at the roots, knotless braids typically tend to get frizzy quicker than knot braids. 

Knot braids vs. knotless braids, how to choose?

Box braids are a traditional braiding style that has been popular among black women for a long time. This style holds the braiding hair in place with quick knots at the roots. It's chic and quicker to achieve than traditional knot braids, but also brings more tension and stress to the scalp and natural hair. 

Knotless braids use a different feed-in technique that brings less tension and stress to the scalp. It's a gentler and more versatile braiding technique.

If you have experienced pain with traditional knot braids, give knotless braids a try. 

Knotless braids require more length than traditional knot braids. Before you dive into the knotless braiding process, make sure your hair is longer than 2 inches. 

If you desire a sleeker, more flexible result, knotless braids should never let you down. 

Knotless braids get frizzy more quickly than traditional knot braids. If frizzy hair is a big issue for you, consider traditional knot braids.

If you desire a quick-to-achieve, easy-to-DIY braiding style, consider traditional knot braids.

How to do knotless braids?

Knotless braids can be a viable option for people with sensitive scalps or for those who want a more natural-looking braid. With practice, you can master the technique and create stylish, flawless braids.

Here is a step-by-step tutorial to show you how to do knotless braids. 

Step 1: Prepare your hair and determine the size of the braids

Ensure your natural hair is at least 2 inches long. Comb your hair to minimize tangles. Shampoo and condition your hair as you normally would. Determine the size of the braids. Typically, small braids last longer, and provide more versatility in styling, but also take more time to install.

Step 2: Section your hair

After detangling your hair, use a rattail comb or your fingers to divide your hair into four even sections. Apply a leave-in hair conditioner or a light hair cream to moisturize your hair if your hair is naturally dry. 

Step 3: Braiding hair

Use a rattail comb to create your parts. Divide your hair into grids or triangles as you desire and then twist the hair sections in place slightly. Make your contribution evenly and clearly.

Apply some hair gel to a part and then slick it back toward the ends to add a polished touch. Start by dividing your hair into three small sections. The size of the sections will determine the size of the braid, so adjust them as desired. Take the left section and cross it over the middle section, then take the right section and cross it over the newly created middle section.

Repeat this pattern, continuing to cross the left and right sections over the middle section and braid three times. And then feed in a small strand of braiding hair and continue to weave your way down. Add an additional strand of hair to weave into the braid and proceed to weave your way down. Repeat to feed in braiding hair. As you work, gently pull the sections to tighten the braid and make it neat.

When you reach the end of your braid, apply a bit of gel to secure the braid. 

Step 4: Repeat the process

Repeat the braiding process until you finish a full head of knotless braids. Finally, dip all your braids in hot water to seal the style. 

Step 5: Style your braids

If desired, you can add beads or other decorations to the braid to give it a unique look. You can pull all your hair into a high ponytail or rock a half-up half-down look as you desire. 

How do you care for knotless braids?

How well you take care of knotless braids will determine how long they will last. Here are some tips that will help you freshen your braids and protect your hair.

1. Proper clarification: Invest in a co-wash shampoo to remove dirt and oils from your scalp and keep your hair moisturized. Massage the co-wash into your scalp to clarify it more deeply. 
2. Hydrate your hair and scalp: Opt for a light natural hair oil for your hair care routine. Apply hair oil or leave-in hair conditioner to hydrate your hair once a week. This can help refresh your braids and prevent them from getting frizzy.
3. Protect your braids at night: Rub a small amount of natural oil into your exposed scalp and your braids. Wrap your moisturized braids up with a satin scarf to protect them from friction. Or you can invest in a silk pillowcase as an alternative.
4. Make sure you take off your braids on time: Though the braids might last longer with sufficient TLC and proper care, don't delay taking them off. It's necessary to give your natural hair a break to speed up its growth. 

Conclusion:

Knotless braids use a feed-in technique to merge the braiding hair into every braid, weakening the pulling on your scalp. The knotless style throws away the knots on the roots, is easy to refresh, and gives more versatility in styling. If you are looking for a gentler and pain-free braiding style, give knotless braids a try. 

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