Because they are adaptable, simple to maintain, and can last for several weeks with proper care, knotless braids are popular among persons with natural hair. They are a fantastic way to shield hair from damage brought on by heat styling, chemical treatments, and environmental conditions and may be fashioned in a variety of ways, including ponytails and updos.
What are Knotless Braids?
Protective hairstyles known as knotless braids include braiding hair without tying a knot at the base of the braid. Unlike traditional braids, which start with a small braid and eventually grow into larger braids as the stylist adds more hair, knotless braids start with a small braid and progressively grow into larger braids. This method reduces the tension on the hair and scalp, which lowers the risk of breakage and hair loss in addition to producing a braid that looks more natural.
Both the feed-in method, which involves progressively adding small portions of hair to the braid and the crochet method, which involves looping hair extensions around the hair, can be used to create knotless braids.
Using these techniques, the hairdresser can braid the client’s natural hair in a way that is smooth and natural-looking.
A Step-by-Step Tutorial For Making Knotless Braids:
Materials:
- Hair bunning
- Rat-tail comb
- Bobby pins
- Scissors
- Hair Ties
- Hair Moisturizer
- Hair beads
- Stretcher
Instructions:
- Prep Hair: Your hair should first be washed, then conditioned, then dried naturally or with a blow dryer. Use a rat-tail comb to separate off your hair, and then use hair clips to hold each portion in place.
- Part Hair In knots: Fold a tiny piece of the braiding hair in half. Around one inch away from your hairline, place the folded end of the braiding hair against your natural hair.
- Start Braiding Knotless: Using the braiding hair and your natural hair, make a three-strand braid. The left section should be crossed over the middle section first, followed by the right section. Up until you reach the hair’s end, keep braiding.
- Add Strands of Hair: Add more braiding hair to the braid as you continue to braid. One on each side of the braid, insert a short section of braiding hair that has been divided into two sections.
- Keep Braiding: Once you’ve reached the end of the additional hair, keep braiding. Afterward, without adding more braiding hair, braid the existing natural hair and the hair that was added.
- Put a hair tie around the braid’s end to keep it in place. Cut any extra hair for braiding with scissors.
- Once you have braided all of your hair, continue with the remaining portions.
- Once all of the braids are finished, seal the ends and smooth out the surface by briefly dipping them in hot water.
- As desired, dress and style.
Here are some tips for styling knotless braids: How to Style Knotless Braids
Make a part: To change the appearance of your knotless braids, create a part. They can be parted either in the middle, to one side, or even zigzag-style.
Try out various braiding styles: Several patterns can be used to braid knotless braids. You can try a zigzag or diagonal design, or you can try a straight-back pattern.
Experiment with length: You can vary the length of your knotless braids to create different styles. You can go for long braids that reach your waist, or you can choose shorter braids that sit just above your shoulders.
Create updos: You can style your knotless braids into an updo for a more formal look. You can create a bun, twist them into a topknot, or even braid them into a crown.
Add hair accessories: To give your knotless braids a more fashionable appearance, add hair accessories like beads, rings, and cuffs. To put them into a ponytail or bun, you can also use vibrant hair ties or ribbons.
Remember to take good care of your knotless braids to keep them looking neat and stylish. This includes moisturizing your scalp, avoiding excessive pulling or tugging on your braids, and gently washing and conditioning them regularly.
How Long Do Knotless Braids Last?
Several variables, including the kind of hair extensions used, the method of installation, and the level of upkeep, affect the lifespan of knotless braids. Knotless braids typically last 4 to 8 weeks, but with the right maintenance, some people may be able to wear them for up to 8 weeks.
It’s vital to note that knotless braids should only be worn for a maximum of 8 weeks before being removed to prevent hair damage and breaking. To make sure your knotless braids stay as long as possible, it’s crucial to take adequate care of them while you have them in. This entails consistently hydrating your scalp and hair, preventing overuse of tension or manipulation, and safeguarding your hair.
Which Type of Braid is Superior, Box Braids or knotless Braids?
Knotless box braids resemble classic three-strand box braids in every way. They come in a variety of shapes and lengths. The main distinction is that knotless braids don’t have the little knot that traditional box braids start with at the root and use to secure the braided hair.
The hairstyle is made with a feed-in braid technique when making knotless braids. This entails braiding your natural hair while gradually adding little amounts of braided hair for a flatter-looking plait. Your braids will also be lighter on your scalp as a result, reducing the possibility of hair breakage. In order to relieve tension from their scalps, many people prefer knotless box braids over traditional box braids.
Related: 100+ Box Braids Hairstyles For Black Women | Braids For 2023
