Knotless Box Braids: How to Get & Styling Ways

Knotless box braids are trending since last year. Styling hair is not only about looking good, but also feeling yourself, feeling comfortable. That is the reason many African American women appreciate knotless box braids over regular box braids. It has become the new standard in protective styles.

Box braids are one of the oldest and authentic hairstyles of African American women. They appreciate their box braids and carry them beautifully. It’s not only a hairstyle but also part of the culture and community. Though some women sometimes find it difficult to carry for a long time. Knotless box braids have changed the whole concept. It is not just only any other fashion “trend”, but also has become part of their lifestyle.

“Beauty is pain” – a common phrase in the fashion industry that we often say or hear. But beauty without pain is something that anyone would love to hold on to. Knotless box braids, knotless braids, no-knot braids, or free-in braids- whatever you like to call- is a revolutionary for African American women, where braiding hair is an unabated part of the fashion of the Black community. These are originated roughly five years ago to protect natural hair in urban cities, probably New York, Atlanta, Dallas, and L.A. Since last year it’s trending on Instagram and YouTube.

It is not only refreshing but also inspiring in terms of fashion and beauty lessons. It is easy to maintain and easy to care for.

What are Knotless Box Braids?

Knotless box braids are in the fashion industry for years, but it has become popular since last year. It is a variation of the box braids. It seems like regular box braids, but slightly different from it. With the regular box braids, the braids are secured to the scalp tightly by forming a knot with extensions. With the knotless box braids, the braids are started with natural hair, gradually braider braids with extensions. Knotless braids are painless and cause less tension on the scalp.

What’s The Difference Between Knotless Box Braids and Traditional Box Braids?

The difference between knotless braids and box braids is very simple. The stylists use your hair to start the braid and gradually feeds in braiding hair. Where a knot is tightly formed to secure the braid to hair in knotless braids.

Knotless box braids are knot-free braids or don’t have any knots in the root, that is why it’s very comfortable and pain-free to wear. Regular box braids are not bad at all. It is your personal preference that how you want to style your hair.

How Long Do They Last?

Knotless box braids can last more than 6 weeks, depends on how well you take care of them. All kinds of braids last for a long time if you take proper care and maintain them. But you should not keep the braids for more than 2 months. It can damage the hair, break the edges, and weaken the roots.

Are Knotless Braids Better?

If your hair roots are tender and you don’t want anything that causes tension on your scalp then knotless braids are a good choice. You can peacefully do any styles with it without having pain.

How Long Do Knotless Braids Take?

Its may take a longer time than regular box braids. It depends on hair length and stylist. It can take 6-8 hours and even more than that.

How Much Do Knotless Braids Cost?

Knotless braids are more expensive than regular box braids. Since this style takes more time stylists may charge a little bit high amount of money. You may have to spend from $70 to $180+ more than traditional box braids.

Do Knotless Braids Damage Hair?

Knotless braids never damage your hair rather it protects your hair. It makes the style pain-free and causes no tension to the scalp. It helps to keep natural hair flow, so you can easily flip your hair without any heaviness.

Why You Should Choose Knotless Braids?

1. Pain-free. The main motto of having knotless box braids that they are pain-free. The main problem with regular box braids that they are very tightly knotted to the roots. That causes tension to the roots and scalp. You may feel heavy and uncomfortable moving your head. With the knotless method, you won’t have to face these difficulties. Your scalp will be pain-free.
2. Healthy Hair. Knotless box braids keep hair healthier than regular box braids. With regular box braids, it is difficult to clean the roots. Gradually, it makes the roots weak and causes hair-fall. But, with knotless braids, you can take proper care of your scalp.
3. Light. Knotless braids are not heavy. They are not as bulky as regular box braids. So, you can flip your hair easily.
4. Zero Breakage. There will be absolutely no breakage with knotless braids. You don’t have to do any knot on the root, so there will be less friction on the root. Less friction means less shedding and zero breakage.
5. Flexibility. You can easily and instantly move your knotless braids and style them as you wish. You will not feel difficulties and pain while styling them.
6. Protective Style. You can be tension-free with any style you choose to do with your knotless braids. Your natural hair knot will protect your hairstyles more than traditional box braids.
7. Neat. The knotless braids are neat and look more natural than traditional box braids.
8. Durability. It lasts longer than regular box braids.

Cons of Knotless Braids?

1. Scalpy. Scalps are very much visible in this style.
2. Take Longer Time. Knotless braids usually take a longer time to install than regular braids.
3. Expensive. As knotless braids take more time than regular braids, it is more costly.
4. Hair Grow. Sometimes hair may grow out of the braids if you keep them for a long time.

Preparing for Knotless Braids?

Before having knotless box braids make sure that you do not have anything important to do this day, because it may go to take 6-7 hours. You can do it by yourself or you can go to any professional stylist. You will need to clean your hair and scalp with a sulfate-free shampoo and use conditioner twice or more than that. You will need braiding hair. You can use six-packs of X-pressions braiding hair or standard Kanekalon braiding hair as well. But before choosing braiding hair be mindful about the thickness of the hair and your hair texture.

Where to buy: Amazon 

Where to buy: Amazon 

If you don’t have enough time to braid your hair you can simply use braided wigs. These are available on amazon.com.

Where to buy: Amazon

How to Do It?

After preparing your hair with shampoo and conditioner dry your hair with a hair-dryer. Make sure your hair is easy to part. You can section your hair into big and small parts, the size you wish for.

You’ll be needed- 

1. A rattail comb,
2. Hair Cream,
3. Hair Gel,
4. Holding Spray,
5. Clips and pins,
6. Hair Mousse and
7. Hair Spray.

Steps-

1. Part your hair into four even sections. Use clips or pins to secure three parts. 
2. Apply hair cream to give your strands a little bit more moisturizer. It will protect your hair and the edge won’t break easily.
3. Use a rattail comb to part use hair into a small section. Use a bit of hair gel on the roots of the section to keep the braid in place. Split the section into three strands and start braiding. After, three or four braided links use a new piece of synthetic hair and keep braiding. Keep adding synthetic braids after doing three or four links. Once you reach the ends or your desire length, secure with an elastic.
4. Keep repeating this braiding process with the rest of the hair.
5. Once your braids are completed mist a holding spray on to your braids from roots to ends. This will create a bond with synthetic hair and your hair won’t get unraveled.
6. Apply hair mousse from roots to ends. It will create a good grip and give a long-lasting look.
7. Give finishing touch with a shine-boosting hair spray to have naturally shiny braids.

You can do it by yourself by following the same process. It may take a longer time.

How to Take Care of Knotless Braids?

Knotless box braids start with natural hair, so it is easy to take care of the scalp. You should do several things to keep your knotless braids fresh. You should have to keep clean and moisturizing your scalp. Wipe down the braids weekly with apple cider vinegar. Use a cotton pad to remove excess oil from the scalp.

Where to buy: Amazon

Oil your scalp once a week with your favorite hair to keep it hydrated and moisturized. Use edge control and leave-in-conditioner spray to keep the braids hydrating.

Where to buy: Amazon

Where to buy: Amazon

Where to buy: Amazon

Where to buy: Amazon

Cover your braids with silk or satin scarf while sleeping. It will protect your hair from frizz.

28 Latest Ways to Style Knotless Box Braids

• Basic Braids

This style is very simple and basic. It’s not too tight and secure, with proper maintenance any nice styles can be done with these braids. You can also wear them the way they are, the square patterns are already beautiful.

• Black Blonde Ombre

This is a very beautiful style with blonde color box braids. Unfinished ends and triangle shapes have made it majestic.

• Fierce Red

Red hot braids always spice up the look. This knotless braid hairstyle goes very well with the minimal makeup look.

• Blonde Curly Ends

Blonde is a classic preference for styling hair. These full blonde braids are started with natural hair without a knot. To add more fun curl the ends of the braids.

• Pink-White Braids

Make your knotless box braids pop with colors. We can play with your desired colors to style your hair. What about mystic pink and pearly white? You can also make a top bun with half of your braids.

• Top Blonde Knot

Blonde hair always gives an innocent and fresh look. Make your blonde braids less painful with a knotless start. Make a high knot to style it up.

• Black-Blue Bun with Sticks

This style is something that makes anyone go WOW! Every braid is braided up with care and it turns out very neat. The combination of black and blue is perfect. Two blue Chinese sticks have created a good fusion with African American’s authentic braided style.

• Hold Tight with Scarf

If you are tired of with basic braided ponytail try this one out. Tie the braids with your favorite scarf. It is unique, beautiful, and more secure.

• Knotless Braids with Colorful Bands

To have a funky baby hairstyle use colorful rubber bands. It’s not something usual that we always see. Be hurry and try it out before others!

• Bun with Colorful Bands

Modify the previous look with a bun. It’s up to you how you prefer your braids.

• Medium Bob with Loose Curls

This angle of medium bob braids is so beautiful. This look is perfect for any occasion and party.

 

• Bohemian Knotless Braids

Go boho with knotless box braids. Bohemian box braids require already a lot of hair extensions. So, it’s already too heavy for your head. Make it painless with knotless braids and rock the boho look.

• Colorful Beads

Other than metal beads try out some colorful beads. Make your braids fancier with colors. It’s a perfect look for your summer and spring.

• Knotless Braids with Strings

Triangle shape is always my favorite. Who doesn’t like the square shapes can try the triangle shapes. Use metal strings to style your braids.

• Triangle Shape Bohemian Braids

Try boho with a triangle shape. Make it painless with knotless braids.

• Zig-Zag Shape Braids

You can do different types of patterns. Make square patterns more attractive with zig-zag patterns.

• Knotless Micro Braids

Micro braids could be painful with knots. Style your micro braids with a knotless start. You can flick your braids comfortably.

• Black and Blue

Style your braids with half black and half blue extensions. With smoky eyes and blue lips get you will look so sassy.

• Short Half Knot

Make a half knot with your short copper bob box braids. Other than black copper would be a great choice.

• Copper Braids with Beads

Beads and cowries are the hottest favorite accessories of African American women. Style your braids with a different style of beads and cowries.

• Up-do

Make an up-do with your knotless micro braids. It’s a comfortable style for summer.

• Hint of Purple

If you don’t like to wear wild colors you can always go for extensions that reflect the subtle colors in the sunlight. you can check out this type of extensions, also can make an up-do.

• Copper and Ocean Blue Color

Try different types of combinations of colors. Go for different shades of blue. Ocean blue could be a good choice, with light copper it will make a great blend.

• Bun with Pink Bands and Sticks

Style your knotless braids with pink rubber bands and sticks. Set your baby hair on the forehead, it gives a soft look.

• Knotless Ponytail

Make a high ponytail with your knotless braids and you are good to go for your school or workplace.

• Knotless Brown Bun

Style your knotless box braids with brown extensions, make a bun, and make it more comfortable.

• Knotless Braids with Beads

Style your knotless braids with the most favorite golden beads. Use dark red extensions to braid up some braids.

• 3 Beautiful Styles with Rainbow Braids

Try out these  3 magnificent styles with your knotless rainbow box braids. Try a half knot, bun, or how about two fancy buns. Try your look according to your mood. With knotless box braids, it would be more secure and pain-free.

Hairstyle should be always comfortable and painless no matter how you are going to style it. Knotless box braids may cost an extra penny, but you deserve that comfort with styling, and it’s worth it.