Knotless braids – Guide, ideas and how to make them

Some hairstyles seem to require so much work that they may seem inaccessible…

Among the many types of existing African braids, some are however largely feasible, even alone!

This is the case of knotless braids.

With a little application, these trendy braids are easily achievable. They protect your natural hair and offer an inimitable style.

Find out quickly what knotless braids are, their benefits and how to make them yourself!

What are knotless braids?

Knotless braids are a softer, tension-free variation of classic box braids, where the braids are started using your own hair.

This technique allows for very neat and defined braids with minimal scalp irritation.

There are different types of knotless braids:

Knotless braids with beads

Knotless braids with curls

Knotless braids with color

Short knotless braids

How to make knotless braids? – The tutorial for successful knotless braids

What you’ll need for your knotless braids:

• Virgin olive oil, if possible organic
• A styling gel or wax
• Knotless braids, the X-Pression are a safe bet

The method to make your knotless braids alone:

1. Detangle your hair, first with a wide tooth comb
2. Divide your hair into 4 to 6 sections depending on your length
3. Apply the gel on your sections, this is what will allow to fix your braids
4. First, make pigtails, just by braiding
5. Take the amount of final strand you want. Separate it in several parts that you will introduce gradually
6. Using a hook, insert the strand into the hair and start braiding. Don’t panic if you don’t get it right the first time, it takes a little practice!
7. Add the strands gradually, try to keep the same width of braid on the whole length
8. Then do the middle of your hair following the same steps
9. Then, go to the front. Take your time for this step because it is this one that will be the most noticed
10. Put some water to boil
11. Dip the ends of your braids in hot water to soften them, don’t hesitate to dip them again until you get the desired result

How long do knotless braids last?

As we have seen, the realization of knotless braids requires considerable effort! So you might be wondering how long you can keep your knotless braids?

Depending on how you care for them, knotless braids can last up to 6 weeks.

As with all braided hairstyles, the nature and health of your kinky hair plays a big part in how long your braids will last.

If you want your knotless braids to last as long as possible, you can follow these tips:

• Use a moisturizing and nourishing shampoo and conditioner. For example, you can turn to products enriched with keratin or argan oil.
• Reduce the frequency of use of heated styling tools, which can eventually damage your hair, drying it out and making it more fragile.
• Use a silk or satin cap at night to protect your hair fibers from friction and detangle your afro hair more easily.

How to maintain knotless braids?

The best way to maintain your knotless braids is to moisturize them daily.

A few habits will help you with this:

• Don’t hesitate to take regular oil baths and drink enough water.
• When shampooing, focus on your scalp and not the lengths of your tresses.
• Be sure to avoid products containing alcohol, which can dry out your hair, especially if you have type 4 hair that is particularly fragile.

If you follow these tips, your hair will look great for weeks, even months!

How many packages of hair do you need to make your knotless braids?

To determine how many packages of hair you need for knotless braids, start by measuring the length of your hair.

If your hair is above your shoulders, you’ll need 4 bundles of hair. If your hair is below your shoulders, then you’ll need 5-7 packages of hair.

What are the advantages of knotless braids?

Knotless braids offer the following advantages:

• Painless. The absence of knots makes them much less painful than traditional braids
• The absence of strong tension. Unlike box braids, knotless braids don’t put any tension on the scalp
• A neater look
• Lasts longer than other types of braids
• Lighter than traditional braids
• Less likely to damage your hair. Unlike traditional braids, knotless braids don’t require heavy pulling and binding of the strands

In short, if you’re looking for a braid style that’s gentle on your hair, knotless braids might be right for you!

What are the disadvantages of knotless braids?

Among the drawbacks of knotless braids, note that they can be difficult to do at first. It will take a few tries to get the hang of it.

If you’re doing this hairstyle in a salon, they can be more expensive than traditional braids.

Knotless braids will work best for you if your hair is healthy.

If you have a sensitive or irritated scalp, be sure to treat it as well as possible before adopting knotless braids. Don’t hesitate to seek advice at your favorite hair salon before taking action!

Check out the best tips for homemade 4c scalp scrub.

What is the price of knotless braids?

The price of knotless braids varies depending on the salon and the expertise of the hairstylist. Knotless braids generally cost between 100 and 500 euros.

What is the difference between knotless braids and box braids?
Knotless braids are a painless, tension-free variation of box braids.

In knotless braids, the braids are started using your own hair, whereas in box braids, a knot is first formed with an artificial hair strand.

Can knotless braids be washed?

Knotless braids are perfectly washable. Just be sure to gently scrub your scalp so you don’t undo the work.

To wash them, you can use a mild shampoo and conditioner, and avoid products containing sulfates and silicones.

Other types of braids

Here are the most popular types of African braids:

• Box braids: Classic braids are one of the most iconic styles for Afro hair. They can be worn in a wide variety of styles, including ponytails, buns and updos.
• Braided ponytail: This is a variation of the classic ponytail, where the hair is first divided into sections, then each section is braided.
• Crochet braids: Crochet braids are a type of African braid where synthetic hair is added to natural hair. This style can give the illusion of fuller, thicker hair.
• Lemonade braids: Lemonade braids are a variation of box braids, where the hair is separated in a zig-zag pattern.
• Goddess braids: This type of African braid is often worn as a bun. This style can be decorated with beads, shells or other accessories.
• Twists: This is a type of African braid where the hair is wrapped around itself. This style can be worn in a variety of ways, including in a bun.
• Kinky twists: the hair is first divided into sections, then each section is twisted.

So are you ready to take the plunge and adopt a hairstyle worthy of the biggest stars?