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Knotless Box Braids Vs. Box Braids

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Most prefer knotless braids owing to their tension less, pain free and lightweight nature. It’s safe to say that knotless braids are not going out of style anytime soon. This article gives you an overview of everything you need to know about knotless box braids and box braids.

We’ll also cover some of the most frequently asked questions like how to maintain knotless braids, difference between knotless box braids and regular box braids, how long they last, the duration it takes to get them professionally done and what they are among others.

Knotless Box Braids Vs. Box Braids

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What are knotless braids?

Knotless braids are the new tension less, pain free and lightweight version of box braids which makes them easy on the scalp since they lack a knot at the base.

  1. Are knotless braids long lasting?

Knotless braids usually last up to a maximum of six weeks. However, their longevity depends on how you take care of them. Just like other braided hairstyles, there are a number of factors that determine how long you can keep your knotless braids in including maintenance and the texture of your hair.

  1. Knotless box braids vs. box braids- which one is better?

Most people would argue that knotless box braids are better since they are pain free, lightweight, tension less and easy on the scalp unlike box braids. However, the knotless box braids vs. box braids debate will not end anytime soon since at the end of the day, it always boils down to personal preferences and taste.

  1. How long does it take to do knotless box braids?

It takes up to six hours to get knotless box braids professionally done depending on your desired length and size.

  1. How much does it cost to achieve the knotless braids hairstyle?

You’ll need a maximum of seven packs of Kanekalon braiding hair or premium Xpression braiding hair to achieve this look and this brings it the total to about $250 or thereabout inclusive of the labor cost. However, this is only an estimate as the cost also depends on the stylist’s skill level, duration and length.

  1. How different are knotless box braids from box braids?

Knotless box braids are tension less, pain free and lightweight since it starts with your natural hair at the base and lacks a knot which is quite the opposite with traditional box braids. When it comes to box braids, the stylist usually starts by forming a knot at the root of the hair.

  1. How do you ensure your knotless braids are neat?

The only secret when it comes to doing neat knotless box braids is to ensure you part the hair properly and use high-quality jam/gel. Use a rat tail comb and do the parting with a lot of precision then apply shine n jam to get a proper hold and sleek down any flyaways at the base when braiding.

Knotless Box Braids Vs. Box Braids

Knotless box braids are regular braids except they lack knots. The stylist usually starts by braiding your own hair before feeding in the braiding hair gradually while moving along which is not the case with box braids. In box braids the stylist uses a knot to secure the braiding hair tightly to your natural hair.

Knotless braids typically make the entire braiding process pain free, more pleasurable and easier on the scalp owing to the lack of a knot. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that traditional box braids aren’t any better. Traditional box braids are equally protective when done correctly especially if you advice the hair stylist not to braid too tightly.

Preparing Your Hair for Knotless Box Braids

  • Before doing knotless box braids, always ensure that you scalp is properly moisturized after cleaning your hair.
  • You’ll need three packs of prestretched Xpression braiding hair or Kanekalon braiding hair depending on your desired length and size.
  • You’ll need an extra pack of freetress water wave hair if you are going for a bohemian knotless box braids look with curly ends.
  • Get an edge control to lay the edges when you’re done and mousse to make the hair look brighter.

A Tutorial on How to do Knotless Box Braids

First, wash and condition your hair. Blow dry or straighten your hair to make the parting process easy. Section your hair using a rat tail comb in square or triangle parts depending on your personal specifications. Also, depending on the size you are going for, section your hair into small or big parts.

Apply shine n jam to get a perfect hold of the hair at the root to make the sectioned parts look sleek and neat.

Start braiding one of the sectioned parts a few times like you normally would natural hair.

Start feeding in your braiding hair after doing your natural hair at the base a few times. Ensure you feed in small to medium sized braiding hair amounts so that the length doesn’t look bulky as you move along. This also prevents the braiding length to have a knot-like look. The whole idea is to avoid a knot anywhere by all means that’s why we feed in the braiding hair after doing your natural hair.

Keep applying shine n jam when moving along the braiding hair length to sleek down any flyaways for a neat and clean finish. After you’re done apply mousse all over the head to make the knotless box braids look shiny and brighter.

Knotless Box Braids on Natural 4C Hair – Short

DIY Knotless Box Braids

You are one of God’s favorite children if you can do knotless box braids on your own. In this case, you need to exercise patience throughout the braiding process, a mirror and braiding hair.

Doing Criss Cross Knotless Box Braids

Criss cross knotless box braids otherwise known as Kriss Kross knotless braids are currently the trendiest braided hairstyles on Instagram and TikTok. You’ll also get a step by step tutorial that’s easy to follow on how to achieve this look using super stretch rubber bands at the front.

Criss cross knotless box braids are lightweight, pain free and tension less just like your typical box braids.

@angel.stylezzz

@thetouchofnature_

@angel.stylezzz

RELATED: How to Refresh Knotless Braids

Doing Bohemian Knotless Braids

Bohemian knotless braids were popularized by Pearl @pearlthestylist_. Bohemian knotless braids almost resemble Goddess braids featuring curly strands incorporated into your hair. The Pearl’s boho knotless box braids are intricate. You need three packs of outre prestretched Xpression braiding hair and another pack of freetress water wave hair to achieve this hairstyle.

Start by parting your clean blow dried or straightened hair into different parts according to your desired size. Pre-parting the entire head before braiding comes highly recommended to ensure you do it evenly. Apply shine n jam to sleek down the flyaways and get a proper hold at the root of the hair when braiding. Braid your natural hair first before feeding in small amounts of the braiding hair gradually.

Continue braiding the hair to mid-sized length then feed in freetress water wave hair. Braid the freetress water wave hair to give you the curly look in a centimeter or two of the braid. Add the curly freetress water wave hair to the end of the braid length.

When you achieve the desired length of the braid, feed in a small amount of freetress water wave hair then create a tiny knot on the braid. Tie a knot three times then apply some nail glue to secure after wrapping it around to ensure it holds firmly. Undo the braiding hair at the bottom of the curly freetress water wave hair and the knot at this point. You can now cut the undone part of the braiding hair.

Advantages of Knotless Box Braids

  • Knotless box braids are pain free since they lack a knot unlike traditional box braids which are tightly secured at the root of the hair
  • Knotless box braids are tension free which makes them easy on the scalp unlike traditional box braids
  • Knotless box braids last longer than box braids
  • Knotless box braids are lightweight and flow naturally unlike box braids that are bulky

Disadvantages of Knotless Box Braids

  • Knotless box braids always look a bit scalpy
  • It takes a longer duration to get knotless box braids professionally done depending on the size and length
  • Knotless box braids don’t promote hair growth especially when you keep them in for longer
  • Knotless box braids are relatively expensive since they take longer to be professionally done

Knotless Box Braids Hairstyles to Try

At this point, you already know everything that there is to know about knotless box braids. We did a round-up of some of the best knotless box braids hairstyles you should try drawing inspiration from different social media platforms including Pinterest and Instagram. Let’s dive right in!

  1. Small Knotless Box Braids

@braidshub

Small knotless box braids usually look nice when neatly done. They also look natural specially when the braids aren’t tightly secured on your natural hair.

  1. Small Knotless Box Braids Updo

@pearlthestylist_

When you are going about your business and want a fuss free hair day, throw your small knotless box braids in not so tight updo.

  1. Knotless Braids with Purple Highlights

If you are not bold about the choice of your braiding hair color, then a black knotless box braids with purple highlights will come in handy.

  1. Blonde Bohemian Knotless Box Braids

@pearlthestylist_

You can never go wrong with blonde knotless braids. For a cute bohemian feel and look with curly ends, this braided hairstyle is your best bet.

  1. Knotless Box Braids with Curls at the Bottom

@the.hairfanatic

Coi Leray braids is the newest braided hairstyle in town. You can never go wrong with jumbo knotless box braids with curly ends.

  1. Long Knotless Box Braids

As a rule of thumb, always remember that longer braids look better. This typically means that length is everything when it comes to braided hairstyles.

@braidshub

  1. Colorful Bands Knotless Box Braids

You can style your knotless box braids with super stretch rubber bands in different colors.

@pearlthestylist_

  1. Knotless Passion Box Braids

Just as the name suggests, knotless passion box braids are a variant of passion twists. They are equally beautiful.

@yooabagail

  1. Jumbo Knotless Box Braids

If you want few braids on your head then jumbo knotless box braids are your go-to braided hairstyle.

braidsbyneishaa

  1. Blonde Bob Knotless Box Braids

Blonde bob knotless box braids are best suited for those who hate wearing long braids.

@pearlthestylist_

  1. Style your Knotless Box Braids with Colored Bands

Save for beads, you can also use colored bands to make your knotless box braids pop. You can achieve this style by tying the colored bands on the braids twice along the length of the braid.

@pearlthestylist_

  1. Medium Knotless Box Braids Updo

You can also style your medium sized knotless box braids in an updo by laying the edges right after securing them at the top of your head.

@pearlthestylist_

  1. Half Down Half Up Knotless Box Braids

Styles your knotless box braids in a secure bun at the top of your head and leave the rest hanging at the back.

@pearlthestylist_

  1. Extra Small Knotless Box Braids

Extra small knotless box braids look better as they prevent your from looking too scalpy.

@pearlthesylist_

  1. Medium-Sized Knotless Box Braids

Medium-sized knotless box braids are usually a perfect middle ground especially if you don’t want to get the smaller or larger ones. What more, undoing them usually takes a short duration as compared to small knotless box braids.

@pearlthestylist_

  1. Twist Knotless Box Braids

Just as the name suggests, this is the twist variant of the knotless box braids.

pinterest

How to Make Your Knotless Braids Last Longer

  • Always ensure your hair is moisturized
  • Apply an anti-itch oil on the scalp to prevent it from itching
  • Clean your scalp using dry shampoo to remove any buildup of oil
  • Wrap a satin bonnet or silk scarf on your head when going to bed
  • Lay your edges using edge control

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