Knotless braids are a type of box braid that is painless and produce less tension on the scalp because they don’t have the knot that box braids do. In addition, the braiding hair extensions are installed halfway through the braids hair, whereas in box braids, the hair extensions are installed a few inches away from the roots. These are everything you need to know about braids, including the styles, differences, and a few “how to” .
Continue reading to find out the differences so you can find the one that’s best for you.
What Are Knotless Braids?
Knotless braids, as the name suggests, do not have any knots. Instead, they are a type of feed-in braid that doesn’t use an anchor knot to apply strain on your scalp. Instead, the braiding hair extensions are gradually installed to your natural strands to create a seamless finish that doesn’t damage your edges. As a result, they’re not only effortlessly chic, but they’re also practical, flattering, and protective of your hair, causing less harm than typical box braids.
How To Install Knotless Braids
Follow these simplified steps to install knotless braids at home.
- Start by cleaning and conditioning your hair and let it dry completely.
- Divide your hair into a triangle or square sections with a rattail comb. Depending on the size you want, you can separate your hair into large or small sections.
- Use an edge control gel to smoothen the sections and to achieve neat parts.
- Start with a section of hair and plait it as you normally would. Once you reach the mid-shaft, use the same amount of braiding hair extension and feed the braids hair to achieve long hair.
- To avoid tangles, apply hair cream as you work your way down the length of the braid.
- Repeat the steps until you finish braiding your entire head.
Advantages Of Knotless Braids
Here are the advantages of knotless braids and why they are the best alternative protective hairstyle.
Little To No Tension
Unlike other forms of protective braids, knotless braids cause little to no tension to your scalp and roots.
They Are Painless
The lack of knots in knotless braids means your roots and scalp do not experience any strain and are painless.
Lasts Longer Than Other Braids
Although knotless braids are semi-permanent, they last longer than box braids and other traditional braids.
Knotless Braids Are Neater
Knotless braids are neat and offer a more natural look compared to traditional braids. In addition, they are lightweight because the hair flows freely and isn’t bulky.
Tons Of Styling Options
Since knotless braids aren’t tied to the roots, you get tons of styling options while protecting your hair from the daily heat manipulation. Knotless braids hairstyles can be worn for any occasion, even for work.
Disadvantages Of Knotless Braids
Just like any other braids, knotless braids come with their own set of disadvantages.
Knotless Braids Are More Expensive
Knotless box braids are more expensive than traditional box braids since they take longer to install.
Takes Longer To Install
Depending on the length, knotless braids take longer to install compared to box braids.
Knotless Braids Hairstyles
Here are a few hairstyles that you need to try with your knotless braids.
Waist Length Knotless Braids
Knotless Passion Braids
Half-Up, Half-Down Knotless Braids
What Are Box Braids?
Box braids are one of the most trendy protective hairstyles that have been around for over three decades by both women in and out of the entertainment industry. These braids are three-strand plaits that are more defined and help prevent fly-aways. Unlike cornrows, box braids aren’t plaited flat against the scalp; instead, the hair is divided into sections and braided down with or without hair extensions.
How To Install
Follow these simple steps to install braids at home.
- Prep your hair by washing and conditioning it. It is essential to get rid of dirt and oil from your hair since it will be tucked away for a long period.
- Let your hair dry completely. Brush your hair thoroughly, and then divide it into square sections. Apply edge control as you go to achieve a clean part.
- Tie the sections away so you can begin plaiting.
- Divide your hair extensions into sections. Divide them according to the braid size you want.
- Begin the process by braiding your hair into feeding-in the hair extensions until you reach the desired length.
- Tie each braid with an elastic band. Once the braids are done, dip the ends in hot water to seal the braids or use a braid sealer.
- After braiding your hair, use a generous amount of hair mousse and apply it to your braids.
Advantages Of Box Braids
Check out the advantages of getting installed.
Low Maintenance
Excluding a few upkeep, box braids are generally low maintenance. And they are perfect for women who are always on the go. Box braids do not add extra burden to your busy life.
Semi-Permanent
Braids last up to 8 weeks with touch-ups and provide a neat look with no frizzy strands sticking out. Don’t forget to wrap your long braided hair or wear a bonnet to bed.
Way to Protect Your Hair
The best way to protect your hair is by leaving it alone and away from constant heat styling. Box braids are a technique of protecting your hair from all the external elements that damage your hair.
Styling Options
Since box braids are installed inches away from the roots, this protective hairstyle offers tons of styling options. From braided ponytails hairstyles to buns, you can try it all!
Disadvantages Of Braids
Here are the disadvantages of box braids hair.
They Are Heavy
Box braids are heavy and put a strain on your scalp and roots. The braiding hair extensions and the size of the braids play a huge role in making box braids heavy.
Traction Alopecia
The weight and the tightness of the braids cause women to experience traction alopecia.
What Are Knotless Braids?
Here are a few braid hairstyle ideas that you have to try.
Chunky Box Braids
Curly Box Braids
Bob-Length Box Braids
Braids With Shaved Side
These are the differences between box braids and knotless braids. Both the options are great depending on the style you want, take the pros and cons under consideration and get the braided hairstyle of your dreams with chunky braids to long waist-length knotless braids.
