How to Do Knotless Braids? A Complete Tutorial!
Knotless braids have become very popular as a low-tension and low-maintenance protective hairstyle for natural hair. This technique involves braiding hair without using a knot to secure the extension hair at the base of the braid, resulting in a more natural and seamless appearance. Knotless braids are less likely to cause breakage, pain, or tension headaches, making them a great option for individuals who want to protect their hair while still looking stylish. In this article, I will tell you the step-by-step process of how to do knotless braids at home.
How to Do Knotless Braids?
Knotless braids are the best protective hairstyle that reduces tension on the scalp, which can help to prevent hair breakage and damage. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do knotless braids:
Materials
- Comb
- Hair clips
- Hair tie
- Hair oil or edge control
- Scissors (optional)
Prepare the Hair
Preparing your hair properly before getting knotless braids is important for achieving the best results and preventing any damage or breakage. Here are some steps you can follow to prepare your hair for knotless braids:
- It’s important to start with clean hair, so thoroughly shampoo your hair and scalp to remove any dirt, oil, or product buildup. You can also condition your hair to make it more manageable.
- Use a wide-tooth comb or detangling brush to gently remove any knots or tangles from your hair. Starting from the ends and working your way up to the roots, section your hair and comb through each section to make sure it’s completely detangled.
- Depending on your hair type and texture, you may need to stretch your hair before braiding to make it easier to work with. You can do this by blow-drying your hair on low heat or using a hair dryer and a comb to stretch your hair out.
- Apply a leave-in conditioner or oil to your hair to keep it moisturized and prevent breakage. Pay special attention to the ends of your hair, which can be more prone to dryness and damage.
- Before braiding, apply a heat protectant to your hair to prevent damage from the braiding process. You can also consider using a scalp protectant to soothe any irritation that may occur from the braids.
Create the Base
To create a good base for knotless braids, you will need to section your hair and create small braids or twists at the base of each section. Here are the steps to create a base for knotless braids:
- Use a rat-tail comb to section your hair into small, even sections. The size of the sections will depend on how thick you want your braids to be.
- Take one section of hair and divide it into three equal parts. Begin braiding or twisting the section at the roots, securing it with a small hair elastic or bobby pin when you get to the end.
- Continue creating small braids or twists at the base of each section of hair, working your way around your head until all sections are braided.
- Once you have created the braided base, trim loose or frayed ends with scissors. This will help to create a neat and tidy base for your knotless braids.
Start Braiding
Take a small section of hair from the base braid and split it into three equal parts. Use your fingers to weave in a small amount of braiding hair (optional) with natural hair. Begin to braid the hair, incorporating more hair from the section as you go along. As you braid, keep the hair taut to ensure that the braid is neat and even. Continue braiding until you reach the end of the hair.
Finish the Braid
Once you reach the end of the hair, use a hair tie to secure the braid. Repeat this process on all hair sections, ensuring that each braid is even and neat.
Trim the Ends (Optional)
You can trim the ends using scissors if the braids are too long. Be careful not to cut the natural hair. Once all the braids are complete, style the hair as desired using hair oil or edge control to smooth any flyaways.
Seal The Braids
After you have completed your knotless braids, there are a few ways you can style them and seal the ends to help them last longer. Here are some options:
Dip the Ends in Hot Water
This is a common method used to seal the ends of braids. Boil some water and let it cool for a few minutes before dipping the ends of your braids into the hot water for a few seconds. This will help to seal the ends and prevent them from fraying.
Burn The Ends With A Lighter
Another way to seal the ends of your braids is to burn them with a lighter carefully. Hold the end of the braid near the flame and rotate it slowly to ensure that the ends are evenly sealed. Be careful not to hold the flame too close or for too long, as this can cause damage to your hair.
Style The Braids
There are many ways to style your knotless braids, depending on your preferences and the occasion. You can wear them down, style them into a bun or updo, or even add accessories like beads or clips to enhance the look.
Protect Your Braids At Night
To help your knotless braids last longer, protecting them at night is important. Use a satin or silk scarf or bonnet to keep your braids in place and prevent them from rubbing against your pillow or bed sheets.
Some Extra Tips
- Use small sections of hair for a neat and even braid.
- Keep the hair taut as you braid to ensure a secure hold.
- Don’t braid too tightly, as this can cause scalp damage and hair breakage.
- Avoid using knots or extensions, as this can cause tension on the scalp.
- Take breaks if your arms or hands get tired to avoid strain or fatigue.
With these steps and tips, you should be able to do knotless braids. Remember to be patient and take your time, as it can be time-consuming. But the results will be worth it!
Knotless Braids Vs. Box Braid
Knotless braids and box braids are both popular styles for braiding hair, but there are some key differences between the two.
Knotless braids are a newer style of braiding that has become increasingly popular in recent years. They are similar to traditional box braids but with a few key differences. Knotless braids start with a small braid at the root of the hair and then gradually become thicker as the braiding continues.
This technique creates a more natural-looking braid with less tension on the scalp, making it a more comfortable option for those with sensitive scalps or those who want to avoid the tightness and pain that can come with traditional box braids.
On the other hand, box braids are a classic style that has been around for many years. They are created by dividing the hair into small sections and braiding each section from the root to the end. Box braids are typically thicker and more uniform in size than knotless braids, and they can be styled in many different ways, including updos and ponytails.
| Factor | Knotless Braid | Box Braid |
| Time | Can last up to 6-8 weeks, depending on the care | Generally faster than knotless braids because of the knotting method |
| Versatility | Can be styled in various ways, including ponytails and buns, without exposing braids’ roots | Styling options are more limited due to the knotting method |
| Cost | Can be more expensive due to the time and technique involved | Typically less expensive due to the quicker installation time |
| Duration | Can last up to 8 weeks or more, depending on care | Can last up to 6-8 weeks, depending on care |
| Maintenance | Can be easier to maintain since there are no knots that can cause tangling | May require more maintenance to avoid tangling and knotting |
How Long Should Knotless Braids Last?
The longevity of knotless braids depends on various factors, such as the quality of the hair used, the skill of the stylist, the thickness and length of the braids, and the care taken by the wearer. Generally speaking, knotless braids can last anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks. However, proper maintenance and care can last up to 12 weeks or longer.
To ensure your knotless braids last as long as possible, it’s important to take good care of them. Here are some tips to help prolong the lifespan of your knotless braids:
- Keep your scalp clean and moisturized. Use a gentle shampoo and conditioner to keep your scalp clean and free of dirt and buildup. Apply a leave-in conditioner to keep your hair and scalp moisturized.
- Avoid pulling or tugging on your braids. This can cause damage to your hair and make your braids fall out sooner than expected.
- Sleep with a satin or silk scarf or pillowcase. This will help reduce friction and prevent your braids from frizzing or unraveling while you sleep.
- Avoid using heavy oils or products on your braids. This can weigh down your hair and make your braids slip out.
- Don’t leave your braids in for too long. While it’s tempting to keep your braids in for as long as possible, leaving them in for too long can cause damage to your hair and scalp.
Final Words
To sum up, knotless braids are a popular protective hairstyle that anyone with basic braiding skills can achieve. They have gained popularity due to their natural and seamless appearance and ability to reduce breakage and scalp tension compared to traditional box braids. To achieve optimal results with knotless braids, it is important to start with clean, moisturized hair, use high-quality hair extensions, and take your time with braiding. By following these guidelines on how to do knotless braids, you can achieve a beautiful and low-maintenance hairstyle that will help protect the health of your hair.
Also Read: How To Do Bubble Braids? A Step-By-Step Guide!
FAQs
How to Do Knotless Braids With Rubber Bands?
Part your hair into sections and secure each section with a rubber band. Dividing a small section of hair from the first section into three parts. Begin braiding the section by crossing the left over the middle strand, then the right over the middle strand.
Once you have braided about an inch of hair, add a small section of hair from the section next to it to the left strand. Continue braiding, adding small sections of hair from the section next to it to the left strand each time. Repeat on each section of hair until all sections are braided.
How to Do Knotless Braids With Beads?
Start by sectioning the hair and moisturizing it with a leave-in conditioner. Braid a small section of hair using the knotless braiding technique. Once you reach the desired length, slide a bead onto the hair and continue braiding until you reach the end of the hair. Use a hair elastic to secure the end of the braid and repeat the process on the remaining sections of hair. To finish, trim stray hairs and apply a styling gel to smooth the edges.
How Long Does It Take to Do Knotless Braids?
The time it takes to do knotless braids can vary depending on factors such as the braids’ size and length, the style’s complexity, and the stylist’s skill level. On average, it can take anywhere from 3 to 8 hours to do knotless braids.
However, some styles may take longer, especially involving intricate patterns or small braids. It’s always a good idea to consult with your stylist to estimate how long the process will take for your specific hair type and style preference.
How to Do Knotless Braids With Crochet Needles?
Start by sectioning the hair and moisturizing it with a leave-in conditioner. Take a small section of hair and create a small braid at the base of the section. Insert the crochet needle underneath the braid, and use it to pull a small section of synthetic hair through the braid.
Use your fingers to separate the synthetic hair into two equal sections, and then braid the synthetic hair together with the natural hair using the knotless braiding technique. Continue braiding until you reach the desired length, and then use a hair elastic to secure the end of the braid.
How Many Packs of Hair Do I Need to Do Knotless Braids?
The number of packs of hair you need to do knotless braids can vary depending on several factors, such as the length and thickness of your natural hair, the desired length and thickness of the braids, and the size of the braids you want to create. As a general guideline, you may need:
- Small to medium-sized braids: 4-6 packs of braiding hair
- Medium to large-sized braids: 6-8 packs of braiding hair
- Jumbo-sized braids: 8-10 packs of braiding hair
