Knotless Box Braids
Table of Contents
Knotless Box Braids
Table of Contents
Are your standard techniques of attaching box braids with a knot causing too much tension on your head?
Hair extensions can be tricky and confusing, with the potential to cause long-term damage if improperly installed. Knotless braids can help but we always recommend working with a professional before trying any new and intricate designs.
WHAT ARE KNOTLESS BOX BRAIDS?
Knotless box braids are techniques of attaching hair extensions into your hair to gradually add hair to a two-strand braid pattern that is started with your own natural hair. This process begins with your real hair and slowly integrates braiding hair.
This technique causes less tension and a more natural braiding hairstyle. Without close examination, it is hard to see human hair’s transition to the feed-in braid hair extensions.
BENEFITS OF THE KNOTLESS TECHNIQUE
As stated before, knotless box braids are a more professional variation of the traditional box braid. Here are some of the most prevalent benefits of going with a knotless braid style.
- LESS TENSION ON SCALP AND HAIR
- LOWER CHANCES FOR BREAKAGE
- THE VERSATILITY MAKES IT EASIER FOR EDGE CONTROL
- THE PROTECTIVE STYLING ALLOWS FOR REGULAR HAIR GROWTH
- THE BRAIDING PROCESS IS MORE PLEASURABLE AND PAIN-FREE
HOW TO DO KNOTLESS BOX BRAIDS
DISCLAIMER: You must have 3-5 inches of your own hair to do a knotless braided style.
Attaching knotless box braids requires a sectioned base that uses your natural hair to start the first feed-in braids. The hair extensions are added gradually to avoid visual build-up.
KNOTLESS BOX BRAID TUTORIAL
Always start by prepping your workspace, hair, and hair extensions before beginning. You don’t want to be left half up running to the store or waiting three days for more hair. If you need help or it’s your first time, consult a stylist or experienced braider.
- Begin with a fresh cleaning and even box-shaped sections throughout the entire head. Use rubber bands or hair clips to hold hair sections together.
- Start in the back of the head and begin separating one section into three even parts. If you have never braided before, head over to our box braid page for a simple two-strand twist technique for beginners.
- Once the braids are getting 1 inch to the tips, go ahead and feed in your hair extensions to evenly continue the braids while slowly finishing out your natural hair and integrating it into the braiding hair.
- Finish off the braids with hair glue (no gorilla glue), small rubber bands, a hot water dip seal, or with the use of a Bic lighter and a tiny flame.
If you’re a more visual learner, then check out this very informative video tutorial:
TRADITIONAL BOX BRAIDS VS KNOTLESS
The big difference is simply the lack of a knot. Typically black women‘s hair is wrapped in cornrow and box sections to attach a looped box braid through their hair with a crochet needle. This can cause a lot of tension as the knot is tied around all their hair. The added stress is often uncomfortable and unbearable during the installation process.
Box braids are great when you don’t have the hair or time, and money to get more expensive braided hairstyles. But when you have the time, you definitely will want to go with knotless braids.
Knotless braids are more customizable as the hairstylist creates the braids in the salon or shop. This allows for better frizz control and the ability to get the updo fashioned to your exact liking.
MAINTAINING KNOTLESS BOX BRAIDS ALL SUMMER LONG
Since this form of braiding hair engulfs your natural hair while still allowing regular maintenance and growth, it is considered a protective style.
This can mean you will need less regular maintenance to upkeep this styling. Depending on your hair type, you can typically cleanse your scalp and hair and moisturize regularly without undoing the updo.
SOME SIMPLE TIPS AND TRICKS TO EXTEND THE LIFE OF THOSE KNOTLESS BRAIDS
- Most important, wrap your hair every night in a silk scarf. You would be surprised how much tossing and turning can damage a style and add unanticipated frizz. For less friction, grab a silk pillowcase as well.
- Regular moisturizing with conditioner in your real hair will help keep those strands nice and hydrated.
- Throw those braids into a shower cap and avoid soaking them except to clean. Braids retain more water and take longer to dry. Avoid getting them wet unless necessary.
- If you need to spruce up those braids for a social media photo shoot, dab a little mousse in those locs to help give them volume and a little more shin.
- Using hair like kanekalon and Bobbi boss will help your protective hairstyle in the long run by withstanding more damage and looking more realistic with multiple styling options.
REMOVING A KNOTLESS BRAIDED HAIRSTYLING
This is our favorite way of removing faux locs. Each one needs to be individually mended too. Simply cut the dealing method or remove it from the tips of the braids.
Then simply unravel the hair slowly and carefully as this hair can be re-used. Finish unfolding the tresses of hair completely up to the roots, and then simply unbraid your natural hair.
FAQ
CAN YOU CROCHET KNOTLESS BOX BRAIDS?
No, knotless box braids are not like traditional braided hair extensions that use a pre-loop to attach to your hair base.
IS KNOTLESS BETTER THAN BOX BRAIDS?
Generally speaking, most box braid hair extensions require a knot at the base of the plaits to securely attach to your natural hair. This knot is often very tight and causes a lot of tension on your hair. Knotless box braids gradually add hair to your box braids and create less unnatural pressure.
DO KNOTLESS BRAIDS LAST LONGER?
All hair extensions are different. Your hair’s main factors are the environment, abrasion, your sleep patterns, your hair care routine, and your hair maintenance.
CAN I WASH KNOTLESS BRAIDS IN THE SHOWER?
It is tough to wash and properly clean braids because of their intricate patterns. Because knotless braids can be undone and re-used, we recommend just undoing them and washing them and then reapplying. This also helps for better edge control.
CONCLUSION
Knotless box braids are an intricate way of finally getting those Beyonce or Rihanna grammy braids without traditional braids’ added tensions. Make sure to drop your email below to sign up for all the latest crochet faux locs news and styles.
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