Knotless box braids have gained popularity as versatile and low-tension protective hairstyle. However, it’s important to consider various factors before getting this style.
Meet The Expert
LaTrece Ward
LaTrece is a hairstylist with over 25 years of experience
You can find her at A Touch of Elegance by Moni in Las Vegas, NV
Choosing the Right Hair Texture and Thickness
Not every hair texture suits knotless braids, especially fine and thin hair. LaTrece Ward emphasizes that thin hair lacks stability and cannot bear the weight of added hair. This results in a disproportionate appearance, with the base of the braid thinning out and becoming thicker toward the desired size. Ward advises against this unnatural look, which can potentially damage the hair and scalp due to tension and weight. A professional stylist should inform customers that not every style suits everyone and help them make an informed decision.
Considering Face Shapes
While face shape can influence hairstyle choices, Ward believes individuals should ultimately choose what they like and prefer. However, she notes that these braids may not be the best choice for those with long faces. For long face shapes, she recommends opting for hairstyles that add volume and fullness, as box braids tend to elongate the face further. It’s essential to strike a balance between personal preferences and flattering hairstyles that complement individual features.
Styling Tips and Product Recommendations
To maintain a neat and polished look, Ward shares some helpful styling tips and product recommendations. For individuals with coily or tight curls as their natural texture, she suggests straightening the hair before getting the braids. This helps prevent the braids from appearing frizzy or worn out quickly. While some argue that leaving the natural texture creates a more natural look, Ward prefers a sleeker finish, as depicted in social media pictures with models.
As for products, Ward emphasizes the importance of starting with clean, well-conditioned hair. She recommends using a moisturizing conditioner during the shampooing process. When it comes to braiding, Ward prefers using Shine N Jam, as it provides hold without being excessively greasy or oily, ensuring the scalp pores and follicles remain unclogged. She advises against gels, which can dry out the scalp and hair, leading to flaking. Additionally, Ward suggests incorporating essential oils into the haircare routine to maintain moisture, depending on the climate. At night, she advises tying the braids down with a silk or satin scarf or bonnet. Ward personally prefers a braid case that resembles a durag, as it provides better stability near the roots and prevents the braids from looking frizzy or worn out prematurely.
Photos of Fantastic Knotless Box Braids
#1: Black and Blonde Fulani Braids with Accessories
Fulani braids with accessories are the perfect way to express yourself through hair. On your knotless braids, add beads, charms, or more colors for even more impact!
#2: Space Buns with Knotless Braids
Looking for a trendy and versatile hairstyle that will make you stand out? Space buns with knotless braids are the answer! This fun and playful look doubles your braids into two buns on your head, adding a youthful and stylish twist to your overall appearance. Whether you’re aiming for a relaxed daytime look or preparing for a night out, space buns with knotless box braids are the perfect choice. To make this braid style look the best with curls or waves, use 100% human hair instead of synthetic ones. The highlight of this hairstyle is that it suits all hair types and lengths, enabling anyone to pull off this look confidently.
#3: Knotless French Braids
If you want a hairstyle that is both practical and stylish, consider trying these knotless French braids! Knotless French braids offer the neat, protective benefits of braided roots. Plus, they allow for curl-worthy styles with your smoothed-out hair.
#4: Knotless with a High Pony
Why choose a standard ponytail when you can style your hair in a unique half-up, half-down knotless style with a high ponytail at the top? This unique hairstyle is not only chic and trendy, but it also resembles some of the best styles of the 90s, giving a sleek, modern twist to them.
#5: Large Braided Asymmetrical Lob
A braided bob typically falls above the shoulders. It’s a hairstyle that features a bob cut. Braided bobs can be worn by people with all hair types. They give a unique, stylish look that can be worn in various settings, from casual to formal.
#6: Gorgeous Thick and Full Braids
If you want a stylish and low-maintenance hairdo, try these thick and rich crochet curls. This hairstyle stands out for its richness and fullness, bestowing your hair with a lovely and plump look. Black women aiming for a hairdo that shields and boosts hair growth will find it ideal. Remember to let these curls stay for no more than 6 to 8 weeks. Lastly, apply a mild gloss or sheen spray to keep the shine and dodge frizz.
#7: Faux Locs in a Top Bun
Looking for a stylish way to wear your faux locs? Try rocking them in a trendy top bun. This effortlessly chic hairstyle involves wrapping a few locs around the base of your bun for a polished and put-together look. Are you a fan of natural and ethnic styles? The crochet method is an option for installing faux locs. You could also install them individually. Both ways make the faux locs flexible to style. Black women often choose them. If you want your braids to stay in good shape, remove them every 6 to 8 weeks. This will help you prevent any possible damage or breaking.
#8: Knotless Black Braids with Deep Side Part
Knotless black braids with a deep side part give off major boho vibes. If you like your braided styles a little softer and more natural, this look is a must-try!
#9: Jumbo Knotless Braids with Curled Ends
Jumbo knotless braids with curled ends, Coi Leray braids, are the latest braid style! Made popular by young up-and-coming rap star Coi Leray, this braid set is comfortable and easy to get because it doesn’t take long to install. The thickness of the braids is important for voluminous curls and to balance out the fullness. For maintenance, tie them down each night with a silk scarf.
#10: Dark-Rooted Warm Brown Braids
Do you want some color, but you’re still on the reserved side? Explore dark-rooted warm brown braids to give you just the look you need. Because the braids are knotless, the base will of your braids will be your natural hair and color. Ask your braider to use #30 or an ombre 1b/30 blend to give you rich and warm brown tones in your braids. You can curl the ends on perm or flexi rods for added styling by dipping them in hot water. When you’re ready for straight ends, just re-dip in hot water. Use a glosser or oil sheen spray for shine when needed.
#11: Knotless Stitch Braids with Wavy Strands
Consider large boho knotless braids if you don’t want to sit long while getting a braid style. This bold yet soft braid style is easy to maintain and doesn’t require a long time to get done. When opting for boho curls, it is always best to use human hair. Human hair or human hair blend can take some heat and product, whereas synthetic curls cannot. To keep the curls soft and beautiful, use a reserved amount of styling mousse. Try Shine n Jam and run throughout the braids and curls 2-3 times per week.
#12: Center-Parted Box Braids without Knots
Center-parted box braids without knots look spectacular on nearly any face shape. This protective style is perfect for keeping your hair controlled and out of your face. Plus, they look great any time of year.
#13: Boho Knotless Braids with Waves and Spirals
Bohemian knotless box braids are a popular style at the moment. It’s a braid style that gives a free-flowing, natural-looking appearance. Typically human hair is added throughout the braid style to give that bohemian look. If you are looking for a fashionable and protective style, bohemian box braids are the style for you.
#14: Black and Brown Cornrow Braids
Black and brown cornrow braids are a protective style that looks good on anyone! Cornrow braids make it easy to add color to your hair without committing to dyes or treatments.
#15: Face-Framing Style with Micro Box Braids
A face-framing style with micro box braids is a super flattering look anytime of year.
#16: Long-Length Knotless Goddess Braids
Even if you don’t want long braids, you can still get long-length goddess box braids. Accentuate your length without super long braids. Do this by adding curls with long human hair to the ends of the braids. This can be done with human hair bundles ranging from 10-18 inches long. This gives the length you need without the weight of longer braids. Remember to use human hair or human hair blend. Synthetic crochet or curls will become matted and must be cut out soon after installation.
#17: Black Box Braids with Hints of Honey
A set of black box braids with hints of honey is the perfect blend of color styling and reserved braid styles. For Black women with warm hues, a touch of #30 or #350 helps you show off skintone and compliment your warmth. As with any set of plaits, the individual braids style is versatile and easy to wear.
#18: Half-Up Large Knotless Twists
Switch the styling up with half-up large knotless braids to show off your face more. Make this cute braid style more eye-catching. Ask your braider to add boho curls with human or human hair blend. This will help to soften the overall look. The length choice is all yours. But remember that large knotless braids are typically heavier. So the longer the braids, the heavier they’ll feel.
#19: Small Box Braids without Knots
Are you looking for a lightweight, protective style? Think about getting small knotless braids installed. Because they’re small, they’re easier to look natural and as if it’s 100% your natural hair that’s plaited. Smaller sections at the base allow for smoother and sleek boxes, making it all the more beautiful. Have some fun with these, and add ribbons or hair jewelry.
#20: Bohemian Box Braided Upstyle
Get into this Bohemian box braided upstyle. It was installed with knotless braids and human hair curls. Executed perfectly with precision box parting and consistent sized braids. This protective style looks and feels fresh and soft when worn down. Pull it into a designer bun for a chic styling choice when you want to turn heads.
#21: Protective Knotless Braids with Triangle Parts
Knotless braids with triangle parts are trendy and stylish. They are created by weaving the strands of hair together to create a natural finish. The triangle parts give a fun and modern look to the braid style. Knotless braids tend to last longer than other braids styles. It’s a great protective style.
#22: Long Medium-Sized Box Braids
Do you want neat simplistic braids? Consider wearing long medium-sized box braids with a knotless technique. Keep in mind that simplicity doesn’t have to mean boring, as it can be versatile and sophisticated. It’s low-maintenance but can be worn in numerous styles for different occasions. Box parting is traditional. It will always be a good choice if you’re on the fence about design parting or if you want to keep things as simple as possible.
#23: Big Knotless Braids
If you are looking for a style that’s smooth and seamless from any tangles or knots, large knotless box braids are perfect for you. These braids are thick and full, creating a bold look. It’s a great summer style and also a protective style. This style can last 6-8 weeks with good personal upkeep.
#24: Shoulder-Length Bob with Knotless Braids
A versatile braid style for Black women is a shoulder-length bob with knotless braids. The individual braids without a knot at the base help make the style lightweight and easy to manage. But a cute way to add style and remove length is to create barrels at the ends of the braids, similar to a Bantu knot. It’s unique in styling and doesn’t require a complex technique.
#25: Box Braided High Bun
Precision parts and consistency make for a beautiful box-braided high bun. Installed with a knotless technique, the flexibility and movement make the braid style desirable. For a charming style, pull the braids into a ponytail and wrap them in a not-so perfect bun for a soft and feminine feel. For an added touch of style, use a small comb or toothbrush with edge control and create swirly baby hair designs along the hairline.
#26: Brown Box Braids with Curly Ends
Consider brown box braids with curly ends for a warm, easy-going protective style. It’s simple and can often be installed by family or friends. All they need is a basic knowledge of plaiting with synthetic braid hair. For tension control, it’s best to install with the knotless technique. That is, where braid hair pieces are added in as the plait is created and makes the braid look as if it’s all your hair. Be sure to use Kanekalon braid hair designed for hot water settings. You can wrap the ends on flexi or perm rods and dip them in boiling water for a pretty curl.
#27: Neat Knotless Parted Braids
Neat knotless parted braids are a beautiful hairstyle for any occasion. This braided look can be worn day to night, in the office, or on the weekends.
#28: Red Feed-in Knotless Braids with Ponytail
Set your next braid style on fire with red feed-in braids in a ponytail. An explosive red tone can help the style make you the center of attention! But if it’s not the goal, use an ombre or red mix that tones it down. I suggest you seek a professional braider for such a style. Ensure that your scalp maintains its health and proper tension control is maintained. As beautiful as braided ponytails are, the weight distribution and tension control are important to be mindful of by your braider.
#29: Mini Box Braid Style with Center Part
Step slightly boldly and rock your next set of knotless braids with a center part. Women without insecurities around their hairline or facial structure opt for a precise middle part. But usually only in their protective braid style. The great thing about middle parts with knotless braids is that your braids can be flipped to one side or the other after a few days. This will allow you to rock a side part. Take care of your braids at home with Shine n Jam Magic Fingers Setting Mousse for Braiders to keep flyaways gone.
#30: Classic Knotless on Natural Hair
Opt for classic knotless box braids for natural hair. They are an eye-catching style that looks great with dark hair colors. The intricate nature of each braid pops against the expert partings at the scalp.
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