27 Stunning Knotless Braids You Can’t Ignore This Year (2024)

#1: Protective Fulani Braids with Wavy Ends

For a style that stays out of your face, think about rocking protectiveFulani braidswith wavy ends. The choice is always yours! You can get this braid style in small, medium, or large braids and look fly, whichever you choose. A simple technique for the wavy ends is to grab a handful of braids and braid them together into larger ones. Then, dip it into boiling water for a wavy and crinkled look. Be sure to allow your braids to cool down before unbraiding the ends so the wave pattern stands.

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Instagram @thamy_melchior

#2: Side Parted Knotless Braids

We LOVE these side-parted knotless braids. The unique look is a blend of cute bob length, added loose tendrils, and tight, neat braids.

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Instagram @hairpreto2022

#3: Knotless Gypsy Braids

If you’re a Black woman with mid-length hair who loves braids, you may want to consider knotless gypsy braids. Knotless gypsy braids offer a natural, flowing look that is perfect for any occasion. Because the knots on traditional braids can cause tension and breakage, knotless braids are gentler on your hair. Plus, they offer more versatility when it comes to styling. Ask for 100% human hair for the braids to keep the style long-lasting.

27 Stunning Knotless Braids You Can’t Ignore This Year (4)

Instagram @hairbynelsy

#4: Deep Side Part Braids with Curls

One of the simplest ways to add edge to your style is by getting a deep side part with knotless braids. I tend to recommend a middle part regardless of where the braids will lie. This is because the base is flat and natural so that the braids can be flipped to either side for a deep part. Parting the foundation of the style to the side will limit style choices in the life of the style. For body and movement, leave the ends loose and set them on flexi rods for a beautiful curl.

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Instagram @hairpreto2022

#5: Knotless and Gypsy-Inspired Braids

Blonde hair and braids seem like an unlikely pairing. But knotless braids can make a stunning hairstyle for black women with blonde hair. You might always ask for knotless instead oftraditional box braids. They allow a more subtle and natural look, starting with feeding in the extensions instead of the traditional knot. This method causes less tension on the scalp. It reduces the risk of damage and makes the braids feel lighter. The gypsy-inspired style has beads and shells to add a touch to the braids. This look works best for anyone looking for a chic and subtle way to rock braids with blonde hair.

Related: Best knotless braids with beads ideas.

27 Stunning Knotless Braids You Can’t Ignore This Year (6)

Instagram @bloombyrose_

#6: Very Long Gypsy Goddess Braids

Very long gypsygoddess braidsare a voluminous style option for black women. Like the boho style, gypsy braids have many more curly extensions, making the braids harder to see. Gypsy curls are a classy way to rock knotless braids and have a ton of movement. Keep mousse and shine spray around to prevent the curls from looking dry or frizzy.

#7: Medium Braids with Subtle Blonde Highlights

Try knotless braids with subtle blonde highlights if you want a braided style with color. This sun-kissed look is perfect for summer!

#8: Traditional Knotless Bob Braids

Traditional knotless bob braids are the gorgeous braid trend that mixes modern with classic. This look should be your go-to for a timeless and chic style!

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Instagram @thatgirlbraids

#9: Very Long and Big Braids

If you need a braid style that can last a few weeks but you won’t sit long in the chair, rock very long and big knotless braids. This is a favorite for Black women who love simple but neat braids. I suggest seeking a professional braider who can make a good judgment on the thickness of the braids. You’ll want braids that balance out in size and length without being too heavy or full.

#10: Medium Knotless Faux Locs Twists for Natural Hair

One of the newest natural hair styles that combine locs and twists, isfaux loctwists. This is an alternative to test out locs, and one of the ways to style natural locs before committing to dread locs. Your natural hair is twisted at the roots like a dread loc retouch. Then 2 sections are 2-strand twisted together with Marley braid hair to add thickness and a natural texture. I suggest seeking a professional who specializes in twists. This ensures that the tension control and twisting method is neat and sustainable.

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Instagram @the.prettyparlor

#11: Long-Length Braids with Curly Ends

Are you looking for a hairstyle that puts less tension on the head? If so, try long-length knotless braids with curly ends!

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Instagram @shinadidthat._

#12: Long and Black Bohemian Braids

Long and black bohemian knotless braids are a tight and chic hairstyle that will look good on anyone! Ask your braider if he or she can create this style for you.

#13: Shoulder-Length Braids with Deep Side Part Style

Feeling a bob for your next style? Consider shoulder-length knotless braids with a deep side part style. The deep part adds a level of sophistication for the modern black woman. It makes her stand out while still wearing a protective braid style. These braids have a flat base, so the bob should fall flat at the roots and minimize volume.

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Instagram @hairby_millii

#14: Blonde Fulani Braids with Curly Ends

Get into these blondeFulani braidswith curly ends. They’re ideal for younger black women. This style can encompass designs like a braided heart, freestyle designs, and curly ends. To achieve the ends as such, your braider must use synthetic kanekalon hair. It must be flame retardant and can be manipulated with boiling water. Remember to keep a mousse like Shine n Jam to lay down any flyaway strands throughout the life of the style.

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Instagram @the.prettyparlor

#15: Cornrows with Unique Parts

Cornrowsand knotless braids with unique parts are a fun freestyle braid style. Braids are becoming more creative. Ask your braider for a heart, butterfly, or even a flower design in your braids. For the neatest look, I suggest going to a braider who specializes in stitch braids and has an eye for details.

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Instagram @the.prettyparlor

#16: Big Braided Bun Updo

The bigbraided bun updois a timeless stitch braid style that has elegance in mind. Today, braiders are becoming more creative and finding ways to remix timeless looks. A popular trend is to accentuate a stitch braid style with a braided heart design. But don’t worry, you can wear this style in a long braided ponytail, too, for a younger and more active look. Ask your braider for long enough braids to be able to rock both.

Related: The best ways to wear a braided bun.

#17: Small Brown Knotless Box Braids

Knotless box braids should always be an option for black women wanting aprotective braid stylewith low maintenance. The style takes only a few hours to install and can last up to 8 weeks with proper care and upkeep. For a conservative look, match the braid hair color to your natural hair color. But if you want to add some spunk, there are tons of color combinations to choose from.

#18: Extra Long Jumbo Braids Without Knots

Extra long jumbo braids without knots, or knotless braids, are a chic and quick braid style. Ideal for specific events or vacations.Jumbo braidstend to have a shorter life span than smaller braid styles. Remember that the larger the section, the better the style lasts on someone with wavy or straight hair. Plus, it’s more natural looking. Ladies with kinky or tightly natural curled hair won’t be able to appreciate the sleekness for long.

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Instagram @che_braids

#19: Classic Middle-Parted Knotless Box Braids

Classic middle-parted knotless box braids are timeless and great for any occasion. The versatility is what makes this style an option every time. Think of knotless braids as larger hair strands you can pull up, down, to the side, half up, curl the ends, and so on.

27 Stunning Knotless Braids You Can’t Ignore This Year (20)

Instagram @herbraids2000

#20: Knotless Stitch Braids with Square and Triangle Parts

One creative way to switch up knotless braids is by playing with square ortriangle parts. I often tell my clients that precision parting can make or break the style. To help enhance the precision, a gel or wax-based product is applied to each part and defined with a fine tooth comb. If you want a triangle or other shaped parting, I suggest you see a professional braider. This will help to ensure the sections are neat and consistent.

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Instagram @hairbymandy_

#21: Center-Parted Small Black Braids with Hints of Blonde

Center-parted small black braids with hints of blonde are the perfect caramel complement. Lighten up your braided look with a few added highlights to make them pop.

#22: Black and Blonde Ombre Braids

If you can’t decide between natural color orblonde braids, get the two and get brown and blonde ombré braids. Fortunately, the ombré effect does not need to be done by hand. There are tons of braiding hair brands with ombré colors on the market. This makes it a lot easier to get braided fresh with color. I suggest you get ombré colored hair instead of feeding it in a different color by hand to create an ombré effect. The effect is far more seamless and gradual.

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Instagram @its_kelscapri

#23: Long Boho Knotless Box Braids

Long boho knotless box braids are perfect for anyone who wants to add texture to their hair. Leave some strands out to create contrast between the waves and braids of your style.

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Instagram @hairbytia_

#24: Medium-Sized Braids with Sleek Baby Hairs

Medium-sized knotless braids can be designed with sleek baby hairs along the edges. I suggest that you allow whatever short hairs tend to pop out or won’t pull in to be part of the baby hair design. In my opinion, it looks more natural. TryEdge Booster Pomadewith a small brush to have fun and create all the swirls you want.

#25: Knotless Dark Brown Braids

Consider knotless dark brown braids if you’re looking for a protective style. Knotless, given the name because of its install without the typical knot, allows you to wear your hair in plaits. They look like it’s 100% your natural hair at the roots, while the braid hair provides length and weight. Keeping the hair dark brown maintains the reservation. But you can always add some color for highlights and depth. For at-home maintenance, wear a bonnet at night. Use tea tree oil on your scalp to help with itch throughout the duration of wearing your braids.

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Instagram @soliviastylez

#26: Middle Part Box Braids with Spiral Ends

Middle-part box braids with spiral ends are a beautiful knotless braid style. It’s perfect for protecting your natural hair. Have fun playing with the length while you’re at it!

#27: Small Braids with Curled Ends

If you want a flirty twist to your next protective braid style, get small knotless braids. Stemming from the Coi Leray braids, the ends are wrapped on flexi or perm rods, then set in boiling hot water. When getting the curly ends, the curls last longer when not braided all the way down, then curled. Braided ends that are curled weigh more, and thus the curl drops faster. With loose ends that are curled, they last longer.

Knotless braids have become one of the most popular low-maintenance protective styles this season.

Meet The Expert

27 Stunning Knotless Braids You Can’t Ignore This Year (28)
Jalisia Marie
Jalisa is a braiding specialist with over 17 years of experience
You can find Jalisa at her own studio in Atlanta, GA

Different Hair Textures and Thickness

According to Jalisia Marie, knotless braids are suitable for all hair textures, including fine, thick, relaxed, natural, and all types of curl patterns. These tension-free individual braids start with the client’s natural hair and incorporate small pieces of weaving hair for the desired length and thickness. Jalisia emphasizes that these braids offer a versatile and inclusive option for everyone, regardless of hair type or texture.

Considering Your Face Shape

When it comes to face shapes, Jalisia assures that these braids can be tailored to fit most shapes. They can be worn in various sizes and lengths, making them adaptable to different facial features. For individuals with rounder faces, Jalisia suggests opting for long braids or adding human hair to the braids to achieve a fuller, wavy look. On the other hand, those with narrow faces can consider a knotless braided bob, which frames the face and adds an edgy touch.

Styling Tips and Recommended Products

To maintain and style knotless braids, Jalisia emphasizes the importance of establishing a hair care routine. She suggests using a moisturizer a few times a week, followed by an oil, to keep the scalp refreshed and prevent dryness and itchiness. Jalisia recommends a few products:

  1. Shea Moisture Daily Hydration Spray: This product provides the necessary moisture to combat dry hair while wearing protective styles. It is lightweight and does not create product buildup.
  2. As I Am Jamaican Castor Oil Water: This product helps to moisturize the scalp, promoting healthy hair growth. It is particularly useful for individuals with active lifestyles, as it keeps the scalp refreshed and hydrated.
  3. Naturally Africa Braid Moisturizing Spray: Designed specifically for braided hairstyles, this spray moisturizes and nourishes the hair, preventing dryness and maintaining the integrity of the braids.

To seal in moisture, Jalisia recommends using oil after moisturizing. She suggests opting for a scalp and strengthening oil that stimulates the scalp and promotes hair growth.

Photos of the Best Knotless Braid Hairstyle Ideas

27 Stunning Knotless Braids You Can’t Ignore This Year (2024)

FAQs

What is the longest you can keep knotless braids in? ›

For coarser textures with tighter curls, knotless braids have the potential to last longer, potentially staying intact for two to three months. For silkier and finer textures with looser curl patterns, however, they may not last as long.

What is the truth about knotless braids? ›

"Knotless braids are definitely a better option because [they put] less stress and tension on the hair and scalp," says Williams. "Braids can still be heavy if too much hair is used in the extension," she adds. But, she notes that when the technique is done correctly, you can help prevent traction alopecia.

Are knotless braids bad for your hair? ›

With knotless braids, the base is often much smaller compared to the rest of the braid, making the braid much heavier at the ends. When this is so, the weight on the braid exerts much tension on your actual hair, causing it to thin over time, especially if you regularly hold your hair back to make different styles.

Which lasts longer, box braids or knotless? ›

Knotless braids tend to get frizzier a lot faster than regular braids as they expose more natural hair at the root. So, if you're looking for a protective style that can last longer than two months, regular box braids are a better option.

Which braid style lasts the longest? ›

Box braids, characterized by their distinctive square-shaped sections, are known for their longevity. With proper care and maintenance, box braids can last anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks.

What happens if you leave knotless braids in too long? ›

Keeping your braids for too long

Keeping knotless box braids in longer than recommended can cause damage to your hair. Curl Centric warns that braids past their due date can cause your natural hair to become matted, defeating the purpose of a protective style.

What is special about knotless braids? ›

Knotless braids can last longer than knot braids. Because knotless braids don't use synthetic hair throughout the entire braid, they have a sleeker, more natural look. Since a knotless style has no extensions at the root, there's more flexibility in styling.

Why I don't like knotless braids? ›

They get messy so quickly! Because the braid is started with your own hair, the scalp area of your braids gets both frizzy and messy quicker than usual. I notice that after the first two weeks of having knotless braids, the braids still look shiny and new but my scalp looks like I've had them in for a month!

What is the best hair for knotless braids? ›

Braiding Hair for the Best Knotless Braids
  • X-Pression. X-Pression 82 Inch Ultra Braid. ...
  • Supreme Hair. Supreme Hair 48 Inch Pre-Stretched Braiding Hair. ...
  • Difunee. Difunee 24 Inch Pre-stretched Braiding Hair. ...
  • Dansama. Dansama 18 Inch Crochet Passion Twist Hair. ...
  • Sensationnel.
Aug 1, 2023

Is it better to get Knotless braids or regular braids? ›

If you want less scalp tension and better manageability, go for knotless braids. But if volume and longevity are at the top of your needs, then box braids are the better choice for you.

What braids damage your hair? ›

“For individuals with fine hair, larger braids may exert excessive weight on the strands,” the stylist explains. “Generally, medium-size braids are a safe choice, provided they are not overly heavy. The most harmful braids are those that are excessively tight and carry significant weight.”

Should you wash knotless braids? ›

How often should someone with knotless braids wash their hair? I prefer to wash my hair after two to three weeks, but hair stylist (and founder of hair care brand HEALTHY MUHF#@KIN HAIR) Ashley Nesbit claims you can stretch that out longer, saying you should wash your hair by week four.

How long should you wear knotless braids? ›

Large knotless box braids can last anywhere from 6-8 weeks with proper care and maintenance. This type of protective style can be a great choice if you want a long-lasting look that requires little upkeep.

Do box braids hurt more than knotless braids? ›

The sensitivity of your scalp is an important factor when considering which style to get. Box braids are much tighter and can cause pain, especially for those with sensitive scalps.

Are knotless braids good for thin hair? ›

Knotless braids prove to be an excellent option for those with fine hair. Unlike conventional braiding techniques that use knots, knotless braids start with a small section of your natural hair and gradually add extension hair without any knots.

What is the maximum time to keep braids in? ›

How long should you keep your braids on? According to hair care specialist Tatiana Dudley, braids with added extensions have a lifespan of four to six weeks, while those without tend to last approximately one to four weeks. "Anything beyond six weeks runs the risk of breakage," she says.

Can knotless braids last 8 weeks? ›

Knotless box braids typically last anywhere from 4-8 weeks, depending on the condition of your hair and how well you take care of them. Factors like lifestyle, diet and the type of products you use can all affect how long your knotless box braids will stay looking great.

How do you keep knotless braids for a long time? ›

Your haircare routine may be less intense for your knotless hairstyle, but it's still needed. "Use a leave-in conditioner or hair oil to moisturize your braids between washes, said Adogu. "Since wash days are further apart, avoid roots to prevent build up. Start from the end and work your way up."

Can you keep box braids in for 6 months? ›

The longer your braids stay in, the harder it might be to maneuver around the build up. Some people end up having to cut their hair after leaving braids on for too long. So how long is safe? I'd recommend 6 to 8 weeks and if you want to go longer, you have to really take good care of it to avoid a lot of breakage.

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