Knotless box braids were introduced sometime in 2014. Since then, the style has slowly gained popularity amongst black women. More recently, the style has become a huge trend across the U.S. and all over social media, and for good reasons.

These braids are a relatively new protective style that is very similar to traditional box braids in that they are individual braids with extensions. However, a big difference between traditional box braids and knotless box braids is that knotless box braids are created without a large knot at the base of each braid.

There are many reasons why this long, flowing style has become so popular. Let’s examine each reason.

How to do knotless box braids | beginner-friendly by Tiffani Renae

Natural Look

Knotless braids

Since knotless box braids don’t have knots, the braids are flat and appear to be coming straight from the scalp. Many ladies like the more natural look that knotless box braids give. With this style, you can go about your daily routine and keep people guessing – they’ll have no idea that you are wearing extensions. This is something that lots of women like about knotless box braids.

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Painless Installation

The feed-in technique is used to create the box braids with no knot. In this technique, the braider starts by three-strand-braiding the client’s hair and then adding tiny bunches of extension hair as she braids the hair to the ends. Since there is no tight knot made, there is virtually no pain during installation. This is a big plus for women who are used to taking a pain reliever before getting their hair done.

Less Hair Breakage/Hair Loss and Neck Pain

Knotless braids

After getting traditional box braids, there is a real risk of experiencing some form of hair breakage or hair loss directly from the scalp. This risk is minimized with knotless box braids, as there is much less stress on the scalp and hair. No need to wave your edges goodbye with this style.

Knotless box braids are lightweight in comparison to traditional box braids and many other protective styles. This means that with knotless box braids, there is much less stress on your neck.

Celebrity Endorsement

Well-known celebrities like Zoe Kravitz and Rihanna have rocked this style. Fans who gather style inspiration from these celebrities love how the style looks on them and imitate them by going to get the same style. This is a big reason why knotless box braids have become so popular.

Drawbacks are Few

Why mention drawbacks? Because the fact that there are so few drawbacks is another reason that knotless box braids are popular.

Knotless box braids take longer to install than traditional box braids. You should expect to spend 4-6 hours (or more) for installation. Also, knotless box braids cost a bit more than conventional box braids, due to the additional time required to install them.

However, the time and money spent are well worth it, considering that these braids are gentler on your scalp and hair.

Try Knotless Box Braids

If you like the idea of a protective style that preserves your edges, doesn’t break your hair and gives you a more natural look, you should definitely give knotless box braids a try.