The Downside of Knotless Braids (2024)

FAQs

The Downside of Knotless Braids? ›

If you wear knotless box braids too often without allowing your hair time to recover, then it can become dry and brittle which can lead to breakage and other issues. Aim for no more than 4 weeks in between styles so that your hair has time to recover before being put under any more stress.

Even though knotless braids may last longer than knot braids, it doesn't mean they can last forever. You should never keep in any protective style for more than 10 weeks. Keeping them in for too long can cause dryness, irritation, & damage to the scalp.

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.

"Knotless braids are a great protective style as they help to improve hair growth by protecting the hair strands," says Oludele. "It's also very easy to moisturize your scalp and keep the hair hydrated while wearing the braids."

Braids that are too tight or not braided in the right direction can cause the hair to become stressed. Hence, most of the hair gets damaged. This can lead to frizz and breakage, which can be challenging to manage. So, knotless braids maintenance is essential to make them look great!

"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.

Knotless braids for natural hair can last up to three months, but how long your knotless braids will last depends on a few things: your hair texture and hair porosity, how you take care of them, and how large the braids are.

It's generally recommended not to keep in knotless braids for more than two months."

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.

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.

Why are knotless braids so flat? ›

“A knotless braid on the other hand, starts by braiding the natural hair at the root down without the added hair extension, causing the look of a smooth, flat root without a knot; hence 'knotless' braid.”

With proper care, you can expect your braids to last for around 4-6 weeks. After that, they will start to loosen and lose their shape. If you want to keep your box braids looking fresh, You'll need to re-tighten them every few weeks and make sure to use moisturizing products to keep your scalp healthy.

As for upkeep, knotless braids are considered low-maintenance, so she advises a simple routine. “Be gentle when washing, maintain your style with a scalp oil and keep your hair wrapped at night with a silk scarf.”

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.