Knotless Braids Tips and Maintenance - Trending Protective Hairstyle 2021

This year, a trend for braids has peaked on the scene which essentially removes the knots between the hair weave points and your strands, giving this style the name of 'knotless braids'. This style is super cute! These braids look very natural and spice up this classic hair trend. Braids are not only a unique way of style, but also a protective way to give your hair a break.

What makes these braids such a standout protective style?

1. Low tension
2. Easy maintenance
3. Light manageability

What are knotless box braids?

Knotless box braids are basically box braids made with a different technique to install them i.e. without the traditional association of pain at the root of the install. Unlike regular box braids, where braiders start by knotting extensions into your hair tightly at your scalp, knotless braids start with your natural hair and extensions are introduced as you braid. This helps protect your hair better, especially your edges, as the braids put less strain on the hairline and scalp. Another plus is that knotless box braids have a more natural finish.

Preparing your hair before any protective styling is a must, and knotless braids are no different. Thorough cleansing and conditioning before braiding to help your style do what you hope: protect and promote hair growth. While knotless braids and other protective styles are options for rocking your locks, hair neglect is real and can do more harm than good. Here are some great hair care tips to make sure you get the best look from your knotless braids while keeping your hair and scalp heath maintained:

1. Clarify and moisturize on a regular basis

Even after your installation, it's important that you continue to remove buildup from your scalp and keep your hair hydrated so it thrives underneath. One of our favorite makeup remover cleansers is Shea Moisture African Black Soap Bamboo Charcoal Shampoo. Some other recommended products are:
a.) Kinky Curly Come Clean Moist Shampoo
b.) Cantu Shea Butter Natural Hair Sulfate-Free Cleansing Cream Shampoo
c.) Aunt Jackie’s Oh So Clean Moisturizing Shampoo 355ml

2. Don’t overdue the style

A protective style installation is not meant to be worn for a lifetime. Wear it just long enough to give your hair a break. When it's time to pull off this style, IT'S TIME! While you can wear some protective styles, including knotless braids, for up to 8 weeks, we recommend wearing 4-6 weeks to avoid long-term damage to your hair underneath.

3. Pay attention to the porosity of your hair

Make sure you understand the porosity of your hair before you get knotless braids. Thin hair tends not to do as well with chunky box-shaped braids due to the heaviness of the weave. If the braids are too heavy, they can pull thin hair straight from the scalp. We recommend using Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen and Restore oil serum. It is an intense oil serum that is perfect for you. It penetrates into your scalp effectively making each hair strand full of nutrients, minerals, and vitamins. Consultation from your stylist before any installation is also a must. Some other recommended products are:
a.) Wild Growth Hair Oil
b.) Ogx Biotin & Collagen Oil Treatment

4. Protect Day & Night

Keep it cute at night too by wrapping your hair with a silk scarf or beanie. The silkiness will help prevent breakage during sleep. Before wrapping your hair, spray your hairstyle with our Hydrating Coconut Water Elixir for overnight hydration and nutrition. If you don't like beanies or scarves, a silk pillowcase will also do!

5. Be gentle

Sometimes removing your protective styles can be tedious and time consuming. Although it may take longer, do your best to be extra careful and gentle when removing your styles to avoid pulling your hair and breaking it. You can also ask your stylist to remove it for a nominal fee. Patience is the key!