From aesthetics and versatility to health and length retention benefits, knotless box braids hairstyles check all of the boxes.
Are knotless box braids better than traditional box braids?
Anyone who’s tried both traditional and knotless box braids, usually ends up firmly in favor of one over the other. And they tend to have pretty strong opinions as to why. We’re no different.
At Hey Curl Hey, we won’t hesitate to admit that we’re Team Knotless, all day, every day. Traditional box braids still get lots of love here, but not in our hair.
Sure, knotless box braids cost more, and take longer to install. Since the stylist has to gradually feed in hair throughout, the process is more complicated. And as we all know, time is money.
What you can’t put a price on, is peace of mind, literally. Knotless box braids are lightweight and tensionless, which more than likely means no headache now, or traction alopecia later. If protective styling is truly your goal, then your decision should be a no-brainer.
Knotless box braids also don’t have the bulk that comes with traditional box braids. So not only do they appear more natural, but you can style them in certain looks, like a high bun or ponytail when they’re freshly done. And with proper care, breakage and shedding aren’t an issue.
Some haters feel like knotless box braids are too flat and “scalpy.” We’ve even heard them referred to as boneless braids. LOL! We don’t care. We don’t care. They remain undefeated over here.
Do knotless box braids last as long as traditional box braids?
Our only true con with knotless box braids is that they don’t last long enough. Without the knot at the root, which would normally help to secure the hair better, they tend to start getting frizzy relatively quickly. It’s pretty common to only get 4, sometimes 5 weeks, out of a hairstyle.
How do you take care of knotless box braids?
Braids expose your scalp to the elements, so be prepared to deal with dry scalp with appropriate moisturizers. On the other hand, if your hair tends to be more oily, make sure to clean your scalp more often to prevent build-up.
Also, remember to make scalp care a priority. Not only is your scalp more prone to getting itchy or flaking, but it’s susceptible to a build-up of product and dirt, and can trap odors and sweat. That’s definitely not a good look, or smell actually. So be sure to wash your braids at least every two weeks and opt for a braid refresher and scalp cleaner in-between to clean and condition your hair and soothe your scalp, without disrupting your do. You can mix the shampoo and water in a spray bottle and spray directly on your scalp and rinse out in the shower.
If you have issues with itchiness or dandruff, you can use an antiseptic oil, or one that contains tea tree and peppermint to soothe your scalp.
In order for a protective style to actually protect your hair, you have to choose your products wisely. As you build your regimen, make sure to avoid products with drying alcohols, sulfates, cones, mineral oil and petroleum/petrolatum.
Instead, look for products with water among the first three ingredients to hydrate. You can also mix your favorite nourishing creamy leave-in conditioner with some warm water and spritz the length of your hair. Remember, oils and butters don’t moisturize, but they can be used to lock in moisture.
What can you do to make knotless box braids last longer?
A few things you can do to lengthen the lifespan of your look include opting for smaller braids, keeping your exposure to humidity to a minimum and wearing a satin bonnet or silk scarf at night, as well as in the shower. Even the products used during braiding (edge control instead of gel) make a difference when it comes to longevity.
Regardless, at the end of the day, we’ll gladly make do with less time for healthy hair. After all, the intention is for your knotless box braids hairstyles to snatch their edges, while leaving yours completely in tact. Now let’s get into these lewks.
50 Knotless Box Braids Hairstyles You’re Not Going to Want to Miss
1. Brown and Red Large Knotless Goddess Braids
Cinnamon and ginger knotless goddess braids come together to create this sweet and spicy, boho look.
2. Knee Length Knotless Box Braids
Our love for long braided hairstyles is well documented. Needless to say this knee-length knotless look is right up our alley. And the best part is, you can get all the deets to DIY in the video below.
3. Small Knotless Box Braids in a High Bun
Classic and classy in a wonderful warm brown, this knotless box braided bun is simple but stunning.
4. Black Knotless Box Braids with a Pop of Color
A hint of bronze added to these knotless box braids has this half-up half-down hairstyle poppin’.
5. Boho Blonde Knotless Box Braids Bob
While picking the right shades of blonde can sometimes be a challenge for Black women, platinum can be a bold but becoming choice for a knotless box braided bob.
6. Half-Up Half-Down Ombre Knotless Cornrows with Box Braids
Cornrows in the front and jumbo knotless box braids in the back, enable a lot more flexibility when styling this standout ombre look.
7. Ginger Knee Length Knotless Box Braids
This gorgeous ginger color, takes these knee-length knotless box braids, to a whole other level.
8. Medium Knotless Box Braids with Curly Ends
While we tend to gravitate toward much longer looks, these curly, chocolate knotless box braids, prove that shorter can still be sweet.
9. Jumbo Knotless Box Braids Half Pulled Back
Knotless box braids are so much easier to manipulate than traditional ones when they’re freshly done. The front half of these gorgeous jumbo braids were pulled back and secured near the base of her head for a terrific look without the tension.
10. Knotless Jumbo Ginger Coi Leray Braids
Fierce and fiery, these jumbo ginger Coi Leray braids are smoking hot. Grab your braiding hair and head this way for the tutorial.
11. Butt Length Jumbo Knotless Box Braids
Between the size and the length, these beautiful butt-length knotless box braids do have some weight on them. Surprisingly at just 5-packs of pre-stretched braiding hair, it’s actually not unbearable.
Check out this two-part tutorial, here and here to get the skinny, on achieving this lovely jumbo look.
12. Grey Blonde Knotless Box Braids in a High Ponytail
Choosing an unexpected color like greyish blonde can be all it takes to elevate your knotless box braids.
13. Knotless Coi Leray Braids with Baby Hair
Quick to create and super cute, Coi Leray braids are a hit.
14. Small Knotless Three-Color Box Braids
Adding depth, dimension and flair, a stunning three-color mix takes these small knotless box braids to a whole other level.
15. Short Knotless Asymmetrical Box Braid Bob
An asymmetrical knotless box braided bob is a knock out every time.
16. Waist Length Medium Knotless Box Braids
As much as we adore, freshly done knotless box braids, that feeling doesn’t last long. Thankfully, sis came through with the tutorial on how to refresh your look without rebraiding, and stretch your style for at least another week, ideally two.
17. Large Blonde Bohemian Knotless Box Braids
Cute and carefree, blonde bohemian knotless braids enable an effortless slay.
18. Small Knotless Box Braids High Messy Bun
Your knotless box braids don’t always have to be so perfectly coiffed. A loose, messy bun can be just as awesome as a structured one.
19. Jumbo Knotless Box Braids with Curly Ends
Curling the ends are a simple way to elevate a jumbo box braided look from attractive to ethereal.
20. Small Knotless Purple Box Braids Half-Up Bun
Purple knotless box braids are the perfect choice when you want to shake your style up.
21. Large Knotless Box Braids in Half-Up High Ponytail
For those who tend to gravitate toward natural looks, whether out of preference, or necessity for work, knotless box braids in black or dark brown, will still let you come through with the understated slay.
22. Jumbo Knotless Passion Braids
A boho twist on jumbo box braids, we’re feeling this hippie chic hairstyle.
23. Gold Knotless Box Braids with Bangs
Clearly, this gold knotless box braided look is banging.
24. Ginger Knotless Box Braided Bun with Shaved Sides
Between the smoking ginger color, shaved sides and precision cut, this knotless box braided high bun is lit.
25. Cranberry Wine Medium Knotless Box Braids
We call this stunning knotless box braided look, the sangria of styles. From merlot to cabernet, with hints of cherry and cranberry, we absolutely can’t get enough of this sparkling mix of colors.
26. Blue and Purple Short Knotless Braids Bob
Push the limits of your braided bob with a mix of blue and purple and slay in an unexpected way.
27. Butt Length Knotless Box Braids with Curly Ends
Although long knotless box braids are lovely as is, you can rod set the ends for spiral curls or add a little extra pizazz with beads to elevate the style.
28. Long Jumbo Knotless Braids with Beads
29. Thigh Length Small Knotless Box Braids with Curly Ends
30. Knotless Box Braids Wig
Skip the stylist’s chair completely, and opt for knotless box braids in an instant, thanks to an amazingly realistic wig.
31. Long Knotless Triangle Braids
For those who prefer to think outside of the box, triangle parts can be a welcome departure.
32. Side-Swept Small Knotless Goddess Braids
Long, feminine and flirty, small, side-swept goddess braids are a must-do hairdo.
33. Long Chunky Knotless Box Braids with Beads
Natural wooden beads are the perfect way to complete this lovely, long knotless box braided look.
34. Mid-Length Jumbo Knotless Box Braids
Pretty, simple and protective, you can’t go wrong with classic jumbo box braids.
35. Metallic Knotless Box Braids in Space Buns
A brilliant combo of metallic colors, these box braided space buns are out of this world.
36. Half-Up Half-Down Medium Knotless Goddess Braids
These beautiful braids are fitting, because sis is looking just like a goddess in them.
37. Small Side-Swept Thigh Length Knotless Box Braids
Side-swept and splendid, the drama of these thigh-length knotless box braids is undeniable.
38. Half-Up Thigh Length Knotless Goddess Braids
Worth every second in the stylist’s chair, the length of these mini goddess braids is giving us, and this half-up half-down hairstyle, life.
39. Small Caramel Knotless Box Braids High Ponytail
Small caramel knotless box braids look sleek and sexy, gathered into an easy high ponytail.
40. Medium Blonde Knotless Box Braids with Middle Part
With so many shades of blonde from platinum and honey to strawberry and ash, you have more than enough options to ensure that your knotless box braids, or whatever blonde braided hairstyles you choose, turn out pretty badass.
41. Three-Tone Ombre Knotless Box Braids
You’ll be hard pressed to find a skin tone that won’t pop against the neutral palette of these stunning three-tone ombre knotless box braids.
42. Knotless Box Braids Asymmetrical Blunt Bob
Short and chic, we stan this blunt braided bob with rubber banded ends.
43. Black and Red Ombre Knotless Box Braids
If full-on fiery red is too in-your-face for your liking, pick a more subtle ombre color instead, to create a knotless box braided look that’s bold, but not overbearing.
44. Knotless Box Braids with Loose Ends in Space Buns
Leaving the ends of your knotless box braids loose and curly, or even just wavy, can ultimately add so much flair when gathered into an updo like space buns.
45. Short Cinnamon Medium Knotless Box Braids
Playful and pretty, these short cinnamon knotless box braids are sweet!
46. Small Chestnut Knotless Box Braids Ponytail
Precisely parted and perfectly braided, these chestnut knotless box braids are flawless.
47. Knotless Box Braids with a Heart Design in a High Bun
For a unique spin on knotless jumbo box braids, jazz them up with a heart, various shaped parts and random curly pieces.
48. Small Knotless Box Braids with Metallic Highlights
A mix of metallic colors make these side-swept knotless box braids sparkle.
49. Medium Knotless Box Braids with Rubber Bands
Colorful rubber bands are a quick and super cute way to add some flair to your knotless box braids.
50. Half-Up Thigh Length Knotless Blonde Box Braids
Time consuming for a timeless look, these blonde knotless blonde box braids are worth every minute.
So there you have it. We said what we said. And brought all the receipts. Knotless box braids are truly a game changer, or perhaps we should call them, a mane changer.
But no worries, if you’re still not sold. Traditional box braids hairstyles are just a click away.