Knotless braids hairstyles have risen in popularity in recent years because they create very little tension at the scalp and take less time to install. They also offer a versatile and stylish way to wear braids. Apart from the traditional laid-down braids, you can easily style them in various ways such as half-up half-down, high ponytail, top knot, etc.
Are knotless braids good for natural hair growth？
The traditional braids start with a tight knot at the base of the scalp,the extension hair is secured by this knot.And the knotless braids begins with your natural hair and gradually adds braiding hair throughout the length of the braid. The extension hair is fed in small amounts along the braid, which avoids the knot at the base.This can be can be a great protective style for hair, and be beneficial for natural hair growth. Here's why:
- Reduced tension on the scalp
Knotless braids start with your own hair and gradually incorporate braiding hair. This technique reduces the tension on the scalp, which can prevent stress on hair follicles that might otherwise lead to breakage or hair loss.The lower tension also allows better scalp health. There's less risk of irritation and follicle damage, which are crucial for healthy natural hair growth.
- Easier Maintenance
Knotless braids are generally easier to wash and maintain compared to traditional braids. Proper hygiene and moisturizing are key to promoting natural hair growth, and being able to easily access the scalp to cleanse and moisturize it can lead to better overall hair health.
- Minimize the hair breakage
Knotless braids minimize the risk of breakage along the hairline and throughout the scalp since they do not pull tightly at the roots.
As the demand for protective and stylish hairstyles continues to grow, knotless braids hairstyles are likely to remain a popular choice for years to come.
How long do knotless braids last? What factors determine their lifespan?
Knotless braids typically last between 4 to 8 weeks, but their longevity can vary depending on several factors:
- Hair Type and Growth:
Faster natural hair growth can cause the braids to look loose at the roots over time, which might prompt a sooner redo.
Human braiding hair can last longer than synthetic when maintained properly, mainly because human hair braiding resists tangling and matting and can withstand washing and heat styling better.It's more durable against environmental factors, styling, and manipulation. However, for short-term use, specific styles, or for those on a budget,synthetic hair might be preferable.
- Braid Size:
Smaller braids tend to last longer than larger ones because they are usually tighter and more intricately done. However, they also take longer to install and remove.
- Maintenance:
Proper care can extend the life of your knotless braids. This includes regularly moisturizing your scalp and extension hair, keeping your scalp clean, and sleeping with a silk or satin scarf or pillowcase to reduce friction.
- Styling: Frequent updos or pulling the braids into tight styles can cause stress at the roots, potentially leading to loosening.
- Lifestyle: Frequent exercise, swimming,activities can affect how long your braids last due to sweat, moisture, and general wear and tear.
To maximize the lifespan of your knotless braids, gentle handling and regular maintenance are key. This not only helps keep the braids looking fresh but also supports the health of your natural hair.
Step-by-step guide to refresh your old knotless braids to look brand new
Pic from @adannamadueke
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Tools need to prepared:
- Cotton round
- Water spray bottle
- Cleansing spray and water
- Leave-in conditioner
- Hair oil
- Styling cream or gel
- Edge brush
- Scarf
- Hair clips
- hair mousse
STEP1 Spray water on cotton round
(or the water mixture with cleansing spray if you have too much build up need to remove)
STEP2 cleansing the roots
Start cleaning by wiping the edges control or hair gel on your roots with your cotton round carefully along the root lines of your braids,until finish the entire cleansing process.
Key points: Avoid loosing or frizzing the roots of your braids.
Make sure to be as gentle as possible
Make sure to go in the direction of where your next of your natural hair is going
STEP3 Dry the roots with cotton round carefully
Use the round cotton to wrap around the root to absorb water after you cleansing all the roots of your knotless braids.
STEP4 Moisturize the braids
Mix the water, leave-in conditioner, and hair oil. Then, spray the mixture over the roots of your natural hair and braids and gently tap to ensure the sprays are absorbed well.
In this process,you get to put your hydration from the water and moisture form leave in conditioner as well as your hair oil.
Repeat the same moisturizing process by coating the body of the braids where your natural hair is laying down.
STEP5 Oil scalp your scalp
Oil calp your scalp through every single line of your roots, tip the knob of your fingers and just press this into your scalp.Tie the scarf and wait for 40 mins to 1 hour to help all the moisture products be absorbed fully.
STEP6 Revive edges by brushing with edge styling gel
1.1Apply the gel to the roots of each braids partings,and use the parting comb to make the parting significant.
1.2 Use the edge brush to brush the root hair to create a brand new edges of each parting.
STEP7 Re-twist the roots of your knotless braids
Finger re-twist around the root of the braids,use the hair clips to secure the new twist until it is full dried.Repeat the same process until you get all the rest of braids re-twisted.
STEP8 Use the hair mousse to lay down the fly aways of the rest of your braids
Now you get you braids refreshed,if you can maintain some daily moisturize process tips,you will definitely reduce frizz and extend the lifespan of your knotless braids
Washing, Conditioning, and Hair Drying Guide for Knotless Braids - Reduce Frizz, Extend Lifespan
Washing steps
Shampooing your knotless braids correctly is essential to cleaning both your scalp and the braids without causing damage or frizz. Here’s a gentle approach to effectively shampoo your braids:
(You can choose to wash only the scalp or the entire braids, depending on your requirements and the condition of your scalp and braids.)
1.1Apply the Shampoo:
Using the diluted shampoo mixture from your squeeze bottle or spray bottle, apply it directly to your scalp. Gently squeeze the bottle to release the mixture along different parts of your scalp.
1.2Massage Your Scalp:
Use the pads of your fingers (not nails) to softly massage the shampoo into your scalp. This helps to lift dirt and product buildup without irritating the scalp. Keep your movements light and gentle to avoid tugging on the roots of your braids.
1.3Clean the Braids:
Move on to the braids themselves. Gently squeeze the diluted shampoo down the length of each braid. This method cleans the braids without disturbing their form. Avoid vigorous scrubbing or rubbing to prevent frizz.
1.4Rinse Thoroughly:
Carefully rinse your scalp and braids with cool or lukewarm water. Ensure that all shampoo is washed out, as residue can lead to buildup and itching.
Why Gentle Techniques Matter
Gentle cleansing prevents the frizz that can come from rough handling. Keeping your movements smooth and measured protects the integrity of each braid and ensures they stay neat and tidy.
Frequency of washing
The frequency of washing knotless braids depends on several factors, including the type of braids, the hair type, and personal scalp condition.
Most stylists recommend washing your braids every two to three weeks to keep your hair healthy and braids fresh. This frequency helps avoid too much build-up of products or dry skin, which leads to flaking and itching.
washing your knotless braids too frequently can cause dryness and brittleness,breakage and shedding problems.
Conditioning
Conditioning your braids is crucial for maintaining moisture and keeping the hair healthy. However, it's important to apply conditioner correctly to avoid slippage and build-up.
1.1 How to Apply Conditioner
Prepare the Conditioner: Choose a lightweight, hydrating conditioner that will moisturize without weighing down the braids. Dilute the conditioner slightly with water for easier application.
1.2 Apply to the Braids:
Apply the diluted conditioner along the length of each braid, starting a few inches away from the roots. This helps prevent the roots from becoming too slippery, which can cause braids to loosen.
1.3 Smooth Through:
Use your hands to gently smooth the conditioner down each braid. This ensures even coverage without disturbing the braid's structure.
1.4 Leave It Briefly: Let the conditioner sit on the braids for a few minutes to allow the hair to absorb the moisture.
1.5 Rinse Out: Rinse the conditioner thoroughly with cool water. Ensure all product is removed to prevent build-up.
Drying your braids on a cool setting after wring them with towel
Finally, after washing, moisture left in the hair could lead to unpleasant smells and mildew growth. Thoroughly drying your braids is the best way to ensure no unpleasant smells develop. Using the cool setting on your dryer is better for extending the lifespan of your knotless braids because heat can cause hair to become dry and brittle, damaging both your natural hair and the synthetic braiding hair if you use it instead of human braiding hair for your braids.
Maintenance Tips for Knotless braids - Reduce Frizz, Extend Lifespan
Maintaining knotless braids properly is essential for reducing frizz and extending their lifespan. Here are some maintenance tips to achieve that:
Focus on your calp and Keep your scalp clean:
Use a diluted shampoo or a cleansing spray designed for braids to gently cleanse your scalp and braids. A clean scalp helps prevent product buildup and itchiness, which can lead to frizz.
Don't skip the daily maintenance process.
Maintaining your knotless braids with daily practices can significantly reduce frizz and keep your hairstyle looking fresh and neat. Here are some key strategies to help minimize frizz:
1.1 Daily maintenance to mnimize frizz
Use a Satin Pillowcase or Bonnet at Night:
Sleeping on a satin pillowcase or wearing a satin bonnet can drastically reduce frizz and breakage. Satin helps to retain moisture in your hair and prevents the rough friction caused by cotton pillowcases that can lead to frizz and tangles.
1.2 Tame frizz and Touching Up Flyaways with light oils:
Apply a small amount of light natural oil, such as argan or jojoba oil, to your hands and gently smooth over the braids. This will help to lay down flyaways and add a healthy shine without weighing down your hair.
Avoid touching
Avoid touching your braids too much. The more you feel them, the more likely they are to frizz.
Implementing these simple daily maintenance practices can help you manage frizz effectively and ensure your knotless braids always look their best. Remember, consistency is key to maintaining the beauty and longevity of your hairstyle.
Protect hair in Harsh Weather:
Protect your braids from harsh weather conditions like wind, rain, and extreme humidity, which can contribute to frizz. Use a scarf or a hooded jacket to cover your hair when you're outside.
Style dry braids only:
If you cannot fully dry your braids with a blow dryer, make sure to let them air-dry completely before styling them. If you put your braids into a ponytail, bun, or another updo, they won't have enough air circulation to dry completely. This could result in mildew, unpleasant smells, and reduce the lifespan.
A hack to retouch your knotless braids without re-braiding
Normally, knotless braids can last anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks, as mentioned above. A retouch is required to maximize wear for a neater appearance after your natural hair grows out.
Re-braiding would take a long time and cost a lot. Here, we are sharing a hack for you to touch up your knotless braids without having to take them off and re-braid.
- Products need to prepared:
- A crochet hook
- Edge gel
- Edge brush
STEP1 Restyle the edges
Apply some jel to each section of your braid roots,use the edges brush to brush the new grown natural hair together,and use fingers to rub the product in.
STEP2 Retouch the braids by hooking the ends through the new growth of root hair.
To tighten and neaten your new growth, insert the hook through the roots, open it to place the end in the braids, and then pull it through the roots. Repeat this process until your roots are as tight and neat as desired.
STEP3 Repeat the same process until all of your braids are retouched.
Now we have shared our experiences in fixing the old knotless braids, which may be helpful for you in solving most of the issues with your knotless braids. If you still have any other questions, please feel free to contact us via email at [email protected].
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