Over many decades, different types of braids have helped many to protect their hair and stay gorgeous. You may have tried the 90s' box braids, jumbo braids, micro braids, and cornrows. You may have also come across braids with various colors and patterns, faux loc braids, and fishtail braids.
Recently, an exciting new braids style was introduced, and it is fast becoming top of the scene, essentially getting rid of the knots in the position between the area where the weaves locked to the hair strands, giving the hairstyle the trending name "Knotless braids". The style is very beautiful and appears very natural on the head. This classic braid is a protective style that will give your hair a unique break. Here is what the braid entails, and care tips when wearing them.
What Are Knotless Braids?
Knotless braids are still box braids but with a different installation method. Normally, box braids are done, using traditional methods that are often accompanied by pain at the installation root. On the other slide, knotless braids are not installed directly at the hair root, and they do not cause any form of pain.
Even though they are finished as the regular box braids, where hairstylists start the braids by knotting hair extensions into segmented hair strands and holding them tightly and firmly at the scalp, knotless braids are started with the natural hair, and hair extensions are only introduced as you braid further. This method is the best way to protect your hair and edges. Knotless braids exert little or no strain on the scalp and hairline, it also has natural finishing that is very attractive to behold.
What Care Tips are Involved in Wearing Knotless Braids?
1. Moisturize Braids at Consistent Intervals
Before and after installation of knotless braids must include moisturizing your hair. It is essential to get rid of buildup from the scalp as doing this can leave your hair flourishing under the braids due to moisture. Use a buildup-removing agent to give your hair a thorough cleaning. It is recommended to use a lightweight hair shampoo so that the volume of your braid style will not be reduced after washing. Use products that contain hydrating elements and those that reduce hair breakage.
Another way to keep your knotless braids moisturized is by dropping organic olive oil, coconut oil, and other hydrating oils in the hair. Oil in your hair will keep your scalp dandruff-free. However, wash your braided hair once every week to remove excess oil. Also, when washing braids, ensure you wash hair gently to avoid weakening it at the root.
2. Do Not Leave Braids Past The Normal Limit
Many people overuse their Knotless braids and they not only begin to lose their beautiful appearance but can cause harm to their hair. Protective hairstyles are meant to be worn for as long as 4-6 weeks. Anything longer than this required time can have a bad effect on your hair underneath the braids.
If you wear your knotless braids for two months or more, the hair may not be clogged at the root like the regular braids, but it will look outgrown and unkempt. Overdue hair can also weaken hair texture, and when you finally loosen the braids, you may encounter a mass of hair loss or breakage.
3. Be Attentive to How Porous Your Hair Could Be
While planning on getting knotless braids, ensure that you know the level of your hair porosity. This means that if you have fine textured hair, it may not work so well with voluminous or big knotless braids because of the weight of the weaves. Heavy braids will dislodge fine hair on the scalp. If your hair is not strong enough, and you want to wear big or small knotless braids so badly, you can buy a hair repairing oil. Applying such oil to your hair can help in strengthening it from the root all through to the tip.
People with tough hair textures like the nappy kinds, will not have problems with small knotless braids installations but the hair must be untangled, moisturized, and smooth to work with. This is to make sure the braids come out flawless and neat. Knowing your hair type and learning proper maintenance, will make this protective braids style a great pick, no matter your hair porosity and texture.
4. Protect Your Braids During the Day and at Night
Having knotless braids on your head means you must care for them all around the clock. Protect your scalp, hair, and braids by adding moisturizing products before going to bed. You can keep your braids in perfect shape at night by covering your head with a silk scarf, du-rag, or hair bonnet. Why you must opt for all these silky options when covering the braids is because the materials help in preventing hair breakage while you sleep.
Also, ensure that you spray the braid with moisturizing oils like coconut water. This type of product contains hydrating formulas for overnight hair nourishment. Rather than wake up with frizzled hair, and scratchy scalp, these tips can help you stay refreshed both during the day and at night. If you do not like the idea of wearing silky scarves and bonnets, use a silky pillow instead.
5. When Loosening Braids, Apply Gentleness
Why many people over wear their braids is because of how tedious and stressful it can be, to loosen the protective style. So, if you cannot go through this process with utmost care and gentleness, a hair stylist near you can help you. Loosening the braids gently will help in preventing unnecessary yanking of hair and hair breakage.
Conclusion
Knotless braids have come on board just like many other protective braid styles you know of. You will prefer this style because it is an updated version of the traditional box braids and it has more interesting outcomes. You can enjoy painless braids, and neatly installed hair extensions, away from the root of the hair. This means you may not need to worry about tension headaches or hair loss caused by tight-knotted installations.