Why Knotless Braids Are All The Rage RN

hair

knotless braids

If you find yourself constantly crushing over braids but have always been turned off by the pain that often accompanies them, then knotless braids might be your new BFF. They’re hella cute, look great on everybody, and most importantly, they cause less tension on your scalp.

For the inside scoop, we spoke to celebrity hairstylist, Sabrina Porsche, whose client list includes none-other-than… Beyoncé. Here’s everything you need to know, from installation to removal, plus some major hairspo!

What Are Knotless Braids?

 

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Sabrina tells us “Knotless braids are your typical box braids but without the traditional knot that is started at the base or root of the hair.” Unlike traditional braids, which typically add extensions at the root, knotless braids begin with your natural hair and then extensions are fed in further down the braid.

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Sabrina says, “Because knotless braids do not begin with a knot, there’s very little tension on the scalp, thereby lessening the soreness that braids usually have,” thereby allowing you to leave the salon headache-free. She also adds that it’ll prevent tension bumps that occur when the hair follicle is inflamed, which causes a red sore to arise! Another major benefit of knotless braids is that you can style your hair and sleep comfortably straight after the appointment, without any pain!

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Possibly the only downside of having knotless braids is they don’t necessarily last as long as other braids tend to – four to six weeks. Sabrina explains that the longer you leave them in, the more hair damage can occur if they’re not taken care of properly, or if the braids are heavier. It’s important to take care of them with oils and nightly wrapping.

How to Install Knotless Braids

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To install knotless braids, Sabrina explains, “I start by parting the hair into the desired parting pattern using my product of choice. Then I start to braid using the three-strand method. As you braid, I feed the hair in until I have the desired size that I want to accomplish.” Another thing to keep in mind is knotless braids take longer to install than other braiding techniques as you’re consistently stopping to add extra hair.

How to Remove Knotless Braids

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Sabrina suggests familiarizing yourself with your natural hair length and paying attention to new growth, then she says, “The fastest and easiest way to take them out is to cut them at least two inches below your natural hair length and unbraid with a rat tail comb.”

How To Maintain Knotless Braids

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According to Sabrina, the best way to keep your knotless braids healthy is by wrapping them up every night before bed and oiling the scalp to maintain moisture. Sabrina told us some of her favorites: “There are so many oils I would recommend: Vernon Francios Scalp Nourishment Braids and Locs Spray, $18, Mielle Rosemary and Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil, $10, OUAI hair oil, $28, jojoba oil, tea tree oil, Jamaican black castor oil, just to name a few!”

More Knotless Braids Inspo:

 

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Do you like knotless braids? Let us know in the comments below.

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