Traditional box braids have had the biggest fan following for the longest time. The beauty of the braids, the protective features, and their demand for very low maintenance has made them one of the most preferred summer hairstyles for both men and women alike. However, some people find the braids heavy to carry and find the tension on the scalp a little difficult to tolerate.
Lo and behold! We have their knotless siblings to save the day. If you take a glimpse of the explore page on Instagram, you’ll see the new “it” trend of knotless braids rocked by at least a handful of celebrities. Fashionistas like Zendaya and Gabrielle Union love flaunting lengthy gorgeous braids if you like to seek inspiration.
Here we have 50 plus amazing ways to style knotless braids, for beginners as well as pros to experiment with.
Before that, here’s what you should keep in mind.
How are knotless braids different from box braids?
Simply put, knotless braids do not have the little knot at the root of each braid, that’s traditionally been there for box braids. Hence knotless braids are slightly looser on the scalp and are created using a feed-in technique.
They look more natural as well for the same reason and apply less tension. A lot of people prefer knotless braids over traditional box braids for the sheer reason that it sits easier on their hair and is not as heavy to carry.
How are knotless braids installed?
The braiding process, whether it is for box braids or knotless braids, requires quite a bit of time at the hairstylists. For box braids, the stylist would wrap the extension pieces around the base of the natural hair to form the braid strand. For knotless braids, the stylist would need to add in the extension seamlessly without a knot. This means that process would take longer but would be totally worth it.
How should I care for my knotless braids?
Just like box braids, you will need to prep and deep condition your hair well before the appointment with the hairstylist. During the six weeks that you’ll be rocking the style, you will need to care for your scalp the most. Stylists recommend using dedicated scalp care shampoos and conditioners to prevent build-up and other related issues.
You can wash your hair and follow up each wash with a nourishing leave-in conditioner to seal the moisture in, once or twice a week. Products like hair mousses can also be used for spot treatment on the scalp to keep it fresh and healthy.
Now here are 50 amazing styles you can show your hairstylist for inspiration.
51 Knotless Braids Hairstyles
1. Beautiful Lengthy Large Knotless Braids
If you have long and thick hair, you can flaunt beautiful lengthy and large knotless braids. Being knotless, the weight of the hair won’t take its toll on the roots and you can comfortably carry around the protective hairstyle.
A more creative take on the traditional knotless braids, hearty braids use larger sections of hair taken in the form of hearts. Probably a little more extra care and time for your stylist but totally worth it.
There’s a lot of difference that a little symmetry can do to your entire look. Here’s a knotless braids hairstyle that uses evenly sectioned large boxes of hair to form large braids.
For people with round or oval-shaped faces, a middle part looks the best, while for people who have other shapes, a side part will look great. Have your stylist part your hair the way you want and then section off boxes for these elegant looks.
The best thing about knotless braids is that you can section your hair in pretty much any shape you want. Here’s a rendition of perfect large knotless braids sectioned off in large triangles.
Highlight the beauty of your large knotless braids with exceptional copper tones. The lovely transition from the black roots to the copper lengths will catch any eye.
Crochet braids are helpful for those of you who cannot really use three strands and braid your hair neatly. If you’d like to try a DIY for braids, you can always watch a tutorial and use crochet hooks to braid your hair.
If you have thick hair, take smaller sections of boxes and use larger knotless braids to flaunt the beauty of your thick hair. This would especially look good for girls with rich, thick, and bushy hair.
Style your hair in large knotless braids and color your hair a rich brown to stand out. For ease of braiding and to make your hair look neat and long, you can straighten your hair.
Part your hair in larger sections of boxes and make larger braids for a super bold look. Keep your hair entirely black to maintain the balance and not take the focus off of the braids.
Here’s a refreshing new take on large knotless braids – leave the ends curled and loose rather than braiding your hair till the very end. This kind of style would look amazing on women with really long hair.
Go for a medium blonde shade in ombre style when flaunting large and lengthy knotless braids for a more chic street look. Pro tip: the longer your braids, the better.
Try large knotless braids in plain black hair without using any extensions for a natural and simple look. The number of strands may be fewer, but it would be easier and more comfortable to wear.
Drench your hair in moisturizing conditioners and glossy hair serums for the ultimate glowy Goddess look. Then style your hair in large knotless braids to seal the deal.
If you love a good side part you can pull off the lovely side-parted knotless braids look. The crown of the head would be parted on the side gradually transitioning to a middle part down the back. Indeed a unique style.
Braided hair looks particularly amazing when it’s long and strong. If you’d like to sport a “pro” look, you can add extensions or simply wait and grow out your hair. Don’t worry, knotless braids are not going anywhere.
Nothing like a nice and big top knot to elevate your casual-chic look. Style your hair in long and large knotless braids and then gather the top half in a top knot to sport a half up half down look.
Amp up your street style quotient with some fun beads. Add to the tails of your knotless braids and show them off. It’s definitely a style that screams tropical vacation vibes.
Protective hairstyles like knotless braids are always a good idea for kids, especially during Spring and Summer vacations. Here’s a fun little twist over simple knotless braids – add some curls at the ends. Put the hair up in a half pony to complete the ultra-cute look.
Two-feed knotless braids use a special two-strand feed-in technique to form thick large braids. A minor change in the process elevates the whole look. Add in some color and you’re good to go.
This one’s an almost exact copy of the traditional box braids but without them annoying little knots. Your stylist will section off your hair in tiny boxes and create tiny knotless braids for a thick and voluminous look.
A style that’s opposite to the tiny box braids, this one uses ultra-large sections of hair to form the braids, which leaves room for a fewer number of braids. As opposed to a dense look, this one gives off more celebrity vibes – think Alicia Keys.
This is a style that uses multiple elements in a single look. You have a red ombre color, elegant curls at the ends, and a gorgeous heart shape at the back. Definitely, a unique and super edgy style to pull off.
For curly beauties, here’s a style that will retain the beauty of your natural curls while adding in the edge of knotless braids. You will love how little strands of loose curly hair peak through your braids.
Golden brown is one of the most eye-catching and popular muted colors you can experiment with. Here’s a knotless braids hairstyle that simply uses color to make a statement by itself.
Coi Leray sports a jumbo style of knotless braids with curly ends. If you wish to copy the style of the trendsetter herself, here’s what you can show your stylist. The next trendsetter might just be you in your college.
Look like Goldilocks with this super stylish knotless braids hairstyle in rich golden hair color. Add some curls at the ends to give your braids an amazing elegant twist.
Here’s another super sexy rendition of Coi Leray’s look in red. This one uses tied ends and elegant curls to add more character. Not to mention the bright red color, which is a statement maker by itself.
Here’s another minimal style in knotless braids for those of you who like to keep it understated. Simple knotless braiding is done in medium-length black hair.
Who remembers the song “black and yellow” by Wiz Khalifa? Well, here’s a combination of the famous two colors in wonderful large knotless braids. You clearly cannot go wrong with this combo!
This is a style that uses triangular sections of the crown portion and large square sections of hair down the back and sides of the head. This one would be perfect for people with a smaller head of hair.
If you have loose curls and you want to keep the elegance of the curls along with braids, then this is the style for you. Lovely tight braids with loose curls peeking through will be a sight to behold.
For all boho fans, here’s a super relaxed, casual, and rugged style of knotless braids – with the bohemian touch. For this one have your stylist leave the ends loose and wavy, with the braids neatly secured in place with a rubber band.
The combination of two shades of blonde and stunning platinum in between makes this knotless braids hairstyle one of the most eye-catching ones in the collection. Here’s an amazing shot up close.
Adding to the list of elegant colors that you can carry knotless braids in, here’s one for those who like to keep it understated. Play it safe with burgundy and black highlights.
If plain knotless braids are too boring for you, you can try lattice braids where the braided strands are criss-crossed to form patterns. Definitely, a look to try this Summer.
Fishtail braids are gorgeous when you try them for even a day. How about having your stylist do fishtail braids all over your head? Add in a hint of brown highlights and you’ve got yourself a stunner hairstyle.
Bling lovers can try this version of large knotless braids. Throw in some high-quality beads randomly on your braid strands and finish the ends with gorgeous curls for a super stylish look.
40. Large Knotless Braids With Beads In A Double Knot
For ladies with long and strong hair, you can try out a variety of styles with your knotless braids. Here’s a style with beads at the ends gathered up in two knots.
Gen Z loves to combine the best of two worlds. Here’s a knotless hairstyle that uses a combination of both small and medium sizes of braids. It gives a dense and voluminous look.
Here is a versatile version of the style that uses larger square sections of hair. As the braids sit looser on the scalp you are free to put the strands up in a bun or leave them open or even criss-cross them to make a new style.
This knotless hairstyle sends out ultimate Barbie vibes or “mean girls” vibes. Ask your stylist to add in hot pink extensions to your braids and have your “on Fridays we wear pink” moment.
Large-sized knotless braids look great on short bobbed hair. If you’re not a fan of length hair, try out this style with some blonde highlights and you’re good to go.
This one is for the brave hearts out there. Large size knotless braids done in a combination of black and bright orange. If you are looking for a short-termed makeover, this is probably a look for you.
If you are growing your hair out, this is a style that you must try. Here you have medium and large size knotless braids in knee-length hair. Since the braids are knotless, this might be easier to carry, but there is definitely going to be some weight.
Here’s another knotless braids hairstyle with a heart. For this one, the heart shape is at the back of the head. This would be a perfect style to experiment with for ladies with long hair.
Another stylish one for lovers of long hair, this one boasts of a transition from black to golden blonde. Ask your stylist to section off larger squares with smaller braids for a thicker look.
Last but not least, this is one for the minimalists. Plain medium-length hair styled in large size knotless braids – a basic protective style for the Summer vacation.
That covers an amazing range of knotless braids hairstyles for you to try this season. Remember to do proper prep and maintenance for your braids and you’ll be able to rock them for six weeks straight.
Now here’s a quick video on how you can carry off knotless braids in different ways.
Hi, my name is Miranda Cole, and I’ve been working in the makeup industry for the last 10 years. I began my journey as a beautician, and now I specialize in both makeup and hair.
Over the last 10 years, I have watched as the latest trends change, and have seen the evolution of beauty and makeup in particular. As a result of this, I have a good knowledge of different makeup products, and hairstyles that will suit specific complexions or face shapes.
I want Fabulyst to be an extension of my day job, so that I can help educate others on everything they need to know about fashion and beauty. From the latest style pieces to wear, to the best hairstyles, I will be covering everything there is to know.
