How Long Do Knotless Braids Last?

Braids are timeless styles, but each has its lifespan. Most braiding styles last 6-8 weeks, depending on your hair care routine. But, there are lightweight, easy-to-install, and maintain styles that cause minimum hair manipulation and damage.

One such style is Knotless braids. It offers the advantage of minimum hair manipulation, unlike traditional box braids which are tricky to remove without pulling the scalps. As the name suggests, knotless braids do not involve a knot. They do not involve the feed-in technique where extensions are added to braiding hair. They are effortless & natural styles where the braided hair is added to your natural hair.

Known for their protective nature, knotless braids foster hair growth without damaging your natural hair. It is also very easy to moisturize & hydrate your hairstyle while keeping the braids.

Knotless braids are also painless braiding styles, unlike others that cause tension to your scalp. Installing knotless braids involves minimal pulling at the root, which means less hair breakage and pain.

Like most other braids, deep cleaning is required to remove any buildup before braiding. An unclean scalp may affect the quality of your braids and decrease their longevity. It may also cause itchiness. You can clean your hair at the professional braiding salon where you are planning to get knotless braids or DIY at home. Rinse your hair with Apple Cider Vinegar before your appointment to clean your hair effectively.

At the salon, the stylist may also recommend blow-drying your hair to ensure the strands are untangled before braiding starts. Blow-drying hair helps the stylists with minimal setup and get straight into the braiding process.

Once your hair is cleaned & prepped properly, here is how knotless braids will be installed:

Step 1. Sectioning the Hair

Parting hair is the first step towards successful knotless braids. Your hair will be divided into consistent sections which will be square shaped. The size of the knotless braids you want to flaunt also plays a critical role in the braiding process.

Step 2. Smoothening the Edges

For neat, long-lasting braids, you must add smoothening agents at the roots of each section. You can opt for any smoother that keeps your hair shiny & smooth without causing dryness, flaking, and itching. Make sure to follow this routine for each section.

Step 3. Create Braids

Now that your hair is smooth and shiny, it's time to start braiding. Start with a three-strand braid. If you want knotless braids with your natural hair, braid your hair down to the root of the strands at each section, and fasten them with a clear elastic. If you are using extensions, braid your natural hair down to the roots three times and start feeding in synthetic hair. Remember to add small sections to avoid knots in your braid.

Although knotless braids are painless to install, a lot of time is required to create this protective style. Depending on the size and length of your braids, installing full-head knotless braids can take 3-5 hours.

Knotless Braids can last up to 12 weeks, though it largely depends on your hair texture, care routine, and the length of braids.

Knotless Braids last longer on coarse hair textures with tight curls, around 8-12 weeks. For silkier hair texture, knotless braids last 6-8 weeks. This is because the probability of hair separating from synthetic hair is much more in silky textures than in coarser ones.

Another factor that affects the longevity of braids is their size. Larger braids will not last as long as short braids. So if you want to wear knotless braids that last longer, go for small or medium braids. If your hairdo is for a special event or occasion, you can go for longer braids.

After spending a long session achieving perfection, you'd want your knotless braids to last as long as possible. Make sure your hair is moisturized at all times for minimal hair breakage. Protective styles are meant to shield your natural hair, and moisturizing regularly can enhance the form & function of your knotless braids. Use non-sticky hair oils or leave-in conditioners to prevent dryness and hair breakage.

Another hack to protect your braids is to sleep on a silk pillow or use a satin bonnet. This reduces friction between your hair and pillow, thereby causing minimum hair tension and frizz.

An important part of your maintenance routine is how you wash your knotless braids. Do not rub them together - it will get all frizzy and possibly loosen up. Use a mild shampoo and conditioner and apply them through the hair from the root to the tip in a downward motion. Make sure you wash your braids at least once or twice a month to keep them smooth.

Box braids, knotless braids, braids with a ponytail, or braids with a bun - at Elite Braids and Weaving, we can do it all. Our stylists are magicians and ready with their magic wands to create a fantastic hairdo that inspires a trend on social media.

For picture-perfect braids, choose our Houston hair braiding salon. Check out a wide range of protective styles and choose your favorite, or tell us your custom inspo and we will make it a reality.