Among black women, knotless braids are one of the most popular protective hairstyles of 2024. This look is favored for its versatility and the fact that there are so many options to choose from.
To write this article, we spent some time on TikTok, reviewing various hashtags to gain inspiration for the best knotless braids looks of 2024.
In the sections that follow, we explain what knotless braids are and reveal 8 of the best styles to choose from as you rock this iconic look this year.
What are knotless braids?
Knotless braids are a popular hairstyle among women in 2024. They are created with a feed-in technique, which is achieved by adding small clumps of braiding to your hair as you braid. The result is a single plait that is flatter than knotted braids.
If you're keen on this style this year, here are 8 awesome knotless braid ideas that you can try at home, or you can task your stylist to create the look for you.
1. Small knotless braids
Small knotless braids are one of the most popular variants of this look, favored by many black women on TikTok and Instagram. They're a super popular protective hairstyle and are defined by the fact that the braids are, well, small! You can get creative with this look, adding a bun or center parting to create a unique look. If you're looking for a trending look that is easy to achieve, small knotless braids are the best option for you.
2. Bohemian knotless braids
Boho knotless braids are one of the trendiest hairstyles for black women in 2024. If you search the hashtag #Bohobraids on Instagram, you will see what we mean! This signature look is characterized by long, knotless braids that have waves or curls at the bottom. Though we love the look of long boho braids, you can also achieve this look with medium-length hair if you prefer.
3. Knotless braids with curls
Knotless braids with curls at the end are basically the same as boho braids. In fact, curls at the end of braids are the signature of boho braids, so you can rock this look if you're looking for a popular, protective hairstyle to try in 2024.
4. Large knotless braids
Though small knotless braids are undoubtedly popular this year, you can mix things up by opting for large knotless braids. As the name suggests, these braids are defined by their size, and they are much thicker than their smaller counterparts. To achieve this look, you need more hair, either natural or synthetic, and the braiding process takes significantly longer.
5. Knotless braids with colors
We absolutely love the addition of color to knotless braids, and we have come across so many impressive looks on social media in recent times. We think blonde highlights work particularly well with knotless braids, but a red or brown tint can also bring out your popularity. You can order synthetic hair with the color of your choice added to make your life easier if you want to go for this style.
6. Knotless braids with beads
Like color, beads add a splash of character to this protective hairstyle. Though too many beads can weigh down your braids and make them feel heavy, you can add a selection of beads to each strand of your hair to create your chosen look. Again, you can order beads for knotless braids online.
7. Goddess knotless braids
Goddess knotless braids are another excellent option for black women. This protective hairstyle has cornrows as the main feature, but they are larger and chunkier than most other knotless braid styles. You can mix things up by adding colors and beads to your cornrows to create something new this year.
8. Jumbo knotless box braids
Last but certainly not least are jumbo knotless braids. These are the biggest knotless braids you can weave and are are a great way to showcase your style. Just be mindful that they are more expensive, given the amount of hair you need and the time it takes to weave them.
How to do knotless braids?
To create knotless braids, you need to buy the right type of hair. We recommend natural hair (often marketed as human hair) as it creates the best braids that usually last the longest, for up to six weeks.
However, if you want to save some money, you can opt for synthetic hair, and there are several different options available to you. The five main types of hair for braids are Kanekalon, standard synthetic, Toyokalon, Spectra, and Afrelle. Each has its own features and benefits, which you should read up on before ordering.
With the right hair, you can then weave your braids in your chosen style, from small braids to jumbo braids. If you don't want to braid your hair at home, you can take your hair to a stylist who will be happy to work the braids in for you.
Recap
Knotless braids are a popular protective hairstyle for black women in 2024. You can mix things up with different looks, ranging from bohemian box braids to jumbo braids, depending on your preferred style.
Though you can braid your hair at home with synthetic hair, we recommend buying natural hair and asking your stylist to work her magic for the best results. When professionally braided and cared for, you can expect your knotless braids to last for up to six weeks.
