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Knotless braids on 4c hair
As the name of this blog already says, it’s all about 4c hairstyles on here. Especially protective styles.
And while I enjoy simple styles where I only use my own hair, I also love changing it up from time to time with some extension hair. And there is no more popular protective styling method than knotless braids at the moment.
For the past 3-4 years this hairstyle has been rivaling traditional box braids and won the hearts of countless black women across the world, myself included.
So, I figured in this post I share with you my love for knotless braids on 4c hair.
Do knotless braids work on 4C hair?
Whenever there is a new trend in the natural hair community, we tend to wonder if it works on our hair. After all, 4c hair is known for its tightly coiled texture, density, and high shrinkage.
But so what. All braid styles, including knotless braids, work just fine on 4c hair!
The main difference between box braids and knotless braids is the way they are installed. Meaning with no knots, but directly braided onto the scalp. Here, it may seem easier when you have a soft hair texture, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be done.
I install knotless braids on my 4c hair all the time and what I have learned is that smaller braids are easier for women with curly hair. That is because the beauty of knotless braids is the consistent thin look. So, you want to avoid adding too much hair at once.
Instead of doing jumbo knotless braids, try small knotless braids. Trust me, it’s the best way to install this protective hairstyle on 4c hair.
Are knotless braids good for natural hair?
If you just started your natural hair journey and looking to grow your 4c hair, then you might wonder if knotless braids are a good idea. Well. I’m here to tell you that, yes, knotless braids are good for natural 4c hair.
Knotless braids, in contrast to large box braids, are created without tying huge knots at the root of your hair. This causes less tension to your hair and scalp, which then significantly reduces hair loss.
In addition, knotless braids help you maintain your natural curl pattern as it requires little to no manipulation. This is especially beneficial for natural black hair because it is often more delicate and prone to breakage.
Do braids help short 4c hair grow?
Yes, braids do help 4c hair grow because they protect your hair from mechanical damage, such as breakage and tangling, which promotes healthy hair growth. Additionally, braids retain moisture, which is also beneficial for hair growth.
However, keep in mind that you have to properly take care of your 4c hair while they are in braids. So, avoid putting a lot of tension on your hair and make sure to moisturize them regularly.
How long do knotless box braids last on 4c hair?
Knotless braids can last for several weeks on 4c hair, depending on the condition of your hair and how well you care for it.
On average, I leave my knotless braids in for about 4-6 weeks. But they may last longer or shorter depending on your knotless technique, the quality of the synthetic braiding hair you used, and of course the activities you do.
For example, if you are someone that works out or swims a lot, then your braids will frizz much faster, which reduces the amount of time you want to leave them in.
So if you want your knotless box braids to last as long as possible, care for your braids properly after they are installed.
How to do knotless braids on 4c hair
As mentioned before, knotless braids are one of my favorite 4c hairstyles ever since my 4c hair big chop. And as we all know visiting a professional braider nowadays has become very expensive.
To help you save some coins and practice the art of braiding, here is a step-by-step guide on how to knotless braids:
- Start off with clean and well-moisturized hair. I like to wash my hair with a deep conditioner prior to every long-term hairstyle. That is to make sure that my hair received the optimal dose of hydration and vitamins for the next few weeks.
- After washing and conditioning your hair, apply a leave-in conditioner to help hydrate and nourish your hair. Consider adding some shea butter afterward to seal in the moisture. This will keep your natural 4c hair healthy and prevent breakage while you braid.
- Next, use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to gently detangle your hair. This will remove all the tangles and knots and smooth out your hair for the style. Alternatively, you can also blow dry your hair to stretch it out.
- Once your hair is detangled and conditioned, part your hair into individual sections and secure them with rubber bands or hair clips. For large knotless braids, part them into a few big sections. And for medium knotless braids, divide them into many medium-sized parts.
- Once you have your parts, define them with some edge control or gel. I use the shine n’ jam gel for braids as my hair is thicker and I like my parts to look crisp and laid.
- Before you start the knotless braid installation, make sure to prepare your packs of x-pression hair by laying out the hair strands needed for the feed-in process. Note, you want to add small batches of hair at a time to ensure that it blends seamlessly.
- Now take one section of your hair and divide it into three equal strands. Begin braiding your hair, using the three-strand method one time, and then start adding new strands of hair as you go. When adding new hair to the braid, be sure to tuck in your natural hair completely.
- Braid the hair all the way to the end, avoiding tangles and knots. Repeat the process with every section of your hair.
- Once all of your hair is braided, you can seal the ends with hot water. For that, you simply boil water and dip the ends of your braids in for up to 30 seconds. Put a towel around your shoulder and neck to avoid burning yourself with the hot braids.
- Finally, use a small amount of hair oil on your scalp to lock in moisture, and add a 4c hair mousse to the crown of your head. This will make your knotless braids look healthy and polished, and will also help to prevent frizz and flyaways.
That’s it. With these simple steps, you can easily do knotless braids on your own 4c hair. With a little practice and patience, you should be able to master it yourself.
Benefits of knotless braids
Still not sure if knotless braids are for you? Here are some of the main benefits:
- Knotless braids are a low-maintenance hairstyle that can be worn for an extended period of time. This does not just save you time in the morning but also saves you money on salon visits and even hair products.
- Braids in general are considered a protective style. They help protect your hair from damage and breakage by tucking in your hair ends. That makes knotless braids a great option for those of us who want to grow our 4c hair.
- They are good for working out and humid weather. Knotless braids are lightweight and less likely to frizz and puff up due to water or humidity, which makes them perfect for women who work out a lot or are looking for cute vacation looks.
Honestly, knotless braids are a great option for 4c hair, and if you install the braids correctly you’ll enjoy the hairstyle a lot.
Disadvantages of knotless braids
But it would not be right to end this post, without acknowledging some of the drawbacks. Some of the main disadvantages include:
- Knotless braids are time-consuming, especially if you have a lot of hair. The braids are done directly onto the scalp and are usually small. Which takes longer than jumbo box braids or even medium braids.
- The cost of knotless braids is more expensive than traditional braids because they require more time and skill to create. And depending on the length and size the price increases.
In conclusion, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before deciding if this hairstyle is right for you. Especially, if you don’t want to make use of a skilled stylist who can install the braids correctly.
Articles related to knotless braids on 4c hair:
- 10 Medium Length 4c Hairstyles
- How To French Braid 4c Hair
- Halo Braid With Weave On 4c Hair
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