25 of the Hottest Knotless Braids Hairstyles for 2023

Knotless braids are a type of protective hairstyle achieved by gradually ‘feeding-in’ hair extensions to your natural hair as you plait, to create a natural, seamless look.

While traditional braiding methods require you to create a knot and add extensions right at the root before braiding, the knotless method skips this step and starts with your own hair instead. This creates less stress on the scalp and hair, which heavy braids can sometimes cause.

Here are a few reasons why knotless box braids are so popular: they’re lightweight, great for fine natural hair, and, most importantly, cause less breakage because of the careful way they’re installed. The downside? They can take longer to achieve and fall on the pricier side, but the pain-free results are seriously worth it.

If you still need more convincing, we’re sharing the pros of getting this popular braid style and the best ways you can wear it in 2023 and beyond.

Do Knotless Braids Last Longer?

Like box braids, knotless braids last 4-6 weeks, depending on how you care for them.

Are Knotless Braids Better?

Knotless braid styles tend to be favoured over regular box braids because they cause less stress to the scalp and hair. This makes them a better option to consider if you’re worried about your protective style impacting your hair health.

What’s the Difference Between Knotless Braids and Box Braids?

As mentioned above, knotless braids are installed using a ‘feed-in’ method, while box braids stick to the traditional braiding approach. Box braids can be heavy, while knotless ones are lighter and easier to style.

Do Knotless Braids Hurt Less?

Knotless braid hairstyles tend to be less painful than methods that require tight knots. If you’ve got a sensitive scalp, opting for this pain-free plait style is your best option.

How do you Care for Knotless Braids?

To keep your braids and scalp moisturised, make sure to mist them with your favourite leave-in conditioner.