Knotless braids are a popular protective hairstyle that not only looks stunning but also helps maintain the health of your natural hair. Unlike traditional braids, knotless braids start with your natural hair, reducing tension and preventing damage. Thick knotless braids, in particular, add a bold and voluminous look that is both stylish and versatile. In this article, we’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of creating thick knotless braids, along with tips and tricks to ensure your braids come out flawless.
What Are Thick Knotless Braids?
Understanding Knotless Braids
Knotless braids are a variation of traditional box braids, but with a significant difference in the braiding technique. Instead of starting the braid with an extension knot at the base, knotless braids are created by gradually feeding in extensions as you braid down the hair. This method eliminates the tight knots at the scalp, making the braids more comfortable and reducing the risk of hair breakage.
Benefits of Thick Knotless Braids
Thick knotless braids offer several advantages:
Less Tension: Without the knot at the base, thick knotless braids exert less tension on your scalp, which minimizes discomfort and potential damage.
Natural Look: The braids start with your natural hair, giving a more seamless and natural appearance.
Versatility: Thick braids can be styled in various ways, from updos to buns, and they hold their shape well due to their size.
Long-Lasting: Knotless braids tend to last longer than traditional braids because they don’t pull on the scalp as much, reducing the risk of early loosening.
Materials You Will Need
Before starting the braiding process, make sure you have all the necessary materials at hand:
Rat-tail comb: For parting and sectioning the hair.
Hair clips or bands: To hold sections of hair in place.
Edge control gel or pomade: To smooth and define your parts.
Braiding hair extensions: Choose high-quality synthetic hair that matches your natural hair color.
Shine and jam gel: To smooth the hair and create a neat finish.
Moisturizing cream or leave-in conditioner: To hydrate your hair before braiding.
Hot water: To seal the ends of the braids.
Hair mousse: To set the braids and reduce frizz.
Scissors: To trim any stray hairs or uneven ends.
Preparing Your Hair
Step 1: Wash and Condition Your Hair
Start with clean, moisturized hair. Use a sulfate-free shampoo to cleanse your scalp and hair, followed by a deep conditioner to ensure your hair is well-hydrated. This step is crucial because braids can dry out your hair over time.
Step 2: Detangle and Stretch Your Hair
After washing, detangle your hair using a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to remove any knots. You can stretch your hair using a blow dryer on a low heat setting or by doing a heatless stretching method like African threading or braiding. Stretching your hair makes the braiding process smoother and helps achieve a more uniform look.
Step 3: Section Your Hair
Divide your hair into manageable sections using your rat-tail comb. Depending on the size of the braids you want, you can create larger or smaller sections. For thick knotless braids, aim for medium to large sections. Use hair clips or bands to hold the sections in place while you work.
Creating the Parts
Step 1: Determine the Parting Pattern
The parting pattern you choose will determine the overall look of your braids. Common patterns include square, triangle, or diamond parts. For thick knotless braids, square parts are often preferred as they give a uniform and balanced look.
Step 2: Create Clean Parts
Using your rat-tail comb, create clean, straight parts in your hair. Apply a small amount of edge control gel along the part lines to keep them neat and defined. Take your time with this step, as precise parting is key to achieving a polished final look.
Step 3: Section Off the Parts
Once you have your parts, section off the rest of your hair to avoid interference while braiding. Use hair clips or bands to keep the sections separated and organized.
See Also: How To Style Large Knotless Braids
Installing the Braids
Step 1: Start with Your Natural Hair
Begin by taking a small section of hair from one of the parts. Divide this section into three equal strands. Start braiding your natural hair by crossing the outer strands under the middle strand, just as you would with a regular braid. This forms the base of your knotless braid.
Step 2: Add the Extension Hair
Once you have a few rotations of the braid with your natural hair, it’s time to start adding the braiding hair extensions. Take a small piece of the extension hair and feed it into the braid by placing it between your thumb and index finger. Continue braiding, adding more extension hair as you move down the braid. Gradually feeding in the extension hair creates a smooth transition and builds the thickness of the braid without adding tension at the scalp.
Step 3: Continue Braiding Down
As you braid, continue to add small sections of extension hair until you reach your desired braid thickness. For thick knotless braids, you’ll want to add enough extension hair to create a voluminous look, but be careful not to overdo it, as this can make the braids heavy and uncomfortable.
Step 4: Seal the Ends
Once you’ve braided down to the ends, use hot water to seal the braids. Dip the ends of the braids into hot water for a few seconds to set them and prevent unraveling. Be cautious when handling hot water to avoid burns. After sealing, trim any stray hairs with scissors for a neat finish.
Styling and Maintenance
Step 1: Set the Braids
After completing all the braids, apply hair mousse to set the braids and reduce frizz. The mousse helps to smooth down any flyaways and gives your braids a polished look. You can also wrap your hair with a silk or satin scarf to further set the braids.
Step 2: Moisturize Your Scalp
Knotless braids can last for several weeks, so it’s important to keep your scalp moisturized to prevent dryness and itching. Use a light oil or scalp spray to keep your scalp hydrated. Be sure to apply the product sparingly to avoid buildup.
Step 3: Protect Your Braids at Night
To maintain the longevity of your braids, protect them at night by wrapping your hair with a silk or satin scarf or sleeping on a satin pillowcase. This helps prevent frizz and keeps your braids looking fresh.
Step 4: Style Your Braids
Thick knotless braids are incredibly versatile and can be styled in various ways. You can wear them down, pull them into a high bun, create a half-up, half-down style, or even experiment with different partings and accessories. The options are endless, so feel free to get creative with your braids.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Adding Too Much Hair at Once
One of the most common mistakes when doing knotless braids is adding too much extension hair at once. This can make the braids look bulky and uneven. Instead, gradually add small amounts of hair to build the thickness naturally.
Mistake 2: Not Prepping Your Natural Hair
Skipping the hair prep steps can lead to frizzy and uneven braids. Always start with clean, stretched, and moisturized hair to ensure a smooth braiding process and a polished final look.
Mistake 3: Braiding Too Tight
While it might be tempting to braid tightly for longevity, doing so can cause unnecessary tension on your scalp and lead to breakage. Knotless braids should be snug but not overly tight.
Conclusion
Thick knotless braids are a fantastic hairstyle that combines beauty and practicality. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can achieve a stunning and protective style that lasts for weeks. Remember to take your time, pay attention to detail, and most importantly, enjoy the process of creating your thick knotless braids. With practice and patience, you’ll be able to master this technique and rock a bold and beautiful look.