Knotless braids are individual braids that are not secured at the roots with knots. Knotless braids are quite similar to box braids—the only differences being the presence of knots at the roots of the box braids and the fact that knotless braids are mostly painless because they put minimal tension on the scalp. Knotless braids also tend to look more natural since they lack the knots at the roots.
There are so many different types of knotless braids and many ways they can be created and styled, which has made them a favorite among hair braiders. Whether you want them big, small, or medium, in this article, we’ll walk you through the 20 hottest knotless braid styles of 2024.
1. Jumbo Knotless Braids
Jumbo knotless braids are knotless braids that are intentionally made to be very big. They involve using large sections of hair and are braided very thick. Not only do they not take as long to make but the size makes the braids come out very crisp. If you love knotless braids that take less time to achieve and are easy to style, go for jumbo knotless braids!
2. Medium Knotless Braids
Medium knotless braids have a cut size that is smaller than that of jumbo knotless. Since they’re not as thick, medium knotless braids last longer than their large-sized counterparts. They’re also easier to style, however they do take more time to make than jumbo braids. They’re perfect for ladies who don’t want their braids too big or too small.
3. Knotless Braids With Beads
Bedazzle your knotless braids by adding beads to the ends. There are so many different types of beads that you’re bound to find a kind that you vibe with! There are wooden, plastic, glass and acrylic beads that come in an endless variety of shapes and sizes to play around with. Beads add more beauty and volume to the braids so they draw attention.
4. Small Knotless Braids
Small knotless braids have tiny parts. Because the braids are so thin and the parts are so small, they usually take several hours to make but last longer than the medium and jumbo sizes. The best part about small knotless braids is how versatile they are—they can be styled in a lot of different ways and can be made either long or short.
5. Medium Knotless Braids With Color
Incorporate some eye-catching colors into your medium knotless braids! Here, we’re specifically referring to knotless braids that feature colors other than black such as wine, red, honey blonde and other beautiful colors. If you really want to turn heads, try a high-energy color like blue or orange. Colored braids are suitable for ladies that love to switch up their looks and add more spice.
6. Knotless Braids With Curls
If you’re looking for a simple way to add a little flair to your knotless braids, the ends can be made to be curly! The curls can be as tight or as loose as you want and are made by simply rolling the ends of your knotless braids—braided or unbraided—with rollers and putting them in hot water to lock the curls in place. After letting the ends sit in hot water for about 30 seconds then giving them a little time to cool, the rollers are removed to reveal bouncy, elegant curls.
7. Jumbo Knotless Braids With Beads
Beads can make your jumbo knotless braids look even more full and glamorous. Beads also add more weight to your knotless braids, making them dangle and sway behind you. Make sure to choose large beads with a wide opening that allows for easy attachment.
8. Blonde Knotless Braids
Tired of using black, dark brown and other dark colors for your braids? Go bright instead and opt for blonde knotless braids. Blonde braids are gorgeous in the way they pair with different skin tones—they really can look amazing on both lighter and darker skin types!
9. Long Knotless Braids
Braids can be made to be long to allow for versatility and flexibility when styling. Long braids can be packed to achieve many styles that short braids can’t like ponytails, updos and buns. Of course, long knotless braids will take longer to complete because of their length but they’re so worth it for the number of styles you can make from them.
10. Bohemian Knotless Braids
Bohemian knotless braids, also called goddess knotless braids, are characterized by having curls as leave outs and/or at the ends. These kinds of curls are achieved by using curly extensions or by leaving out straight extensions and curling them yourself using hot water and rollers. The curls require regular maintenance and protection to prevent them from tangling.
11. Short Knotless Braids
Short knotless braids, or mini knotless braids, are knotless braids made in a short length. Relative to the other styles on this list, short knotless braids are not nearly as time-consuming. They also last long and can be formed into a number of cute styles.
12. Ombré Knotless Braids
Braids that are only one color can be boring at times which is a good reason to experiment with color styles, including trying out ombré braids! Ombré knotless braids are unique because they feature two or more colors transitioning into each other. Ombré knotless braids are achieved using either ready-made ombré extensions, or by using two or more extensions that are different colors and joining each almost at the ends of the other. Ombré braids are such a vibrant look and, when the colors are mixed well, the melting effect that’s created is stunning.
13. Red Knotless Braids
Knotless braids can be made in shades of red in order to deviate from the regular dark colors like black or brown which are commonly used by a lot of ladies. Red is energetic, fiery, and naturally draws a lot of attention which is why red knotless braids are a perfect style for ladies that love hairstyles that pop.
14. Goddess Knotless Braids
This style is also known as bohemian knotless braids and features curly leave outs and/or curly ends. For ladies that want a knotless braid style that isn’t basic, this style incorporates lots of curls and waves which also add volume to your braids. Be advised that because all the hair isn’t braided, this style won’t last long if it’s not properly maintained as the curls will inevitably frizz and tangle.
15. Knotless Braids With Color
Knotless braids can be made using single-colored extensions or a mixture of colors to create a striking effect like what you see in the picture! Knotless braids with color call for you to use colors other than plain black and brown, so take this opportunity to remove the plainness and flaunt your creativity. You can make patterns with the colors or randomly sprinkle different colored braids throughout the hair.
16. Styled Knotless Braids
Styling knotless braids is easy to do and not at all time consuming. There are a wide range of styles that can be made to fit different moods and occasions—from formal to casual. Knotless braids can be styled as charming ponytails, enchanting half-up half-down styles, classy swoop styles and many more. There are different styles for anything from a wedding to your afternoon jog.
17. Brown Knotless Braids
If you love dark-colored braids but don’t want to go for black, go for brown knotless braids instead. Our brown hair lovers can add a little extra dazzle by using different shades of brown extensions to make the knotless braids. Brown is also a great color choice for professional women whose work doesn’t allow them to have bold colors.
18. Butterfly Knotless Braids
Butterfly knotless braids can be executed two ways: knotless passion braids or knotless jungle braids. Both styles are characterized by a textured and distressed look which make them look rough but in a chic and stylish way. Butterfly knotless braids are trendy whether they’re long, short, big or small. They’re perfect for ladies that don’t want their knotless braid style to look too sharp and clean.
19. Kids’ Knotless Braids With Beads
Knotless braids can also be made for kids. They can be either long or short, and can be made in small, medium and jumbo sizes. Knotless braids don’t put much tension on the scalp which makes them perfect for kids, especially tender-headed and young children. The beads are an adorable final touch—with the added benefit of making the kids happy as most kids love hair accessories that they can shake around.
20. Short Knotless Braids With Beads
Short knotless braids, or mini knotless braids, can also be accessorized using beads and look perfect! The beads give these short braids some extra shine and dangle—who doesn’t love that!
