Knotless and box braids are two of the most popular braids worn by braid lovers. If you love braids but are confused about the difference between them Traditional box braids and Braids without knotsLet’s explore these two braiding techniques and understand the difference!
Both styles are single braids, and the size is your choice, from jumbo or super large boxes to very small or even micro boxes. They can be thick or thin. The length as well, they can be as short as your little finger or you can drag them on the floor.
Both are usually produced together with synthetic hair. They are not permanently attached to your scalp, so you can style them however you want. You can wash them, sleep with them and keep them for up to two months.
So what are the main differences between box braids and regular box braids? Let’s get closer to each of the styles and find out.
Regular box braids
Standard installation or Traditional box braids Begin by wrapping a piece of hair extension around the root of each braid. It represents the connection, unites all hypotheses from a box and makes the basis tight.
The braiding technique after the beginning is classic: three strands of hair knead the braid until the end of the hair (additional hair). The edges are sealed with hot water or fire.
Box braids without knots
Braids without knots Usually you start with a classic three-strand braiding of the natural hair, and the synthetic hair is fed by adding several sections between the braids.
However, they can also be installed by mixing all the synthetic hair with the natural hair at the root, coming together in a three-position braid from the beginning.
The braids start right where the strands come together naturally in the braid without being overly tight, and they shouldn’t be loose either.
Differences between regular box braids and knotless braids
The only difference between regular box braids without knots is at the root.
Regular box braids are braided with extensions attached to the roots with a knot. On the other hand, no-knot box braids are created without a knot, resulting in a more natural-looking, less bulky braid that is gentler on the scalp.
Pain
The first one you may notice is the pain during the installation process. Traditional box braids can be a pain during installation, more or less depending on how tight the braid is going to be. In some cases, they even offer painkillers.
It might be a solution for you to continue until the end, but in the end, you will have to suffer at least a few more days. You are more likely to experience difficulties while sleeping, moving your head, manipulating your braided hair, touching it, etc. By the time they come loose, you can lose a lot of your hair.
Box braids will only work if your hair and scalp are strong.
If you have a sensitive scalp and hair, you should choose knotless braids, as there is no pain, neither when they are installed nor after. They are more flexible from the start. So usually, you only feel the weight of your braids and maybe a little tension on the most sensitive parts of your scalp. The chance of damaging your hair is also greatly reduced.
the mirror
Traditional box braids look thicker at the root than knotless braids. When extensions of knotless braids are fed gradually, the difference is really noticeable.
Untied braids look more natural at the root. They are usually flat on the head, unlike the usual box braids, which look more voluminous at the root.
Depending on braids, but I’ve seen some examples, some of which can make loose braids look scalpy. The geometry of the paths and how the extension is mixed according to each particular head are important to get a complete look.
Box braids can look bad even if the geometry isn’t the best. Furthermore, box braids can come loaded with facelifts (unwanted smiles and surprised eyebrows). You can also get this on braids without knots if you catch your braids in a ponytail or bun.
In any case, I recommend natural smiles, and if you’re looking for a bit of an uplifting look, you don’t have to wear a particularly tight style, just lift the side braids up.
keeping
Depending on each individual’s hair, and how it is styled, knotless braids can frizz and loosen faster than regular box braids, as the hair on the scalp is slightly more exposed.
In any case, braids without knots are easier to clean and style in the first few weeks, as they are more flexible. There are useful tips and tricks for both styles to maintain a neat and clean look.
costs
Instead these are regular box braids or no knots, the price will always vary depending on the amount of braids you choose, their size, length, geographical area and range of the hairstylist.
However, when the hair extension of knotless box braids is gradually fed, the price and working time will increase.
Box Braids Vs. Knotless braids at a glance
Below is a comparison chart between a box braid vs. a knotless braid that shows the differences we discussed:
| Regular box braids | Box braids without knots |
|---|---|
| An extension is wrapped around the base of each braid. | A classic braid from the start. The synthetic hair can feed gradually. |
| Tighten roots which can be painful and damaging. It is difficult to maneuver in the first days. | Painless and can be designed from scratch. |
| Thick mirror | Natural and flat appearance |
| Can look neat for longer | Can be kinked faster |
| usually expensive | Generally more expensive than regular box braids due to the amount of time and skill required |
| Installation can take several hours | Takes less time to install than box braids |
| Design options are limited due to thickness and weight | More diverse design options, lighter weight |
| Can be heavy and uncomfortable | More comfortable than regular box braids due to lighter weight |
Similarities Between Box Braids and Knotless Braids
Everything but the root is the same between regular and knotless box braids. When creating braids without knots with all the synthetic hair added since the beginning of the braid, it is very difficult to tell the difference between the two styles, because they are also thick at the root like box braids, but just a little flatter.
So, regular box braids or knotless braids?
Box braids and knotless braids are very similar styles. If you are doing it for the first time, it is better for you to try braids without knots so that you can avoid a painful experience and damage to your hair.
If you are used to these styles and don’t mind wearing tight hairstyles, go for regular braids.
It’s just a matter of preference. Enjoy your braids and keep your beautiful hair!
Common questions
Braids without knots are less tense at the root, so there is less risk of damage to the hair and scalp.
Both styles can last up to two months with proper installation and maintenance.
Yes. It’s also possible to get knotless braids that are too tight, but there’s less chance of getting box braids that are too tight, and tight knotless braids will always be less tight than tight box braids.
Have good communication with the braider, and ask them to braid all the synthetic hair together at the root but without knots. Also, check out some pictures and show them.