The Knotless Box Braids That Are Giving Us IG Hair Envy
Protective styles are having a great year, something we haven't seen since our beloved '90s IT girls. With the pandemic still looming, social events paused, and work-from-home statuses prolonged, more women are gravitating towards protective styles like box braids, jumbo twists, and locs. We all know how important black hair is, in our culture and the way it's represented in mainstream media and pop culture. Without the prying, and many times judgemental, eyes of society, many women are trying these styles for the first time while in lockdown. There are a plethora of styles to choose from, but right now we're coveting the knotless box braids.
Different from the traditional box braid, knotless braids do not rely on an 'anchor knot' to secure the braid. Instead, a stylist will gradually weave the braiding hair with your natural strands to create a seamless finish that won't put tension on your scalp or ruin your edges. The ease on the scalp coupled with the low-maintenance upkeep makes knotless box braids the go-to protective style.
Whether you're contemplating taking the plunge into the braid world or simply looking to try another type of braid, keep reading for 4 knotless braids trends that give us IG hair envy.
Bohemian Knotless Box Braids
Unstructured and feminine, bohemian knotless braids are very on-trend for 2020. The chaotic and unplanned year is directly reflected in this look, often accompanied by yarn, thread, or small accessories like gold clamps. To create a less uniform look, make each braid a different size, and leave the ends loose.
Brandy
Aspen
Khat Brim
Ombre Knotless Box Braids
One of the dopest things about box braids is the harmless ability to play with color. Ombre knotless braids interweave darker and lighter braiding hair, much like the traditional ombre process, to create a beautiful multidimensional shaded effect. This style adapts to suit your face shape, as lighter pieces can be situated to flatter your best features. As we get into the season of muted tones and high necklines, this is a great choice to add a bit of dimension.
Alissa Ashley
Red (or Any Color) Knotless Box Braids
Speaking of color, don't be afraid to go there with your braids. There's nothing more worthy of a double-tap than braids full of color. Red is the hair color trend of fall so the combination only elevates your quarantine style. Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and choose a statement color that turns heads.
The Tori J Touch
Short Knotless Box Braids
This is a low-maintenance look that is chic and sophisticated. Let's be honest: if it's good enough for '90s Brandy, then it's got to be good for us. Knotless braids are already easy on your scalp, the shorter style is even lighter and more comfortable. You can spice this up by adding an ombre color or adorning the ends with accessories.
Silver Hair GH
Pearl The Stylist
Featured image by Shutterstock
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Courtney is a contributing writer, based in Puerto Rico by way of Tennessee. Interested in the intersection of fashion and culture, she has an affinity for fashion, empowerment, and really good tacos. Keep up with her on Instagram (@hautecourtxo).
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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Rihanna Talks Shedding Expectations And Finding Balance As A Mother
Since becoming a mother in 2022, Rihanna has defined parenthood by her terms and hopes to pass that sense of autonomy on to her children.
For Vogue China’s April cover story, Rihanna shared her perspective on raising her two sons with A$AP Rocky, and how she hopes to preserve her children’s uniqueness, devoid of societal expectations.
"The most beautiful thing...is that [children] come into the world with their own individuality and sincerity, without any logic or conformity,” she told the publication. “Which usually makes you feel that you must fit into a certain group."
The “Work” artist, known for her trendsetting style and captivating persona, expressed her desire to support children in fully embracing their individuality and encouraging them to be whoever they want to be. "It's really beautiful to see and I want to continue to help them navigate that and make sure that they know they can be whoever they want to be,” she says.
She continues, “They should embrace it completely, because it's beautiful, and it's unique. I love them just that way."
From shattering music charts to shaking up the beauty industry, Rihanna has forged a path that has since created the “dream” life we see today. One that she says has made her parents proud of.
“I’m living my dream,” she continued. “My parents were very proud of that because they just wanted me to be happy and successful. So, I think the key thing is to find some kind of balance. Yes, balance is important. Do this and you get the best of both worlds. You can write your own life the way you want, and it will be beautiful. Sometimes, you just need to let go of everyone’s expectations and start living your own story.”
Rihanna, who shares sons, RZA, 23 months, and Riot, 8 months, with rapper A$AP Rocky, recently shared her vision for expanding her family in the future in Interview Magazine.
When stylist Mel Ottenberg asked about the number of additional children she hoped to have, Rihanna replied, "As many as God wants me to have.”
"I don't know what God wants, but I would go for more than two. I would try for my girl,” she adds. “But of course, if it's another boy, it's another boy."
Featured image by Neil MockfordWireImage