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.

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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

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Aspen

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Khat Brim

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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

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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

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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

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Pearl The Stylist

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Featured image by Shutterstock

From Your Site Articles

The Knotless Box Braids That Are Giving Us IG Hair Envy

Bohemian Knotless Box Braids

Brandy

Aspen

Khat Brim

Ombre Knotless Box Braids

Alissa Ashley

Red (or Any Color) Knotless Box Braids

The Tori J Touch

Short Knotless Box Braids

Silver Hair GH

Pearl The Stylist

"There's no balance. I'm dropping sh*t everywhere! However, my secret sauce is pursuing interests and hobbies outside of what's required of me and finding time to workout. Stronger body equals = stronger mind."

Lauren Grove, Chief Experience Architect, The Grant Access, LLC

"You have the answers within you. Don’t compare yourself to others. Curate your life to work for you. Ask for help."

"Learning your rhythm as a mom takes time and can be uncomfortable when you’re in a season of overwhelm. Constantly check in with yourself and assess what’s working and what’s not. Get the help you need without feeling guilty or ashamed of needing it."

"I want to be the best for myself, my husband, children and company. However, the reality is you can have it all but not at the same time. My secret sauce is outsourcing and realizing that it’s okay to have help in order for me to perform at the highest level."

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"The advice I received that I’ll pass on is, you will continue to figure it out and find your rhythm as your child grows into new stages. Trust your nurturing intuition, parent on your terms, and listen to your child."

"I live by the personal mantra: 'You can’t be your best self by yourself.' My life feels more balanced when I offer the help I can give and ask for the help I need. This might mean outsourcing housecleaning for my home, or hiring additional project management support for my business."

"Each season of motherhood (depending on age, grade, workload) requires a different rhythm. With that said, be open to learning, to change, and understand that what worked for one season may not work the other...and that's okay."

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"Get comfortable with the word ‘no’. Be very clear about your non-negotiables and communicate them to those around you."

"Ask for help and always prioritize making time for you."

​"Understand you can’t do it alone — and that’s ok. Relinquish the need to control everything. Create a village and lean on them."

Salwa Benyaich, Director Of Pricing and Planning at Premion

My calendar, prayer, pilates class at Forma, a good playlist, and oatmilk lattes all help get me through any day.

Courtney Beauzile, Global Director of Client and Business Development at Shearman & Sterling

My husband is a partner who steps in when I just can’t. My mom and my MIL come through whenever and however I need. My kids have many uncles and aunts and they will lend an ear, go over homework, teach life lessons, be a presence or a prayer warrior depending on the day.

Robin Snipes, Chief of Staff at Meta

"Enjoy the time you have to yourself because once kids come those times will be few and far between."

Who Are Geminis Compatible With?

Love is often where they feel the need to take the most risks, often at the expense of someone else. If they feel smothered or controlled in any type of way in a relationship, they tend to run, and sometimes that’s into another person’s arms.

​GEMINI + ARIES

​GEMINI + TAURUS

​GEMINI + GEMINI

​GEMINI + CANCER

​GEMINI + LEO

​GEMINI + VIRGO

​GEMINI + LIBRA

​GEMINI + SCORPIO

​GEMINI + SAGITTARIUS

​GEMINI + CAPRICORN

​GEMINI + AQUARIUS

​GEMINI + PISCES

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"Understand you can’t do it alone — and that’s ok. Relinquish the need to control everything. Create a village and lean on them."

GEMINI + ARIES

GEMINI + TAURUS

GEMINI + GEMINI

GEMINI + CANCER

GEMINI + LEO

GEMINI + VIRGO

GEMINI + LIBRA

GEMINI + SCORPIO

GEMINI + SAGITTARIUS

GEMINI + CAPRICORN

GEMINI + AQUARIUS

GEMINI + PISCES