How to Do Knotless Braids at Home: Step-by-Step Tutorial for Beginners

Knotless braids are one of the most protective, stylish, and comfortable hairstyles you can try. Whether you’re a beginner or just looking to master the technique, this guide will walk you through how to do knotless braids at home—even if it’s your first time.

✨ What Are Knotless Braids?

Before diving into the steps, let’s quickly recap. Knotless braids are a variation of traditional box braids that start with your natural hair instead of a tight knot. The extension hair is gradually “fed in,” making the braids lighter, more natural-looking, and easier on your scalp.

👉 Learn more in our full guide: What Are Knotless Braids?

🧰 What You’ll Need

Make sure to gather these tools and products before you begin:

• Comb: Rat-tail comb for parting and detangling
• Clips: To section off your hair
• Edge control or gel: To smooth parts and keep braids neat
• Braiding hair extensions: Pre-stretched for ease
• Moisturizer or leave-in conditioner: To prep your natural hair
• Scissors & lighter (optional): For finishing the ends

✅ Step-by-Step Knotless Braids Tutorial

Step 1: Wash, Detangle & Moisturize

Start with clean, detangled, and fully dried hair. Apply a lightweight leave-in conditioner and seal with an oil to lock in moisture. This helps keep your hair protected during the weeks you’ll be wearing the style.

Step 2: Section Your Hair

Use a rat-tail comb to part your hair into sections. You can go for small, medium, or large squares depending on the size of the braids you want. Clip each section out of the way.

🔍 Tip: Use edge control around the parts to keep them clean and neat.

Step 3: Begin the Braid Without Extensions

Start braiding each section with just your natural hair. Do about 2–3 stitch motions before feeding in the extension hair.

Step 4: Feed in Hair Gradually

Take a small piece of braiding hair and feed it in as you continue the braid. Add more pieces gradually (about 3–5 depending on thickness) to create a natural, tapered look.

🧠 Pro Tip: The first piece of extension should be small. Gradually increase size for a smooth finish.

Step 5: Continue Braiding Down

Once all hair has been added, braid all the way down to the end. Use a little product on your fingertips to keep strands smooth as you go.

Step 6: Seal the Ends

Dip the ends in hot water to seal them and prevent unraveling. You can also trim any flyaways with scissors.

💡 Knotless Braiding Tips for Beginners

• Don’t make sections too tight – it can damage your roots.
• Use a mirror setup or ask a friend to help with parting in the back.
• Take breaks to avoid fatigue—especially on your first try.
• Practice with just a few braids before doing your whole head.
• Start with medium or large braids if you’re short on time.

📅 How Long Do Knotless Braids Take?

Depending on size:

• Small braids: 6–10 hours
• Medium braids: 4–6 hours
• Large braids: 2–4 hours

🧴 Aftercare: How to Maintain Your Braids

To keep your knotless braids fresh:

• Wrap your hair at night with a silk scarf or bonnet
• Spray your scalp with a braid spray 2–3 times a week
• Avoid over-styling to reduce tension on your edges

👉 Check out our full Knotless Braids Care Tips for more advice.

📹 Bonus: Watch a Video Tutorial

Prefer to watch and learn? We’ve collected the best YouTube tutorials for each braid size—See our favorite picks here.

🎉 Final Thoughts

Learning how to do knotless braids at home takes practice, but it’s a skill that saves money and gives you full control over your protective style. Be patient with yourself, take your time, and enjoy the process.