How to maintain your knotless braids

Fresh braids sit tightest in the first few days. Keep them loose — no high buns, no heavy ponytails. If you feel tension at the temples, a warm compress on the scalp settles it faster than pulling at the braid.

Because knotless braids start with your own hair instead of a knot, there is far less pull at the root. That is exactly why you should not undo the benefit by tying them up tightly straight away.

Wash every 2 to 3 weeks. Dilute a sulphate-free shampoo with water in an applicator bottle, aim it at the scalp in sections, and massage with your fingertips — never your nails. Rinse until the water runs clear.

Dry properly. Squeeze with a microfibre towel, then air dry or use a blow dryer on cool. Damp braids left overnight are the number one cause of that musty smell and loosened roots.

A satin scarf or bonnet every single night. Cotton pillowcases pull moisture out of the braids and rough up the ends. For longer sets, gather the braids loosely over the pillow rather than lying on them.

• Medium knotless — the easiest to keep. Light oil on the scalp weekly, re-do the front rows around week five if you want to stretch the style.
• Thin knotless — more braids means more surface area to frizz. Skip heavy creams; a water-based braid spray is enough.
• Underbum length — the weight is the challenge. Wear them down or in a low, loose gather. Trim any stray ends with sharp scissors instead of pulling them off.

Go easy on the gel. A soft edge control once or twice a week is plenty — daily heavy laying dries out the hairline and is a common cause of thinning edges.

Take them down by week six at the latest. Spray the roots with a conditioner-water mix, unravel section by section, then detangle gently before shampooing. Rushing takedown undoes weeks of good care in one evening.

How long do knotless braids last?

With the right care, knotless braids stay neat for 4 to 6 weeks. Medium sizes usually hold up longest, while thin braids look crisp for about 4 weeks before the roots start to loosen.

Can I wash my knotless braids?

Yes. Wash every 2 to 3 weeks with diluted shampoo applied to the scalp only, rinse thoroughly and squeeze the braids dry with a towel. Never scrub the lengths — that is what causes frizz.

Do underbum-length braids need extra care?

They do. The extra weight pulls on the roots, so sleep with them loosely gathered, avoid tight buns for the first week, and keep the edges moisturised rather than gelled down hard.

How do I stop my braids from itching?

Itching is usually a dry scalp. Use a light braid spray or diluted witch hazel two to three times a week, and do not pick at the roots — that loosens the braid and causes breakage.