Medium knotless braids with highlights are a popular protective hairstyle that mixes the comfort and gentler root of knotless braids with color accents for visual flair. Here are the key features, benefits, things to consider, styling ideas, and maintenance tips:
Table of Contents
What are medium knotless braids with highlights
- Medium knotless braids are braids of medium thickness (neither very fine nor jumbo) that are installed without the bulky knot at the root. Instead of tying or starting with a knot, the extension hair is gradually fed in so the braid begins somewhat more naturally at your scalp.
- With highlights means some of the extension hair (or natural hair blended in) is lighter or a contrasting color. Highlights can be subtle or bold, and are often interwoven into some of the braids rather than the entire set.
What makes them attractive / benefits
- Less tension on the scalp: The knotless method reduces pulling and stress at the roots which can help protect edges and reduce pain.
- More natural look: Because the root is smoother and less bulky, it can look more like a natural extension of your own hair.
- Versatility with color: Adding highlights gives dimension and style without having to color your own hair. You can experiment with color looks (blonde, caramel, red, ombré, etc.) in a more temporary or reversible way.
- Good length-volume balance: Medium size gives a nice balance, not too heavy, more manageable for daily life while still having good presence.
- Protective: These braids protect natural hair by reducing manipulation, shielding it from environmental stress, etc.
Things to consider / potential drawbacks
- Time to install: Braiding with knotless technique, especially with color highlights, takes time. The medium size means more individual braids than jumbo, so expect a few hours.
- Cost: Because of the time and extra material (colored extensions or special extension hair), it can be more expensive.
- Weight: While less bulky at root, if you go too long or use heavy extension material, the ends can still weigh the style down or cause discomfort.
- Color fade / bleeding: If using synthetic colored hair or hair with dye, the color may fade or bleed, especially when washing.
- Maintenance: Frizz, new growth, loose ends — these need upkeep to keep the style looking fresh. Highlighted braids may more obviously show when worn out or dirty.
- Hair type matters: Very fine or very thin hair may have trouble supporting many heavier braids. Also colored extension hair may behave differently (shine, texture) than natural hair, so blending matters.
Styling ideas and highlight options
- Subtle blonde / caramel highlights in a few braids among natural/darker braids to add dimension.
- Ombre effect: darker at roots, gradually lighter toward ends.
- Peekaboo or accent highlights: choose a few braids near the face, part, or crown to highlight.
- Two-tone or dual-tone: half the braid color one color, the rest another.
- Bold colors: reds, pastels, or non-traditional hues for a vibrant look.
- Face-framing: leave some color around forehead and cheeks to enhance features.
- Mixed textures at ends: curl or coil the ends, or leave them loose to soften the look.
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Photo Credits: Coils & Glory, BStyled by B McQueen, TheTrendSpotter, BraidedByAlean, PearlTheStylist_, Braids By Indy