Okay, so Bohol knotless braids—let’s talk about them, because I’m obsessed, but also, like, totally confused by the whole thing. I’m sitting here in my tiny Brooklyn apartment, sipping on a slightly too-cold iced coffee that’s sweating all over my thrift-store table, trying to make sense of my hair journey. Last summer, I got sucked into the Bohol knotless braids trend after scrolling through Instagram and seeing these gorgeous, flowy styles that screamed “I’m chilling on a tropical island” vibes. But then I also love the classic, structured look of traditional braids, so I’ve been stuck in this hair identity crisis. Like, why can’t I just pick one and stick with it? Anyway, here’s my super honest, slightly messy take on Bohol knotless braids versus traditional braids, straight from my frazzled brain in the US.
Why I Fell for Bohol Knotless Braids (and Why They Kinda Freaked Me Out)
So, Bohol knotless braids are this trendy spin on box braids, inspired by that free-spirited, beachy Bohol island aesthetic. I first tried them last June when I visited my cousin in Atlanta, and we decided to have a braiding party on her porch. The sun was setting, there was this warm breeze, and I swear I could almost smell the ocean (even though we were nowhere near one). Knotless braids don’t start with that tight knot at the root like traditional braids do—instead, they gradually feed in the extension hair, so it’s all smooth and flat. I loved how they felt lighter, like my scalp could finally breathe, you know?
But here’s the embarrassing part: I totally underestimated how long they’d take. I thought, “Oh, it’s just braids, how hard can it be?” Spoiler: it took, like, six hours, and my hands were cramping so bad I almost cried. Still, the result was this gorgeous, natural look that made me feel like I was channeling some Bohol goddess. They’re gentler on your scalp, which is a big deal for me because my hairline’s been through some trauma from tight braids in the past. According to StyleSeat, knotless braids use less tension, reducing the risk of breakage or traction alopecia, which is basically my scalp’s worst nightmare.
Traditional Braids: My Old-School Love (That Sometimes Hurts)
Now, traditional braids? They’re like that reliable friend who’s always there but sometimes stresses you out. I got my first set of box braids in high school, sitting in a salon in Queens that smelled like coconut oil and loud laughter. The stylist sectioned my hair into those perfect little squares, knotted the extensions at the root, and braided them down. They looked sharp—so bold and defined, like I was ready to take on the world. But, y’all, the tension? My scalp was screaming for days. I had to pop ibuprofen just to sleep that first night, which is so embarrassing to admit now.
Traditional braids are faster to install—maybe three hours for me, compared to the eternity of knotless—and they last longer, sometimes up to eight weeks if you’re good about maintenance. Hair.com says they’re more durable because of that knot at the root, but that same knot can pull too tight and cause breakage, especially if you’ve got fine hair like mine. I still love how structured they look, though. Like, they’re the kind of braids that say, “I’ve got my life together,” even when I’m eating cereal for dinner in my pajamas.
Bohol Knotless Braids vs. Traditional: My Pros and Cons List
Okay, let’s break this down like I’m explaining it to my bestie over FaceTime. Here’s what I’ve learned from my hair experiments:
- Bohol Knotless Braids:
- Pros: Super lightweight, less scalp pain, and that natural, beachy vibe that makes you feel like you’re on vacation. They’re versatile—ponytails, buns, half-up styles, all look seamless. Also, less risk of damage to your edges, which is huge for me after my high school braid disasters.
- Cons: They take forever to install (my arms still hate me). They can get frizzy faster, especially in humid NYC summers. Also, they’re pricier—think $200-$600 depending on the stylist.
- Traditional Braids:
- Pros: Quick to install, super durable (I’ve gone two months without a touch-up), and that bold, classic look is timeless. Also, usually cheaper, maybe $75-$450.
- Cons: Ouch, the tension. If your scalp’s sensitive like mine, it’s a struggle. Plus, those knots can look bulky, especially with jumbo braids, and they’re not as easy to style in intricate updos.
My Hair Care Tips (Learned the Hard Way)
Whether you go for Bohol knotless braids or traditional, you gotta take care of them, or you’ll end up with a hot mess. I learned this after leaving my knotless braids in too long last summer and ending up with frizz that looked like I’d stuck my finger in a socket. Here’s my advice, straight from my mistakes:
- Moisturize like your life depends on it. I use a lightweight scalp oil (shoutout to Melanin Haircare) to keep my scalp from itching like crazy. Spray it on every few days, especially with knotless braids, since they expose more of your natural hair.
- Sleep smart. I wrap my braids in a satin scarf every night—yes, even when I’m too lazy and just wanna crash. It saves you from frizz and keeps your style fresh.
- Don’t overstay your welcome. Six weeks for knotless, eight for traditional—don’t push it, or you’re risking breakage. I learned this after keeping my traditional braids in for ten weeks and finding split ends galore.
My Current Vibe: Why I’m Leaning Toward Bohol Knotless Braids
Right now, I’m sitting on my couch, surrounded by half-dead plants I swore I’d water, and I’m leaning hard into Bohol knotless braids for my next style. There’s something about that laid-back, beachy feel that just hits different, especially when I’m daydreaming about escaping this concrete jungle. But, real talk, I’m also nervous about the time commitment and the cost—my bank account’s giving me side-eye just thinking about it. Still, the comfort and natural look of knotless braids make me feel like I’m treating my hair right, which is a big deal after years of abusing it with tight styles.
Traditional braids will always have a place in my heart, though. They’re like my high school mixtape—nostalgic and bold, but not always the best for me now. I guess it’s about what vibe you’re going for and how much your scalp can handle. For me, living in the US with my sensitive scalp and constant need to feel extra, Bohol knotless braids are winning, but I’m still gonna miss that classic box braid swagger.
Wrapping Up This Hair Chat
So, yeah, Bohol knotless braids versus traditional braids? It’s like choosing between a chill beach vacation and a night out in the city—both are dope, but they hit different. I’m still figuring out what works for me, and honestly, I might switch it up next month because I’m indecisive like that. If you’re curious about knotless braids, check out JALIZA for some inspo on boho styles—they’ve got wigs that make it easy to test the vibe without committing to hours in a chair. My advice? Try both, make some mistakes, and find what makes your hair (and your soul) happy. Drop a comment if you’ve got a fave braid style or a hair horror story—I’m all ears
