Even though braids have been around forever, there's always room for a fresh take. That's how miracle knots—undoubtedly the most popular protective style of the moment—came to be. Created by TikToker Alexis B , the braid-crochet hybrid style is praised as a quicker, lightweight alternative to boho braids . If you're considering getting miracle knots, we've curated the ultimate guide to the trendy style. Ahead, top hairstylists share everything you need to know about the look, from how to achieve it to how to maintain it.
Meet Our Expert
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Cynthia Meadows is a celebrity hairstylist and the owner of A'Bliss Upscale Styling Studio.
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Lorraine Dublin is a celebrity hairstylist, hair expert, and co-founder of MyHairBar.
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Becca Raziuddin is a lead educator at Blo Blow Dry Bar.
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Breaunna Caro is a licensed cosmetologist, master braider, and educator based in California.
What are Miracle Knots?
"Miracle knots are a version of Boho braids that are achieved with 100% human hair, feather-tip crochet," master braider Bre. C says. "The base of the style is done with your natural hair plaited, using no braiding hair. 100% human hair is then crocheted into the braids to give a full boho effect."
When it comes to who the style works best for, she adds, "This style works best for medium to coarse hair, and can be done on some fine textures; those with finer hair may be more susceptible to damage."
Something else to keep in mind about the style is that braiding size matters. "Unlike the large visible knot you would see with traditional box braids , miracle knots are made up of tiny, anchor knots as well as the feed-in braiding which makes hair look like it's growing directly out of the scalp," Dublin explains.
Why Is the Style Going Viral?
What is it about miracle knots that has people hooked? According to Meadows, much of the appeal comes down to efficiency. She says they're popular because wearers can achieve the look of knotless braids in less time. "Traditional knotless braids can take seven hours or more to complete, while miracle knots can often be finished in about two hours," she adds.
Beyond speed, the style's accessibility has also fueled its rise. Caro adds that the ease also lends itself to being an easy-to-achieve style at home. "This style is going viral because it was first presented as a DIY style," she says. "It offers an alternative option for those who can't afford to pay for traditional boho braids to do them at home. This style is much easier to achieve, as you don't have to feed in any hair, and crochet styles are generally easier to achieve."
Comfort is another major factor driving its popularity. The style is also renowned for its comfort, as it relies primarily on natural hair rather than heavy braiding extensions. "Those with fine or medium density hair often experience tension while wearing regular braids," Meadows explains. "Miracle knots reduce pulling on the scalp."
How to Achieve Miracle Knots
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Start by shampooing your hair with a clarifying shampoo to remove any buildup. Meadows recommends following up with a moisturizing conditioner to restore hydration. Once you've rinsed that out, apply a leave-in conditioner and detangle your hair thoroughly.
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Blow-dry the hair so it is stretched and smooth. "This will ensure that your parts are clean and that your braids are neat. Refrain from using any oils at this stage," Meadows explains.
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Part your hair into sections depending on your desired braid size. Braid your natural hair from the root to the ends using braid gel to smooth the parts.
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Once the braid is complete, use a crochet needle to crochet curly hair throughout the braid to add fullness. "You should crochet one to five pieces into each braid to achieve the desired fullness of the style," Caro says. "To crochet, take the tip of your latch hook and insert it into the middle of the braid, put one piece of crochet hair into the hook, and close it. You then pull the latch hook back through and remove the hook from the crochet hair. Place the loose end of the crochet hair through the loop, creating a knot on the thread."
How to Maintain Miracle Knots
When it comes to maintaining miracle knots, there are a few things you should do to keep your style looking fresh for longer. "Keep your scalp moisturized with a lightweight oil or braid spray and avoid tight styling around the hairline to keep the scalp comfortable," Meadows says.
In addition to caring for your scalp, you'll need to refresh your crochet curls regularly. "Any curly pieces should be refreshed with a tiny amount of leave-in conditioner or mousse to maintain the curls," Meadows explains.
To protect your miracle knots at night, Dublin and Raziuddin suggest wearing a bonnet or silk scarf or sleeping on a silk pillowcase . Both say that this will help prevent frizz, dryness, and tangling. Dublin says that with a proper care routine, miracle knots can last four to eight weeks.
Tips
For extra protection, twist or braid your hair before putting on your bonnet. "Lightly twist your hair into two sections before bed to prevent your hair from tangling or losing its pattern," Caro says.
Miracle Knots vs Boho Knotless Braids
The biggest difference between miracle knots and boho knotless braids lies in the technique. Miracle knots are created by starting with your natural hair, then crocheting curly hair throughout the braid to add fullness and texture. Unlike boho knotless braids, this look uses less braiding hair. "Miracle knots are definitely the more affordable of the two styles," Meadows says. "You'll only need two bundles of weftless curly hair between 16-20," depending on the level of fullness you desire."
Another key difference is the time commitment for each style. "Boho knotless braids take much longer to install than miracle knots—maybe seven hours or more, and it can be more expensive when done professionally," Meadows adds.
That's not to say there are no pros to this style–it's still a go-to for a reason. "Traditional boho braids are best for someone looking for length and full coverage," Caro says. "They last longer and will give more coverage of the natural hair. As a stylist, I do recommend traditional boho braids as a true protective style."
The Final Takeaway
There are plenty of reasons to love miracle knots—they're easy to achieve and offer a quick solution for anyone who wants a braided look with minimal effort and low tension. With your natural hair properly prepped, you can be rocking your miracle knots in about two hours, depending on your hair's length and density.
As for how miracle knots stack up against boho knotless braids? One uses more of your natural hair, the other doesn't—but neither is "better." At the end of the day, it's all about what works for you: your hair type, your budget, and your goals.
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