What Is Bleached Knots Wigs & Bleached Knots vs Unbleached Knots
Bleached knots have emerged as one of the most unique and eye-catching hairstyling trends in recent years. The technique involves selectively lightening or "bleaching" small sections of hair to create stylized knots or twists that stand out against the surrounding darker strands. Today, we’re going to find out the differences between bleached knots wigs and unbleached normal wigs.
What Is Bleached Knots Meaning?
Bleached knots refers to a hairstyle trend where strands of hair are intentionally lightened or "bleached" to create stylized knots or twists in the hair. It works by sectioning off small portions of hair and applying a bleach or lightening product only to those sections. This leaves the rest of the hair darker, creating an intricate two-toned, knotted pattern. The bleached knots stand out visually against the surrounding hair and can be styled into various knot formations going up and down the hair shaft. It's considered an edgy, textured hairstyle that adds dimension and style through the contrast of light and dark hair within the same strands. The meaning behind it is one of self-expression and individuality through an interesting, distinctive hair design.
What Are The Advantages & Disadvantages Of Bleached Knots Wigs?
Advantages
No damage to natural hair. The lightening process only impacts the artificial wig fibers, not the wearer's actual hair.
Easy to change styles. A wig allows switching between Bleached knots look and solid-colored styles readily.
Maintenance is just on the wig. Touch-ups, washes, etc. only impact the removable wig, not one's natural growing hair.
Less expensive than doing it to natural hair. Wig services and replacements are usually more affordable than repeat salon hair treatments.
Disadvantages
May look less natural. Bleached knots on a wig can appear more obviously like a hairstyle choice versus natural highlights.
Wig upkeep still required. Wigs need cleaning, reshaping, occasional replacement to maintain the bleached knot look over time.
Potential for wig fiber damage. Bleach can weaken synthetic wig fibers with repeat lightening, causing tangling or breakage.
Style changes still limited. While wigs allow different styles, one is still limited to what that particular bleached knot wig looks like.
Potential for allergic reactions. Some people can develop itchy scalps from synthetic wig fibers, especially with bleach residues.
How To Bleach Knots On Lace Closure Or Frontals?
Prepare the bleach mixture according to package instructions, using the recommended amounts of bleach powder and developer. Prepare only what you'll need.
Put on gloves for protection from the bleach. Clip or pin back sections of hair you aren't currently working on.
Starting at the hairline, use the tail comb or applicator stick to gently part small sections of the lace/knots, about 1/4 inch wide.
Carefully apply the bleach mixture only to the parted knots, avoiding the actual hair strands as much as possible.
Repeat parting and applying bleach to knots across the entire frontal/closure area. Be thorough but neat.
Leave the bleach on for the recommended processing time, usually 25-35 minutes. Check for desired lightening before rinsing.
Rinse thoroughly under cool running water until all bleach residue is removed. Style as desired once dry.
Bleached Knots vs Unbleached Knots Wigs
Bleached Knots:
Wigs with bleached knots have had the small knotted sections along the hairline and parting areas intentionally lightened with a bleach solution. This creates a unique two-toned effect where the knots stand out lighter in contrast to the surrounding, unbleached hair strands. Bleaching only the knots is a precise and careful process that takes time. It results in a more realistically blended and undetectable hairline, as the lighter fibers mimic bleached or highlighted hair growing in at the roots. Wigs with bleached knots will look more natural on the wearer and create a subtle blended effect. However, bleaching can damage the fibers over time if not done properly.
Unbleached Knots:
Wigs with unbleached knots have not had any lightening or bleaching done to the knotted base areas. The knots remain the original dark color of the wig fiber. While this avoids any potential for damage, wigs with unbleached knots are more likely to look obviously like a wig when worn. The dark knots will be a stark contrast to the hair color and may look artificially drawn-on rather than a natural hairline. It can make the wig base more visible and noticeable on the wearer. Unbleached knots do not allow the hairline to blend as seamlessly with one's natural hair color or style. The knots may lose their shape more easily from daily wear if they are not lightened.
Which Should You Choose, Bleached Knots Wigs or Normal
Bleached Knots Pros:
More natural, realistic look - the lightened knots help blend the hairline into your natural hairline/coloring.
Less noticeable as a wig. Bleached knots make it appear more like your hair is growing in at the roots/hairline.
Knots will maintain shape and bleached color longer with daily wear and washes.
Normal/Unbleached Knots Pros:
Avoid any potential damage from bleach/lightening processes. Less maintenance.
May be less expensive option than bleached knots wigs.
Dark knots won't require as much upkeep like touch-ups every few weeks.
What Colour Should Bleached Knots Be?
| Hair Color Before Bleaching | Target Bleach Level for Knots |
| Dark brown/black | Level 9-10 (platinum blonde/white blonde) |
| Medium brown | Level 8-9 (very light blonde) |
| Light brown | Level 7-8 (light blonde) |
| Dark blonde | Level 6-7 (light golden blonde) |
| Medium blonde | Level 5-6 (medium golden blonde) |
| Light blonde | Level 4-5 (honey blonde) |
