Twist Hairstyles Explained by Textured Hair Experts | Well+Good (2024)

When you've been styling your hair a bunch, it can be a nice break for you and your stands to put your hair into a low-maintenance style like twists. Not only are twist hairstyles super cute, but they're also a great way for you to spend a few days with a look that requires little to no upkeep. Jamal Edmonds, a celebrity stylist and Mizani Artist based in Washington DC, says they're a great protective style.

"Twists are a great style to help protect the hair because after the hair is twisted, it can be pulled up or back," says Edmonds. "This is a great way to eliminate constant detangling and pulling. Clients often do twist styles to just give their hair a rest."

Experts In This Article

  • Jamal Edmonds, celebrity hairstylist, Mizani educator, owner and creative director of Lamaj in the City and Boutique Lamaj
  • Stasha Harris, hairdresser and owner of Magic Fingers Studio

Even if you've never twisted your hair before, it's not too difficult once you get a hang of it."Twisting your own hair can be hard for some people," says Edmonds. "Having great finger dexterity definitely helps, but if you take your time, perfect your parting, use clips, and sit in front of the mirror, you could become a pro in no time." The good news? It'sway easier than trying to do cornrows on yourself.

Edmonds explains that there are two really popular twist hairstyles: single two-strand twists and flat twists. Keep scrolling for what you need to know about perfecting each on your own.

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Single two-strand twists

Single, two-strand twists are great because they're like two styles in one. They hang from your head, which means you can shake them around, and they move as you do. Wear them single and twisted and when you're ready for some volume, you can untwist them and wear the texture they leave being in your hair.

How to do single two-strand twists

1. Prep your hair

"To twist your hair you would first detangle, shampoo, condition, and section the hair," says Edmonds. "After the hair is detangled, lightly mist with 25 Miracle Milk ($8 to $35), Foam Wrap ($18)."

Mizani 25 Miracle Milk Leave-In Conditioner — $8.00 to $35.00

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Mizani Styling Foam Wrap — $18.00

2. Section your hair

"Start by sectioning the hair in two-inch horizontal sections starting at the nape," says Edmonds. "Part a small quarter-inch section and divide that into two subsections."

3. Start twisting

"Start twisting each subsection in between your thumb and pointer finger then twist the two pieces of hair together," wrapping one piece around the other, until you reach the end, he says. "Continue each section and then move up to the top of the head in creating a brick layering effect.

4. Set the style

"Once the entire head is completed, sit under a warm hooded dryer until your hair is completely dry," says Edmonds. "Apply 25 Miracle Nourishing Oil ($22) to add shine." If you don't have a hooded dryer, you can use your blowdryer to dry your hair.

Mizani 25 Miracle Nourishing Oil Lightweight — $22.00

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5. Play with your twists

Once your twists are done, you can play with how you style them. Wear them straight down, half-up half-down, pulled into a ponytail—whatever makes you feel good.

Flat twists

Flat twists lay flat against your head, similar to cornrows. "Most people get flat twists when they like it pulled up or back," says Edmonds. I'm a huge fan of flat twists and like to wear my hair in two big twists going straight back when I need a break from wearing wigs. They create a halo look, which I love.

How to do flat twists

1. Prep your hair

Follow the same steps that Edmonds outlined in step one of two-strand twists. "Key preparation points are detangling, shampooing, conditioning, and sectioning," he says. You can get this look by twisting your hair wet and in its natural state or by blowing it out. I like to blow out my hair because it stretches it out, making it longer and easier to twist.

2. Section your hair

Part your hair into as many sections as you'd like to have. To get the above look, I parted my hair down the middle to create two sections.

3. Start twisting

Getting a bit of the Cantu Avocado Hydrating Gel ($15) on your fingers, grab a two-inch section at the top of your head and twist them around each other once. As you move toward the nape of the neck, pick up two pieces of hair and add them to the twists, keeping the twists close to the scalp. "It's very important that you keep your fingers on the scalp and very close together," Stasha Harris, a hairdresser and owner of Magic Fingers Studio in Brooklyn, previously told Well+Good. While you're twisting, she says you need that anchor finger to keep the twist down and on the scalp so it's not coming loose as you make your way down.

Cantu Avocado Hydrating Gel — $15.00

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4. Set the style

If you braided your hair wet, now is the time to dry it either with a hooded dryer or a blow dryer.

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Twist Hairstyles Explained by Textured Hair Experts | Well+Good (2024)

FAQs

Twist Hairstyles Explained by Textured Hair Experts | Well+Good? ›

"Twists

Twists
Hair twists, flat twists, or mini-twists, are a hairstyle popular with Afro-textured hair around the world, and sometimes with other hair textures. The style is achieved by dividing the hairs into several sections, twisting strands of hair, then twisting two twisted strands around one another.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Hair_twists
are a great style to help protect the hair because after the hair is twisted, it can be pulled up or back," says Edmonds. "This is a great way to eliminate constant detangling and pulling. Clients often do twist styles to just give their hair a rest."

What hair texture do you need for twists? ›

Rope twists work with any natural hair type, but your hair should be long enough to twist. If you have type 2 curly hair, your rope twists may need to be secured at the ends to keep them in place. Type 3 and 4 curls should be able to hold without an elastic, and the rope twist won't unravel.

Is twisting your hair good? ›

Hair twirling may damage the hair if a person does it repetitively or wraps the hair around their fingers tightly. Doing this may weaken the hair, resulting in breakage. Additionally, excessive twirling or pulling of hair could result in hair loss or bald patches.

What is the best hair for twists? ›

The most common type of hair used for Senagalese twists is Kanekalon, a type of synthetic, silky braiding hair that can also keep your twists from unraveling. You can also use human hair or Toyokalon, a type of wavy, synthetic braiding hair that looks like natural hair.

How many twists should I put in my hair? ›

I usually only do six to 12 because if the twists are too small, the hair will end up looking almost straight. If you have thick, coarse hair, make your twists smaller for more defined results.”

Should you twist natural hair wet or dry? ›

Although doing a twist out on dry hair will give you more length, if you twist while your hair is wet, it will set better. You can pair Aunt Jackie's Oh So Clean Moisturizing & Softening Shampoo with the In Control Moisturizing & Softening Conditioner for best results.

Can people with straight hair get twists? ›

One of the best things about two-strand twists is that they can be styled into almost any other coif achieved with straight hair - all it takes is a little planning and imagination! Pull long twists (natural or created with extensions) back into a bun, chignon, ponytail, updo, or partial updo.

Are twists better than braids? ›

If you're looking for a longer-lasting, more durable style, choose braids. If you prefer a higher-maintenance style that's gentler on the hair, twists are for you.

Does twisting hair cause split ends? ›

Some hairstyles, like ponytails and hair twists, can cause split ends.

What is the disorder of hair twisting? ›

Trichotillomania is characterized by repetitive hair pulling, twisting, or twirling and can vary from a mild habit to an impulse-control disorder. Standard treatment for pediatric trichotillomania includes cognitive behavioral therapy or medical therapy with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.

Are twists a black hair style? ›

Hair twists, flat twists, or mini-twists, are a hairstyle popular with Afro-textured hair around the world, and sometimes with other hair textures.

Are two strand twist better than braids? ›

If you have coarser hair, twists may last longer than braids because the texture of the hair allows the twists to hold their shape better. On the other hand, if you have finer hair, braids may last longer because the finer strands can be woven more tightly together.

Does hair grow faster in twists? ›

While they don't directly stimulate growth, two strand twists are an effective tool for length retention. They help prevent breakage, minimize knots and tangles, and can give your hair the best chance to grow longer and stronger.

Will twisting my hair damage it? ›

The habit of twirling your hair can simply be a nervous habit, but there are times that it can be a sign of an underlying health condition. Twirling your hair can also hurt your hair, resulting in knots, split ends, and hair breakage.

How long do you leave twists in for twist out? ›

Let your twists dry and set overnight. "The longer the twists stay in before unraveling the better the result you will achieve," adds Damtew. Depending on your texture, you may want to secure each twist with a small elastic, but if you have, say, 4C coils, usually you won't need to.

What do you need to get your hair twisted? ›

Grab a finger tip worth of your styling products. In my case—mousse and curly pudding. Take the tip of your finger and just rub it on your hair from root to tip, and then begin your twisting. You want to always try and have smaller twists in your hair if you are trying to create a more defined curl pattern.

What kind of hair do I need for twist braids? ›

Senegalese twists work with either natural or relaxed hair; in either case, you will have to use synthetic hair extensions. Decide on a type of extension. A couple of popular types of synthetic hair extensions to use for this style are the ones labeled Kanekalon (silky braiding hair) and Toyokalon (yaki braiding hair).

What type of hair do you need for two strand twists? ›

Two-strand twists are a versatile hairstyle that can work on either short or long hair. The basic two-strand twists can be used as a base hairstyle for many different variations so that each hairdresser can give an individualized look.

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