3. Work on your twisting technique
Like I mentioned before technique is everything when trying to create perfect twists. You can opt to do a regular two strand twist or you can choose to do a rope twist, two strand being the easier of the two to accomplish.
A two strand twist is basically using a small or large section of hair depending on the size of twist you prefer, separating the section and wrapping it around each other until you are at the end of the section.
A rope twist lasts a bit longer than a two strand twist because though it is the same technique, prior to wrapping the sections around each other, you literally twist each of the separated sections around itself first.
This is hard to explain precisely so check out Sdestra’s video as she demonstrates the rope twist and the two strand twist on her beautiful daughter’s hair. The technique of twisting the strands before wrapping them essentially lends to the longevity and neater appearance of the twist.
4 Use a holding butter
Once your hair is stretched you are now ready to twist. At this point you want to grab some product to not only hydrate your hair, but hold it in place so that you can get rid of frizz and your twists can last more than just one night.
Holding butters* are great because they have two purposes; once you have moisturized your hair, your holding butter will help to seal the moisture in as well as hold the hair in place.
Hydrate your hair with something water based but do not spray your stretched hair or that will just create shrinkage all over again. Rather spray your hand and work the product in your hair, then grab your butter and smooth the hair in the same direction twisting immediately. If you do not have butter a light gel will work as well.
5. Cover your head to preserve the style
If you spend a lot of time creating your twists you will probably prefer for them to last for a long time. Your night and bath time routines play a significant role in how well your twists hold up.
Cover your hair every time you shower and wear a satin bonnet* every time you go to bed, it really is that simple. Satin bonnets* and ties help to keep the hair smooth while you sleep, and of course a shower cap* will prevent the steam getting to your hair and turning your twists frizzy. The bottom line is protect your hair at all times.
6. Only wash if you absolutely have to
If you have an itchy scalp then I can understand the temptation to wash your hair, the great thing is there are ways to cleanse your scalp without doing a full blown wash.
Have you ever heard of the witch hazel trick? You haven’t? Well it is literally using a cotton ball soaked with witch hazel and using it to wipe your scalp. This astringent cleans your scalp keeping itchiness and dandruff at bay.
Some people have had success with washing twists regularly without causing tangling but be warned, if you have the type of hair that prefers to tangle, it can get really bad. If your hair starts to tangle you will have to remove the twists, redo them and avoid getting them wet for the duration of the style.
Memoy Purity says
my nxt style…i like it
Alyssa Ali Philip-Rose says
Twists have been my staple style this winter. I will definitely try braiding my roots first.
Terrie LuvsKamari Cotton says
Tryin this on my Daughter
Saidah Simpson says
I love twist!
True Faith says
I never thought about braiding the roots, but I will try it the next time I twist my hair.
Sarah Juchemich says
Great website and I love the tutorials. I have a question about this technique. After banding the hair to stretch it- would application of a holding butter cause shrinkage of the banded hair due the butters moisture content? How much is appropriate to use to avoid shrinkage at this point? Or is it something that shouldn’t matter if twisting right away? Thanks! So informative!
BlackHairInformation.com says
Thanks Sarah Juchemich No, a butter’s moisture content is very little so would cause reversion. It’s the liquid leave in you have to watch out for! A little touch of butter per twist section should be plenty.
Sarah Juchemich says
Thank you!! Looking forward to more natural-hair-care info!
La Donna Seamster says
I did mine the other day and I LOVE THEM!
Surrayah Mateen says
Love it… simple twisties are my thing… 😀
Ama Barton says
Gorgeous
Love says
I really need help, time and again I’ve tried to transition from relaxed hair to natural hair, but ever since I moved down to South Africa I’ve had to have cornrows/braids done weekly and I really have tough stubborn hair. It hurts so much and I just can’t bear it so I’m stuck with relaxing. It there anyway I can manage my tough texture. Please help
Emily CottonTop says
Hi Love, I think you can absolutely find ways of handeling your hair, read some of the articles on the site tailored towards creating the best regimen for you. If you have Afro textured hair despite you hair type, there are ways to get it moisturized, whether it be deep conditioning weekly with moisture based products or cowashing, whatever it takes to get your hair to the point that you can take good care of it. Just read as much as you can about your texture and try different things building a solid regimen as you go along
Mishie Dilligas Tea says
Love it!
Beth Renee says
Great tips
ChicLaLa says
do you have to stretch your hair before you do twists? i like doing my own hair but i dont want to heat stretch my hair, and the band method looks fine, but im not trying to aggravate my fribromyalgia doing my hair. i already have a hard time because of my chronic pain.
Emily CottonTop says
You actually dont have to if you dont want to love, if you do a wet twist set and allow it to dry it might be perfect just the way it is. another simple way to stretch your twists is to flip each twist to the opposite side of your head pin and tie your hear up using a silk scarf. That will stretch the twists overnight as well.
Lasilia Imnottheonenottoday Thornton says
so you have to stretch your hair?
Emily says
You really dont Lasilia, that is just one suggested method. You can opt to do a wet set and allow your twists to dry. – best thing to do is try.
Dorrie Prettygurlswag Boyd says
thats cute af..
Ceondrea Byrd says
What does it mean to part your hair at an angle? Does it mean to angle the comb or to part the hair diagonally? My hair is really fine and, I would love for my hair to look thicker just by parting it differently.
Emily says
It’s almost like making lines in a slanted pattern rather than your typical straight line… It probably allow your hair to appear thicker and less scalpy when doing a twist out .
Tashika Denton says
how long have you had your locs
Tiya Graham says
Love it
Camille Walker says
Tra’Lisha Davis for your Xmas wish
Sandra Ifeoma Orimilikwe says
So beautiful…hopefully, my hair will grow to that length:)