Twists are a beautiful and versatile protective style for natural hair. They can be worn as a chic style on their own or as a foundation for gorgeous twist-outs. If you’ve ever struggled with frizz or uneven sections, you’re in the right place. Mastering this technique is all about preparation and a gentle hand.
Preparing Your Hair for Twisting
Great twists start with well-prepared hair. Begin with hair that is freshly washed and deeply conditioned. This ensures your strands are strong, hydrated, and ready to hold the style. While your hair is damp, not soaking wet, apply a leave-in conditioner to add moisture. Follow this with a butter or twisting cream to provide slip and definition. Finally, seal it all in with a light oil to lock in that moisture and combat frizz.
The Step-by-Step Twisting Process
Start by dividing your hair into sections. You can make four large sections with clips to keep things manageable. From there, part smaller, neat sections for each individual twist. The size of your part will determine the size of your twist. Take the section and split it into two equal parts. Gently twist one strand over the other, moving down the length of your hair. As you twist, add a little more product if you feel any dryness. Continue twisting until you reach the end of your strands, then twist the ends around your finger to secure them.
Keeping Your Twists Neat and Frizz-Free
A little frizz is natural, but to keep it minimal, make sure your hands are clean and product-free when you start. Using a light hand is key; pulling too tightly can cause tension and breakage. If you find your hair dries out during the process, lightly mist a section with water instead of adding more heavy product, which can lead to buildup. For extra definition, you can twist two finished twists together, a technique sometimes called a “twist knot.”
Caring for Your Finished Twists
Once your twists are complete, you can let them air dry or use a hooded dryer on a cool setting for a faster, frizz-free result. At night, preserve your hard work by wrapping your hair in a silk or satin scarf or using a satin bonnet. This reduces friction and helps your style last for days, even weeks. To refresh your twists in the morning, a light spray of water and oil can bring them back to life.
With a bit of practice and patience, doing twists on your natural hair will become a relaxing and rewarding ritual. It’s a wonderful way to protect your hair while looking effortlessly stylish.