How to Make Kinky Twists for African American Hair

Kinky twists are natural looking and protective for hair.

Kinky twists are braids that use extensions but look like natural African American hair. The kinky twists are especially useful for those with thin hair, as they add a lot of volume. They are very much like Senegalese twists, but use a different type of hair and are not braided all the way down. The kinky twists take between three to four hours to style but are quick to remove. Once in, the braids are easy to maintain and protect the hair without shrinking in size when wet.

Things You'll Need

• Afro or puffy synthetic hair
• Hair gel

Instructions

1. Spread gel along a strand of the synthetic hair and a strand of hair you are going to braid. Fold the synthetic hair in half to create three separate strands.

2. Place the synthetic hair on top of the strand of natural hair at the place where you have folded it. Braid the three strands together until you have created 1 or 2 inches of braid.

3. Split the strand of natural hair into two parts and add one part to either strand of synthetic hair, reducing the number of strands from three to two. Twist the two strands around each other, rolling the hair in your fingers as you twist. Continue twisting until you reach the end of the hair. Repeat until you have braided all the hair.

Tips & Warnings

• Wash your hair as often as necessary with a diluted solution of shampoo followed by a leave-in conditioner. Moisturize your hair and scalp to prevent dryness caused by the synthetic hair.

References

• Black Hairstyles Magazine: Kinky Twists Benefits, Tips, and Pictures
• YouTube: How to do Kinky Twist; Sept. 1, 2009