How to Make Twists in Your Hair

Hair twists are an alternative to braids. While braids are made with three strands of hair woven together, twists use only two. Twists require less speed and dexterity, however, they are not as stable as braids. Twists are an ideal protective style for people who are growing out delicate hair. Twists are also used as a precursor to a final style where they are applied and then removed shortly after to put a crimped, voluminous effect in hair. Twists can be applied in all hair textures with some minor modifications. Curly hair tends to hold twists better. Here is how to make twists in your hair.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fine-tooth comb
• Three hair clips
• Spray bottle of water
• Hair gel

Prepare the Hair

1. Wash and condition your hair. Detangle large clumps with your fingers while working the conditioner through to the ends. Do not dry your hair.

2. Apply a leave-in conditioner to your hair.

3. Partition your hair into four sections and clip three back.

Create the Twists

4. Thoroughly detangle the first section of hair with a fine-tooth comb.

5. With your fingers, section off a small width of hair no larger than a half inch square. Comb through the small section one more time and wet it with a spray bottle.

6. Coat the section with a conservative amount of gel.

7. Make a twist in a small section by dividing it in half and holding one strand in each hand. Tightly wind the strands around each other going in one direction from the scalp to the root.

8. At the end of the twist, squeeze the bottom between two fingers while holding the rest of the twist with the other hand. Turn the bottom in the opposite direction of the twist to lock the ends in place.

9. Continue twisting the rest of the quadrant and then the remainder of the head.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep your hair damp during styling to minimize frizz. If you do not have coarse hair you may need to use a use a small rubber band at the end of your twist to prevent it from unraveling.
• Be careful not to make your twists too large unless you are prepared to bind the ends with a clip or rubber band: the smaller the twist, the easier it is for it to hold itself together.

Resources

• Naturally Curly