How to Start Locks With a Two-Strand Twist

Two strand twists are also referred to as Senegalese twists and are a common alternative to dreadlocks. When it comes to strong, thick and/or nappy hair such as African-American, a few methods can help tame locks and make the hair appear neater. Two main methods are dreadlocks and two strands twists. The two strand twist hairstyle is versatile and easy to maintain.

Things You'll Need

• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Towel
• Hair clip
• Bobby pin
• Water spray
• Hair pomade
• Rattail comb
• Thin rubber bands
• Hair spray
• Hair shine

Instructions

1. Wash the hair as usual, using shampoo and conditioner. However, do not blow-dry the hair; rather, remove the excess water by squeezing, twisting and then patting it with a dry towel.

2. Separate the hair into square sections starting from the neck. While making the square sections, keep the rest of the hair at the top of the head, in a large hair clip or in few smaller bobby pins.

3. Use a water spray to dampen the separated section of hair. It is important that the hair is slightly wet so the two strand twists can be formed properly. If you want the hair to stay wet for a longer time, for instance, if you are inexperienced with making these twists, use spray pomade for hair, too.

4. Separate the hair square section with a rattail comb along its diagonal line. At this point you will have two separate pieces of hair, necessary for making strand twists.

5. Twist the two hair strands, making left over right movements, until you reach the tip of the hair. Secure tip of the strand twist with a thin rubber band if you want to.

6. Repeat Steps 2 to 6 for the entire hair, moving from the neck and the sides to the crows. Make sure all the square sections are orderly and neatly arranged on the head, organized into rows.

7. Apply a coat of hair spray on the entire hair once you have finished all the two strand twists. If you want extra shine, spray hair shine over the twists once the hair spray has settled.

Tips & Warnings

• If you want two strand twists that are less defined, create them with dry hair, only lightly applying water mist on a separated hair section.

• Do not pull the hair too much; otherwise, you will damage the hair follicle.

References

• Tyte Curl: Two Strand Twist
• Daezhavoo: How to Curl Your Hair
• Naturally Curly: Two Strand Twist Out

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish