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Twisting natural hair is a popular styling option for many reasons. It’s a protective style that can promote healthy hair growth, and it’s also an easy way to switch up your look. However, if you’re new to twisting, it can seem daunting. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! In this article, we’ll take you through the steps to twist natural hair and provide tips and tricks to make the process smoother.
Understanding Natural Hair
Before we dive into the twisting process, it’s essential to understand the nature of natural hair. Natural hair is unique and comes in various types, from tight coils to loose waves. It’s also prone to dryness and requires moisture to thrive. Twisting natural hair can help lock in moisture, but it’s crucial to ensure your hair is well-moisturized before twisting.
Preparing the Hair for Twisting
The key to a successful twist-out is starting with clean, detangled hair. Shampoo your hair with a moisturizing shampoo and deep condition it to ensure it’s well-hydrated. Detangle your hair with a wide-tooth comb or detangling brush to ensure the twists are neat and defined.
The Tools You Will Need
To achieve a successful twist-out, you’ll need a few tools. These include:
- Styling cream or butter
- Wide-tooth comb or detangling brush
- Hair clips or ties
- Satin bonnet or scarf
The Twisting Process
There are two types of twists: two-strand twists and flat twists. Two-strand twists are the most common type of twist and involve taking two sections of hair and twisting them together but the two-strand twist has a limited lifespan. Flat twists are similar to cornrows and involve taking two sections of hair and twisting them flat against the scalp.
Get Ready to Twist
Before you start twisting your natural hair, it’s essential to gather all the necessary tools and hair products. You’ll need a wide-tooth comb or detangling brush, styling cream or butter, hair clips or ties, and a satin bonnet or scarf. Make sure your hair is clean and well-moisturized before starting the twisting process.
Prep Each Section
To ensure your twists are neat and defined, you’ll need to prepare each section of hair. Start by dividing your hair into manageable sections, clipping or tying away the sections you’re not working on. Take a small amount of styling cream or butter and apply it to each section to provide hold and definition.
Divide the Section in Two
Take the first section of hair and divide it in half, ensuring both sections are even in size. Hold one section in each hand, and make sure you’re holding the hair with enough tension to keep it smooth and taut.
Begin Twisting
To start the twisting process, take one section of hair and twist it over the other section. Keep twisting the two sections together, adding more hair from each section as you twist. Keep your tension even to ensure your twists are neat and uniform.
Continue Down the Section
As you continue twisting down the section of hair, make sure you’re adding an equal amount of hair from each section to maintain even twists. If you’re twisting two sections of hair of different sizes, add more hair to the smaller section to create even twists.
Keep Your Tension Even
It’s essential to keep your tension even as you twist to ensure the twists are neat and uniform. If you twist one section too tightly or too loosely, it can cause your twists to be uneven or frizzy. Keeping your tension even will create a smooth, defined twist.
Working the Ends
As you approach the end of each section, make sure you’re twisting the hair tightly to ensure the ends are secure. If the ends of your twists unravel, they can create frizz and ruin the overall look of your twist-out. Work the ends of each twist until they’re secure and tight.
Curled Ends
If you want to create a curled look at the end of your twists, twist the hair around your finger once you’ve reached the end. This will create a curl at the end of the twist, giving your hair a more defined, textured look. Make sure the curl is tight enough to hold, but not so tight that it causes the twist to unravel.
Verdict
Twisting natural hair can be a great protective style that provides versatility and allows for easy maintenance. By following the steps outlined above, you can achieve neat, defined twists that can last for days or even weeks with proper care. Remember to keep your hair moisturized, work with small sections, and maintain even tension to achieve the best results. With a little practice and patience, anyone can learn how to twist their natural hair like a pro!