Natural hair offers amazing flexibility and versatility. Whether you’re fully natural, transitioning, or recently did a big chop, twists are a popular protective style that can create uniformity throughout your hair.
Kinky twists can be worn in many different ways. When unraveled, they create a beautiful, bouncy halo of curls with their own personality. Here’s the know-how and inspiration you need to get started.
How to Do a Twist Out on Natural Hair
A twist out is a hairstyle you get by unraveling your twists. You can aim for a twist hairstyle or a perfect twist out, or even enjoy the best of both worlds.
Here’s how to do a twist out step by step:
Step 1: Begin with freshly washed and conditioned hair. You can start twists on either damp or dry hair. Damp hair will give you high definition but less elongation, while dry hair offers less definition and more elongation.
Step 2: Properly detangle your hair before starting any twist set to prevent or deal with knots:
- Trim regularly to remove split ends. Split ends can appear differently depending on your texture. A single strand knot is common in curly and coily hair types, marking the beginning of a split end.
- Keep hair moisturized by exposing it to water regularly. Cleanse and condition often as water is the best form of hydration.
- Use curly girl approved products: sulfate-free shampoos, heat protectants, and products without drying alcohols (not all alcohols are bad).
Step 3: Apply your chosen products and re-wet if necessary. Section your hair and start twisting. To create a single strand twist, aka finger coils, use the corner of a comb to hook the hair from the roots and twist it around your finger down the length of the hair until finished.
For two-strand twists, grab a section of hair and split it into two pieces. Firmly hold both pieces at the top, and start wrapping each piece around the other, forming a rope. Keep twisting as you move down the length of the hair. Finish by finger-coiling the ends or adding a perm rod to keep the ends from unraveling.
Step 4: Let the hair dry completely before unraveling! This is super important because even a little bit of dampness will cause frizz. If needed, add a few drops of oil for extra shine.
Step 5: Unravel the coils by twisting them in the opposite direction. If you want more volume, retwist using smaller sections.
For a more natural look, you can skip the clean sectioning and use a hair pick to fluff the hair at the roots, as shown below:
Products for Twist Out
When perfecting your twist-out, the products you use are just as crucial as your technique. The right products can speed up drying time, enhance shine, and maintain a soft, flexible hold.
To choose the best products, remember to keep your hair’s moisture level high – avoid anything that might dry out your hair. These five products will help you achieve the perfect twist-out:
- Twist and define creams: These help keep your twists nicely defined as they dry while maintaining moisture. Try Tgin Twist & Define Cream for Natural Hair.
- Styling/wrapping foams: These let your hair set without flakes and are flexible enough to hold during the ‘take down’. Plus, they dry quickly. Check out The Doux Mousse Def Texture Foam.
- Botanical gels: Gentler than traditional gels, they still offer a great hold without dryness or flakes. Uncle Funky’s Daughter Curly Magic is a favorite.
- Custom hair oil: Adds shine and nourishment before or after styling. I recommend the one from Prose.
- Leave-in conditioner: Softens hair and is typically pH-balanced to reduce tangling. My top pick is Olaplex No 6 Bond Smoother.
Fabulous Twist Out Looks and How to Create Them
Inspired to give twist-outs a try? Check out the best ideas and styling tips, and start experimenting with different ways to twist out your natural hair.
Twist Out with Natural Volume and Frizz
Want a more natural, voluminous look with less definition? Use a hair pick to lift your roots and keep separating the twists until you get the amount of frizz you desire.
Two-Strand Twist Shoulder Length Hairstyle
Don’t let your rope twists sit idle while they dry. Embrace the opportunity to style them in the meantime. Begin by selecting a small section of hair from your hairline. Twist gently and secure it with pins to create a bold, jumbo twisted side bang. This versatile style can be worn for several days, or if you prefer, you can unravel the twists once your hair has fully dried.
Flat Jumbo Twist Pigtails with Embellishments
If you’re seeking a protective style that’s also quick to pull off, flat twists are your answer. They’re quicker than doing singular strand twists, and untwisting them afterward gives you both defined curls and a bit of stretch. Here’s how to get the look: split your hair down the center and create a single flat twist on each side of your head. Secure the ends with small elastics and add gold rings for embellishment. You’ll have a stunning look that’ll last for days, even before you untwist them.
Two-Strand Chunky Twists on Long Hair
Chunky twists on long hair are a fabulous option for those with lengthy locks. You can achieve this style by creating a few chunky flat twists that gleam beautifully. What’s fantastic about sporting these twists is that when you unravel them, your hair transforms into a voluminous twist-out style that you can flaunt for the next 3-5 days, or even longer!
Twist-Out Bob with Gold Cuffs
For a stunning twist out on bob length hair, make sure you gently undo twists without separating the ends too much to avoid frizz. Start by parting the hair on the side and dividing it into two sections. Then, use rubber bands to create single strand flat twists and top it off with gold cuffs for that extra flair.
Flat Twists Half-up Style
Here’s a cool way to rock a bold look with your hair. Start by parting your hair on both sides to make two chunky flat twists, then use an elastic or bobby pin to keep them in place. Grab a hair pick and tease the roots at the front center to add some height, then pin it down. Finally, give the back of your hair a lift with the hair pick until you get the volume you want.
Twist Out on Short Natural Hair
Adding twists and adding a pop of color can really jazz up a TWA haircut. The process of creating twist outs on short hair is pretty straightforward, but you’ll get the best results if you begin with hair that’s damp. Start by applying a generous amount of styling mousse or twisting cream to each section, then let it fully dry before unraveling.
Twist Out on Color-Treated Hair
This twist out really brings out that warm summer vibe with its perfect color and natural highlights. To get this style, start by parting your hair on the side and fluffing up the roots with a comb or hair pick to give it that natural volume and lift.
Flat Twist into Pigtails
Here’s a cool style to give your hair some volume and keep it away from your face. Start by dividing your hair straight down the middle, then make two flat twists on each side of your head. Use a hair tie or scrunchie to tie them off into pigtails, then fluff them up.
Soft Natural Twist Out with Volume
This twist out style gives medium-length hair just the right mix of volume and definition. To get it, simply untwist your hair with care and apply a few drops of your favorite hair oil for a touch of natural shine. Whether you’re just starting out with natural hair or you’re a seasoned pro, mastering the twist out is an awesome way to change things up without causing any harm to your hair.
