The twist-out has long been a favorite style among naturals as it helps protect their hair from damage while providing beautiful coils and volume that will last all week. However, mastering the art of twisting out can be tricky – however, with proper preparation and the appropriate styling products, this task becomes much more straightforward!
Moisture
Maintaining adequate moisture levels to achieve great results from your twist-out is paramount for its success. To do this, Hardges advises using a moisturizing curl-defining cream or styling foam before twisting and applying it section by section on clean hair before curling. Also essential: thoroughly detangling.
Use small two-strand twists for added definition and longevity of style. Allow hair to dry completely before unraveling its twists by sitting under a hooded dryer or wearing the satin bonnet or pineapple method overnight.
Another step that can make a big difference is using lightweight oil on each twist before taking them down each day, which will help minimize frizz and keep your style looking shiny and healthy all week.
Hold
An effective twist-out depends on the structure of your curls/coils. Too much hold/twist gel without enough moisturizer can leave hair crunchy and stiff, which is why selecting products explicitly tailored to your hair type and experimenting until finding what works.
Before twisting your hair, it is also crucial to detangle it. Tangles can create bumps and knots which ruin the style once completed; time-consuming removal becomes even more apparent post-twist out. Also helpful is planning out your kind so you know in which direction two-strand twists should go.
To keep your twist out looking its best, protect it at night by wearing a satin bonnet or silk pillowcase. Additionally, to rejuvenate the look of your twist, spray water or leave-in conditioner onto it before retwisting a few sections before bedtime.
Define
Twist-outs are one of the most accessible protective styles for natural hair, yet they can be challenging to master. Utilizing appropriate techniques will allow you to achieve a stylish, defined style throughout the day.
No matter whether your hair is wet or dry, detangling is the key to creating an excellent twist out. Smooth and tangle-free locks allow for even product distribution while helping prevent breakage. Leigh Hardges of Maxine Salon recommends applying leave-in conditioner and mousse on damp, clean hair to ensure it’s appropriately saturated with product and to protect your curls against frizz. Doing this will also help tame frizzy locks!
After applying leave-in conditioner and mousse, divide your hair into manageable sections and begin twisting each section with minor twists for more defined and voluminous styles. To avoid tugging at your locks during unraveling, gently take each twist as it unravels, fluffing as necessary.
Untwist
An effective twist-out requires meticulous planning and execution, using products explicitly tailored for natural hairstyles to achieve your desired look. If your twist out has frizz issues due to product or weather factors, consult a stylist immediately, as it could be their cause.
Utilizing the right products can also help minimize shrinkage and create defined curls. If your twists seem flat, try switching up the size – stylist Leigh Hardges suggests thinner twists provide more definition than thicker ones. She further advises securing them at night with either a silk pillowcase, scarf, or bonnet to reduce frizz while protecting from cotton roughing up the strands and leaching out moisture from your locks.
Untwisting twists too early is another factor that contributes to frizz and breakage; wait until they are scorched before untwisting your twists for the best results. In between touch-ups, lightly misting with water or hair milk spray and applying light curl cream may refresh their style and help revive them!
