Protective hairstyles mostly come in three different categories: cornrows, braids, and twists. If you’re bored of the first two and need something unique for your hair, then it’s about time you wore two-strand twists.
This is the go-to hairstyle for many young and old naturalistas. Whether your hair is long or short, two-strand twists will work for you. They’re versatile enough for that. Plus they can be used as a base hairstyle for different variations.
But before you head for the hair salon to install these twists, there are things you should know about this coiffure. For instance, what do you need to install it and what two-strand styles would suit your face?
We answered these questions and more in this article. Keep reading to find out.
Why Wear Two-Strand Twists?
This is a hairstyle created by wrapping two sections of hair around one another down to the ends to create a rope-like look. The sections of hair can be large or small, depending on your preferences.Â
This hairstyle comes with perks, some of which are:
It’s Easy to Install, Loosen, and MaintainÂ
If you decide to wear this hairdo, know for sure you won’t be spending long hours in the salon. You also won’t even find it stressful to uninstall and when it comes to maintaining it, as you’ll soon see, regularly shampooing and styling with hair cream would do.
It’s a Versatile Hairdo
This style works for both adults and children regardless of their hair length. In addition, you can achieve them with or without hair extensions as chunky, thin, tight, or loose. It all depends on what you want.
What’s more? You can style them with hair accessories or manipulate your twists into any style you want be it an updo, ponytail, bun, or a mohawk. And even when you loosen them, you can still rock your natural hair like that without combing your hair. That’s because the loosened twists give you frizz that can pass for another hairstyle.
It’s a Protective Hairstyle
Since you can leave your hairstyle in for days or weeks, it protects your hair from unnecessary manipulation. It also reduces knots and tangles, thus preventing hair breakage. And it offers less discomfort compared to other African braiding techniques. The best part? It stimulates hair growth too.
How Long Does Two-Strand Twists Last?
Two-strand twists can last up to two to six weeks. It all depends on how well you maintain it. But if you want to keep your twists looking neat, wash, condition, and deep condition your hair at least once a week and sleep with a silk scarf or hair bonnet.
What Do You Need to Install Two-Strand Twists?
Get these materials ready to achieve this hairstyle:
- Your natural hair or afro kinky hair extensions if your hair isn’t long enough.
- Wide-toothed comb or detangling brush
- Tail comb
- Sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner
- Towel
- Water spritz
- Twisting gel/cream
- Hair moisturizer
How to Achieve 2-Strand Twists
Wash Your Hair
Before wearing any new coiffure, ensure your hair is neat enough especially if you’ll carry the hairdo for long.
So, wash your hair with a sulfate-free shampoo and apply deep conditioner. Once you’re done, dry your hair and apply leave-in conditioner or any hair cream or natural oil to lock in moisture.Â
Detangle Your Hair
Your hair may still be knotty even after washing. But you wouldn’t know if you don’t detangle with your hands or detangling brush.
You want your hair to be without tangles or knots so it won’t hurt while twisting.
Decide Your Twist Size
After detangling and combing your hair, decide how big or small you want your twists to be and start sectioning your hair for it. Remember, the smaller the twist, the more definitions of frizz you’d get when you take the twists out.
Once you’ve selected your twist size, add your hair cream or gel and start wrapping the sectioned strands around each other. You can start by braiding the toots first to keep each section tight and prevent the twists from unraveling from the root.
Rinse, Repeat Evenly
Do the same for the remaining parts of your hair but endeavor to keep the size of the twists equal to get a uniform look.
Also, each individual section should have two even parts so you won’t have to take from the other to balance things out.
Need more explanation on how to achieve this coiffure, watch this video:
Can You Wash Two-Strand Twists?
Yes, you can. In fact, this is one way to maintain this hairstyle. Always shampoo and condition your hair every one or two weeks to keep your twists looking their best.
Do Two-Strand Twists Last Longer Than Braids?
Both twists and braids are protective styles but in terms of durability, braids last longer than twists. This is because box braids are tighter and more firmer than twists.
What Happens if You Leave 2 Strand Twists in for a Long Time?
When you leave your two-strand twists for a long time without taking them out or retwisting them, they become matted hair that can turn into dreadlocks.
Do Two Strand Twists Grow Dreads?
Yes, you can start dreadlocks from two-strand twists. They become dreadlocks faster than braids because they’re not held securely like braids. But there’s a disadvantage to this: while the dreadlocks are forming, your twists may loosen since they aren’t tight
What is the Difference between Two-Strand Twists & Senegalese Twists
Though these styles may look alike, they aren’t the same. One difference between both is that while two-strand twists is mostly done with natural hair, you install Senegalese twists with hair extensions.Â
Also, when doing the two-strand twists without extensions, you wrap the two strands together without doing any additional twisting to tighten each strand. But for Senegalese Twists, you wrap each strand while twisting the two together.
Another difference is that while you can burn or curl the tips of Senegalese twists, two-strand twists don’t work like that. For one, you can’t burn your natural hair, can you? And if you’re using the usual afro kinky extension to achieve it, the ends don’t need to be curled or burnt before they stay.
What’s the Difference Between Two-Strand Twists and Flat Twists?
Two-strand twists are like single braids, only that you wrap two strands of hair around each other instead of three. On the other hand flat twists are like cornrows, achieved by twisting two strands of hair over each other.
Two-Strand Twists Styles to Inspire You
Ready to try this hairstyle out? Great. Here are some styles to inspire you. If your hair isn’t long enough, you can use any color of kinky extension to achieve it. You can also braid your twists flat on your head into flat twists. And don’t forget to add accessories to enhance your beauty,
Check them out below:
