Turn Up Your Tresses With These Natural Twist Hairstyles (2024)

Turn Up Your Tresses With These Natural Twist Hairstyles (1)

In the wonderful world of natural hair, there is an infinite number of styles for our tresses. Twists are a great option for naturalistas of all textures and curl patterns. Twists, or two strand twists, are a specific hairstyle where you take two locks of hair and wrap them around each other. Twists are quicker to complete than braids (and easier to take out), and they're a fantastic option for protecting your natural hair with minimum tension while maintaining moisture. Plus, taking them out creates an entirely new style. Twist hairstyles can last anywhere from a week to a few months, depending on the style and whether you use extensions.

Similar to braid hairstyles, there are many different types of twists. You can have flat twists, which resemble cornrows, but only use two strands of hair. Or, you can opt for extensions and create Senegalese twists or Marley twists with kinkier hair. Twists also serve as a transition hairstyle: when you have a two strand twist or flat twist in your hair and take it out, you have a whole new hairstyle. This is a great option for those interested in low manipulation or protective styles. You can twist your hair, wear it for up to a week and then take out the twists for another hairstyle that will last up one more week.

Here, our favorite twist hairstyles for natural Black hair, including easy flat twists, twist hairstyles with extensions and for medium hair and more.

1

Pinned Twists

Turn Up Your Tresses With These Natural Twist Hairstyles (2)

Give your everyday twist hairstyle with extensions a new look like actress Kiki Layne. Pin up your twists for a night out or to show off your neckline.

2

Medium Twists

Turn Up Your Tresses With These Natural Twist Hairstyles (3)

The bigger your twists, the less time you have to stay at the salon. Model Alicia Aylies' medium-size twists with extensions won't overwhelm your head nor are they too heavy. This is a great selection if you don't want too much tension on your scalp (that can lead to breakage and hair damage).

3

Twists for Short Hair

Turn Up Your Tresses With These Natural Twist Hairstyles (4)

Actress Lupita Nyong'o shows us how great twist hairstyles look on short, natural hair. For added oomph, swoop them all to one side.

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4

High Pony Twists

Turn Up Your Tresses With These Natural Twist Hairstyles (5)

Singer Willow Smith shows us you can be versatile with your locks, wearing a high ponytail with a twist in the front.

6

Sleek Twist

Turn Up Your Tresses With These Natural Twist Hairstyles (7)

Actress Issa Rae is the queen of natural hairstyles. With type 4 hair, a sleek ponytail may seem more difficult, but a twist or braid at the front can be just what you need for a chic look.

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7

Bejeweled Senegalase Twists

Turn Up Your Tresses With These Natural Twist Hairstyles (8)

Look absolutely regal like actress Kerry Washington in gilded Senegalese twists. To give her hairstyle some extra pizzaz, she effortlessly decorates her twists with gold accessories.

8

Twist Updo

Turn Up Your Tresses With These Natural Twist Hairstyles (9)

Evidence that twist hairstyles with extensions have versatility: actress Regina King's red carpet updo. If you don't want to wear your hair down, an easy twist hairstyle is to put them all up into a ponytail and wrap it into a bun.

9

Senegalese Twists

Turn Up Your Tresses With These Natural Twist Hairstyles (10)

Actress Storm Reid shows us Senegalese twists are a great hairstyle for girls, too. If you are worried about your child looking too adult, opt for 10-14-inch length hair extensions.

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10

Coiled Twists

This coily twist hairstyle is made for short natural hair, as coils are a way to further define your curls. Take a comb and twist it around each curl for a shapely, long-lasting look.

11

Twists for Relaxed or Straight Hair

Turn Up Your Tresses With These Natural Twist Hairstyles (12)

Yes, you can do a twisted hairstyle on medium, relaxed or straight Black hair. Actress Gabrielle Union shows us how with this sleek double bun that's connected through twists her hair.

12

Undercut Twists

Turn Up Your Tresses With These Natural Twist Hairstyles (13)

For something more edgy, make like actress Meagan Good, who gets creative with her beautiful faux locs by adding an undercut. The first step in faux locs are two-strand twists, then you twist additional hair extensions over each twist to create the look of a loc.

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13

Flat Twist Out

Turn Up Your Tresses With These Natural Twist Hairstyles (14)

Singer Solange Knowles' twist-out makes her platinum blonde afro pop. With this length of hair, flat twists will lead to a defined twist out that you can easily manipulate.

14

Half Up, Half Down Twists

Turn Up Your Tresses With These Natural Twist Hairstyles (15)

Look ethereal like actress Skai Jackson with twists in a half up, half down style and defined edges.

15

Passion Twists

Passion twists look flattering on everyone, especially those with kinky hair. If your hair is short, add some length with extensions. If you don't want to spend hours in the salon, opt for crochet passion twists, which take about half the time.

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16

Twist Crown

Turn Up Your Tresses With These Natural Twist Hairstyles (17)

For an easy twist hairstyle, make like Kerry Washington by creating a braided crown with her twists. This style is ideal for when you want to keep your hair off of your face yet still look refined.

17

Bun Twists

Turn Up Your Tresses With These Natural Twist Hairstyles (18)

Turn heads with this sophisticated, sculptural take on a sleek bun by twisting your hair into a bow like Kiki Layne.

18

Sleek Ponytail Twists

Turn Up Your Tresses With These Natural Twist Hairstyles (19)

If you have type 3 hair, you can get a twist hairstyle too. Singer Mabel McVey updated a braided ponytail by opting for a two-strand twist natural hairstyle.

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19

Twists-Braid Combo

Turn Up Your Tresses With These Natural Twist Hairstyles (20)

Not sure if you want to wear braids or twists for your next natural hairstyle? Actress Shantol Jackson shows us you can do both with cornrows at the top of her cascading twists.

20

Voluminous Twist Updo

Turn Up Your Tresses With These Natural Twist Hairstyles (21)

Comedian and actress Wanda Sykes pinned up her twist out to give her natural hair a voluminous and stylish look. You can achieve this by two-strand twisting your hair with a curling cream. (If you want your sides to be sleek, don't opt for flat twists to achieve this look.)

Turn Up Your Tresses With These Natural Twist Hairstyles (22)

Danielle James

Digital Beauty Director

Danielle James is the Digital Beauty Director of ELLE.com. Previously, she was the Fashion and Beauty Director of HelloBeautiful.com and MadameNoire.com. She’s written for The Cut, InStyle, Allure, The Business of Fashion, Nylon, Essence, Good Housekeeping, and more. She enjoys sailing, thrifting, Japanese whiskey, Naomi Campbell’s runway walk, and Rihanna in the comment section.

Turn Up Your Tresses With These Natural Twist Hairstyles (2024)

FAQs

What does twisting your natural hair do? ›

Hair growth is a biological process, and twisting your hair doesn't affect it. However, two strand twists can help you retain more length and prevent breakage, giving the appearance of hair growth over time. They serve as a protective style, shielding your hair from damage, knots, and tangles.

Which hairstyle is best for hair growth? ›

Contents: Hairstyles for healthy hair:
  • Low bun.
  • Pulled-out dutch braid.
  • Half up, half down.
  • Messy bun.
  • Low ponytail.
  • Half top knot.
  • Space buns.
  • Braided bun.
Mar 23, 2022

What is the best hairstyle for natural hair? ›

What Protective Style Is Best for Natural Hair
  1. Marley Twists. ...
  2. Goddess Braids. ...
  3. 3. Box Braids. ...
  4. Knotless Box Braids. ...
  5. Senegalese Twists. ...
  6. Faux Three Strand Braided Ponytail. ...
  7. Bantu Knots. ...
  8. Faux Locs.

Should you twist natural hair wet or dry? ›

Although doing a twist out on dry hair will give you more length, if you twist while your hair is wet, it will set better. You can pair Aunt Jackie's Oh So Clean Moisturizing & Softening Shampoo with the In Control Moisturizing & Softening Conditioner for best results.

Should you twist your natural hair every night? ›

If you have shorter hair, it may be best to retwist every night to maintain your hairstyle. If your hair is longer, you can pineapple your hair.” For second or third day curls, Bova recommends Shea Moisture Coconut and Hibiscus Hold and Shine Moisture Mist to revive curls.

How often should I twist my natural hair? ›

During the locking process, you'll need to maintain your hair properly by washing it regularly, keeping it moisturized, and retwisting the twists as needed to maintain the desired shape and style. Depending on how fast your hair grows and how quickly it locks, you may need to retwist your hair every 2-4 weeks.

How long do you keep twists in natural hair? ›

Convenient. Two strand twists can last a long time! Although this style can be time-consuming to create, they typically stay intact for 2-6 weeks. Washing, conditioning and deep conditioning the style will keep twists looking fresh longer and keep hair healthy.

What to use to twist natural hair for beginners? ›

Grab a finger tip worth of your styling products. In my case—mousse and curly pudding. Take the tip of your finger and just rub it on your hair from root to tip, and then begin your twisting. You want to always try and have smaller twists in your hair if you are trying to create a more defined curl pattern.

How do you sleep with natural twists? ›

Way #1: Twists or Braids and Cover With Bonnet

To do this nighttime routine, form several twists or braids, then put your Nighttime Bonnet on or use a Satin Pillowcase (or both for the best beauty sleep!). Lightly dampen your hair with a bit of Mango Moringa Styling Cream before you twist.

What is the number 1 thing for hair growth? ›

Biotin is essential for the production of a hair protein called keratin, which is why biotin supplements are often marketed for hair growth. Biotin can help improve hair growth in people with a biotin deficiency (3). However, biotin deficiencies are uncommon if you consume a balanced diet.

What hair makes you look younger? ›

Loose waves are more younger-looking, while straight hair can be aging. Play around with face-framing layers to give your hair some softness and movement. Layers can also make your hair appear to be more luscious and healthy. Parra recommends asking your stylist for perimeter layers that are cut in a straight line.

What is the number 1 hairstyle? ›

What Are the Numbers in Haircuts? If you ask your barber for a number one cut, you are asking them to cut your hair so it is an eighth of an inch long. If you ask for a number eight cut, the hair left on your head will be one inch.

How do you practice twisting hair? ›

Twist 1 of the sections of hair around the other.

Hold 1 section of hair in each of your hands, and bring 1 hand over the other to start your twist. Continue this hand-over-hand movement to twist the section of hair around the other strand. Wrap the hair with even tension until you reach the end of your hair.

What products do I need to twist my natural hair? ›

The Best Products for Rope Twists on Natural Hair
  • Spray bottle of water.
  • Hair cream.
  • Hair oil.
  • Hair twisting butter or hair gel or styling mousse.
  • Hair clips (optional)
  • Rattail comb or three-tooth African parting comb.
  • Wide-tooth comb or detangling brush.
Jul 24, 2023

What to do before twisting hair? ›

Hair Tips: My Twist Out Routine
  1. Step one: Prep hair for washing. ...
  2. Step two: Wash thoroughly. ...
  3. Step three: Condition with a hydrating conditioner. ...
  4. Step three: Rinse and comb out. ...
  5. Step four: Style in two strand twists. ...
  6. Step five: Nighttime care. ...
  7. Step six: Twist out.

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