Twist outs are a popular styling technique for people with natural hair. The style provides definition, volume, and a stunning curl pattern. Whether you're new to the natural hair journey or a seasoned enthusiast, mastering the art of twist outs can elevate your styling game to new heights.
It has taken me years to get an amazing twist out. Even though more often than not I get a great result, I wouldn't say I've mastered the style. Every now and then I will end up with a twist out that turns into an updo. If you're reading this article you've probably had one of those days. It's usually because I skipped a step or rushed the process.
In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the world of twist outs for natural hair. We will explore what twist outs are, their benefits, step-by-step instructions on achieving the perfect twist out, maintenance tips, recommended products and common mistakes. So, let's dive in and unlock the secrets to fabulous twist outs!
I. Understanding Twist Outs
What are Twist Outs?
Twist outs are a popular styling technique for people with natural hair. It involves twisting small sections of hair to create defined curls or waves. The process begins with freshly washed, conditioned, and moisturized hair. The hair is then divided into sections, and each section is twisted from the roots to the ends. After the hair is completely dry, the twists are unraveled, resulting in beautiful, defined curls or waves.
Twist outs differ from other natural hair styling techniques, like braid outs and bantu knots, in terms of the method used to create similar curls or waves.
Braid Outs: Braid outs involve braiding the hair instead of twisting. Braid outs typically create a looser, wavy pattern compared to the defined curls of twist outs. The waves are more elongated and less tightly coiled.
Bantu Knots: Bantu knots involve sectioning the hair and twisting each section into a small, coiled knot close to the scalp. Bantu knots create smaller, tighter coils or curls. The curls are usually more compact and springy compared to the elongated curls of twist outs.
Ultimately, the choice between twist outs, braid outs, or bantu knots depends on personal preference, hair type, and desired outcome. Each technique offers unique results and allows you to express your creativity through different natural hair styles.
Benefits of Twist Outs
Definition and curl enhancement
Versatility and styling options
Protectiveness and hair health
II. Achieving the Perfect Twist Out
Achieving the perfect twist out involves a combination of proper preparation, technique, and maintenance. Follow these steps to help you achieve the best results:
Start with clean, conditioned, and moisturized hair: Begin by washing your hair with a gentle sulfate-free shampoo or using a co-washing method if preferred. Follow up with a moisturizing conditioner to hydrate and nourish your hair. Rinse thoroughly and apply a leave-in conditioner or moisturizer to make sure your strands are well-hydrated.
Section and part your hair: Divide your hair into small, manageable sections using clips or hair bands. The size of the sections will depend on your hair thickness and desired outcome. Part your hair in the direction you want the twists to fall, whether it's a defined part or a side part.
Apply a styling product: Choose a styling product that works well with your hair type and desired hold. Creams, gels, or twisting butters are commonly used for twist outs. Apply the product to one section at a time, ensuring it is evenly distributed from root to tip. This helps to define the curls and provide hold.
Twist the hair: Take a small section of hair from one of the sections you parted earlier. Divide the section into two strands and twist them around each other. Start from the roots and work your way down to the ends. For the best result keep the twists tight, but not overly tight to avoid tension on the scalp. For curly ends, stop twisting about an inch from the ends of your hair. Hold the twisted hair with one hand and twist the end of your hair around the finger of your free hand. This should create a spiral. If your hair doesn't coil, you can use a hair rollers on the ends of your hair.
Repeat the twisting process: Repeat step 4 for each section of hair until your entire head is twisted. Take your time to make sure each twist is even and consistent in size.
Allow the hair to dry completely: Once all the twists are in place, allow your hair to air dry completely or use a diffuser on a low heat setting to speed up the drying process. Avoid manipulating the twists while they are drying to prevent frizz and disturbance to the curl pattern.
Unravel the twists: Once your hair is completely dry, apply a small amount of oil or a natural hair serum to your fingertips to minimize frizz. To unravel, start at the ends and twirl it around your finger in the opposite direction that it is twisted. Then gently unravel each twist, being careful not to separate the curls too aggressively.
Style and fluff: After unraveling all the twists, you can style the twist out to your liking. You can fluff the roots with a pick to add volume or use a wide-toothed comb/pick to separate the curls for more definition. Be gentle to avoid causing frizz.
Maintain the twist out: To prolong the life of your twist out, protect your hair while sleeping by using a satin bonnet or sleeping on a satin pillowcase. Moisturize your hair regularly using a water-based moisturizer and seal in the moisture with an oil or butter. Avoid excessive manipulation and protect your hair from environmental factors that can cause frizz or dryness.
III. Maintaining Your Twist Out
Maintaining a twist out is crucial to keep your hair looking fresh and defined. Here are some key steps to help you maintain your twist out:
Preserve the style while sleeping: When going to bed, protect your twist out by covering your hair with a satin bonnet or sleeping on a satin pillowcase. Satin helps to minimize friction and reduce frizz, helping your twist out hold its shape overnight. We talk more about hair protection overnight in the article "Best Ways To Protect Your Curls Overnight."
Refresh and revive in the morning: In the morning, you may notice some frizz or flattening of the curls. To refresh your twist out, lightly mist your hair with water or a water-based leave-in conditioner. Then, apply a small amount of a moisturizing product or oil to seal in the moisture and redefine the curls. Use your fingers to gently fluff and reshape the curls as needed.
Avoid excessive manipulation: Resist the urge to constantly touch or play with your twist out throughout the day. Excessive manipulation can disrupt the curl pattern, causing frizz and reducing how long the style will last. Instead, embrace the natural movement of your hair and allow the curls to settle.
Protect your hair from environmental factors: Environmental factors such as humidity, wind, and heat can impact how long your twist out will last. If you're going to be in harsh weather conditions or exposed to excessive heat, consider wearing a protective style or using accessories like hats or scarves to shield your hair.
Moisturize regularly: Natural hair tends to be dry, so it's important to keep your twist out moisturized. Apply a water-based moisturizer or leave-in conditioner to your hair as needed to hydrate and refresh the curls. Follow up with a natural oil or butter to seal in the moisture and minimize frizz.
Avoid products with drying ingredients: Be mindful of the products you use on your twist out. Avoid products that contain drying ingredients such as sulfates, alcohols, and harsh chemicals as they can strip moisture from your hair, leading to dryness and frizz. Opt for products that are formulated to provide moisture and nourishment to your hair.
Protective styling: As your twist out begins to lose definition or becomes more prone to frizz, you can transition into protective styles to extend the life of your hairstyle. Updos, buns, and half-up, half-down styles can help preserve your hair and keep it protected while maintaining a stylish look.
Remember, everyone's hair is unique, so it's important to listen to your hair's needs and adjust your maintenance routine accordingly. With consistent care and attention, you can keep your twist out looking fabulous for days or even longer.
IV. Recommended Products for Twist Outs
The best products for your twist out will depend on your hair type, texture, and personal preferences. However, here are some general recommendations:
Moisturizing Leave-In Conditioners: Leave-in conditioners are essential for providing moisture and hydration to your hair, which is crucial for achieving and maintaining a successful twist out. Look for leave-in conditioners that are water-based and contain nourishing ingredients like aloe vera, shea butter or glycerin.
Curl Creams: Curl creams are great for defining and enhancing your natural curl pattern. They provide moisture, hold, and help reduce frizz. Look for curl creams that are lightweight, non-greasy, and formulated specifically for defining curls and reducing shrinkage.
Twisting Butters: Twisting butters are thicker, creamier products that provide moisture, hold, and help with the twisting process. They often contain natural butters, oils, and botanical extracts that nourish your hair and promote curl definition.
Styling Gels: Gels can be used to provide extra hold and definition to your twist out. Look for gels that are lightweight, non-flaky, and alcohol-free. Avoid gels that leave a sticky or crunchy residue.
Oils and Serums: Oils and serums are great for sealing in moisture and adding shine to your twist out. Look for lightweight oils like argan oil, jojoba oil, or grapeseed oil. Apply a small amount to your fingertips and lightly smooth it over the twists to prevent frizz and add sheen. We help you find the right oils for your hair in the article "Best Oils For Nourishing Natural Hair."
It's important to note that different products work differently for different people, so it may take some trial and error to find the ones that work best for you. Additionally, be mindful of the ingredients in the products you choose. Avoid products that contain sulfates, parabens, and other harsh chemicals that can strip moisture from your hair.
Consider consulting with a hairstylist or doing research on product reviews and recommendations specific to your hair type to find the best products for your twist out.
Common Twist Out Mistakes
When attempting a twist out, it's easy to make some common mistakes that can affect the outcome of your style. Here are a few mistakes to avoid:
Insufficient moisture: Moisture is crucial for achieving a successful twist out. Failing to properly moisturize your hair before twisting can result in dry, frizzy twists and lackluster curls. Make sure to thoroughly hydrate your hair with water and a water-based leave-in conditioner before applying any styling products.
Overloading with product: While it's important to use products to define your curls and provide hold, using too much product can weigh down your hair and create a greasy or flaky residue. Start with a small amount of product and gradually add more if needed. This will help you achieve a lightweight and natural-looking twist out.
Not detangling properly: It's important to detangle your hair thoroughly before twisting to ensure that each section is smooth and free of knots or tangles. Neglecting to detangle can result in uneven twists, difficulty during the unraveling process, and potential hair breakage.
Twist sections that are too large: When creating twists, using sections that are too large can lead to longer drying times and less defined curls. To achieve optimal results, work with smaller sections that allow for better product distribution and more defined twists.
Rushing the drying process: Proper drying time is essential for achieving a well-defined twist out. If you unravel your twists before they are completely dry, you risk disrupting the curl pattern and ending up with frizzy or undefined curls. Allow your hair to air dry or use a diffuser on a low heat setting to speed up the process without compromising the final result.
Unraveling the twists too early or too roughly: Patience is key when it comes to twist outs. Unraveling the twists before they are fully dry or before the curl pattern has set can cause your curls to lose definition and result in a frizzy outcome. Additionally, be gentle when unraveling the twists to minimize frizz and maintain the integrity of the curls. Unraveling too rough can also cause breakage and damage.
Conclusion
Twist outs are a fabulous styling technique for natural hair, allowing you to embrace your curls and showcase their beauty. By following the steps outlined in this guide and using the recommended products, you can achieve the perfect twist out that highlights your hair's natural texture and personality. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don't be discouraged if it takes a few attempts to master the technique.