When I decided to transition to natural, twist outs were one of things I was most looking forward to trying out. My first twist out was faaaarrrrrr from cute. I felt like a walking chia pet and refused to leave my apartment that day. But as the old adage goes, “if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.”
Getting the hang of twist outs has been an upward battle but they’ve become my go-to style. Here are 5 things I’ve picked up along the way that have helped improve me improve my two strand results.
1. Start with damp or nearly wet hair
I get the most definition when I do my two-strand twists on hair that’s pretty damp, borderline wet hair. Downside? I have to plan for a little longer drying time to ensure my hair dried completely overnight.
2. Use a styling product that provides soft, but strong hold
My favorite styling product for twist outs (thus far) is Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie (used for twist out on the left), with Entwine Couture Creme Jelle Styler coming up as a close second (used for twist out the right).
3. Lock in moisture for lasting softness
For years, moisturizing and sealing with an oil or serum was my bread and butter for maintaining moisturized hair but I was a little slow in realizing I could (and should) seal in my leave-ins and stylers for softer twist outs.
4. Do not rush the twist
How you do your two-strand or three strand twist matters. A neat twist = more uniform twist out texture… well to me at least. In the beginning I’d rush my twists, grabbing uneven strands causing the twist to bunch in some parts or puff in others.
I’ve learned I get the best twists when I start with even strands, begin twisting right at the root, and then just do my best to keep my twists even all the way to the end.
5. Instead of separating the unraveled twists, gently pull down the section to fluff and add volume
After many a failed twist out, ruined by separating my unraveled twists, I’ve learned that a simple tug goes a long way. Rather than splitting your unraveled twists, gently pull down on each section, running them through your fingers as you do (apply a light oil to your fingers first) to help add fluff out your twists.
One the left: result after separating my unraveled twists. On the right: results from tugging down to fluff.
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