What Is the Twists Hairstyle?

Twists are sections of natural hair intertwined around each other and held in place with product. Unlike braids, which weave three or more strands, twists use two strands (two-strand twists) or a single strand twisted onto itself (coil twists). The result is a textured, defined style that shows off the hair’s natural curl pattern.

Twists have been a part of Black hair culture for generations. They work as a standalone style, a way to define curls, or a stepping stone toward locs. In the shop, they’ve gotten way more popular over the past decade as more men lean into natural textures. They’re one of the most frequently requested protective styles for men right now.

The style works best on type 3 and type 4 hair with at least 2-3 inches of length. Shorter hair can be twisted, but it won’t have the same hang or definition. More length means more dramatic, visible twists that can be styled up, pulled back, or left hanging. Twists suit all face shapes and can go casual or polished depending on size, pattern, and product.

The main variations: two-strand twists are the most common, giving a clean, defined look. Flat twists sit close to the scalp, similar to cornrows but using two strands instead of three. Twist-outs are what you get when you unravel dried twists to reveal a defined curl pattern.

How to Create Twists

This covers two-strand twists, the most requested twist style in the shop.

1. Wash and condition the hair. Clean hair takes product better and holds twists longer. Use a moisturizing conditioner and don’t fully rinse it out. Leave-in moisture is key for twists.
2. Detangle the hair. Work through the hair section by section with a wide-tooth comb, getting all the tangles out. Twisting tangled hair creates uneven, lumpy twists.
3. Section the hair. Use a rat-tail comb to create a grid pattern across the head. Section size determines twist size. Smaller sections create thinner, more defined twists. Larger sections create chunkier, fuller ones.
4. Apply product to each section. Use a twisting cream, butter, or gel with moderate hold. Work the product through from root to tip. It provides the slip for twisting and the hold to keep them in place.
5. Divide the section into two equal strands. Hold one in each hand at the root.
6. Twist the strands around each other. Cross the right strand over the left, then the left over the right, working from root to tip. Keep consistent tension. Too tight pulls at the scalp. Too loose and the twists won’t hold.
7. Coil the tip. At the end of the twist, wrap the tip around your finger to create a small coil that holds the twist together without a rubber band.
8. Repeat across the head. Work in rows from front to back or from one side to the other. Consistent section size and twist tightness gives you the cleanest result.
9. Allow the twists to set. For best definition, let them dry completely before the client leaves. Short on time? Sit them under a hooded dryer for 20-30 minutes.
10. Optional: Clean up the hairline. A trimmer can tighten up the edges and sideburns for a sharper look that contrasts with the textured twists.

Maintenance & Aftercare

Twists are fairly low-maintenance but still need some attention to last well.

• Moisturize regularly. Twisted hair still needs moisture. A light oil or leave-in conditioner every other day keeps twists soft and prevents dryness and breakage.
• Wrap at night. A satin durag or bonnet is non-negotiable. Cotton pillowcases cause frizz, pull moisture, and can unravel twists.
• Don’t over-manipulate. Leave them alone between styling sessions. Constantly re-twisting or touching the hair does more harm than good.
• Retwist at the roots. After 2-3 weeks, new growth starts looking fuzzy. Retwisting the roots refreshes the style without redoing the entire head.
• Full redo every 3-4 weeks. Take down the old twists, wash, condition, and re-twist. Don’t leave twists in longer than 4-5 weeks. That’s when matting and buildup start.
• Twist-out option. If the client wants to switch it up between appointments, they can unravel the twists after a few days. The result is a defined, wavy curl pattern called a twist-out.

Tools You’ll Need

• Rat-tail comb for sectioning
• Wide-tooth comb for detangling
• Sectioning clips
• Twisting cream, butter, or gel
• Spray bottle with water
• Hooded dryer (optional)
• T-blade trimmer for edge cleanup

Similar Styles

Man Bun, Braids

Common Names

Two-Strand Twists, Twist-Outs, Flat Twists