36 Twist Hairstyles plus a Tutorial to Elevate Your Natural Hair Looks
If you love the look of twists, hairstyles like these might just be your next signature look.
Twist hairstyles on natural hair are not only stylish but also practical, especially now that we’ve been social distancing and most of us are in the mood to switch things up. Braid twist hairstyles are also considered protective hairstyles since they usually consist of weaving hair extensions onto a person’s real, natural hair, thus shielding it from heat and styling damage for weeks at a time.
Our Favorite Twist Hairstyles
(Scroll down to the end for our step-by-step twist tutorial)
1. Crochet
We love that the crochet hair twist has been making a big splash again, as many of us first fell in love with this look in the ’90s. It’s a method that features extensions woven into cornrows of natural hair via a latch-hook (or crochet) needle. Once secured onto hair, twist hairstyles such as Nubian twists or Senegalese twists, or even other twist-out styles may then be worn.
2. Senegalese, Marley, and Havana Twists
These African-rooted twist hairstyles are similar in style. They all feature extensions styled in a rope twist, secured onto real hair at the base. They vary in width and type of hair extensions used, with Senegalese twists being thinner and shinier by nature and Havana twists being a bit chunkier and more natural-textured. Depending on the snugness of your twists, the ends may be left untied, secured with an elastic, or even dipped into hot water to seal them off.
3. Flat Twists on Natural Hair
For flat twists, natural hair is split into two sections and twisted against the scalp. New hair is incorporated every few twists, so the look lies flat and is built-in. It’s not loose and free-hanging like twisted hairstyles like the Senegalese, Havana, or Marley twist. This style is great for women with natural-textured hair that hasn’t been straightened or reinforced with extensions. We love this style with some high shine, so don’t forget to use some Bed Head by TIGI Masterpiece Shine Hairspray for hold and serious shine.
4. Halo Twists
We love the halo twist. To achieve this, simply start above one ear, take a section from the front and one from the back, and begin a flat twist. Grab new hair every few twists, so your halo becomes built into your scalp. Move all the way across till you end up above your opposite ear. Secure with pins. Make sure your hairline is smooth and maintained to give this look a sleek and professional-looking vibe. Bed Head by TIGI Wax Stick is perfect for keeping your edges smooth and cooperative.
5. Updo With Statement Chunky Braids
Make a major statement with this updo with statement chunky braids. We love this twist of rainbow-colored braids as a protective style for natural hair! Mix a more natural hair color with a range of pastel shades to really make an impact on your style.
6. Pulled Back Flat Twist
This look is sleek and versatile! It works just as well for the office as it does for an evening out. We love how this style lets your face truly shine and keeps your strand away from your face.
7. Yarn Twists
Yarn twists give your hair a slightly more textured feel. We love this shoulder-length style! It’s chic, wearable, and works for a diverse range of events and occasions. Long enough to pull up into a ponytail or bun and chic enough to wear down, this length is nothing short of perfection.
8. Waist Length Twists With A Chic Updo
Go all out with a super long twisted style. The beauty of protective styles for natural hair is that you can go from short to long in minutes. Play with color and contrast by opting for two completely opposite hues.
9. Updo with a Swirl
We love this off-center swirled bun style for anyone looking for something a little different when experimenting with natural hair protective styling. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your style!
10. Twisted Ponytail
Twist your braids back into a low ponytail to keep them out of your face while still looking chic. If you create a twist style on a wig or a weave, revive your style with a few spritzes of SheaMoisture Wig & Weave Tea Tree & Borage Seed Oil Shine Spray.
11. Twisted Pigtails
Upgrade a classic style with a more modern and edgier twist. This super long style is edgy and cool and gives any look a dramatic flair. One of the great things about protective styles is how easily you can experiment with super-long hair.
12. Tied Back Twists with Red Accents
Ask your stylist to include a few red twists here and there for a truly unique look. These red accents add a touch of flair to any simpler style in no time at all. This is a great way to get in on the red hair color trend without doing any damage to your strands.
13. Silky Flat Twist on Natural Hair
This style is chic and elegant and one of our favorites in the collection. The height gives the look major drama and adds a unique touch to this look. Chic and elegant, you can’t go wrong with this style!
14. Senegalese Twists
Try this classic style if you’re looking for a rope-twisted look! This is a perfect example of a simple and understated look that really looks beautiful on a range of face shapes.
15. Red Puffy Twists
We love the look of oversized twists on natural hair, and we’re big fans of playing with fun colors! Consider this lighter hue for warmer months as an easy way to brighten up your look.
16. Micro Twists
Micro twist hairstyles are a great option because they can be further styled into more intricate styles depending on how you like to wear your hair! Up, down, or half-up half-down, you have a range of options with this style of braids.
17. Medium Rope Twists In A Half Up Ponytail
Simply gather your braids into a half-up style to achieve this look. This look is the perfect blend of styles! Keep your hair out of your face while maintaining some flattering face-framing strands.
18. Loose Twisted Style With Curls
Leave your natural curls and twist the front of your hair to create a DIY headband style. Prep this style with some volume, and add a hit of TRESemmé Volume Thickening Spray.
19. Long and Thick Twists
If you’re looking for a twisted natural hairstyle that doesn’t take too much time to create, you’ll want to try long and thick twists! We love how these oversized twists make a statement!
20. Braided Twist Hairstyle
These braided twists are one of the edgiest alternatives to a classic twist style on natural hair. This look is super unique and one of our favorites in the collection! This shoulder-brushing length is also super flattering!
21. High Twist Bun
We love how chic and regal this high twisted bun looks! This is a great way to keep longer braids off your neck and out of the way. Twist your braids up into this elevated style if you want to make a statement with your strands!
22. Half Updo with Shoulder Length Twists
Show off your twists and your face with this beautiful half-up style. This deep-side parted look is flattering on virtually all face shapes. Use a hair tie or hair clip to secure the half-up style at the back.
23. Braided Style With Jumbo Twist Mohawk
Elevate your look with some major volume to your natural hair and by having an extravagant twist hang down your back. Pull the twist over your shoulder to bring your strands front and center.
24. Asymmetrical Flat Twist Hairstyle Updo
This is another great twist style that will give your natural hair some major height. It’s a combination hairstyle that promises a blend of volume and sleekness. It’s also a great way to test out the mohawk trend without any of the commitment.
25. Twist Updo With Looped Bang
Go retro with your natural hair by adding a twist hairstyle updo with a looped bang! This style gives you volume on the top and sleekness on the sides for a super cool blended look.
26. Double Twist Style
We love this style for keeping your hair out of your eyes. It also adds a faux facelift effect as it pulls the sides of your face up ever so slightly; what’s not to love? Show the rest of your hair some love with TRESemmé Flawless Curls Hydrating Anti-Frizz Oil.
27. Accessorized Twists
Add that extra flair to your twist hairstyle with different statement hair clips. This is one trend that isn’t going anywhere anytime soon! Stock up on hair clips to make an easy statement on any style.
28. Two-toned Twists
Add more to your twist hairstyle look by going for a two-tone style. This is perfect for natural hair wearers who simply can’t choose just one color. It’s also a great way to add dimension to your style!
29. Gradient Twists
For those who really want more than one color, why not try out a fun gradient style? This color technique adds so much depth and vibrance to a look. We love how these shades of grays and blues complement one another.
30. Long Twists
You can never go wrong with a long-twist hairstyle. This center part adds an edgy factor to this look! There are so many ways to style and twist hairstyles on natural hair. Now the tough choice is deciding which one to go with!
7 Steps To Creating The Natural Hair Twist
Section Your Hair.
Start by creating box braids at the back of your head. Remember, the smaller the box shape, the tighter and more defined your end style will be.
Prep This Section.
Now apply a light spritz of a leave-in conditioner to this section of hair, as this will help to hydrate, detangle and make the styling process smoother.
Apply a Cream.
For further hydration and to smooth down any flyaways, apply a moisturizer (like the Dove Amplified Textures Twist In Moisture Shaping Butter Cream) from root to tip and comb through using a wide-toothed comb.
Split Section Into Two.
Okay, you’re all prepped and ready to style!
Now split the section into 2 halves.
Twist It!
Twist your right half over the left half (or vice versa) and continue the motion until you get to the end of your hair.
Repeat.
Repeat steps 1-5 over your entire head.
If desired, you can sleep with the twists overnight, protecting them with a silk scarf or bonnet.
Lay Your Edges!
If you have any baby hairs, lay them using a toothbrush and some SheaMoisture Papaya & Neroli All Day Frizz Control Styling Gel.
This will provide tonnes of control with a high-shine finish to keep your strands in place.
Final Look.
And there you have it, you’ve learned how to twist natural hair in 7 simple steps!
You can do this twisted hairstyle on short natural hair or long hair, so it’s a really versatile one to know. Now it’s time to put your new skills to the test and try out the natural twist styles above – which one will you go for?
Turning your braided hairstyles into cute twist braids are one of the hottest ways to style your hair these days. Simple styling hacks and techniques like these prove that braids are very versatile. Confession: Some of us get braids because of the minimal styling maintenance (yes, please!). It’s true that most braided hairstyles (like box braids) give us a break from handling our hair every single day. However, there are days when we get bored and simply want to switch up the look without having to remove our plaits. Twist braids are definitely an easy styling option to try, and we’re sharing six ways for you to update your braided styles with this fun braided hairstyling technique.
6 Additional Twist Braids We’re Loving Right Now
1. Twisted Box Braid Half-Updo
Turn your month-old box braid hairstyle into a chic hairstyle. To recreate the look, twist the braids of your top section of hair into a super high and spiraled bun. If your braids are on the chunky side, use jumbo hair pins to lock your look in place.
2. Twisted Braided Chignon
Perfect last-minute look for a wedding or a gala. If you’ve been wearing your hair in braids all week and need a quick formal ‘do, coil your braids into this fancy chignon. Use some of the TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Shine Serum to help you to tame flyaways as well as add some shine to your hair.
3. Flower Half Updo
Tired of rocking a basic braided hairstyle? Opt for this flower-inspired twisted half-updo. Check out our easy updo braid tutorial to get the look.
4. Twisted Fishtail Braid
Two fishtail braids are better than one! And a twisted fishtail braid version is much more fun. Create two pigtail ponytails; then, fishtail braid the ends. Twist both braids into one, creating a chunky bun, and pin it in place. Set the look with some of the Bed Head by TIGI Masterpiece Shine Hairspray for hold and to enhance shine.
5. Side Twisted Waterfall Braid
You know that feeling when you finally nail the trickiest braided hairstyle you saw on Pinterest? Yea, that feeling. And then you wear the hairstyle for about a week (or more), and you start to get sick of it. What’s a girl to do? Change up the look. Get the most out of all of your hard work by trying out a new way to wear your new style. Twist your waterfall braids into a side knot and secure them with hair pins. Now, go pin that on your braid board.
6. Low Twist Braid
When the weekend hits, some of us just want to just let our hair down, but, on the other hand, there are some of us that want to tie it all up. Give your braids a cute off-duty downtown girl look with this twist braids style. Pull your hair back and twist them into a super low ponytail. Done and done!
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