Twist-outs are the natural girl’s go-to hairstyle. Almost every natural I meet is working towards the perfect twist-out. Most women want a super defined look, and take it from me – it takes time to master. But I finally figured out what works best. Follow these steps to see if you get the results you’ve been looking for, too!
1. Wash hair
It’s always best to start on clean hair. A twist-out is definitely achievable whether your hair is freshly or washed or not, but it will make life easier. Plus, if you want to look like you stepped out of the salon, it’s essential.
2. Detangle hair thoroughly
After washing your hair, you want to be sure to thoroughly detangle your hair. I say thoroughly, because many naturals like myself often finger-detangle. It’s possible to fully detangle your hair with only your fingers. But for this style it’s best to bring out the comb. After you finger-detangle, run the comb through your hair to ensure your strands are completely detangled all the way through. This is essential to making sure hair turns out neat with coiled ends.
3. Let hair dry
Love Black America Web? Get more! Join the Black America Web Newsletter
We care about your data. See our privacy policy.
I don’t suggest twisting on soak and wet hair. Let your hair get about half way dry before styling. It’s not the best idea to manipulate hair in any way when it’s completely wet. Plus, it will give your hair the opportunity to stretch, creating a more elongated look.
4. Part hair into four sections
Parting your into sections will make it easy for you to begin your twisting process. It can become a bit overwhelming, especially if you have a lot of hair, to just go at it.
5. Apply hair butter/twisting cream
You can apply your product of choice as you twist or to each whole section. I usually apply shea butter to each section as I go. I’ve found applying product to each twist takes entirely too long. Be sure to really get then ends of your hair to ensure they are extra moisturized.
6. Start twisting
Time to twist! Take one of your four sections and create a smaller section that you will twist. Make sure both pieces of hair are even. It’s not the end of the world if it’s not, but for the most defined and neat twist-out, try to stay even throughout. You should shoot for medium sized twists. This means you should have approximately 4- 5 twists per section. This definitely varies. But on average, this is a good number to go by. Continue to twist until your entire head is complete.
7. Let dry overnight
Even if you let your hair dry a bit before twisting, it will still be wet from adding product to your already damp hair. Unless you started this process early in the day and intend to where at night, let it dry overnight. This will make sure your is completely dry before taking them down. You don’t want to take out your twist when they are even a little wet. Trust me, it will not turn out the way you’d hoped.
8. Untwist hair
Now that you’ve let your hair completely dry, it’s time to take them out. Yeah I know, all that hard work just to have to take them out anyway! Before taking your twists out, be sure that your hair is moisturized. You want to eliminate having to put anything on it after they are out. Take each twist and unravel the opposite way you twisted them in. Don’t just start going through pulling a part. This will cause frizz and this something you do not want.
9. Separate hair
Now that you have taken out your twists, you need to re-separate your hair. Carefully go through and pull a part your hair even more so that it becomes full.
10. Fluff and go!
You’re finally finished! Now all you have to do is take either an afro pick or your fingers, fluff your hair, and go!
Do you have additional tips for the perfect twist-out? Let us know in the comments
