Twist Outs on Natural Hair
Achieving that perfect twist-out for stunning, natural hair is all about the right technique and product application. Properly twisting your hair is key to a fabulous result. The sequence in which you apply products matters significantly. Twist-outs can be accomplished through two-strand twists, flat twists, braids, or cornrows, whether your hair is wet or dry. Dry twists are often preferred due to reduced frizz, minimized shrinkage, and longer-lasting results, as attested by clients.
Here's the step-by-step process for the perfect twist-out:
Start with a thorough shampoo and conditioning session, towel-drying your hair. To ease detangling, use a paddle brush while the shampoo is in your hair. The shampoo acts as a cushion to prevent tangling. After shampooing and conditioning apply leave-in conditioner and blow dry on low heat.
While this step may seem lengthy, it's vital to avoid heat damage. Your hair should feel well moisturized, soft, and stretched when dry.
Detangle and apply products in this order: moisturizer, curl defining cream, and a pure oil like jojoba oil. Be sure to only apply products to the sections that you are working on only. Remember that the more product you apply the more shrinkage you are prone to get no matter if your hair is blown out or
Determine the size of your twists based on your desired outcome – bigger twists yield larger hair.
For flat twists, 6-8 twists work well, while 9-12 two-strand twists produce excellent results. This step is ideal if you're looking for a simple and quick solution.
After blow drying and deciding on your method, use setting lotion (mousse). For flat twists, part the first one and apply mousse from the scalp area, front to back, leaving the ends dry. Twist tightly to the end and secure with a clamp at the scalp base to ensure tightness.
If you're opting for two-strand twists, DO NOT APPLY PRODUCT during the twisting process. Twist your hair dry without any product, and don't worry too much about parting, except if you have a specific style in mind. Apply mousse once all twists are done. This approach creates full twists while preserving about 80% of your length. To prevent unraveling, either add a little mousse to the ends or twist a section and apply mousse to the entire section.
Ensure your hair is completely dry before undoing the twists. Apply oil to your hands and rub it throughout your hair before untwisting.
These steps are the foundation of achieving beautiful twist-out styles for clients, designed to be easy to understand. Twist styles have gained popularity for their versatility and low maintenance, often lasting up to three weeks. Whether you're dealing with straight ends or seeking to add definition to your hair, a twist-out might be the solution you've been looking for.
