Twists: A Natural Hairstyle

Twists are a popular natural hairstyle that has been around for decades. They are a low-maintenance and versatile style that works well for both men and women with various hair types. Twists involve twisting two strands of hair around each other to form a rope-like pattern. This hairstyle is often done on natural hair, but it can also be achieved on chemically treated hair with extensions or braiding hair.

History of Twists

Twists have been worn by people of African descent for centuries. The style has its roots in Africa, where it was used as a protective style to keep hair healthy and moisturized. Twists were also worn to symbolize different things in African culture, such as social status, marital status, and age. In the United States, twists gained popularity in the 1960s and 1970s during the Black Power Movement. The style was embraced as a way to reject mainstream beauty standards and embrace natural hair.

Types of Twists

There are several types of twists, including two-strand twists, three-strand twists, and flat twists. Two-strand twists are the most popular type of twists and involve twisting two sections of hair around each other. Three-strand twists are similar to braids but involve twisting three sections of hair around each other. Flat twists are twists that are done close to the scalp and create a flat pattern.

Benefits of Twists

One of the main benefits of twists is that they are a protective hairstyle. Protective hairstyles help to protect the hair from damage by keeping it moisturized and preventing breakage. Twists are also a low-maintenance hairstyle that can last for several weeks with proper care. This makes them a great option for people with busy lifestyles who don't have time to spend on their hair. Twists are also a versatile style that can be dressed up or down and can be worn in a variety of settings.

How to Do Twists

To do twists, you will need a comb, hair clips, and a styling product such as a moisturizer or gel. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Start with clean, detangled hair. Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle your hair, starting at the ends and working your way up to the roots.
2. Section your hair. Use hair clips to section your hair into small sections. The size of the sections will depend on the length and thickness of your hair.
3. Apply a styling product. Apply a styling product such as a moisturizer or gel to each section of hair to provide hold and prevent frizz.
4. Twist your hair. Take two sections of hair and twist them around each other until you reach the ends of your hair. Repeat this process for each section of hair.
5. Let your twists dry. Allow your twists to dry completely before unraveling them. You can use a hooded dryer or let them air dry.
6. Unravel your twists. Gently unravel your twists to reveal your twisted hairstyle.

Tips for Maintaining Twists

To keep your twists looking great, here are some tips to follow:

1. Moisturize your hair regularly. Use a moisturizer to keep your hair moisturized and prevent it from becoming dry and brittle.
2. Protect your hair at night. Wear a satin or silk scarf or bonnet to protect your hair while you sleep.
3. Avoid over-manipulating your hair. Try not to touch or play with your hair too much, as this can cause frizz and damage.
4. Keep your scalp clean. Use a gentle shampoo to cleanse your scalp and prevent buildup.

In conclusion, twists are a popular natural hairstyle that has been around for centuries. They are a versatile and low-maintenance style that can be dressed up or down and are great for protecting the hair from damage.