Two-strand twists are a simple and chic choice if you want to give your hair a break from heat styling or just want a change of pace. All hair types can wear two-strand twists because they are flexible and low-maintenance hairdos.
To retain their finest appearance, they do need some maintenance, just like any hairstyle. We’ll go through how to manage two-strand twists in this article, along with advice on how to keep them beautiful and healthy.
What are Two-strand Twists?
A two-strand twist is a hairstyle where two sections of hair are twisted together to form a single twist. This style is often used as a protective style for natural hair, as it helps to keep the hair neat and compact while promoting healthy growth.
The twists are typically styled in a spiral pattern and are often secured at the end with a hair tie or elastic band. To create a two-strand twist, divide the hair into two sections and twist each section in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, depending on personal preference. The sections should be twisted tightly, and the twists should be pinned or secured at the end to prevent unraveling.
Many groups, especially African American communities, place a high value on the two-strand twist, and other twist styles such as passion twists and braids in general. It is regarded as a mark of cultural pride and is frequently employed as a means of expressing one’s identity and sense of roots. The fashion is linked to movements for natural hair, which encourage embracing and promoting natural hair textures.
In addition to its cultural significance, the two-strand twist has also been a popular style in many other cultures throughout history. It has been used in ancient African cultures as a way to symbolize unity and strength and is still used today as a traditional hairstyle in some African communities.
How To Maintain Two Strand Twists: A Step-by-Step Guide
The two-strand twist hairdo is ideal for any event and can last up to a month with proper care! Therefore, if you’re unsure of how to maintain your lovely two-strand twists, here are some easy guidelines for tips on how to keep them in good condition and stylish all day.
1. Wash Your Hair Regularly
Regular hair washing is essential for maintaining a healthy scalp and preventing buildup that might cause undesirable dreads or other problems with the strands. It will also aid in keeping your hair moisturized so that it looks its best even after wearing it for a few days.
Be sure to only use shampoo products designed specifically for twists or locs, such as Kinky Curly Come Clean Shampoo or Knotty Boys. Alternatively, deep-cleansing conditioners like As I Am Coconut CoWash Cleansing Conditioner work best because they won’t strip away moisture while still doing a great job at it without leaving any residue!
2. Keep The Moisture Locked In
The key to preventing dryness and frizz before your hairstyle’s end date is to keep it moisturized. Apply leave-in conditioner that can both provide long-lasting moisture and lightweight oils such as jojoba, almond, olive, and safflower oil.
You might also want to think about purchasing a mist bottle that contains water or sprays liquid mixed with herbal extracts and essential oil(s) – like tea tree. These mixtures have been proven to be extremely effective at maintaining and protecting hair.
3. Secure with Silk Headbands Or Scarf Bandanas
It looks cool to accessorize with head wraps or a bandana of just one color wrapped around the top of your mane. If necessary, this could conceal roots and provide additional protection, particularly if you’re going outside in windy conditions.
Bands should be set extremely carefully to avoid interfering with larger sections while still being strong enough to prevent breakage throughout the entire duration every time! Additionally, this approach allows for a great deal of flexibility when it comes to adding personal touches to your hair care routine or other routine modifications that contribute to your overall appearance.
4. Protect your Twists at Night
To prevent your twists from unraveling or getting tangled while you sleep, wrap your hair in a silk or satin scarf. Due to the smooth texture of silk or satin head wrap, it allows for an easier glide and does not tug or pull at the hair as a cotton material would prevent tangling and prolonging the hairstyle.
5. Don’t Over-manipulate your Twists
Your twists could unravel and get frizzy if you over-manipulate them. Try to keep your contact and playtime with your twists to a minimum, and when it comes time to take them down, be gentle. Don’t pull or tug at the twists; instead, gently unwind them.
6. Sleep on a Silk or Satin Pillowcase
A silk or satin pillowcase is a fantastic alternative or additional protection if you are a restless sleeper and do not trust yourself with a head wrap. It has advantages compared to those of a bonnet or headscarf.
7. Regularly Retwist
If you want your twists to last longer, you should regularly retwist.
To retwist, follow these steps:
Start by cleansing with a residue-free shampoo and moisturizing conditioner. Afterwards, moisturize your hair thoroughly with a leave-in conditioner or oil. Divide your hair into sections, working by how it was previously twisted, and work on one section at a time.
Comb through a section being mindful of the locs, and twirl the section of hair around your finger to secure it with clips. Do that for the entire head, after which you’ll twist two sections together, placing the right over left as you twist tightly for that definition.
Allow the twists to air-dry or use a hooded dryer.