How to Stop Two Strand Twists from Falling Apart: 10 Tips

Are you tired of your two-strand twists unraveling before you even make it out of the house? Not to worry, with a few simple tips and tricks, you can keep your twists looking neat all day long. In this article, we’ll show you how to prevent your two-strand twists from unraveling and keep them looking beautiful.

What Causes The Unraveling of Two-strand Twists?

The two-strand twist is a hairstyle that is separated into small sections and then twisted together by taking two strands of hair and twisting them around each other. This hairstyle is often used as a protective hairstyle for natural hair, as it helps to keep the hair in place and prevent it from breaking or getting tangled. 

The twists can be left in for an extended period and can be styled in various ways, such as pinning them up or leaving them down. It’s a versatile and low-maintenance hairstyle that is popular among people with natural hair types. Several factors can cause two-strand twists to unravel. 

One of the main reasons is that the hair is not twisted tightly enough, which allows the strands to come loose. Another common reason is that the hair is not moisturized enough, which can cause the twists to become dry and brittle, making them more prone to unraveling.

Another cause of unraveling can be an accumulation of hair product build-up in the twists, which can make them sticky, greasy, and less defined.

Wearing the twists for an extended period without retwisting can also cause them to unravel. The hair can shrink as it dries, which can cause the twists to loosen and unravel.

Finally, sleeping on the twists can cause them to unravel as well, as the hair can get caught on the pillow and cause the twists to come loose.

How to keep Two strand Twists from Unravelling: 10 Quick Tips

Two-strand twists are a popular protective hairstyle for natural hair. They offer a low-maintenance and easy-to-do alternative to braids, cornrows, and other more complicated styles. However, one of the biggest challenges of two-strand twists is keeping them from unraveling. Here are some tips to help you keep your twists in place for longer.

1. Start with clean, detangled hair

Before you begin twisting your hair, it’s important to make sure it’s clean and detangled. If your hair is dirty or matted, it will be more difficult to twist and the twists will unravel more easily. Start by washing your hair with a gentle shampoo, then condition it thoroughly. Once your hair is clean and moisturized, use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to gently detangle it.

The Shea Moisture African black shampoo is a great place to begin your wash routine, as it contains a milder component that isn’t overly stripping the hair’s natural oils and leads it to dryness.

2. Use a good twisting product

There are many products on the market specifically designed for twisting natural hair. These products contain ingredients that help to define and hold the twists in place. Some popular twisting products include gels, creams, and custards. Apply the product to your hair in sections, making sure to evenly distribute it from root to tip.

3. Twist while damp

It’s best to twist your hair while it’s still damp, as this will help the twists to hold better. If your hair is completely dry, you can mist it with water or a leave-in conditioner before twisting. The moisture will help the product adhere to your hair and keep the twists in place.

4. Twist tight and close

To keep your twists from unraveling, it’s important to twist them tightly and close to the scalp. This will create a tighter, more defined twist that will hold better. Start by dividing your hair into sections, then twist each section by holding it tightly and twisting the two strands around each other. As you twist, make sure to keep the twists close to the scalp, avoiding any gaps or spaces between the twists and your scalp.

5. Use a holding agent

Once you’ve completed twisting your hair, you can use a holding agent to secure the twists in place. This could be a light oil, a hair spray, or a heavy gel. Make sure to choose a product that will not make your hair greasy or weigh it down. Lightly spray or apply the holding agent to your twists, then let your hair dry completely.

Additionally, securing the tips or roots of your twists with a clear elastic band can greatly help with the unraveling and it would be best if you oil the rubber bands before usage as a preventative measure towards damage of any kind.

6. The Coiling Technique

If your hair is naturally textured, this approach works well for you. When you twist your damp hair, leave about a centimeter or however much you desire, and then wrap the extra hair around your finger. Your hair ought to be left curled. This generates polished ends for your twist-out and is an excellent technique to ensure that your twists do not unravel

6. Sleep with a satin bonnet or pillowcase

To keep your twists from unraveling overnight, it’s important to protect them while you sleep. Invest in a satin bonnet or pillowcase to keep your twists from rubbing against a rough cotton surface, which can cause friction and unraveling.

7. Re-twist as needed

Depending on your hair type, you may need to retwist your hair every few days to keep the twists from unraveling. When you notice the twists starting to unravel, simply mist your hair with water or a leave-in conditioner, then re-twist the sections that have come undone.

8. Use a satin scarf during the day

During the day, it’s important to protect your twists from friction and tangling. One way to do this is by wearing a satin scarf or headwrap. This will help to keep your twists in place and prevent them from unraveling due to friction with clothing, seat belts, and other objects.

9. Burning and Sealing 

If you’re using extension hair, you can choose between burning and sealing the ends of your twists. This would ensure the twists do not unravel and act as a finishing touch to the hairstyle.

When using human hair, do not attempt to burn the ends! Please exercise caution and fire safety techniques if you wish to burn the ends with a lighter. Your twists won’t come undone if you burn the ends of your synthetic hair. You can seal your ends by dipping them in hot water instead of using the burning method, if you prefer.

10. Braid before twists

There are lesser chances of the twists unraveling if they were braided at the roots and this is also quite an easy process. It is typically the Senegalese twists method. 

After parting your hair into sections, take a piece and divide it into three parts, and braid by placing a section over the other after a few inches, attach one strand to the other leaving you with two sections, and start to twist tightly. Twist as you would a braid, not trying to get it to go downwards but keen on twisting as you go. This would ensure it comes out tight enough and enable the longevity of the twists.