Twist Out
A twist out is a natural hair styling technique where two-strand twists are set on damp hair and unraveled once dry to reveal defined, springy curls with beautiful volume and shape. It is one of the most beloved and versatile styles in the natural hair community, producing a gorgeous curl pattern regardless of your natural texture.
Length: Medium
Texture: Curly, Coily, Wavy, Thick, Medium
Best for: Oval and Round and Heart and Square and Diamond and Oblong face shapes
Similar Styles
FAQ
How long does a twist out last? +
A well-set twist out typically lasts 3-7 days with proper nighttime care (satin bonnet and pineapple method). Day one shows the most definition, day two has more volume with slightly less definition, and by day three to four, the curls have expanded into a beautiful, full shape. By day five to seven, most people refresh by re-twisting a few sections or transitioning the look into a puff, bun, or updo before the next wash day.
Why is my twist out frizzy? +
The most common cause of a frizzy twist out is unraveling before the twists are fully dry. Even slight dampness at the roots causes frizz and undefined curls. Other causes include insufficient product (especially gel or styler for hold), touching the hair too much during separation, using dry fingers instead of oiled ones when unraveling, and sleeping without a satin bonnet or pillowcase. Ensuring complete dryness and using oil during separation usually eliminates most frizz issues.
Can I do a twist out on relaxed or heat-damaged hair? +
Yes, but the results will differ. Relaxed and heat-damaged hair has a looser, less defined natural curl pattern, so the twist out will produce softer, wavier results rather than tight spirals. Use a stronger-hold gel to compensate for the reduced natural curl definition. The twist out can actually be a great way to add texture and movement to relaxed hair. However, very straight or severely damaged hair may not hold the twist pattern at all.
How do I prevent shrinkage in a twist out? +
Some shrinkage is natural and unavoidable — it means your hair is healthy and elastic. To maximize stretch and minimize shrinkage, twist on very wet, product-loaded hair and make the twists as smooth and elongated as possible. Banding (placing snag-free elastics along the length of each twist) while drying forces the hair to dry in a stretched position. African threading and the tension method also reduce shrinkage. The longer you dry the twists, the more stretch they retain.
What curl types work best for a twist out? +
Type 3 (curly) and type 4 (coily) hair produces the most defined, longest-lasting twist outs because the natural curl pattern reinforces the twist shape. Type 2 (wavy) hair can achieve a twist out but the results will be looser and may not last as long. Type 1 (straight) hair typically will not hold a twist out pattern. Within the type 3-4 range, all subtypes (3a through 4c) produce beautiful twist outs — the results simply vary from defined spirals to tighter coils.