How to Twist African American Hair

From celebrities like Jill Scott and Lauryn Hill, black twist hairstyles are certainly the flavor of the season. Naturally curled and tightly coiled, African-American hair can be easily styled and twisted in stylish updos and flowing twist-outs.

Moreover, these hairstyles are quite easy to do and you do not actually have to be a hairstyle pro to get these twists in place. Here is a step-wise guide on how to get this simple, low-maintenance hairdo.

Before you start styling your hair into two strand twists, you will need:

• Water
• Combs (regular toothed comb, rat tail comb)
• Shampoo
• A good moisturizer
• Oil (Jojoba oil)

Shampoo and condition your hair with moisturizing hair care products and then prep your hair up with some jojoba oil. Allow the hair to dry before you start twisting.

The next step involves parting the hair into random or asymmetrical sections. Use a rat tail comb to section your hair and then apply some hair gel, as you part each section.

Before sectioning the hair, you can apply the setting lotion to allow the sections to be segregated. Ideally, the size of each hair section should be one quarter to one inch. However, this may vary based on the length of your hair. So if you have short hair, the sections should be relatively smaller.

Now divide each section into two equal parts, trying to make them as even as possible. These two pieces need to be twisted around each other till the end. This can be done with a hand-over-hand movement or for the experts, simply moving their fingers to twist the hair is sufficient. Keep doing this till the end of the section of the hair.

Try twisting in the same direction, keeping the tension even. Ideally, you need to twist away from your face. However, if you want them to fall to the front, twist it towards your face. Secure the end with a rubber band or beeswax to make sure that the twists do not unravel till your hair is dry. Repeat this step for all the sections of the hair.

If you need to use hair extensions, you have to start off with making a four to five braid stitches. Convert the rest of the extension into twists and secure it with a rubber band. Roll these Senegalese twists into a point or ball using fingertips. You do not need hair gel on hair extensions.

The black twist hairstyles can be skinny or puffy depending on the tension, and also, if you started off twisting them on wet or dry hair. Styling your hair into twists can cause hair thinning and breakage due to the excessive tension.

Therefore, do not twist your hair too often. This simple two-strand twist is quite easy to do and can last from one to a few weeks on African-American hair. You can further style this set of hair twists into fashionable ponytails, twist-outs, and quirky updos.