Twist braids are a trendy and increasingly adaptable hairstyle one can get for stylish protective looks that are easy to maintain. Be it getting natural hair protection or a new chic style, twist braids can compliment you wonderfully in a perfect strike between fashion and functionality. Here is how you can achieve elegant twist braids at home in just five simple steps, with results that flow sleek, polished, and last longer.
Step 1: Preparing The Hair For Twist Braids
The hair should be clean and moisturized before braiding in any hairstyle. This will make the braiding process easier and hair healthy even while in the twists.
- Wash And Condition Your Hair: This technique must be started by washing your hair with a non-sulfate shampoo that is gentle on the scalp. Then, deep condition, as well, for maximum moisture to be infused into the strands if you have curly or kinky hair.
- Dry Hair Thoroughly: Blow-dry your hair. After twisting, allow your hair to be completely dry; alternatively, you could blow-dry it on low to moderate heat. That way, you will avoid frizz and have twists that last for quite some time.
- Lock In Moisture/Seal: Apply a lightweight moisturizer or styling cream, and seal it all in using some tiny drops of oil. Shea butter, argan oil, or jojoba oil are good options. It helps hold moisture that comes into your hair as you style it in twists and keeps hair braids from getting completely dry.
Step 2: Sectioning Your Hair
Proper sectioning is important for neat and uniform twist braids. It establishes a clean foundation on which all twists can be set, keeping your appearance polished and professional.
- Section Your Hair: Divide your hair into workable sections. If you prefer a small twist, divide your hair into tiny sections. Alternatively, you might have medium-sized sections for medium-sized twists or large sections for large twists. The larger the section, the thicker your braids will be.
- Hold Sections Using Clips: As you separate each section, you use hair clips or elastic bands to put the other sections behind your head. That way, you’re sure you’ll be well-organized and that your braids will even out in your head.
- Take Consideration Of Symmetry: There is an aspect of synergy that goes into the making of your hair; especially if your style doesn’t leave your scalp exposed entirely, observe the symmetry of your parts. A rat-tail comb will give you super-cute parting lines to save you a lot on professional finish.
Step 3: Select Your Twisting Strategy
There are many different techniques that you can use to create beautiful twist braids. The most common ones are two-strand twists, three-strand twists, and rope twists. It will all depend on the texture of your hair and the look you want to achieve.
- Two Strand Twists: This is probably the most common method. Take a section of hair, divide it into two equal parts, and twist them on each other from roots to ends. Make sure you’re twisting the sections with even tension so that your twist is not puffy at the base.
- Three Strand Twists: To give it a more complex look, split the hair into three parts and twist them together; it is very much like a regular braid. This adds more volume to it and can hold better in thicker hair types.
- Rope Twists: Also known as Senegalese twists, this takes each strand of hair before twisting them together. It gives you a tighter, more polished twist that is longer-lasting.
- Add extensions For Length: if you do want to go for more length or fuller twists, add some hair extensions on your natural hair: attach the extension to the root, then twist it together with your natural hair. This will keep them blend seamlessly with each other.
Step 4: Secure And Finishing Touches Your Twist
Once you have completed twisting, securing your twist is very important in order not to unravel to its untwisted form and give it a longer appearance for as long as possible.
- Secure The Ends: For synthetic hair twists, one may wet the ends with hot water and seal them in order not to unravel your hair. You can use small elastic bands at the end for natural hair twists so you can hold them together.
- Set Your Twists: Use a light-hold spray or mousse for setting twists and for getting rid of flyaways. In case you need a little bit of shine, apply a little hair oil to your scalp and the length of your twists.
- Wrap Your Hair At Night: During the weekends, you tend to sleep a lot, so before bed, ensure you wring your hair in a silk or satin scarf; this will help to prevent friction and frizz while keeping your twists neat.
Step 5: How To Maintain And Care For Your Twist Braids
Proper maintenance is the secret to fresh twist braids, and it also keeps your natural hair damage-free. Here are some tips to make sure your braids last as long as possible.
- Keep Your Scalp Clean: Even though your hair is now in braids, you still have to clean the scalp. A diluted sulfate-free shampoo or a scalp cleansing spray will remove buildup and other products and dirt that gather on the scalp besides excess oil.
- Moisturize Regularly: Twist braids tend to dry out the hair, so it needs to be properly moisturized. Every few days, apply a light leave-in conditioner or braid spray for nice and moist natural hair.
- Avoid Heavy Products: Avoid using all creams and oils that are known to build up on your hair and weigh down braids. You should be using water-based moisturizers that never collect any residue.
- Touch Up The Edges: Sometimes, after a period of time, your edges may begin frizzing or even loosen up. To keep them looking sleek, one can use a small amount of edge control gel to tuck and get the edges into shape again.
- Retwist As Needed: If any of your twist braids come undone, then you just re-twist them and carry on with the rest. According to hair type, you will have to redo certain sections in a few weeks or so.
Final Thoughts
Twist braids are a great, protective style that you can enjoy with some versatility and low maintenance. Follow these five easy steps to get your version of twist braids that not only look absolutely stunning but also protect your hair.
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