In the wonderful world of natural hair, there is an infinite number of styles for our tresses. Twists are a great option for naturalistas of all textures and curl patterns. Twists, or two strand twists, are a specific hairstyle where you take two locks of hair and wrap them around each other. Twists are quicker to complete than braids (and easier to take out), and they're a fantastic option for protecting your natural hair with minimum tension while maintaining moisture. Plus, taking them out creates an entirely new style. Twist hairstyles can last anywhere from a week to a few months, depending on the style and whether you use extensions.
Similar to braid hairstyles, there are many different types of twists. You can have flat twists, which resemble cornrows, but only use two strands of hair. Or, you can opt for extensions and create Senegalese twists or Marley twists with kinkier hair. Twists also serve as a transition hairstyle: when you have a two strand twist or flat twist in your hair and take it out, you have a whole new hairstyle. This is a great option for those interested in low manipulation or protective styles. You can twist your hair, wear it for up to a week and then take out the twists for another hairstyle that will last up one more week.
Here, our favorite twist hairstyles for natural Black hair, including easy flat twists, twist hairstyles with extensions and for medium hair and more.
1
Pinned Twists
Give your everyday twist hairstyle with extensions a new look like actress Kiki Layne. Pin up your twists for a night out or to show off your neckline.
2
Medium Twists
The bigger your twists, the less time you have to stay at the salon. Model Alicia Aylies' medium-size twists with extensions won't overwhelm your head nor are they too heavy. This is a great selection if you don't want too much tension on your scalp (that can lead to breakage and hair damage).
3
Twists for Short Hair
Actress Lupita Nyong'o shows us how great twist hairstyles look on short, natural hair. For added oomph, swoop them all to one side.
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4
High Pony Twists
Singer Willow Smith shows us you can be versatile with your locks, wearing a high ponytail with a twist in the front.
5
Oversize Twisted Updo
Go big with this natural twist hairstyle, which is great with kinky textured hair extensions for added volume.
6
Sleek Twist
Actress Issa Rae is the queen of natural hairstyles. With type 4 hair, a sleek ponytail may seem more difficult, but a twist or braid at the front can be just what you need for a chic look.
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7
Bejeweled Senegalase Twists
Look absolutely regal like actress Kerry Washington in gilded Senegalese twists. To give her hairstyle some extra pizzaz, she effortlessly decorates her twists with gold accessories.
8
Twist Updo
Evidence that twist hairstyles with extensions have versatility: actress Regina King's red carpet updo. If you don't want to wear your hair down, an easy twist hairstyle is to put them all up into a ponytail and wrap it into a bun.
9
Senegalese Twists
Actress Storm Reid shows us Senegalese twists are a great hairstyle for girls, too. If you are worried about your child looking too adult, opt for 10-14-inch length hair extensions.
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10
Coiled Twists
This coily twist hairstyle is made for short natural hair, as coils are a way to further define your curls. Take a comb and twist it around each curl for a shapely, long-lasting look.
11
Twists for Relaxed or Straight Hair
Yes, you can do a twisted hairstyle on medium, relaxed or straight Black hair. Actress Gabrielle Union shows us how with this sleek double bun that's connected through twists her hair.
12
Undercut Twists
For something more edgy, make like actress Meagan Good, who gets creative with her beautiful faux locs by adding an undercut. The first step in faux locs are two-strand twists, then you twist additional hair extensions over each twist to create the look of a loc.
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13
Flat Twist Out
Singer Solange Knowles' twist-out makes her platinum blonde afro pop. With this length of hair, flat twists will lead to a defined twist out that you can easily manipulate.
14
Half Up, Half Down Twists
Look ethereal like actress Skai Jackson with twists in a half up, half down style and defined edges.
15
Passion Twists
Passion twists look flattering on everyone, especially those with kinky hair. If your hair is short, add some length with extensions. If you don't want to spend hours in the salon, opt for crochet passion twists, which take about half the time.
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16
Twist Crown
For an easy twist hairstyle, make like Kerry Washington by creating a braided crown with her twists. This style is ideal for when you want to keep your hair off of your face yet still look refined.
17
Bun Twists
Turn heads with this sophisticated, sculptural take on a sleek bun by twisting your hair into a bow like Kiki Layne.
18
Sleek Ponytail Twists
If you have type 3 hair, you can get a twist hairstyle too. Singer Mabel McVey updated a braided ponytail by opting for a two-strand twist natural hairstyle.
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19
Twists-Braid Combo
Not sure if you want to wear braids or twists for your next natural hairstyle? Actress Shantol Jackson shows us you can do both with cornrows at the top of her cascading twists.
20
Voluminous Twist Updo
Comedian and actress Wanda Sykes pinned up her twist out to give her natural hair a voluminous and stylish look. You can achieve this by two-strand twisting your hair with a curling cream. (If you want your sides to be sleek, don't opt for flat twists to achieve this look.)
Danielle James
Digital Beauty Director
Danielle James is the Digital Beauty Director of ELLE.com. Previously, she was the Fashion and Beauty Director of HelloBeautiful.com and MadameNoire.com. She’s written for The Cut, InStyle, Allure, The Business of Fashion, Nylon, Essence, Good Housekeeping, and more. She enjoys sailing, thrifting, Japanese whiskey, Naomi Campbell’s runway walk, and Rihanna in the comment section.
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
In the world of natural hair, there are various styles available for different textures and curl patterns. One popular option is twists, also known as two strand twists. This hairstyle involves taking two locks of hair and wrapping them around each other. Twists are quicker to complete than braids and easier to take out. They are also a great option for protecting natural hair with minimum tension while maintaining moisture. Additionally, taking out the twists creates an entirely new style. The duration of twist hairstyles can vary from a week to a few months, depending on the style and whether extensions are used. Similar to braids, there are different types of twists, such as flat twists that resemble cornrows but use only two strands of hair. Extensions can also be added to create Senegalese twists or Marley twists with kinkier hair. Twists can also serve as a transition hairstyle, allowing for a whole new look when taken out. This makes them a great option for those interested in low manipulation or protective styles. Now, let's explore some specific twist hairstyles for natural Black hair:
Pinned Twists
Give your everyday twist hairstyle with extensions a new look by pinning up your twists for a night out or to show off your neckline.
Medium Twists
Medium-size twists with extensions, like the ones worn by model Alicia Aylies, are a great option if you don't want too much tension on your scalp.
Twists for Short Hair
Actress Lupita Nyong'o shows us how great twist hairstyles look on short, natural hair. For added style, you can swoop them all to one side.
High Pony Twists
Singer Willow Smith demonstrates versatility by wearing a high ponytail with a twist in the front.
Oversize Twisted Updo
Go big with this natural twist hairstyle, which is great with kinky textured hair extensions for added volume.
Sleek Twist
Actress Issa Rae, known for her natural hairstyles, shows that a sleek ponytail can be achieved with type 4 hair by incorporating a twist or braid at the front.
Bejeweled Senegalese Twists
Look absolutely regal like actress Kerry Washington by adding gold accessories to your Senegalese twists.
Twist Updo
Actress Regina King's red carpet updo showcases the versatility of twist hairstyles with extensions. You can put all your twists up into a ponytail and wrap it into a bun for an elegant look.
Senegalese Twists
Actress Storm Reid shows us that Senegalese twists are a great hairstyle for girls as well. Opt for shorter hair extensions if you want to achieve a more age-appropriate look.
Coiled Twists
This coily twist hairstyle is perfect for short natural hair, as it helps define your curls. Use a comb to twist each curl for a shapely and long-lasting look.
Twists for Relaxed or Straight Hair
Even medium, relaxed, or straight Black hair can be styled with twists. Actress Gabrielle Union demonstrates this with a sleek double bun connected through twists in her hair.
Undercut Twists
For a more edgy look, actress Meagan Good adds an undercut to her beautiful faux locs. The first step in achieving faux locs is creating two-strand twists, and then additional hair extensions are twisted over each twist to create the appearance of locs.
Flat Twist Out
Singer Solange Knowles' twist-out hairstyle showcases her platinum blonde afro. Flat twists are a great way to achieve a defined twist-out look that can be easily manipulated.
Half Up, Half Down Twists
Actress Skai Jackson looks ethereal with twists in a half up, half down style and defined edges.
Passion Twists
Passion twists look flattering on everyone, especially those with kinky hair. If your hair is short, you can add length with extensions. For a quicker option, consider crochet passion twists.
Twist Crown
Create a braided crown with your twists for an easy and elegant twist hairstyle, as seen on Kerry Washington.
Bun Twists
Turn heads with a sophisticated and sculptural take on a sleek bun by twisting your hair into a bow, similar to Kiki Layne's style.
Sleek Ponytail Twists
Even type 3 hair can be styled with twists. Singer Mabel McVey updates a braided ponytail by opting for a two-strand twist natural hairstyle.
Twists-Braid Combo
If you can't decide between braids or twists, you can do both. Actress Shantol Jackson combines cornrows at the top with cascading twists for a unique and stylish look.
Voluminous Twist Updo
Comedian and actress Wanda Sykes pins up her twist out to give her natural hair a voluminous and stylish look. Achieve this by two-strand twisting your hair with a curling cream.
These are just a few examples of twist hairstyles for natural Black hair. The versatility of twists allows for endless possibilities in styling and creativity.
