30 Gorgeous Twist Hairstyles for Natural Hair
Try these easy, stunning alternatives to braids.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Half Up, Half Down Twists
Look ethereal like actress Skai Jackson 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, 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.
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.
Bun Twists
Turn heads with this sophisticated, sculptural take on a sleek bun by twisting your hair into a bow like Kiki Layne.
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.
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.
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 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.
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