Twisting short natural hair is a stylish and versatile way to maintain your hair while adding texture and volume. Whether you’re new to natural hair care or looking to try something new, twists are an excellent protective style that can be done on any length of hair, including short hair. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about twisting short natural hair, including the preparation process, different twisting methods, and tips for maintaining your twists. By the end of this article, you’ll feel confident in your ability to twist your hair at home.
What Are Twists?
Twists are a popular hairstyle in the natural hair community that involves sectioning the hair and twisting two strands together from root to tip. This style can be worn on various hair lengths and textures, but it is particularly popular among those with natural, curly, or kinky hair. Twists can be styled in various ways, such as twist-outs, flat twists, or mini twists. They are not only stylish but also serve as a protective hairstyle, helping to retain moisture and reduce breakage.
Benefits of Twisting Short Natural Hair
Before diving into the how-to, it’s important to understand the benefits of twisting your short natural hair. Here are some key advantages:
1. Low Manipulation
Twisting your hair requires minimal daily maintenance, reducing the amount of manipulation your hair undergoes. This helps prevent breakage and promotes hair growth.
2. Versatility
Twists can be styled in numerous ways. You can wear them down, pin them up, or unravel them for a twist-out look. The versatility makes it easy to switch up your style without causing damage.
3. Moisture Retention
Twisting your hair helps to lock in moisture, which is crucial for maintaining healthy, natural hair. The twists protect your hair from environmental factors that can cause dryness and breakage.
4. Protective Styling
Twists serve as a protective style that shields your hair from excessive manipulation, environmental stressors, and potential damage from heat styling.
Preparing Your Hair for Twisting
Proper preparation is key to achieving neat and long-lasting twists. Here’s how to get your hair ready:
1. Start with Clean Hair
Always begin with freshly washed hair. Use a sulfate-free shampoo to cleanse your scalp and hair, followed by a moisturizing conditioner. Clean hair ensures that your twists will be smooth and free from product buildup.
2. Deep Condition Your Hair
Deep conditioning is crucial, especially for natural hair. It helps to hydrate your hair, making it more manageable and reducing the risk of breakage. Leave the deep conditioner on for 15-30 minutes under a plastic cap, then rinse thoroughly.
3. Detangle Your Hair
Detangling is an important step before twisting. Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to gently detangle your hair while it’s still damp. Start from the ends and work your way up to the roots to minimize breakage.
4. Apply a Leave-In Conditioner
After detangling, apply a leave-in conditioner to keep your hair hydrated. This step helps to soften your hair and makes it easier to twist.
5. Use a Styling Cream or Gel
To achieve smooth and defined twists, apply a styling cream or gel to each section of your hair before twisting. This product will help to hold the twist in place and reduce frizz.
Choosing the Right Twisting Method
There are several methods you can use to twist your short natural hair, each offering a different look and level of hold. Below are three popular twisting techniques:
1. Two-Strand Twists
Two-strand twists are the most common method of twisting natural hair. This style is easy to do and works well on all hair lengths, including short hair.
How to Do Two-Strand Twists:
Section Your Hair: Start by dividing your hair into small sections. The smaller the sections, the tighter and more defined the twists will be.
Divide the Section: Take a small section of hair and split it into two equal parts.
Twist the Hair: Begin twisting the two strands around each other, starting from the roots and working your way down to the ends. Ensure that you twist tightly enough so that the twist holds, but not so tight that it causes tension on your scalp.
Secure the Ends: When you reach the end of the section, you can either twirl the ends around your finger to create a curl or use a small amount of gel to hold them in place.
2. Finger Coils
Finger coils create a more defined curl pattern and are great for short hair that may not hold a twist as well.
How to Do Finger Coils:
Section Your Hair: Similar to two-strand twists, begin by sectioning your hair into small parts.
Apply Product: Take a small section of hair and apply a styling gel or cream from the roots to the ends.
Twist with Your Finger: Wrap the section of hair around your finger, starting from the root and working down to the end. Continue twisting until the hair forms a coil.
Release the Coil: Gently release the coil from your finger. The hair should spring into a tight curl.
3. Flat Twists
Flat twists are a combination of cornrows and two-strand twists, where the hair is twisted flat against the scalp. This style works well for creating intricate patterns and protecting your hair.
How to Do Flat Twists:
Part Your Hair: Use a rat-tail comb to create clean, straight parts in your hair. Decide where you want the flat twists to be placed.
Section Your Hair: Take a small section of hair near the part and divide it into two strands.
Twist Close to the Scalp: Begin twisting the two strands around each other, but instead of pulling the hair away from the scalp, twist it flat against your head, adding more hair to the twist as you move along the part.
Continue Twisting: Continue twisting down the section of hair until you reach the end, then twirl the ends to secure the twist.
See Also: 12 Ways To Style Short Curly Black Hair
Caring for Your Twists
Maintaining your twists is crucial for keeping them looking fresh and preventing damage to your hair. Here are some tips for caring for your twists:
1. Moisturize Regularly
Even with twists, your hair still needs moisture. Use a light leave-in conditioner or a water-based moisturizer to keep your hair hydrated. You can also use a light oil, such as coconut or jojoba oil, to seal in the moisture.
2. Protect Your Twists at Night
To maintain your twists, it’s important to protect them while you sleep. Use a satin or silk bonnet, or sleep on a satin pillowcase to reduce friction and prevent frizz.
3. Refresh Your Twists
If your twists start to look frizzy or lose their shape, you can refresh them by applying a small amount of styling gel or cream to the roots and ends. You can also re-twist any sections that have unraveled.
4. Avoid Over-Manipulation
While it can be tempting to constantly touch or restyle your twists, try to limit how often you manipulate them. Over-manipulation can lead to frizz and breakage.
5. Wash Your Twists Gently
When washing your twists, be gentle to avoid unraveling them. Use a diluted shampoo or a cleansing conditioner and apply it to your scalp. Rinse with lukewarm water and pat your twists dry with a microfiber towel or an old T-shirt.
How Long Should You Keep Twists In?
The duration you can keep your twists in depends on how well you maintain them and your hair’s natural texture. Generally, you can keep twists in for two to six weeks. However, it’s essential to listen to your hair. If your scalp becomes itchy, or if your twists start to look matted, it may be time to take them down and give your hair a break.
Taking Down Your Twists
When it’s time to remove your twists, it’s important to do so carefully to avoid damaging your hair.
1. Apply Oil
Before taking down your twists, apply a light oil to your fingers. This will help to reduce frizz and add moisture as you unravel the twists.
2. Gently Unravel
Start from the ends of your hair and gently unravel each twist. Take your time to avoid causing unnecessary breakage.
3. Detangle Your Hair
Once all the twists are out, gently detangle your hair with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb. Be sure to remove any shed hair that may have accumulated while your hair was in twists.
4. Follow Up with a Deep Condition
After taking down your twists, it’s a good idea to deep condition your hair to restore moisture and elasticity.
Styling Options After Twists
After removing your twists, you have a variety of styling options. You can wear your hair in a twist-out, which will give you defined curls and waves. Alternatively, you can style your hair in an updo, a puff, or even re-twist it for a fresh look.
Conclusion
Twisting short natural hair is a wonderful way to embrace and protect your natural texture. Whether you’re using two-strand twists, finger coils, or flat twists, this versatile style can be tailored to suit your preferences and lifestyle. By following the steps and tips outlined in this guide, you can achieve beautiful, long-lasting twists that keep your hair healthy and stylish. Remember to be patient with the process and enjoy experimenting with different styles and techniques. With practice, twisting your hair will become a rewarding part of your natural hair care routine.