Marley twists are a stylish, low-maintenance protective hairstyle that’s perfect for anyone looking to grow or protect their natural hair. They are made using Marley hair extensions, which mimic the texture of natural Afro hair, giving the twists a fuller, more authentic look. While it may seem challenging to install Marley twists on short hair, with the right techniques and a bit of patience, you can achieve this stunning look.
This article will guide you through the steps on how to do Marley twists on short hair, from preparation to final styling. Let’s dive into the details!
What You Need to Get Started
Before starting the Marley twist installation, gather all the necessary tools and products. Here is a list of what you’ll need:
- Marley hair extensions (2-3 packs, depending on the size and thickness of your twists)
- Rat-tail comb (for parting)
- Hair clips (to hold sections of your hair)
- Edge control gel or hair wax (for smooth parting and neat installation)
- Moisturizer or leave-in conditioner (to hydrate your natural hair)
- Shine or holding spray (to add a natural sheen and set your twists)
- Scissors (to trim any uneven ends)
Once you have all your materials, it’s time to prep your hair.
Preparing Your Hair for Marley Twists
Proper preparation is key to ensuring a long-lasting and healthy protective style. Follow these steps before installing the Marley twists.
Step 1: Clean and Condition Your Hair
Start with freshly washed hair. It’s important to cleanse your scalp thoroughly to remove any dirt, oil, or product buildup. Use a sulfate-free shampoo to avoid stripping your hair of its natural oils. Follow up with a deep conditioning treatment to hydrate and soften your hair, making it easier to work with.
Step 2: Moisturize and Stretch Your Hair
After washing and conditioning, apply a leave-in conditioner or a moisturizing cream to your hair. This will keep your natural hair hydrated while it’s in the protective style. For short hair, stretching is crucial as it helps the twists hold better. You can stretch your hair by blow-drying it on a low heat setting or by using the banding method (tying small sections with hair bands to elongate them).
Step 3: Section Your Hair
Use a rat-tail comb to part your hair into small sections. The size of your sections will determine the size of your Marley twists. For a fuller look, you can make medium to large sections, while smaller sections will give a more defined, natural appearance. Secure each section with a hair clip to keep them separate.
Choosing the Right Marley Hair Extensions
Marley hair extensions come in different lengths and textures, so choose a type that matches the look you’re going for. If your natural hair is very short, opt for shorter Marley hair (8 to 12 inches) to avoid too much tension on your scalp. For a fuller and more textured twist, you can use more than one strand of Marley hair per twist.
Installing Marley Twists on Short Hair
Now that your hair is prepped, it’s time to start installing the twists. Follow these detailed steps to achieve neat and secure Marley twists on short hair.
Step 1: Take One Section of Hair
Start with one section of your parted hair. Apply edge control gel to the base of the section to ensure a smooth, neat twist. If your hair is particularly short, you may want to twist a bit of your natural hair first to give the Marley hair a firm base to attach to.
Step 2: Attach the Marley Hair
Take a piece of Marley hair and fold it in half. Place the folded part at the root of your natural hair section, using your natural hair as the third strand to start a braid. Begin braiding the Marley hair with your natural hair at the base, ensuring the Marley hair is tightly secured. Braid for about half an inch to an inch before switching to twisting.
Step 3: Twist the Marley Hair
After braiding the base, divide the two strands of Marley hair evenly. Begin twisting the two sections together, making sure to twist tightly but not too tight that it causes tension on your scalp. Continue twisting down to the end of the Marley hair.
Step 4: Seal the Ends
Once you reach the end of the Marley hair, you can seal the twist by rubbing the ends between your palms or by dipping the ends in hot water (if you want a curlier finish). For short hair, sealing the ends is essential to prevent unraveling and to give a polished look to your twists.
Repeat the Process
Continue this process for each section of your hair, attaching the Marley hair and twisting it all the way to the ends. Be sure to keep the sections neat and uniform to achieve a balanced, polished look. Depending on the length and thickness of your hair, this process can take anywhere from 4 to 8 hours, so be patient!
Styling Your Marley Twists
Once you’ve installed all your Marley twists, it’s time to style them to suit your preference. Here are a few styling options for short hair:
Option 1: Half-Up, Half-Down
Pull the front section of your Marley twists into a ponytail or bun, leaving the back section down. This style is great for showcasing the length of your twists while keeping them out of your face.
Option 2: Twisted Crown
Create a regal, crown-like look by twisting sections of the hair around your head and securing them with bobby pins. This style works well for formal occasions and adds a unique twist to your look.
Option 3: Accessorize
Add hair cuffs, beads, or decorative pins to your Marley twists to give them a personal touch. These accessories not only add style but also help to secure any loose ends.
See Also: How To Make Hair Bun For Indian Wedding
Caring for Your Marley Twists
To keep your Marley twists looking fresh and neat, follow these maintenance tips:
Moisturize Regularly
Even though your hair is in a protective style, it’s essential to keep your scalp and natural hair moisturized. Use a light oil or leave-in spray to hydrate your scalp and twists every few days.
Wrap Your Hair at Night
To maintain the longevity of your twists and prevent frizz, wrap your hair with a satin scarf or bonnet every night before bed. This helps to keep the twists smooth and secure.
Touch-Up Your Edges
Over time, your natural hair may start to frizz at the roots. Use edge control gel to smooth down your edges and keep your twists looking neat.
Avoid Heavy Products
Using heavy creams or gels can weigh down your twists and cause buildup. Stick to light oils and sprays to keep your hair feeling fresh.
How Long Can You Keep Marley Twists?
Marley twists can last anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks with proper care. Since they are installed on short hair, you may need to re-twist any sections that begin to loosen or unravel over time. However, avoid keeping them in for too long, as this can lead to matting or breakage of your natural hair.
Conclusion
Marley twists are a versatile and protective hairstyle that can be easily achieved on short hair with the right techniques and tools. By following this step-by-step guide, you can install Marley twists that are neat, secure, and stylish. Whether you choose to wear them long, short, or accessorized, Marley twists are a perfect way to protect your natural hair while still looking fabulous.
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