Twisting natural hair creates a beautiful natural hairstyle that can be worn in a variety of styles. Whether your twisting your hair to start a loc journey or to prepare for a twist out, keep reading to learn more about twisting on wet hair vs. twisting on dry hair.
Two Strand Twists on natural hair can be done on wet hair or dry hair. Two Strand Twists on Wet natural hair result in springy twists. Two Strand Twist on dry hair results in elongated twists. Two Strand Twists on dry hair to blend natural and relaxed hair. Finger Coils (Single Strand Twists) should be done on wet hair results.
Twists on Dry Hair
Tools for Twisting on Dry Hair:
- Hair Cream
- Comb to Part Sections
- Product for Hold (Optional)
Preparing to twist on Dry Hair
If you want to show off the length and have a fuller look, Twist your hair while it is dry. There are a number of ways to dry natural hair. It can be blow-dried hair, or hair that was dried in a few braids.
If you plan to wear the twists for more than a day or two, it is a good idea to wash your hair prior to twisting.
Even if you are twisting on dry hair, make sure your hair is properly moisturized. A popular technique for naturals is the Liquid Oil Cream (LOC) method. After you wash your hair you will want to apply a leave-in conditioner, followed by an oil, and a styling cream or butter.
Add a little moisture to your ends for a finished look. When you are twisting on dry hair, especially hair that has been blown straight, the ends may look a little stringy. If you are natural, add a little bit of water and styling product to the very ends of your hair. This will help activate your natural curls.
When twisting on relaxed or transitioning hair, adding a perm rod to curl the end of your twist will help to complete the look.
Twists on Wet Hair
Two Strand Twists on Wet Hair
Tools for Twisting on Wet Hair :
- Gel or Mousse for Hold (optional)
- Wide Tooth comb or gentle Detangling and Parting
- Spray Bottle to wet hair as you Twist
- Pin Tailor Rat Tail comb for Finger Coils (Optional)
Twist on Wet hair for cute springy twists that show off beautiful kinks, curls, and coils. Adding a little Gel while twisting is a good way to add a little shine and hold. Gel can sometimes weigh your hair down.
If you have fine strands you may opt for Mousse as a styling product. Mousse provides a flexible hold, but it is very lightweight. Twists styled with mousse will dry more quiclky than twists styled with gel.
If you will only be wearing the twists for a short time, a holding product is not required. You could use a curl cream or styling product of choice.
Single Strand Twist on Wet Hair
Single strand twists ,also known as comb coils and finger coils are best done on wet hair. Single Strand Twist are sometimes used to start locs. The only way I have been able to successfully finger coil my hair has been on wet hair with a generous amount of gel. In the video below the Chic Natural demonstrates how to do single strand twist on wet hair.
Comb Coils, Finger Coils or Single Strand twists are one of the popular ways to start locs. When single strand twists are left in the hair for an extended period of time with proper maintenance, they will mature into locs.
Twist On Damp Hair: My Preferred Method
Twist on Damp Hair, best of both worlds. A little elongation and still show off your kinks and curls. I like twisting on damp hair because it minimizes shrinkage but still shows of the texture of my hair.
If I am twisting freshly washed hair, I allow it to partially dry in large braids. I will start twisting once my hair is at least 50% dry. As I am twisting I add my styling butter of choice. I keep a spray bottle nearby in case my hair gets too dry as I am twisting.