8 Ways to Make a Twist Out Last a Long Time

By Chinwe (pictured above) of Hair and Health

The twistout is one of many hairstyle options one can do to maintain healthy hair. It requires no heat usage, thus preventing heat damage. It can be worn for days at a time, therefore requiring little mechanical manipulation to our tresses. With the twistout there is no tension on the scalp, and thus no damage to the hair follicle. What’s more? It is a cute, summer hairstyle for any length of natural hair! Here are 8 tips to help your twist outs last longer.

1. Twist on 90% wet or damp hair.

Twisting on dry hair will produce a twistout that only lasts for a short period.  Rather, it is important to twist on wet or damp hair in order to achieve optimal definition and a long-lasting twistout.  Avoid twisting on hair that is 100% wet; fully wet hair is more prone to breakage via tension while twisting.  Also, allow the hair to dry completely before undoing your twists.

2. Twist using a mixture of a butter and gel

Using a butter (e.g., shea, mango) in combination with a gel will not only make for a very defined twistout, but one that allows for maximum wear.  The butter-gel combination will provide a soft hold for your twistout while locking in moisture.  However, be sure to avoid alcohol-based gels, which can dry the hair.

3. Coil the ends of the twists

For some naturals, twisting down to the very ends of the hair can lead to twistouts with frizzy ends.  An alternative method is to twist until just before you reach the ends of your hair and then coil these ends around your finger.  If your ends don’t quite coil with this alternative, then try twisting them very loosely as compared to the rest of the strand.

4. Wear smaller twists and for a longer period

The bigger your twists, the less defined the twistout, which in turn leads to quicker reversion of the style. Additionally, the shorter the period you wear your twists, the more quickly your twistout will revert as well.  The longest-lasting twistouts are achieved from wearing small to medium-sized twists for a minimum of 3-5 days to set.

5.  Do not borrow while twisting

While twisting for a twistout, do not borrow hair from one of the two strands along the way.  This tactic is usually done to compensate for a twist that started off with one big strand and one small strand.  However, undoing such a twist can lead to a disastrous, frizzy twistout.

6.  Do not over separate the twistout

Separate each twist into two sections, if possible, or up to four sections at the maximum.  Any further separation can contribute to frizz and shorter wear of the style.

7. Avoid humectants and re-moisturization (if possible)

Try to avoid moisturizers that contain humectants (e.g., glycerin, propylene glycol, etc.), which are meant to draw in moisture from the air and thus, may shorten the duration of your twistout.  Additionally, keep moisturizing to a minimum after unleashing your twistout.  In order to do this, moisturize before taking down your twists.  If you happen to be a natural whose hair cannot survive without humectants or re-moisturization while wearing a twistout, then choose health over duration of the style.  Frizz can still be minimized by opting for a light moisturizing spritz instead of a moisturizer you must apply by hand.

8. Secure the twistout before you sleep

For those with medium to long hair, put your twistout into 10-12 loose, big twists and cover with a satin bonnet.  In the morning, just undo the big twists and fluff your original twistout into place.  For those with shorter hair, there is no need to retwist prior to bedtime.  Simply cover your twistout with a satin bonnet.  In the morning, remove the bonnet and fluff your hair.  These methods will help to minimize frizz and reversion.

Ladies, how do you maximize the wear of your twistout?