Q&A for How to Do a Twist Out

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  • Question
    How do I wash my twists if they get kind of dirty?
    Ndeye Anta Niang
    Hair Stylist & Master Braider
    Ndeye Anta Niang is a Hair Stylist, Master Braider, and Founder of AntaBraids, a traveling braiding service based in New York City. Ndeye has over 20 years of experience in African hair including braiding box braids, Senegalese twists, crochet braids, faux dread locs, goddess locs, kinky twists, and lakhass braids. Ndeye was the first female of her tribe in Africa to move to America and is now sharing her knowledge of African braids passed on from generation to generation.
    Hair Stylist & Master Braider
    Expert Answer
    Wash them very carefully! Don't be super rough when you're handling the twist stem and stay away from rubbing them too aggressively.
  • Question
    Why do my twists keep coming undone?
    Ndeye Anta Niang
    Hair Stylist & Master Braider
    Ndeye Anta Niang is a Hair Stylist, Master Braider, and Founder of AntaBraids, a traveling braiding service based in New York City. Ndeye has over 20 years of experience in African hair including braiding box braids, Senegalese twists, crochet braids, faux dread locs, goddess locs, kinky twists, and lakhass braids. Ndeye was the first female of her tribe in Africa to move to America and is now sharing her knowledge of African braids passed on from generation to generation.
    Hair Stylist & Master Braider
    Expert Answer
    It's possible that you aren't twisting them correctly. If you are and they're still coming undone, I'd highly recommend using mousse as you're finishing up your twists to keep your hair from getting too rebellious while it settles into its new shape.
  • Question
    Can I wash my twists?
    Ndeye Anta Niang
    Hair Stylist & Master Braider
    Ndeye Anta Niang is a Hair Stylist, Master Braider, and Founder of AntaBraids, a traveling braiding service based in New York City. Ndeye has over 20 years of experience in African hair including braiding box braids, Senegalese twists, crochet braids, faux dread locs, goddess locs, kinky twists, and lakhass braids. Ndeye was the first female of her tribe in Africa to move to America and is now sharing her knowledge of African braids passed on from generation to generation.
    Hair Stylist & Master Braider
    Expert Answer
    You can, but they may get kind of frizzy and unruly if you do. Your hair will do its natural thing when it is twisted, so you have to treat it like that when you wash it.
  • Question
    How long should you leave in a twist out?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    No longer than 8 weeks. Your style may still look good after that time, but it needs to be removed for sanitary reasons.
  • Question
    What products do you use for a twist out?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    A leave-in conditioner will make the twists less likely to tangle. Non-aerosol, non-sticky hair spray will help create a polished look.
  • Question
    Are there special steps for different hair types?
    Ashley Adams
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Ashley Adams is a Licensed Cosmetologist and Hair Stylist in Illinois. She completed her Cosmetology education at John Amico School of Hair Design in 2016.
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Expert Answer
    If your hair isn’t natural, as in being African American hair or curly hair, your 2-strand twists may not have as much definition, and they will have the potential of unraveling. Two strand twists aren’t a good method for curling hair if you have naturally straight hair. Consider doing a rod set to achieve curls and waves.
  • Question
    Can any ethnic culture set their hair this way?
    Ashley Adams
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Ashley Adams is a Licensed Cosmetologist and Hair Stylist in Illinois. She completed her Cosmetology education at John Amico School of Hair Design in 2016.
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Expert Answer
    Yes. However, if your hair doesn’t have texture to it, the twists may unravel and may not set properly. The final result may not have as much definition.
  • Question
    Is it better to twist dry or wet hair?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    You can do it either way, but twisting hair that is wet or damp tends to result in more well-defined twists than working with dry hair.
  • Question
    Should you twist your hair every night?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    That depends on your individual hair, the humidity level where you live, and a variety of other factors. You may have to experiment around to figure out what works for you. If you do re-twist frequently, use plenty of moisturizer and be careful not to twist too tightly so you don’t put stress on your hair and cause breakage.
  • Question
    How long does a twist out last?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    With a proper care, a twist out can last 1-2 weeks. Make sure to keep the ends moisturized and let the twists set for as long as possible (i.e., at least 3-5 days) before releasing them. When you sleep, wear a silk or satin bonnet to protect your hair.
  • Question
    Will this still work with long hair?
    Community Answer
    Yes, this can definitely work for long hair too.
  • Question
    If I have a perm, can I just twist my hair?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can. First, wash your hair. After it has dried, apply conditioner and serum. Twist your hair using perm rods, splitting your hair into sections, and leave it overnight. Remove the perm rods in the morning, comb your hair, and you'll be all done!
  • Question
    My hair is 4c but is medium-short and its hard to twist. What should I do?
    Community Answer
    Use smaller sections and twist your hair when it is wet.
  • Question
    Can you twist out short hair?
    Robin Sager
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can. You may just need to modify your technique a little bit to see what works best for the length and hair type. You'll also have to consider whether or not you want tight curls close to the scalp or more loose ones that are less defined.
  • Question
    Why is my twist out hair more frizzy overnight?
    Robin Sager
    Community Answer
    You may need to start sleeping with your hair in a nightcap or start to use a satin pillowcase. Both of these products will help to keep your hair silky and reduce frizziness. You may also need to add more natural oil product to your hair when handling it.
  • Question
    How do I move the twists out my face when trying to sleep? I keep having to re-tuck them inside.
    Community Answer
    Wear a hat over your twists. When you make your twists, make sure you twist them away from your face.
  • Question
    Does your hair necessarily need to be washed?
    Robin Sager
    Community Answer
    It's a good idea to fully wash your hair before trying out a twist as this helps any product, like gel or oil, to more fully cling to your hair. However, if you are in a hurry, you can simply spritz your hair with water to make it damp before twisting.
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