How To Do Two Strand Twist (Step By Step Guide)

Two Strand Twist or simply, Twists is a popular hairstyle that is achieved by twisting two sections of hair in the same direction (say clock-wise) and then twisting the two sections around each other in the opposite direction.

In this article we will share a short version of how to install 2-strand twists and a longer more detailed version which will include the preparation steps.

Here we go…

How To Do Two Strand Twist (Short Version)

Here is a quick10-step process on how to do two strand twists;

Wash, condition and lock in the moisture
Section the hair from the back towards the front side. Divide the large sections horizontally into smaller sections.
Use hair clips to hold and separate sections
Unclip the first section, detangle the with a wide-tooth comb or your fingers
Separate a smaller part to twist. The size of the twists depends on how you want them to look.
Separate the loose hair into two equal parts
Twist the two parts of hair individually in the same direction and then around each other on the opposite direction. Work from the roots down to the tips.
While twisting the hair, direct it in the way you want the twist to fall. If you want it to fall forward, begin the first twist in that direction.
Finger curl the ends with your index finger to keep the twists in place. This also prevents any future knots on your two-strand twists.
Repeat the above steps until you complete all sections of your hair.

How To Do Two Strand Twist (Detailed)

This a detailed guide for installing cute two strand twists that will protect your hair. (For those who enjoy visuals, we will share a video in the next section)

Step 1: Cleanse the hair

Wash your hair with a detangling shampoo to get rid of any sebum deposits, oil, and dirt.

You will need hair that is a little damp for a perfect two-strand twist hence do not let your hair be completely dry.

Step 2: Condition, detangle and massage

Apply a conditioner to soften the hair and make detangling easier.

Using a wide-tooth comb or your fingers , gently comb your hair from the roots all the way to the top.

Leave the conditioner in for 5 -10 minutes before you rinse it off.

Step 3: Lock in the moisturize

You can either use the LOC method (Liquid, Oil, and Cream) or the LCO (Liquid, Cream, and Oil ) to lock in the moisture before installing the twists.

The only difference between the two methods is the order in which you apply these products. Choose the method that works best for your hair type.

For both of these methods, choose a paraben-free, sulfate-free products.

Oils such as Argan and Avocado are great for low porosity hair, while heavier oils like olive and castor oils are perfect for high porosity hair.

Thick and heavy creams are good sealants for locking in moisture in your hair.

There are several other methods you can you to moisturize/hydrate your hair. Choose the one that works best for your hair.

Step 4: Install the two strand twists

Start by sectioning the hair from the back towards the front side. Divide the large sections horizontally into smaller sections.
Use hair clips to hold and separate sections securely
Work from the bottom as you come to the front side.
Unclip the first section, comb the hair in this section with a wide-tooth comb to ensure it has no tangles
Separate a smaller part to twist. The size of the twists depends on how you want them to look. For finer hair, smaller twists look better and fuller
Separate the loose hair into two equal parts
Twist the two parts of hair individually in the same direction and then around each other on the opposite direction. Work from the roots down to the tips.
While twisting the hair, direct it in the way you want the twist to fall. If you want it to fall forward, begin the first twist in that direction.
Finger curl the ends with your index finger to keep the twists in place. This also prevents any future knots on your two-strand twists.
Repeat the above steps until you complete all sections of your hair.

Pro tips:

If you want to achieve a tighter grip and neat look start by plaiting the base using the three strand braiding method then transition to two strand after 2 -3 rows of braiding.

Another easy method of achieving a tighter grip is to use the rubber band method.

Step 5: Dry and set

Let your hair dry in a hooded dryer for at least an hour. This is to avoid a frizzy twist out. Drying your hair completely will make your twists unravel perfectly.

Step 6: Maintain your twists

To keep your twists looking fresh and neat for long ensure you do the following:

Cover your hair while sleeping

Who wants frizzy hair in the morning? Sleeping in a satin scarf reduces friction caused by cotton bed sheets, helping keep your twists in shape.

To keep your twists intact use a satin scarf or bonnet. This material is less absorbent, breathable, and of course hypoallergenic.

Moisturize regularly

You can occasionally spray some water or conditioner onto your hair if you feel that your hair has dried up.

This gives your twists a fresh look that you will adore. Ensure your scalp is well moisturized by applying oils such as jojoba and coconut oil. These essential oils are great at locking in moisture.

Touch-up the edges

To minimize locking,simply redo the twists along the edges and nape. You can do this weekly. When you want to redo all the twists, you can use your existing twists as a template.

Re-twisting your existing twists saves you time spent on parting and sectioning your hair all over again.

Optional step: Deep condition if your hair needs it

If your hair is extremely dry or damaged in any way, then deep conditioning is your best bet.

Deep conditioning for about 40 minutes improves hair drastically making it shinier, softer, and of course easy to manage. To make installing two-strand twists easier on extremely dry hair, ensure you deep condition it.

You can extend the life of your two-strand twists for as long as you choose to, or until your next wash day. You can evenwash your hair in the twists and simply re-twist.

This usually reduces knots and tangles and makes the hair easier to manage during washing.

How To Do Two Strand Twists (Video tutorial)

For a visual tutorial here is a well-explained tutorial by OnlyOneJess. If you like her videos, show her some love by subscribing to her channel.

BTW, did you knowhair porosityplays a key role in hair growth? Take this simplehair porosity testto determine if your hair isHIGH, LOW or NORMAL porosity.

How To Do Two Strand Twist (Step By Step Guide) | Loving Kinky Curls (2024)