Having natural hair means we can twist, braid, straighten, and embrace the coils that grow from our scalps, and that diversity is pretty magical. And since we're on the topic of what our curls can do, let's talk about a style that seems to be everywhere these days: twists.
Twists are a favorite among naturals everywhere. I would imagine the love of twists comes from the ability to wear them short, with or without extensions, and in intricate updos. The styling possibilities are endless, and based on the exact twist style you choose, they can last for around six weeks.
Mini twists are one of our favorite ways to wear the twist style, because they last for up to two months (since they are easy to cleanse without disrupting the hard work that went into styling them). Also, maintenance is pretty simple: Be kind to your edges, get rid of buildup, and don't forget to wrap your hair with a silk scarf at night. Other than that, just enjoy this gorgeous, relatively low-maintenance style. Ahead, find 24 examples of twisted styles you can recreate at home or use as a reference for your stylist.
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Beaded Twists
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Even if you're wearing twists sans extensions, that doesn't mean you can't bring the drama. Try some beads on your ends, but be sure to use an elastic band that won't cause damage.
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The Loose Twist Out
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No matter your hair type, mini twists can be an effective way to protect your hair while creating a style you can enjoy up to four weeks.
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Wrapped Twists
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For some, twist hairstyles serve as a foundation for the perfect twist-out, prompting many who opt to try this style to leave it in for three to four days. If you want to add some oomph to the twists while they're baking, try a scarf.
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Shoulder-Length Jumbo Twists
Jumbo twists are ideal for those of us who love protective styles without the sometimes time-intensive process it takes to install them.
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Put It Up
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We love a protective style updo, but be careful with adding too much tension or weight to your edges or scalp to avoid any breakage.
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Go to Havana
Havana twists are a forever favorite. Here we see medium-sized twists, but you can go smaller or larger with Havana twists since the hair is typically lighter than extensions used for braids.
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Brown Beaded Twists
Brown beads on brown skin showcase the monochromatic trend at its best.
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Face-Framing Twists
Spring twists are always a good idea, given their light texture. The fringe around the face provides a stunning framing effect while the hair is pulled back.
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Twisted Finger Waves
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Though this look is braided, you could still create a similar style with twists for an elegant evening out or special occasion.
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Shoulder-Length Spring Twists
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Here's another example of how to wear spring twists at a shorter length. We love how this style uses rubber bands to secure the blunt ends.
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Twisted Space Buns
Space buns and stylized baby hair make this version of twists pop—and I bet this took under 15 minutes to create. Who says beauty has to take all day (though I'm not mad when it does)?
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Go Boho
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Beauty chameleon Ciara is giving us boho vibes with her gold-adorned twists. Here, she shows us that an accessory like sunglasses can add to your look with minimal effort.
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Side-Swept Twists
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Side parts work well on a range of face shapes, and Brittany Williams's oval face is no different.
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Parted Twisted Updo
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Between the off-the-shoulder top, red lip, and side-swept updo, I want to recreate this entire look. Laila-Jean reminds us that each beauty element we add, no matter how subtle, makes a difference.
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A Twisted Afro Puff
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Twists can be incorporated into your style in unique ways, as we see here with this play on texture.
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Gray Yarn Twists
This was my first time seeing yarn used for braids, and the innovative idea had me shook and inspired.
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Cropped Half-Up, Half-Down Twists
Having short hair doesn't mean you can only try a few styles. The beaded details on the sides of the hair make this a style worth recreating at home.
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Go Blonde (Temporarily)
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Take a page out of Brandy's protective style handbook and try on some blonde hues.
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Cropped Mini Twists
I love seeing naturals wear hats. I stopped purchasing hats when I went natural because they no longer fit, but with the right style, anything is possible.
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Flat Twisted Bantu Knots
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Mixed media art, or in this case, mixed hair artistry makes it easy to add a fresh spin to historical classics. Pomade, rubber bands, and a steady hand (for precision parting) are all you'll need to recreate this show-stopping style.
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Twisted Pigtails
You're never too old to wear two ponytails, and this beaded look makes trying out a childhood go-to worthwhile.
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Cropped Fringe Mini Twists
Juicy twists are every natural's post-wash day dream. To help your twist out go the extra mile, style them as Jasmine Winters did here before unraveling your curls.
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Flat Twisted Updo
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Here we have another example of how short hair can be reimagined into a stunning updo fit for any special occasion.
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Side-Parted Twisted Do
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With layers upon layers of intricate twisting and braiding, this updo has so much to offer.
