Kinky twists are a timeless favorite in the world of protective hairstyles. Not only do they look amazing, but they also serve as a great way to protect your natural hair. Whether you’re beating the summer heat or shielding your hair from winter’s chill, kinky twists are versatile, stylish, and practical. Best of all, they’re a DIY dream, allowing you to save big while creating a custom look that fits your style.
Here’s your go-to guide to achieving flawless kinky twists, complete with tips, tools, and expert advice to ensure a smooth and rewarding experience.
Why Kinky Twists Are the Ultimate Protective Style
Kinky twists aren’t just a hairstyle, they’re an investment in your hair’s health. Their versatility makes them ideal for achieving various looks, from free-flowing elegance to chic updos. Plus, the protective nature of twists minimizes manipulation, helping to reduce hair breakage and promote growth.
Why should you try kinky twists?
- Low-Maintenance Elegance: Save time on daily styling while keeping your hair neat and polished.
- Growth Support: Protective styles help nurture your natural hair by limiting exposure to heat and daily wear.
- Cost-Effective: Salon visits can cost hundreds of dollars—but with a little patience and the right products, you can do it yourself at a fraction of the price.
Preparing Your Natural Hair
To get the best results, preparation is key. Dedicate some time to cleaning and moisturizing your hair before you begin the twisting process. Proper preparation ensures your style lasts longer and keeps your natural hair protected.
Follow these steps to prep your hair for kinky twists:
- Wash and Deep Condition: Start with clean, freshly washed hair. Use a moisturizing deep conditioner to soften and hydrate.
- Detangle Thoroughly: Work through any tangles with a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to avoid knots during the installation.
- Moisturize and Seal: Apply a leave-in conditioner like Kinky-Curly Knot Today, followed by a lightweight oil such as jojoba or grapeseed to lock in moisture.
- Stretch Your Hair (Optional): Blow-dry on a low setting using the tension method to reduce shrinkage and provide a smoother base for twisting.
Pro Tip: Use a heat protectant or grapeseed oil during blow-drying to prevent heat damage.
The Tools and Supplies You’ll Need
Before you begin, assemble your tools and products to streamline the process. Here’s a checklist of essentials for DIY kinky twists:
Products
- Marley Hair Extensions: Choose extensions with a texture that matches your natural hair for a seamless blend.
- Edge Control Gel: For sleek parts and polished edges, edge control is a must.
- Hydrating Spray: A water-based leave-in conditioner spray will keep your twists hydrated over time.
Tools
- Rat-Tail Comb: Ideal for creating sections and precise parts.
- Hair Clips or Bands: Keep sections tidy and manageable as you work.
- Crochet Needle (Optional): If you prefer the crochet installation method, this tool can speed up the process.
I started with freshly washed hair, then washed, conditioned and also went ahead and deep conditioned since I planned to keep my hair in this style for at least a month. Once my hair was clean and separated into four sections, I applied Kinky-Curly Knot Today as my base leave-in, EDEN BodyWorks Peppermint Hair Oil and EDEN BodyWorks Hair Milk to seal it all in. This combination of products gave me soft, well moisturized hair and allowed me to proceed to the next step.
How to Install Kinky Twists: Now on to the fun and hard part!
- I started with my hair in eight sections, four across the front and four across the back. I found it easier to start in the back of my head, though you can start in the front or around the perimeter. I used Marley braid hair which comes sectioned into 20 pieces per package. I chose not to cut the hair in half since I have longer hair and wanted to make sure I covered my entire length. I also wanted the longer twists look.
- I made small parts, between ¼” and ½” and used the braiding first method to attach the extensions.
- I started by creating a braid with my hair and the two sections of Marley braid hair.
- With my hair between the two pieces of braid hair, I wrapped my hair over the braid hair and back to the middle position, creating a secure hold so that I could continue braiding.
- Once I got down about an inch or so, I twisted my hair around one piece of braid hair to get two pieces and then began two strand twisting to the ends.
- I repeated this over a total of 160 twists and 16 hours later I was done!
Caring for Your Kinky Twists
Proper upkeep will keep your kinky twists looking fresh and ensure your natural hair stays healthy underneath. Here’s how to care for your twists:
- Moisturize Regularly: Use a spray made of water, leave-in conditioner, and a few drops of oil to keep both your hair and the extensions hydrated.
- Protect While Sleeping: Wrap your hair in a satin scarf or sleep on a satin pillowcase to minimize frizz and preserve moisture.
- Wash Gently: Use a diluted shampoo solution for your scalp and rinse carefully without disturbing the twists.
- Retouch Where Needed: Focus on refreshing the edges and any loose strands to prolong the style’s life.
Removing Your Kinky Twists
When it’s time to take your twists down, be gentle to avoid damaging your natural hair.
- Cut Close to the Ends: Snip the extensions near the ends, far from your natural hair.
- Unravel Carefully: Gently untwist and separate the hair to prevent tangles.
- Detangle and Wash: After all extensions are removed, detangle thoroughly and follow up with a nourishing wash and deep conditioning treatment.
Share Your Kinky Twist Journey!
Kinky twists are more than just a hairstyle; they’re a way to showcase your creativity and nurture your natural hair. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned pro, there’s always room to learn and share new techniques.
Have you tried kinky twists? What tips or products worked wonders for you? Drop your thoughts and experiences in the comments—we’d love to hear from you!
With this step-by-step guide, you’re ready to create stunning kinky twists that protect your hair and reflect your style. Go ahead, grab your tools, and start crafting your masterpiece today!
It’s important to make sure you don’t pull the hair too tight, especially around your hairline. You can create larger parts, but try not to put too much stress on weak areas.
Final Thoughts
Although this was a long process, it was definitely worth it. If you were to get this type of style done at a braid shop it could easily cost upwards of $250 dollars or more, depending on the length and thickness of your hair. The great thing about being able to braid your own hair is that you can, not only save loads of money, but you can also refresh your style and perform any maintenance when needed. Kinky twists are a great protective style for any occasion and I’ve gotten lots of compliments on them already. They blend quite well with my own hair and will last four to six weeks.
FAQ’s for 2025 Kinky Twists for Natural Hair
What Are Kinky Twists, and Why Are They Popular in 2023?
How Long Can I Keep Kinky Twists in My Hair?
Can Kinky Twists Be Installed on Natural Hair of Any Length?
How Should I Prepare My Hair Before Getting Kinky Twists?
1. Wash and condition your hair to ensure it’s clean and moisturized.
2. Detangle your hair gently to prevent knots and tangles during the installation process.
3. Consider doing a protein treatment if your hair is on the weaker side to give it added strength.
What Kind of Hair Extensions Should I Use for Kinky Twists?
How Do I Care for My Scalp and Hair While Wearing Kinky Twists?
1. Moisturize your scalp as needed with a lightweight oil or a water and leave-in conditioner mixture.
2. Keep your hair and scalp clean by using a diluted shampoo and focusing on your scalp while washing.
3. Wrap your twists in a satin or silk scarf or use a satin pillowcase at night to prevent frizz and maintain moisture.
How Do I Refresh My Kinky Twists Between Appointments?
Spritz them with a water and leave-in conditioner mix to rehydrate and reshape them.
Use a small amount of hair oil to add shine and reduce frizz.
Gently retwist any sections that have become loose.
How Do I Safely Remove My Kinky Twists?
1. Use scissors to snip the extensions close to your natural hair, being careful not to cut your own hair.
2. Gently unravel the twists and detangle your natural hair.
3. Wash, condition, and deep condition your hair to restore moisture and health.
WATCH- Kinky Twists – A Fast and Easy Method
Have you ever installed your own Kinky Twists? Share!
This article was originally published in 2012 and has been updated for grammar and clarity.
Kinky twists should actually last longer than the said 4-6 weeks above in the article. It should last anywhere from 2-3 months. Hello easy maintenance! and TIP: I've been wearing kinky twists for two years on and off now. To extend the shelf life of your twists maintenance your hair sections as at time so the process of redoing it all isn't overwhelming. Take out the top and edges and re-do that first since it is the most exposed part/suceptible to getting frayed/damaged. Then do the middle another week..then the bottom another week..You get the idea!
I have never done my own kinky twist but after reading step-by-step I am willing to try and very excited about the outcome. From reading previous comments I found her videos on YouTube so thank you
Yes and yes, I finally learned how to perform the style on myself after viewing a few you tube videos. It was the best experience of my life to do it myself, my hubby thought "WOW you are still at it huh" of course after starting you can't stop and once I saw the results, I was soooo happy and it only cost me $28.97 best price ever.
Now that I'm able to do my hair, I graduated to performing this same task on my daughter and I'm proud of myself again, so yes doing it yourself is a plus and will save tons of money in the end.
As a matter of fact I just removed my Kinky Twist. It was the first time I had ever installed hair into my hair. It took the same amount of time as you but, it was over a two day period. I kept them in for a month and a half. I wanted my hair to rest before I get my next protective style… Dookie Braids…:-)
Gorgeous
I've done some Senegalese twists before and loved it. It does take time but so worth it. The hair I use is 1.99 a pack and you would never know.. Im going to put some in shortly for the end if the summer. I usually do mine over about 3 days and always do enough so that I can wear a ponytail until I finish completely.
Great post! Once I found a good tutorial on line 2 years ago on Kinky twists. It has become my go to style I put the style in at least 3 tines a year for about 3-6 weeks! I love experimenting with different color combinatiobs
I wore kinky twists for the first time this year. Started putting them in at the end of December as a winter to spring protective style and reinstalled every four to five weeks until the end of May (got a little hooked on the low-maintenance day to day of them!). First I used the Marley hair and then switched to Afro Puffy Twist hair which I found to be much softer and easier to wear. I've never had anyone braid or twist my hair, just learned from watching (many) videos online. My first two attempts were … aesthetically challenged, but by the end of January I'd gotten the hang of it, enough to install twists for my mom, which she loved!
My process is a little different from the one described above, but I think that's because a) I don't really know what I'm doing and b) I was going for a slightly different effect. I didn't blow out or stretch my hair before installing the twist hair. I let it dry for a little and installed the twists on half-wet hair. I did that because I get a lot of shrinkage when my hair air dries and because blowing my hair out makes it so flat and I wanted my hair as thick and full as it could be when I put the twists in. I thought the shrinkage would help tighten the twists (no idea if this is true or even makes sense as an assumption!) and would also add to the puffyness of the twists in the end.
One other difference in process is that I started directly with twists, no braid-first. That was mostly out of impatience, but also because I didn't like the feeling of a knot of twist hair at my scalp. Starting directly with the twist seemed to blend the twist hair more naturally with my hair. My own family didn't guess that I was wearing the twist hair.
I'm back to extension-less hair right now, but thinking I'll install another kinky twist at the end of September before I leave for vacation. Wearing the twists during the winter really forced me to change my attitude about extensions. I don't know if I'll wear them every winter, but they make a good, easy-care protective style that forces me to leave my hair alone for a little while.
Oh, my hair: thick, super-kinky, shoulder-length.
They look great! And you gave easy how-to instructions.
I had kinky twists installed last summer and thought the style was okay but she put way too much hair on my edges. I eventually took the perimeter down and redid them myself with so while I have not done my whole head I have done a few before and would probably do it myself next time.
I have done my own 3 times! I used Afro Kinky Bulk hair (2) and Spring Twist hair from Eon once. I love them! It is a big time commitment but it is worth the time from a financial and weeks of carefree hair standpoint–in my opinion. Happy hair ladies!!
I haven't tried Kinky Twists yet because I'm still transitioning. When I become fully natural, I may give it a try.
I tried installing kinky twist myself and failed miserably, so I just stick to box braids now.
I need to try this but I am L-A-Z-Y when it comes to stuff like this. I like quick no fuss styles. If I want something fancy I go to my stylist, but this has been few and far between.
I love the twists. I wish mine came out like this every time I did mine.
Peace, Love and Chocolate,
Tiffany
Check out youtube–texasgirlfromny, kinkynappyhappy, and UniQueLeeMade just to name a few.
Youtube has lots of tutorials on installing your own kinky twists,there are different installation methods. Just do a search. I am wearing this style but shorter ones, about shoulder length. Very convenient, I paid $120 which includes the extension hair. If you're looking to get them done at a salon, shop around. Even for long ones, $250 seems pretty steep!
Anyone with 4b hair done these without the weave? I tried this before with ORS loc and twist gel and it didn't hold. I need something to hold without being stiff, so no kinky curly custard or eco styler, oh and i'm not about to make my own flax seed gel either, so yea…ruling those out lol, any suggestions?
I have installed my own kinky twists. It can be a challenge on hair that is prone to shrinkage, short hair, or kinky hair. The blowdryer is not my friend so to prepare my hair for kinky twist extensions, I
1. Wash/Deep Condition
2. Apply a leave-in, moisturizer, and/or sealant
3. Section, part and two-strand Twist (This may seem like double work, but it makes installing extensions much easier and faster for certain hairtypes) I tried to do kinky twist without first two-strand twisting my own hair and it never worked. My ends would never stay in the twist.
Once my twists are dry, (the next day b/c I don't like to sit under the dryer), I untwist one two-strand twist at a time and install the kinky twist extension using the senegalese method. It looks more natural and it doesn't feel like you have added hair hanging on your real hair.
Here's a good YouTube Senegalese tutorial, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUa2Eh11X6k&feature=youtube_gdata_player.
Word of advice, do the crown last! If you're like me, you won't finish in a day. If you do the sides, front and back, you can put it up in a ponytail.
The beauty of having grown daughters. My daughter installed mine – really trying to make it to 3 months as they are so convenient. i do wash and condition with them in and i pretty much ignore the frizz.
I NEED the video and step by step instructions lol. They turned out beautifully…you really did a great job! 🙂
I'm considering installing my own kinky twists…one day!
I haven't installed kinky twist myself, but I loved them in my early natural days.
I have never installed kinky twist by myself but I think I will try it.
Awesome results! I also watched her video on her youtube channel and she was very detailed and showed you exactly how she installed them. Great job Lisa!
Naptural85 has a tutorial of putting in kinky twists when she had a TWA.
I did kinky twists around the time I still had a TWA, and it came out nice. Wouldn't do it again though. I can't spend any longer than two hours on my hair or it will drive me crazy (or if someone else is doing it – lol).
Yes, I agree… Can you please post a video on how to install it? We love to watch it.
I saw this on her YouTube channel lisamslisa. She did a good job. I want to do this by myself as well.
Does anyone know if there is a tutorial that actually shows someone installing their own kinky twists? I love the idea of installing them myself but I could use some visual aids?