by Jamila of ForTheFabulousAndFrugal
Hey y’all! Saw this post on CurlyNikki last week and wanted to share my response:
While browsing the forum, I came across Carmella_G’s thread about the moment you know your twist-out is going to be fierce. The night before I release my twists, I always take a sneak peak by unraveling one of the twists in the back. My major concern is that the hair will remain clumpy, even after a little fluffing. We all know that natural hair styling can be unpredictable (even with the same products and routine), but how can you tell… what signals that you’re in store for an amazing hair day?
My twist-outs look great when I do the following:
My twist-outs look great when I do the following:
- Twist on wet hair and allow ample time for my hair to completely dry: This is the cardinal rule for twist outs! Don’t take ’em out before they have time to dry all the way. Untwisting when your hair is damp will inevitably give you the frizzies.
- Use a moisturizing product underneath a sealing oil/butter: Sealing the moisturize in your hair is a definite must. Read more about it in this article by Hair Liberty.
- Flat twist the roots: This gives me a little but more shrinkage than I’d like, but it always yields the most defined look. I got the idea from Nikki herself!
- Deep condition regularly: My hair behaves best when it’s nice and moisturized. My hair looks great when I DC every week: it’s softer, more manageable, and less prone to knots and tangles.
- Take out my twists in a timely manner: I have a habit of twisting my hair with plans to untwist the next day…and then letting them rock out under a scarf/bonnet for a few days before actually taking them out. Fuzzy twists yield frizzy twist-outs. I don’t hate it, but when I want that super-defined look, it’s not the business.
A reader, Chanel, asked a bunch of great questions about my natural hair regimen. Here are my answers:
Do you do twist outs every time you do your hair?
Yes! I do. Truth be told, I’ve only done a braid-out once, and it took me a long time and yielded more of a wavy look instead of the curlier look that I prefer. I love twist outs, and I’m able to create a bunch of different styles.
Is it weekly?
I co-wash my hair at least once a week, sometimes twice. I shampoo every two weeks. Check out a full description of my regimen here.
How do you sleep once you untwist your hair from the twists?
Once I untwist my hair from the twists, I usually re-twist my hair in 10 chunky twists after spritzing my hair lightly with water, and coating with a bit of oil. I sleep with a satin bonnet/scarf on top of a satin pillowcase. Check out a post on how to protect your curls at night here. This was a wet set, but this is the size of my nighttime chunky twists:
How long does it take to do your twist-outs?
Depending on the size of the twists, it usually takes me anywhere between 15 and 45 minutes to twist my hair.
How exactly do you co-wash your hair?
I section my hair into four sections (two in the front and two in the back), and then put a heaping amount of conditioner onto my hair. I detangle in sections, running my hair under the shower stream for added slip and even distribution of product. I comb from ends to root with a wide-tooth comb, and then massage my scalp with the tips of my fingers. I rinse the conditioner out with warm/hot water, add a bit more conditioner and then rinse again with cold water.
How do you achieve your best twist-outs?
Thank you for the tips, I learned quite a bit and will also incorporate into my routine. Especially the co-wash
you're super cute! this was very helpful to me since i'm trying to revamp my routine and stay on top of having a good looking twist out every day. thanks!
Twist-outs are my staple and even though I've become pretty good at them, this was VERY helpful! Thanks so much for the tips. I'm going to incorporate the ones I wasn't aware of 🙂