IG @angelique_beauty_salon #flattwisthairstyles
Flat Twist Natural Hair Styles: 15 Beautiful IG Pics + How-to Videos!
By Jacqueline Samaroo
The beauty and elegance of the flat twist lie in its simplicity. Plus, it’s quite versatile! You can rock this natural hairstyle in an updo, low bun, with your twists loose and free, half-up half-down, and a myriad of other styles. You can also repurpose your flat twist hairstyle into a bouncy, curly twist out when you are ready to take the style down. No wonder this is one of the best-loved protective styles for natural hair.
Get some inspiration for flat twist hairstyles you can do in your own hair from these 15 flat twist pics we’ve curated from Instagram.
We also have three how-to videos lined up for you!
- How to do a flat twist out on stretched hair.
- How to twist and flat twist – for beginners.
- How to do a super-protective flat twist hairstyle.
Related articles:
Protective styling is a must for textured hair if your natural hair journey goals include length retention. Styles that keep your strands close together to retain moisture and your ends tucked in to minimize breakage are best. Read more about protective styling in these posts.
- Protective Styles for Natural Hair Growth – 7 Great Points to Keep in Mind
- 7 Tips For Growing Out Your Natural Hair While Rocking a Protective Hair Style
Let’s get started!
15 Beautiful Flat Twist Pics from Instagram
First up are several updos – high buns, halo braids, a fauxhawk, and more!
1. The classic high bun.
IG @pro31_hairstudio #flattwiststyles
2. Chunkier twists and a big curly bun that takes center stage.
IG @hairbylarose #feedinbraids
Related articles:
Love high buns? We gathered some high bun and top knot pics off IG for you. Check them out!
And, for more natural hairstyles inspiration…
- Protective Natural Hairstyles: 21 Exquisite IG Loc Hairstyle Pics
- Natural Hair Styles: 27 Stunning Tapers and Fades
- Natural Hair Styles – 25 Badass Bantu Knots Inspiration Pics
3. A cute off-to-the-side updo.
IG @justintymehairsalon_llc #naturalhairstyles
4. Updo with twisted bangs; loving the blue!
IG @babybangz504 #flattwists
Related articles:
Thinking of getting curly bangs? Read this for some inspiration! How to Get Perfect Bangs Hairstyles with Curly Hair – 7 Tips and Tricks
Adding color to your natural curls is an awesome way to change up your style. If you’ve dyed your hair or are considering it, be sure to check out our recent articles on dyeing natural hair.
- 6 Natural Ways to Color Natural Hair
- 10 of the Best Box Dyes for Natural Hair – Want Rich and Vibrant Color?
- Caring for Your Natural Hair Before and After a Dye Job – 11 Tips
5. Flaunting those grays in a twisted fauxhawk!
IG @_crownoflove_ #healthyhair
6. An angelic, classic halo braids hairstyle done with a twist.
IG @angelique_beauty_salon #flattwistprotectivestyles
7. Another sweet take on the twisted halo braid.
IG @misha__mills__ #coilyhairstyles
Related articles:
Whether you call them halo braids or crown braids, we know they’re hard to resist when you are looking for a sophisticated updo. That’s why we’ve got you covered in this recent post.
8. Here we go again, flaunting those grays! This time in a side-swept style.
IG @anaturalaffair1 #naturalhair
9. These chunky, twisted pigtails are an eye-catching way to frame your face.
IG @angelique_beauty_salon #flattwisthairstyles
10. Letting those twists flow loose.
IG @linchezhairstyles #flattwiststyles
11. It’s on to the classic low bun.
IG @linchezhairstyles #flattwiststyles
12. A low bun with curved twists coming from a middle part.
IG @stylequeenbeauty #naturalhair
13. Another gorgeous take on the low bun natural hairstyle.
IG @uniq_beauty_store #protectivehairstyle
14. Flat twists placed out in front – setting the stage for the curly fro!
IG @maemaeishere911 #shortcurlyhairstyles
Related article:
- Nothin’ beats the fro! Find more fro inspo, here – Natural Hair Styles: 18 Simply Beautiful Afros for Your Inspiration.
15. For those times when you simply need your twists to act in a supporting role.
@mic_marciannaturals #updostyle
Related article:
See fauxhawks, frohawks, and plenty more natural hairstyles on full display in this post – 27 Really Gorgeous No-Heat Natural Hair Styles.
How to do a flat twist out on stretched hair
with @bystassie #naturalhairjourney
A style that can be transformed into another with ease will always be one of our go-to styles. That’s exactly why flat twists get so much lovin’ from naturalistas!
Watch as @bystassie shows how she goes from flat twist to flat twist out on stretched hair.
View this post on Instagram
Related articles:
Want more twist-out inspo? Check these out!
- Twist Out Natural Hair Styles: 21 Beautiful IG Twist Out Pics
- 12 Tips to Keep Twist Outs Looking Awesome Overnight and Longer!
For different ways to stretch natural hair with and WITHOUT using heat, be sure to read:
Flat Twist How-to Videos
Some hairstylists specialize in creating protective styles in natural hair and they do an AWESOME job of it. However, knowing how to style your own hair in twists can be a big bonus to your natural haircare routine.
Learn how to do flat twists on your own with these YouTubing naturalistas!
How To: Flat Twist & Two Strand Twist (Beginner’s Guide)|Elle Naturelles
Elle Naturelles takes it sloooow and easy as she does a twist tutorial ANYONE can follow. If you have tried (and tried!) before to master the flat twist – fret no more! Elle Naturelles’ got your back. Watch!
If you plan to stretch your natural hair with heat before flat twisting, check out this quick tutorial to do so safely and beautifully!
1. Start with Clean Hair:
The foundation of any great hairstyle is clean hair. Begin by washing your hair with a sulfate-free, moisturizing shampoo. This will remove any product buildup, dirt, and oils from your hair and scalp. Follow up with a hydrating conditioner to ensure your hair is well-moisturized and easy to manage.
2. Deep Conditioning:
After washing, it’s time to give your hair a little TLC with a deep conditioning treatment. Choose a conditioner that is rich in moisture and apply it generously to your hair. Cover your hair with a plastic cap and leave it on for at least 30 minutes (or as directed on the product label). Deep conditioning helps to improve the elasticity of your hair, making it more pliable for heat styling.
3. Detangle Gently:
Once you’ve rinsed out the deep conditioner, it’s time to detangle your hair. Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to gently remove any knots and tangles. Be patient and work through your hair in sections to minimize breakage. Detangling is crucial when heat-stretching, as it ensures even heat distribution and reduces the risk of damage. After hair is thoroughly rinsed clean, put on a t-shirt and leave on until the hair is 90% dry.
4. Heat Protection:
Before reaching for the blow dryer or flat iron, it’s essential to apply a good heat protectant to your hair. Look for a product specifically designed to shield your hair from heat damage. Apply the heat protectant evenly throughout your hair, paying extra attention to the ends, which are more prone to damage.
5. Section Your Hair:
To make the heat-stretching process more manageable, divide your hair into smaller sections. Use clips or hair ties to secure each section. Working in smaller sections allows you to apply heat evenly and ensures that you stretch every strand effectively.
6. Blow Dry with Low Heat:
When using heat to stretch your hair, opt for a low or medium heat setting on your blow dryer. High heat can cause excessive damage, so it’s best to be gentle. Use a concentrator nozzle attachment to direct the airflow and stretch your hair as you go. Hold the blow dryer about 6 inches away from your hair to avoid direct heat exposure. Stretch the hair with one hand, and blow down the shaft with the other for a few seconds. This is all the heat your should need as your hair was mostly dry and a little stretched (in the tshirt) before this step!
7. Moisturize and Seal:
After heat-stretching, it’s crucial to restore moisture to your hair. Apply a leave-in conditioner or a hydrating hair oil to lock in moisture and prevent your hair from becoming dry and brittle. Focus on the ends and any areas that may be prone to frizz.
8. Create Your Flat Twists:
Now that your hair is prepped and stretched, it’s time to start flat twisting. Divide your hair into sections, and create flat twists by taking two strands and twisting them together close to your scalp. Continue twisting down the length of your hair, adding more hair as you go. Secure the ends with a hair tie or bobby pin. Repeat this process until all sections are flat twisted.
9. Maintain and Protect:
Once your flat twists are in place, remember to protect your hair while you wear this beautiful style. Use a satin or silk scarf or bonnet to cover your hair at night to prevent frizz and maintain the moisture balance. You can also refresh your hair with a water-based leave-in spray or a light hair oil to keep it looking fresh.
Are flat twists one of your go-to styles? Do you do them in your own hair? We want to know!
Originally published on May 20, 2022- Updated for clarity, grammar, and content.
