Here is the ultimate guide to mini twists on natural hair. Learn everything you need to know about how to do mini twists, maintain them and styling ideas.
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Ultimate Guide To Mini Twists On Natural Hair
The summer is usually the perfect time to experiment with a lot of creative hairstyles. But sometimes as a naturalistas you just need a break and what better way than with a protective style. Instead of getting expensive hair extensions or a hairstyle that is too tight, try this inexpensive protective style.
Should You Get Mini Twists?
Mini twists are one of the best protective hairstyles for natural hair because they give your natural hair a break from daily manipulation. Some other benefits are that they can be worn on different hair textures and lengths, plus you can style them in a variety of different ways.
Pros and Cons of Mini Twist on Natural Hair
If you have been wondering whether or not you should get mini twists, we created this ultimate guide to help you decide. In this guide you will learn the pros and cons to doing mini twists. Also, you will learn how to install mini twists on your own natural hair. Lastly, we will teach you how to take care of your new twists so that they last longer and how you can increase your hair growth. So…sit back, relax and let’s get to it!
Pros
Easy To Install
Compared to mini braids or box braids with added extensions, mini twists take a shorter time of time to install. On average, braids can take anywhere from about 4-12 hours to completely install. On average, most women said that mini twists take about 1-4 hours to install. However, the length and thickness of your natural hair will determine if the installation time is longer or shorter.
Versatile Styling
Mini twists offer a lot of styling options and can be worn in variety of different ways. Some examples would be styling your mini twists in a bun, bantu knots, perm rod curls, half up half down or wear them pulled back with a side or center part.
Easy Removal
We rank “easy removal” as a top benefit because people want to know that their hairstyle can be removed quicker than in was installed. Mini twists are easier to remove than mini braids. They can take as little as 30 minutes to remove depending on the length and volume of your hair.
Cons
Now that you know all the reasons why mini twists are amazing, let’s talk about some of the cons.
Shrinkage
As a naturalista shrinkage is the enemy! I mean who doesn’t love to show off their hair length? Unfortunately mini twists are not likely going to reveal the true length of your natural hair. However, there is a solution.
You can try stretching your natural hair by holding the ends and using a warm blow dryer to help elongate your twists. Or, you can also try the banding method. The banding method involves using hair ties along the length of your hair in a stretched out state to help elongate your hair.
Tangles
Tangling can occur from keeping your twists in for too long. It is advised to not keep your mini twists in past 4-6 weeks to avoid extensive tangles when its time to remove them.
Watch out for the Frizz!!
Mini twist on natural hair will have some frizz. Especially if you spritz them everyday with water. Also, everyone’s hair washing schedule is different. While some people wash weekly, others wash bi-weekly or monthly. However many times you decide to wash hair, just remember that each hair wash will cause more frizz.
Using a moisturizing foam wrap on your hair after washing will help to moisturize your twists and reduce hair frizz after a wash or during the week.
How To Do Mini Twists On Natural Hair
Now that we covered the pros and cons let’s talk about how to do mini twists and what tools you will need. Mini twists are not difficult to do, but when done properly this hairstyle will look great and last you longer. You can do this style by yourself or have a friend help you out. Some of the tools that you’ll need include;
- A sulfate-free shampoo & conditioner, preferably one that is recommended for natural hair;
- A leave-in conditioner to help detangle and to moisturize.
- An anti-frizz hair towel for natural hair.
- A twisting butter or natural shea butter for hold and styling. We have a complete list of our favorite products for twists here.
- Detangling brush.
- Sectioning comb to part your hair.
- Strong sectioning clips to section and hold your hair.
- Silky satin bonnet to protect your twists at night and reduce frizz.
These are just the basic tools that everyone would most likely use. However, feel free to add your own favorite hair products to the list.
Step-By-Step Guide
We broke this mini twist guide down into step-by-step instructions to make it easier follow.
Start on freshly washed hair.
Considering that you probably want to wear your twists for a few weeks, you should wash your hair first. It’s also a good idea to pre-poo for about 30 minutes prior to washing your hair. Next, wash your hair with a sulfate-free shampoo of your choice. After you rinse off the shampoo, apply a moisturizing conditioner and detangle your hair. Finish, by drying your hair with your anti-frizz towel.
Moisturize your hair.
Now it’s time to apply a generous amount of leave-in-conditioner to moisturize your hair from the ends up to the roots up. This will ensure that your hair stays hydrated and it will make twisting each section much easier.
Create your mini twists using the two strand twist method.
Begin by sectioning your hair into 4-6 sections. Depending how small you want your mini twists to be, part your hair taking 1-2 inch sections with a rat tail comb or using your fingers. Then, apply a little bit of your twisting butter to that section of hair.
Next, split the section of hair that you are going to be twisting into two seperate pieces. Now begin to twist each section of hair over each in the direction that your hair normally curls all the way until your reach the ends. Twirl the end of your hair around your finger to form a small curl to lock in the twist. After doing this, you should have created you first mini two-strand twist.
As you twist, don’t hesitate to spray your hair with water or add more products if you feel a little stickiness or stiffness.
Increase your hair growth.
After your twists are done don’t forget to add a hair growth oil to your scalp every 1-2 nights to encourage growth. Use your fingertips to gently massage in the oil for about 5-10 minutes. Finally, you can leave your twists to air dry or sit under a hooded dryer if you want them to dry faster.
Styling your mini twists.
One of the major advantages of styling your natural hair in mini twists is the styling versatility. You can style them with hair accessories, put them in an updo, or wear them pinned in different ways. Don’t forget to lay those edges with your favorite edge control.
How to care for your new twists.
- Always wear a satin silky bonnet at night to reduce frizz and keep your twists looking neat.
- Be sure to keep track of how long your twists have been installed. Remember that they begin to tangle when keep them in for too long. For best practice keep them in no longer than 4-6 weks.
- Spray your twists with a leave-in conditioner 3-4 times a week to keep them moisturized and your hair nourished.
- Apply your hair growth oil every night or every other night to keep your hair growing long and strong.
How long do mini twists last.
Depending on the individual, mini twists can last anywhere from a couple of weeks to a month. Before installing your twists, start with with clean and well-moisturized hair.
Are mini twists good for hair growth.
Twists are a great way to protect your hair from damage and promote healthy hair growth. The key is to make sure your hair is not too tight or left in for too long.
Can I wash my hair with mini twist.
Yes, you can wash your hair with mini twists! In fact, mini twists are a great way to protect your natural hair while you shampoo your scalp.
Alternatively, you can also use a scalp cleansing rinse to help remove build-up and soothe an itchy scalp.
How to remove your twists.
To make the removal process easier, dip your fingers in oil as you are removing the twists. Then use the African Pride Black Castor Miracle Take Down Moisture & Detangling Masque to help remove the knots and buildup from your hair before washing. Part your hair into four sections and then apply the masque to each section before detangling your hair from the ends working your way up to the roots. Remember, it is important to always detangle your hair properly after removing a protective style. This is to avoid your hair from matting during the shampoo process.
I think that covers just about everything. If I missed any important tips make sure to add it in the comments below. Make sure to subscribe to be notified when we release other great articles about natural hairstyles and hair care tips.
More mini twists photos for inspiration!
