2-strand twist and 3-strand twist are two common hair styling methods that involve twisting two or three sections of hair, respectively. They’re easy and stylish, but choosing between them can be tricky.
Both twist styles start the same way. You moisturize your hair with a leave-in conditioner or a curl-defining cream and then divide it into sections before starting the twisting. Despite these similarities in preparation, the outcomes are notably different.
So, we have put together a straightforward comparison between these two types of twists. This will help you to figure out which style suits your hair type and look.
3-Strand Twist
A 3-strand twist involves dividing a section of hair into three parts and then twisting these parts around each other.
For each three-strand twist, divide one portion of your hair into three parts. Take the leftmost strand and pull it over to the right. During this step, you’ll place the left strand over the middle and rightmost strands.
Once you finish this, the middle strand then becomes your leftmost strand. Continue this circular motion until you reach the end of your hair.
You may tie the tips of your hair to stop your twist from unraveling. Finally, repeat the process for all sections of your hair and let it dry overnight.
2-Strand Twist
Two-strand twists are simpler to execute than three-strand twists. Instead of dividing a portion of hair into three strands, you split it into two. Take the strands and wrap them around each other. You’ll do the same circular motions as with the three-strand twist.
Make sure you twist the strands well for smooth curls that last longer! Finish twisting all the sections of your hair, and let it dry. Never unravel your hair while wet. Otherwise, you can’t get a finished look.
As an optional step, you can braid your roots before doing the two-strand twist to avoid puffing in that area.
Differences Between 3 Strand Twist and 2 Strand Twist
So, what’s the difference between the three-strand twist and the two-strand twist? I tested the process using half my hair for the two-strand twist and the other half for the three-strand twist. Here’s what I discovered.
1. Difficulty
The first difference I noticed while twisting my hair was the difficulty! It took me a while to figure out how to do the three-strand twist.
At the start, I felt like I was doing sloppy work. My fingers started to ache ten minutes into the session, and I found it hard to keep my hold on the three sections. However, I did get the hang of it eventually!
On the other hand, the two-strand twists felt natural and easy. I realized I could do tighter twists with this method as well.
Overall, the two-strand twist wins over the three-strand twist based on difficulty.
2. Time Consumption
Because of the difficulty, the three-strand twists took longer to finish compared to the two-strand ones. Yet, I was surprised when it came to the uncurling!
It’s faster to untangle the three-strand twists versus the two-strand twists. The two-strand twists are tightly wound together. I had a hard time taking the strands apart.
In short, both types of twists are even when it comes to time consumption. Plus, if you get better at making three-strand twists, the process could become faster!
3. Frizz
Your hair can get tangled when it’s in a tight coil. When you pull two strands apart, the stuck hair can turn into frizz.
Since it takes more effort to separate two-strand twists, it results in a frizzier look. Meanwhile, three-strand twists untangle quickly. This means it produces curls that are more defined!
Although some people love the look of frizzy hair, most prefer to combat it. Due to this reason, three-strand twists are better than two-strand twists in terms of definition.
4. Volume
After untangling both sides of my hair, I noticed that the side with the two-strand twists had more volume than the three-strand twists. This makes sense because the former causes frizz that naturally creates bigger hair.
Simply put, for those who prefer volume in their hairstyle, two-strand twists are the better option!
5. Hair Damage
Hair damage is a topic most people don’t consider before getting twist-outs.
Damp hair is more fragile than dry hair. Sadly, you need wet hair to achieve a proper twist. What’s more, curling your hair stretches each strand. The result is broken and damaged hair.
So, is the three-strand method better for your hair than the two-strand twist? The answer depends on how tightly you wind your hair up.
In general, two-strand twists are harder to detangle because of their tightness. Having said that, you can choose to loosen the curls to avoid any damage. It’s also best to get a professional to help you with the twist!
So, 3 Strand Twist or 2 Strand Twist: Which Style Is Better for You?
If you are looking for a style that is quick and easy to create, and you don’t mind a bit of frizz, then 2-strand twists are a good option.
Meanwhile, for those who are looking for a style that is protective, offers good definition, and lasts for a long time, then 3-strand twists are the better option.
I hope you got some insight from this 3-strand twist vs 2-strand twist comparison. If you made a decision, let me know which one you’ll get!
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