How to Keep Twists from Unraveling, According to Pro

Twist braids are a great protective hairstyle, easy to install and wear, and a very versatile style. You can play with lengths, colors, sizes, accessories, and also style them by tieing them or making buns, and so on.

However, one can experience something that usually doesn’t happen with regular braids, namely the accidental unraveling process. But you can keep twists from unraveling following some steps.

As we all want to be in control of this, and only unravel them when we decide, as a professional braider I’ll share what you can do in order to keep twists from unraveling and prevent that disaster from happening!

How to Install Twists to Keep Them from Unraveling?

First of all, no matter if you use or you don’t use synthetic hair, the most important thing is the technique used for making the twists.

So, the first thing to do to stop them from getting unraveled, is to “ravel” them well. I’m going to develop this just below, and the second part of the article will be about how to prevent them from getting unraveled after being installed.

Thus, here we go with some basic steps you need to follow to get the right twists:

Wash Your Hair

Start with clean hair. Washing your hair will ensure that there’s no build-up that could interfere with your twisting process.

Rest

Resting before you start the process is crucial. This will give you the energy you need to focus on creating your twists.

Preparation

Start whenever you have time for that. Take your time. Prepare everything you need (a comb, hair extensions if you want to use, products, etc.) Detangle your hair, and use products according to your hair type (you don’t need to use conditioner or detangling spray if you don’t have a 3b/c or a 4-class hair type).

If you want to use gels, or an edge control product, pick one that doesn’t leave build-ups the next day. You can spray some water on your hair before starting (after detangling), but don’t start with your hair completely wet.

Start Styling

Start the party, part your hair. Split the path made for one twist into two equal sections, and start to roll both of the strands in opposite directions. Continue by twisting them together.

More precisely, crossing each other over and over again while keeping rolling the two strands in opposite directions. Twist them all the way down until the end, where the strands should be very thin.

Using Hair Extensions

In case you’re using hair extensions, don’t forget to stretch them well, so they would not be too thick at the ends. Also, if you’re using synthetic hair, you’ll need to dip the twists in hot boiled water at the end.

If you’re not using synthetic hair, try not to make the sections too big, and use a strong holding product at the ends of each twist.

Securing the Ends

Another method to secure the end of a twist is to turn the twist into a three-strand braid at the very end. Make sure to braid it in the same direction that you used to twist it.

Maintaining Twists

Therefore, once you have successfully installed your twists, or just got your twists made by someone else, you may need to know how to keep them from unraveling while wearing them.

How to Take Care of Twists and Prevent Them from Unraveling?

Protect Them from Friction

Use a satin bonnet or scarf on your head while sleeping and getting dressed. Avoid letting cats, monkeys, or kids play with your hair. It is also good to moisturize and hydrate your twists using a water spray bottle before sleeping.

Be Careful When Styling Your Twists

Don’t tie your twist too tight, don’t pull them, and also be very careful if you want to decorate them with beads or other accessories – preferably, use only clip types. Try not to over-manipulate them.

Wash Them Gently

You can wash your twists as often as you need to, using shampoo, water, and conditioner only if your type of hair needs it, but learn to do it gently. Use a microfiber soft towel when you’re done.

If you need to use a hair dryer, wrap a scarf around your hair first, so your hair will not go frizzy.

Don’t forget that if your twists don’t get unraveled by themselves, it doesn’t mean they don’t need to get unraveled when it’s time.

If you keep them for too long, they will even oppose getting unraveled, and it will be very hard for you to detangle your hair. You need to take your time to take them off if you care about your hair.

To take them off, do the same thing you did when twisting them, but the reverse, and detangle your hair with all your patience. After that, co-wash your hair, and this applies to all hair types.

Overall, twist braids aren’t difficult to deal with, and you can have a great time wearing them. Make that time worthwhile, and be happy!

Summary

• Twist braids are versatile, but can unravel accidentally.
• Control the unraveling process by installing twists correctly.
• Proper installation of twists is vital, whether or not synthetic hair is used.
• Begin with clean, rested hair for the twisting process.
• Gather necessary items like a comb, hair extensions, and hair products.
• Detangle your hair, and apply suitable products for your hair type.
• Part your hair and twist two strands in opposite directions, continuing to the thin ends.
• If using hair extensions, stretch them well and avoid thick ends.
• Secure the twist ends by braiding them in the same twisting direction.
• After installation, prevent twists from unraveling by careful maintenance.
• Protect twists from friction by using a satin bonnet or scarf.
• Style twists carefully without pulling too tight or over-manipulating them.
• Wash your twists gently and use a soft microfiber towel to dry.
• Remove twists in reverse of the twisting process, detangling patiently.
• Co-wash your hair after removing the twists, applicable to all hair types.
• Enjoy wearing twist braids and take good care of them.

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