It used to be the case that the choice of hairstyles was limited for women with African-textured hair; however, that is not the case anymore. There are now hundreds of great hairstyles to choose from. Many draws on traditional cultural hairstyles from all over the globe.
Currently, there is some debate going on whether Senegalese Twists or Box Braids are the best picks for women. To help you decide about Senegalese Twists vs Box Braids, we will try to identify the key differences between the two styles.
Difference between Senegalese Twists and Box Braids
Understanding the differences between Senegalese Twists and Box Braids will help you decide which one is perfect for you.
Simplicity
Both Senegalese Twists and Box Braids are easy to style, but many people think that one is easier to do than the other. The style that you prefer will probably depend on how dexterous you are.
Box Braids require three strands of hair to be plaited together, whereas Senegalese Twists only require two strands of hair to be wrapped around each other.
Of course, if you find either of these styles difficult to do on your own hair, you can always get a hairstylist to complete it for you.
Maintenance
The required amount of maintenance is a key difference between Box Braids and Senegalese Twists. Twists require more maintenance than Box Braids, meaning that braids are a much better style for people with less time on their hands.
On the other hand, people who do a lot of sports or physical activities may find that Twists are not a suitable protective style for their needs because they require too many touch-ups.
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Longevity
Box Braids are well-known as being a long-lasting protective hairstyle for women with Afro-textured hair. This style will stay in for a long time and continues to look great even when it has been in place for ages.
On the other hand, Senegalese Twists can start to unravel relatively quickly. Although they can both last for a long time, Box Braids tend to win in the battle between Box Braids vs Senegalese Twists as far as longevity is concerned.
Weight
In general, Senegalese Twists weigh much less than Box Braids. This is because Box Braids normally encompass more hair. Although weight isn’t a problem for most people, it can become a notable concern for those who get wet a lot.
If you are a regular swimmer, the weight of your hair when it is wet might just become the deciding factor in Senegalese Twists vs. Box Braids.
Natural Texture
Depending on the texture and thickness of your hair, you may find that your natural texture starts to show through Senegalese Twists.
This is positive for some people, whereas others feel like this is negative. The way you view this factor could help you decide which hairstyle you would prefer to have.
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So here are the highlighted parts of the main differences between Senegalese twists and Box braids:
| Senegalese Twists | Box Braids |
| Two strands | Three strands |
| Requires more time to maintain | Requires less time to maintain |
| Generally lasts less than the Box Braids | It lasts longer than the Senegalese twists |
| Weigh more | Weigh less |
FAQs
It depends on your preference and lifestyle. Twists have more swing but don’t last quite as long. Braids are a classic style that is used a lot by everyone and they last a good ten weeks.
All extensions damage the scalp, but not necessarily the hair. Extensions tug on the hair follicles. This can lead to hair loss, especially if they are installed tightly.
They last about two months.
It depends on your preference, but twists that are the same length as braids use less hair.
A synthetic hair brand is good for Senegalese twists, like Yake Kanekalon.
They can, but your natural hair inside of them will probably get frizzy and start to show through the twists.
Yes.
That depends on how dense or small you would like the twists to be. Jumbo styles are a little denser than kiddie twists and some Senegalese twists are as small as extension braids.
They are burnt or knotted on the ends to stop them from unraveling.
It takes about six hours to install Senegalese twists.
Twists use two strands of hair, but dreads are single-stranded hair that’s locked together. Sometimes twists are used to start dreads.
Senegalese twists are uniform and created tightly. Passion twists are created loosely and are more textured. They look more like natural hair that’s been twisted and is long.
As long as they are not installed too tightly so as to put stress on the hair follicles, yes, twists are a protective style that can help grow the hair.
Yes.
Sometimes one or two will unravel. It’s a good idea to tie the ends or lightly burn the ends if they are made of synthetic hair.
Braids are created with three strands of hair and twists use only two.
Usually, a stylist will first cut most of the hair off, going up to where your natural hair ends. Then she will soak the braids in conditioner for slip and unravel the braid or twist them gently.
Hopefully, from now on, you’ll be able to choose when it comes to Senegalese twists vs Box braids as you know the differences. Happy braiding!
OKina Alford
Sunday 18th of February 2018
Also, the spotlight says Senegalese twists weigh more. That should be switched.
Aldonia Secession
Wednesday 3rd of January 2018
The article says box braids last longer but the spot light of the 2 says Senegalese twist. So which one is it?
Olivia
Monday 8th of January 2018
Corrected. Thanks