Monday, June 25, 2012

GET THE BEST TWO STRAND TWISTS--NO MATTER THE LENGTH OR THICKNESS


HOW TO POSITION 2 STRAND TWISTS NO MATTER THE LENGTH OF YOUR HAIR

I get a lot of questions about two strand twists and hair length. I understand that there will be challenges with the execution of 2 strand twists on fine hair, shorter lengths, looser coils, etc. Over the next 30 days, we will research using different techniques on different types of hair.

Since 2 strand twists are my absolute favorite style, I will be honored to conduct my various experiments and see if we can come up with solutions for different coil patterns/density/thickness.
I want to start by explaining exactly how I do my two strand twists--no matter the length:

FIRST: I love to do my two strand twists on freshly cleaned (amla paste mix) hair/scalp. This is mainly to prepare the scalp for longer lengths of time without a proper massage during wash. When I wear my hair (not in twists), I will not hesitate during the week to dunk my hair under water and massage with the balls of my fingertips when I shower.


SECOND: Most of the time I stretch my hair in preparation for 2 strand twists. I do this by braiding my hair into about 6-8 plaits overnight after a wash/conditioning. Occasionally I will blow dry for a stretch, but not often (only because I get lazy). If I do blow dry it, I use the tension method (blow drying on damp hair while stretching out the coils in sections by holding it taught with my hand or a tool. Running the blow dryer swiftly back and forth). I DON'T BLOW DRY STRAIGHT. I WANT THE TEXTURE AND FULLNESS. THIS IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT WITH FINER/SHORTER LENGTH HAIR.

THIRD: I moisturize with a creamy product and seal with oil. I'm still experimenting with products, and staying away from shea butter/shea butter products. I find that shea butter starts out nice for me, but tends to block my moisture attempts (water) later on. I can't afford that, as I use two strand twists primarily as a way to keep moisture on my hair.  
FOURTH:  I section my hair into about 10 two strand twists (or small buns) and put all of them into a ponytail (not the buns of course). Then I will pull down one of the two strand twists (usually I start from the back), moisturize that a little more (focusing on the ends), and then start on that section with a diagonal part. Parting my hair diagonally helps to ensure that my scalp does not show. I do not like scalpy two strand twists or box braids. It's likely that scalp will show if the hair is parted straight across. Sometimes the parts are not "staggered", and that causes scalp to show.

FIFTH: After I do a diagonal part, I don't part with a tool again until the next row. Within that section, I pull a section with my thumb and pointer finger. I guess on the sizing based on how I want my twists to look. The size that you do will be very important based on the thickness of your hair. Finer hair, I believe that finer hair will benefit from smaller sized twists in an effort to create a thicker look of MANY twists. However, don't do the twists too fine! You will know it's right when you see it! If the twists are done bigger, then the fine hair will be apparent.
SIXTH: Working in sections, I repeat the process. While twisting each twist, I am directing my twist in the way I want it to fall. For instance, if I want a twist to fall forward towards my forehead, I will need to begin the first twist on that strand in that direction. If I twist it while heading the twist back towards my crown, then the twist will not lay forward-it will lay back.

SEVENTH: I make my diagonal parts in the direction that I want my twists to lay/stack later. For instance, if I want a part at my hairline that goes straight back, then I will need to make that part and then twist all of the twists in that row towards the back as well . If I also want an alternative to that side part (like a middle part), I make that as well. Later when I go to style my hair, I always have a few different part options.

Two Strand Twists on Medium/Long Length Hair


Two Strand Twists on Short/Medium Length Hair
No matter the thickness, coil pattern, length, or any other hair varieties you may have going on--two strand twists are definitely a great option for growing long length hair. They are also a great styling option for the corporate office, and on the playground. Sit tight, as we will explore and demonstrate ways to achieve two strand twists that you will fall in love with.      -tia

Want to See ANOTHER Twisted Style done on Kay? Check us Out on FACEBOOK at: http://www.facebook.com/AngelsRinglets?ref=hl#!/AngelsRinglets






21 comments:

  1. @TheNEW007, I follow you on youtube also, and I was wondering, what creamy product do you use to do your mini twist. I really want to try this and I want to use the right aide. I have never used shea butter mix and I don't think I will doing this for a first time, so I just want a suggestion. My hair is pretty thick and dense, approximately the same length as the young lady you did for short to medium hair. You can respond to my youtube account if you like. Thank you
    AlsbeanNaturally

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  2. Hey Doll. I've been experimenting with the EDEN Body Work Conditioner, Hair Milk, and Hair Oil. I've been using the peppermint tea tree. I have a post this month on what I've found so far. But long story short--they seem to work well for my two strand twists (about 10 days in). Not heavy, all natural, and has tea tree to soothe my scalp. I think I wrote in the post exactly how I've been using these products. Thanks for the message!

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  3. - I just BC'ed July 1st will be a month and honestly I'm not really liking my hair I guess because I have to keep styling it every 2-3 days and its starting to get on my nerves. So BEFORE i truly give up and get a relaxer I'll try some mini-twist. I'm a little nervous because twist in general ( in my opinion ) do not look good on me which makes me dislike them, also I have short/medium fine hair and it tangles easily... So hopefully this will work for me.

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    1. Congratulations are in order ;O) I hope I'm not too late responding (doing a bit of travelling over the last 2 weeks). I hope you were able to try these twists and that they are working out for you. If you had a chance to try this technique for shorter length/fine hair--please let me know how it worked for you..Thanks Nicey ;o)

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  4. I absolutely loved your step-by-step instructions.Your work is beautiful and suggestions are precise. I look forward to following you on Facebook lil lady.
    Respectfully
    Mrs Tiffany( Tucson's Extension,Braid & Twist Technician )
    Join me too on Facebook :
    BraidsnweavesbyTiffanyG@gmail.com

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  6. Okay New I just wanted to come back and say I have used this twisting technique that you've shown on your friend with a couple "fine" hair clients and it works perfect and the sessions go by a lot quicker! So I am using it on all my clients now including myself. I have a question. How do you make mini twists last longer on people with extremely fine and soft hair? I have a woman that can't keep her mini twists past a week because they frizz, and she claims she does not wash them. I'm thinking a really strong hold gel but I don't want her hair to be stiff? I do notice that my finer ares, the nape specifcally has to be retwisted every week because they frizz like crazy. but I only use butters to twist my hair.

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    1. Hey Doll :o) I'm facing that issue now. My older daughter T has loose, wavy hair. Her ends unravel. Frizz comes fast. Her hair doesn't hold the definition well (for braidouts). There are products out there for frizz reduction yes, but my main concern for her fine, wavy hair is how to keep it twisted. I remember two strand twists were not going to hold on my relaxed hair. I know my dead straight blond haired friends can't keep two strand twists in without rubber bands at the ends. It may be the final verdict for fined haired, wavy haired folks :( But I haven't given up yet, and will definitely post as soon as I know.

      As far as frizz is concerned, put tiny aloe vera gel and oil mix on hands, smooth it back gently onto the hair and nightly tie down with scarf should put the frizz in it's place.

      So glad the technique could work for you. It's gotten quite a good response from a few hair professionals! Please let me know if you come up with anything to resolve the unravel issue on fine, wavy hair. TTYL

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  7. Loving your blog and youtube videos! I love learning new things for my 2 adopted daughters! So great to have such great details advice, especially since this is a new world for this white girl!

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    1. Thanks for the message Mamalion! You'll be glad to know that you're not alone in this new world! Me myself personally being almost only 4 years old with my coily hair LOL! Like a toddler. Learned a lot since 4 years ago, love to share, so happy to help. Have fun with the girlies and their curls! --tia

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  8. So glad I found your blog. Came by from one of your youtube videos. My daughter (pre-teen) is going back to her natural hair. Yay!! I was going to try twists. She has a nice length to her hair. I am hoping to be able to do the twists and have them looking nice. I will play around with different products to see what works best for her. Your twists are gorgeous! Thanks for the video and info in this post. Definitely bookmarking and subscribing!

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    1. Hey Sharon! Thanks for the love. Yayyy! I love to hear when teens/pre-teens check out their hair un-processed. Have fun with your twists. I LOVE TWISTSSS lol!

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  9. Very good information that I plan to put to use this weekend! Your hair and your friend's hair were both beautiful! I hope to get decent results with my fine textured hair! Thanks and will let you know how it turns out:)

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  10. Thank you for sharing this twisting method! My hair is very fine, mostly 3c. I had stopped doing twists because they showed too much scalp. My twists are still skinny but the look is so much better!

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  11. Loved the YouTube video and your blog

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  12. Love the video and technique. I like the way your hair looks. It's it natural or did you add in? If so, what brand and number is it?

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  13. Thank for the information. I will try it on my next two strand twist. Very helpful.

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  14. I enjoyed watching your technique and will be trying it tomorrow. Can you elaborate on point number 6, that I should part the diagonal in the direction I want my hair to fall? I'd like the front to frame my face and want to ensure I'm parting in the correct direction. Thanks!

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