Braid outs and twist outs were not sooo not my forte early on in my hair journey. My hair always came out stiff, dry and had this weird crunch to it that for the life of me I couldn't understand [all pics have since been destroyed]. I was about two seconds from giving up on this "natural thing" [that's how I referred to it every time I got frustrated], and something told me to give it a bit more time for trial and error. Here's what I have learned:
1. Depending on your hair type, products that contain polymers [we discussed that here] or any other ingredient geared towards hold works best for hair that doesn't have a defined curl type. The polymers found in most of the curl creams and puddings on the market today create a light film over the hair that keeps the curls in place. What this means for you is; less frizz, more of a defined curl pattern, longer lasting style. Here are my product recommendations that meet the aforementioned criteria [These three products have consistently given me great definition and with a light hold]:
2. Only take down your hair when it is completely dry. This is a big one! Taking down your hair before it has a chance to thoroughly dry may cause excessive frizz and major lack of definition. This may not be so for those that have more of a defined curl pattern, but for curlies like myself; we need that extra time for the style to set.
3. "Smooth" your hair with a Denman brush before twisting.- This makes all the difference in the final texture of my hair! My hair has more body and has a silkier appearance versus the times I skipped that step. To "smooth" your hair, simply detangle well and brush each section several times with your Denman before applying your styling cream.
4. A little bit of product goes a long way! I know I have mentioned the dime-size rule at least 500k times this year, but this is only because I find it so important to the final outcome of your style. When you are using products that contain Polymers and other film-formers, overdosing on these products could cause dull, dry, lifeless locks. Try using a dime size of curl cream per section of hair you twist!
5. Want to up the ante on the curls? Sit under a hard bonnet dryer for about 20-30 minutes prior to removing your twists. You should notice silky, springier coils that lasts a lot longer than your a normal twist out.
6. To create tons of volume, separate each twist as you take them down. The more you separate, the more volume you will have. Use a light oil to aid in keeping the hair neat, as well as preserving the curl pattern and preventing frizz. My oil of choice is Monoi De Tahiti Oil [found at Trader Joe's or online here]. For even more volume, lightly blow-dry the roots of your hair using the concentrator attachment.
To add volume using a hair dryer, gently grab the hair 2 inches away from the roots, and pull hair in a light stretching motion while focusing the concentrator attachment near the roots of your hair.
What are your tips for perfecting your twist out? Any products you can't live without?
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Great tips!
ReplyDeleteVery helpful as usual. I've found that my twist outs are much less frizzy when I take them down with a little oil on my fingers. And a good curly butter is key for defined curls!
ReplyDeleteVonnie
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I miss when i was able to twist my hair, lol.
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I was just about to mention taking down my twists with some jojoba oil on my hands/fingertips has also helped me reduce frizz. @socialitedreams beat me to it, lol!
ReplyDeleteShea moisture curl enhancing smoothie is also great for twist outs, and it's definitely one of those "a little goes a long way" products.
Thanks for the tips! So far I've tried a flat twist-out with the Bee Mine Curl Pudding I won on here. Once I master it I'll do a post and let you know!
ReplyDeleteMiss Jessies Butter Cream with a lil Aloe Vera gel, works wonders in my 4B hair!!! Work everytime!!!
ReplyDeleteI've tried twistouts 8 times and braidouts 3 times and they just don't work for me. I will try it again with some of the products mentioned hopefully it works, but its so darn discouraging. I wish you were my BFF other than just in my head, so you could help me out - I'm so over buns I need to set this mane (and my edges) free lol.
ReplyDeleteFor my twist outs, and especially my bantu knotouts, I use Organic Root Stimulator Loc and twist gel. It's called a gel, but it has a pudding consistency. In fact, I think they sell a pudding now. I find that my hair comes out soft and silky with this product. The knotouts look like a roller set even if I let them air dry. Also, if I sit under a cool dryer, immediately after twisting, the air molds my twists and gives them shine.
ReplyDeleteAfter a few days, I freshen up my twists with a little Garnier Sleek and Shine and retwist large sections (don't comb through). In the morning my hair looks like new.
Glam Garage, it took many many many tries to get my twist out routine down, but it's certainly worth trying again. Thanks for the tips Nik!
Great tips! I can't agree with you more about the 'less is more'... I learned that one the hard way!!!
ReplyDeletethanks for the tips...I can't wait to try this style...its so cute on you!
ReplyDeletejen
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Do you have any tips for wearing half-wigs? I have a very natural looking half-wig but I am having trouble blending the front portion that is left out. My hair is somewhat short so I think that could be contributing to the issue.
ReplyDeleteHello lady,
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Thanks.
I'm still transiting (I'm about 5 months post relaxer) and I'm having a very hard time even finding products to make my new growth even curl up :-( I tried Kinky Curl Custard but it just didn't do anything. Maybe I'll try Miss Jessie's Pudding next? I have extremely thick hair so maybe this will work! Thanks for the tips. You have no idea how much this means to soo many of us!! Beautiful hair in the pic also!
ReplyDeleteAhh, thanks so much for the tips!! I got my twist outs perfect three times and never saw it happen again since...I will have to pay more attention to product and get a denman. Flax seed gel has been wonderful on twist outs for me. I think my hair is taking longer to dry now, too, and I am always in a hurry.
ReplyDeleteThis is really good tips,it's only been lately after much experiments, I have been able to get them perfect!!!
ReplyDeleteLadies, dont sleep on Organic Root Stimulator Lock and Twist Gel. Someone above mentioned it. Soft, moisturized, hair with a bit of hold, this stuff is nice!!! Less than 4 bucks ,and available everywhere. Try it (I'm a frugal PJ)
ReplyDeletegreat tips
ReplyDeleteAs a transitioner in her sixth month, I have found that products such as Komaza Care, Bee Mine and Miss Jessie's simply dried out my relaxed tresses, and caused a lot of shedding. So, maybe they work more effectively on natural, chemical-free hair. I don't know. They are also laden with coconut oil and/or shea butter, neither of which my hair seems to like. If other transitioners are loving Komaza Care, Bee Mine, and Miss Jessie's, and are experiencing success, that's great. However, I have found that the further I keep curling puddings, creams, and gels away from my hair, the better off it is. I have found greater success with products more appropriate for relaxed hair, and my curly twistouts are soft, moisturized and shiny.
ReplyDelete