A step-by-step guide on how to do small two strand twists on natural hair

May 28, 2022

Hair trends come and go but twists are here to stay! If you are looking for a protective yet fire hairstyle to fall back on - it's two strand twists. Apart from the hairstyle retaining moisture in your strands, it is also very versatile! You can switch it up by adding extensions, make it jumbo size, or do mini twists! You can even choose to go the extra mile and do a 3 strand twist if you want a more defined twisting. But in this blog article, we will be taking you through the basics. A step-by-step tutorial on how to get those juicy small two strand twists on your natural hair! So, are you ready?

How to do small two strand twists on your natural hair

Step 1: Prep your hair for the twists

Although twists can be done without washing your hair, prepping your hair prior will smoothen those flyaways and make it last longer. There is always a dilemma on whether to twist your hair wet or dry. Both paths are not wrong, they just produce different results. Twisting while wet will produce thin more defined results while twisting your hair dry will give you thicker locks. So "should I twist on wet or dry hair?", it's really up to you!

Step 2: Part your Hair

Every successful hair journey begins with the first section. The size of your sections is totally up to you, just make sure you can maintain it through your crown. A lot of guides instruct you to go headfirst with the first sectioning but we suggest dividing your hair into four parts and sectioning part at a time. If you're doing mini twists, one part (a quarter of your head) can have 6-8 sections. It's like dividing the task into micro-tasks so you keep yourself motivated through the journey. We won't lie to you, twisting your natural hair can become a tad bit tiring but trust us, the fulfillment after will make up for it.

Step 3: Moisturize

Your hair's favorite food is moisture. After you've parted your crown into four, go in with a generous amount of your favorite leave-in-conditioner and hair oil, before tying those four parts up into cute Bantu knots or clip them. Remember that your hair can dry up if left out (especially curly and coily hair), so tie those four parts up to retain the moisture as long as possible.

Step 4: Detangle in sections

Now it's time to detangle. Take out a section and gently detangle from the ends to the roots with a detangling brush or wide-tooth comb. You can also use your fingers to run through the tangles but do this very gently to avoid excess hair shedding and breakage. Detangling your hair before you twist, will create a clear hair section to work on, plus, it will give you a cleaner after look.

Step 5: Twist it up!

So how do you do 2 strand twists on your natural hair? Here is a close-up visual tutorial from Elle Naturelles. First, divide the section into two even parts. Then twist each part around the other in a hand-over-hand movement. When you've attempted seven twists, you will notice how your movement will shift to using your fingers only. We know we all want a neat final look but is it worth damaging our hair for? Our front hair or baby hairs (especially on type 4 hair) are very delicate. Tugging onto them is going to cause them to snap or break. If your front hair can't reach the twist then leave it for your edge control to tame.

Pro-tip; some curly girls braid an inch before twisting, to hold it in place and make it last longer.

Step 6: Keep a constant tension

Try to keep a consistent twisting tension through to the end. This will give it an even finish and prevent it from unraveling. Don't add too much tension though, or your hair might break.

Step 7: Continue down to the end

Continue twisting down the hair section. You can twist in any direction but at the front of your crown, try to direct it backward, i.e, away from your face, unless you want it to fall forward, then you can twist forward.

Step 9: Seal the ends

When at the end of the twist, apply pressure with two fingers, curl in the direction of your curl pattern and gradually release to form. Depending on your hair type and how it responds to wet or dry conditions, the final look may look puffy or thin and defined. Either way, your natural hair twists are gorgeous!

How to maintain two strand twists

Your 2 strand twists can last for two weeks and even more if you maintain them with these tips;

1. Use silk bonnets, silk scarfs, and silk pillows!

This should be a basic part of your hair care routine to prevent damage and friction. Your hair slides against the silk with zero friction so it doesn't frizz. We love silk bonnets, especially ones with African patterns!

2. Avoid wetting your hair

Your hair twists can unravel if you pour a large amount of water on your crown. Instead, use a spray bottle to spritz some water when dry.

3. Oil your scalp

Use your favorite hair oil to oil your scalp. When your bare scalp is exposed to air, it dries up faster and causes dry skin. And dry skin equals dandruff.

4. Re-twist

After four to five days, re-twist unraveling twists with your favorite hair cream or oil, so it doesn't continue up to your roots. Seal the ends with some gel afterward.

5. Add a different touch

There are so many ways you can make your hair twists look brand new. We love hair accessories like beads, hair cowries, and gold clips. You could also do different natural hairstyles with your two strand twists -- a ponytail, space buns, cornrows, you name it! Our absolute favorite hair touch-up is a touch of color. You can do that with hair makeup on already made twists! You can even test out your creativity and go in with a bunch of colors to create a swirl of colored twists.

Colored twists on type 4 hair

When your twist out is long overdue, unravel your twists to reveal the waves of the ocean on your crown.

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We can't wait for you to try this out! And we hope this guide helped you a ton in giving you a headstart on how to do small two strand twists on your natural hair.