If you’ve never heard of flat twists or you’ve seen them but don’t know much about them, let us break it down for you. Keep on reading for all you need to know about this go-to style for naturalistas:
Flat Twist: A Naturalista’s Best Friend
What are flat twists?
Think of them as the sister style to cornrows, similar but slightly different. And like cornrows, they’re a protective hairstyle that is twisted close to the scalp. However, instead of forming three separate strands, it’s made up of just two like your normal twist. Twist hair together tightly (or ‘flat‘) against your head. To learn how to flat twist your hair, just follow the steps below:
How to flat twist your hair:
1. Prep hair.
Flat twists can be done on damp or dry hair. If you want to start the style on damp hair but don’t have time to properly wash your hair, you can also use a spray water bottle to lightly dampen your tresses.
2. Apply styler.
Next, apply your styler. You can use Suave Luscious Curls Curl Defining Cream, which will help moisturize and define your curls as you twist your hair. This is especially key if you plan on wearing a flat twist-out style instead of keeping your twists in.
3. Divide hair.
Use your fingers to gently comb through your curls and undo any tangles. Then divide your hair into sections. The smaller you want your twists, the more sections you’ll need and vice versa.
4. Twist!
Time to twist! Taking one section at a time, divide the hair into 2 equal sections. Take the lower section and twist it over the top piece and repeat, pulling in more hair to the lower section every time you twist (as you would with a French braid). Continue twisting until you reach the end of your hair and repeat with your other sections. Tip: For a neater finish, remember to try and keep your twists as close to your scalp as possible by pulling tightly on your hair as you go.
5. Lay edges.
Taming and laying your edges is a key final step to finishing a flat twist style. It keeps your style frizz-free and sleek. Use some Emerge Edge Control with a toothbrush to get the smooth finish you desire.
6. Air-dry.
If your hair was damp, then just allow your hair to air dry and you’re done! Remember to wear a silk scarf or sleep on a silk pillowcase overnight if you plan on sleeping in your twists, to help lock-in moisture.
What’s a Flat Twist Out?
Did you thought there was only one way to work flat twists? Once you’ve mastered the basic flat twist method, you can use it to create a variety of different hairstyles. Keep things simple with a full head of cornrow-style twists or create an elegant updo, like the halo twist above. You can even play around with looks from pigtails to chic chignons—you’ll never run out of looks to try! Editor’s tip: Once you’ve worked your hair into your chosen hairstyle, use a gel, like Dove Amplified Textures Shine & Moisture Finishing Gel, to clean up your edges and smooth down any baby hairs for a perfectly polished finish.
Do a flat twist-out for heatless curls.
Want to know the best thing about this style? They’re actually two hairstyles in one! It’s not just the flat twists themselves, which make for a super cute style. The curls you’re left with once you unravel your twists are a great hairstyle, too! If your hair is naturally curly but you’d like your curls to have more shape and definition, the flat twist-out method can help you achieve a more uniform, controlled curled pattern. To give this heat-free curling method a try, start by following our method as set out above. Then, carefully unravel each of your twists one by one to reveal your twist-out curls—totally heat-free!
Flat Twist Out Styles You’ll Love
Need some more flat twist inspo? Check out these styles below!
1. Flat Twist-Out ‘Fro
If this isn’t curly afro goals, we don’t know what is. Did you know a flat twist out could turn into this masterpiece? It’s all about fluffing the hair out at the root with a wide-tooth comb or afro pick. This method helps enhance volume.
2. Long Flat Twist-Out
Have you seen a more beautiful style? Flat twist long hair using the method explained above with a gel or even a gel-serum combo, like Suave Professionals Define & Shine Serum Gel for Natural Hair to add hold and shine to your final look.
3. Flat Twist Updo
This updo style is great for off-duty days. Gather your twist up into a bun and pin in place. We love how much texture, volume, and body this style creates even while just being thrown up into a casual updo!
4. Flat Twist-Out Bob
Have shoulder-length curls? Try this curl bob style by unfurling your twists. To add shine and a soft hold to your style, finish your look with Bed Head by TIGI Headrush Shine Hairspray.
5. Flat Twist Updo
Need a formal style? This updo is ideal for fancy events on your agenda.
6. Pulled-Back Flat Twist
Put all of the focus on the twists by pulling the rest of your hair back.
7. High Bun Flat Twist
This high bun style will instantly give you a runway-approved look. We love how the twist add a unique look to a typical bun. Now that you’ve got the low down on everything flat twist, you have two new styles to create. Whether you want to rock the style or reap the curl benefits of eventually taking it out, there’s bound to be a style that works for you. Are you thinking about trying out this style? Be sure to share the results with us over @AllThingsHairUS!
