The Nine Coolest Twist Hairstyles To Try Right Now
Celebrity hairstylist Kendall Dorsey walks us through tips and tricks for the twist.
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Celebrity hairstylist Kendall Dorsey—who works with beauty icon Solange Knowles—says a twist hairstyle consists of two strands wound together to create a coiled, curly style if taken out or a style similar to individual braids if left in (both of which are particularly great for protecting hair). The best part? Twists come in so many different variations. "I believe that the number of twists styles are unlimited," Dorsey says. "All hairstylists have their own creativity, uniqueness and flair when creating styles—especially since they can be done with both natural hair and extensions," he says. With that in mind, we rounded up some serious twist hairstyle inspo.
Short Senegalese Twist
A favorite style of Dorsey's is a messy Senegalese twist, as seen here on actress and beauty icon Lupita Nyong'o.
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Color Play
Youtube beauty sensation Jackie Aina wore these colorful twists by celebrity hair expert Dr. Kari Williams.
Part Ways
Another tip Dorsey has if you're attempting a twist style at home: steam your hair with olive oil. "This will leave your hair shiny and hydrated, especially during these cold winter months which can sometimes cause the hair to be very dry," he says. Just be sure to rinse out the oil properly.
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Touch of Gold
A subtle golden touch weaved through a traditional Senegalese twist is the perfect look for summer, as seen on Ciara.
Up, up, and away
Don't forget to moisturize and hydrate hair when pulling it into a sky-high twisted bun like Brandy. Dorsey recommends something like the L'Oréal Paris EverCreme Nourish Conditioner to keep hair healthy.
Try: L’Oréal Paris EverCreme Deep Nourish Conditioner, $8, lorealparisusa.com. SHOP
Ultra-Long
Dorsey says it's important to have your toothbrush and tail comb handy when you're styling hair at home. "The toothbrush is always vital when creating baby hairs after creating your twist style," he says. "It can be used to create either perfect sleek, smooth baby hairs or effortless, natural baby hairs."
Try: DevaCurl Styling Cream Touchable Curl Definer, $28, ulta.com. SHOP
Twisted Updo
Issa Rae doesn't just bring it with her makeup game (she's a face of Covergirl, after all) but she also shows off inventive and beautiful ways to style hair in twists.
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Twisted Ponytail
This coiled ponytail on supermodel Jourdan Dunn is from 2017—but the style is classic. We particularly love the addition of a dramatic elastic at the base of the ponytail.
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