For members of the natural hair community, summer is often all about protective styles. When it’s hot and sticky outside, this method of wearing your hair offers a low-maintenance look that makes for easy styling and gives your curls a break from any manipulation. They’re perfect for a vacation or if you just need a rest from doing your hair every week. Variations of braids or locs are often popular options, but if you want to switch it up and try something a little bit different there are so many two-strand twist styles perfect for summer.
To get the look, it’s exactly how it sounds. After applying product and sectioning off your hair, you twist two pieces till you reach the end. This will get more complicated once you get into different styles, but the beauty is in their versatility. If you prefer a look without extra braiding hair, try twisting your natural hair into your chosen size of two-strand twists, whether that’s jumbo or mini. Then, finish off by dressing it up however you’d like. For those who want something more elaborate, add some braiding hair and go for passion twists that give a bohemian vibe or have fun with color by mixing and matching shades of brown or blonde. The choices are endless.
Below, you’ll find tons of two-strand twist inspiration to attempt on your own or to show at the salon.
Jumbo Boho Twists
Earlier this year, celebrity hairstylist Larry Sims styled actress Alexandra Shipp in this incredible updo of jumbo boho twists. Sims wove chocolatey brown braiding hair with hints of caramel blonde and wrapped several sections of twists to form a knot on the top of her head. The combo of the single twist side bang and the loose, smaller twists hanging down in the back add to the bohemian feel of the look. This would be the perfect way to wear twists to a fancier event or even a summer wedding.
Half-Up, Half-Down Passion Twists
Having twists means being able to experiment with the different types and how you wear them. In this instance, these brown passion twists are tied up in the most adorable half-up, half-down bun. It is the easiest way to get your hair out of your face.
Jumbo Twists
Jumbo twists are the look for someone who does not want to spend a ton of time styling their hair. For added ease, try stretching out your strands with a blow-dryer and then adding in your twists. This creates extra length which is nice if you’re frustrated with your curl shrinkage. If you want them to be extra long, you can always add braiding hair.
Mini Twists
Mini twists are the ideal style to wear if you have an on-the-go lifestyle. They might take a lot of time to complete, but once done they can last months, which makes them so worth it. There’s also a ton of versatility with how you can style them, whether that’s in a low romantic bun or a funky updo.
Braided Back Twists
Who said your twists have to be one-note? This beauty creator opted for a mixed media look by adding straight back braids, on the side, that feed into her two-strand small twists. She leveled-up the style even more by adding twists as side bangs. This is a great vacation look because it would effortlessly survive swimming in the ocean or taking a dip in the pool.
Ivy Twists
Passion twists might be the go-to salon style, but if you’re looking to spice things up give the Ivy look a try. Ideated by celebrity braider Hair by Susy, ivy twists create a fluffier feel to the braid resulting in a very earthy vibe. Just imagine yourself frolicking on the sand with your twists floating in the wind behind you.
Color Mixing
Trying a new hair color or mixing shades can be scary, but protective styles make it less daunting and more fun since nothing is permanent. So next time you get twists at the salon, take a step out of your comfort zone and ask to mix colors. You can always go easy by trying new shades of brown like chestnut or bronze, but don’t be afraid to go bold.
Twisted Side Bangs
Have some fun with your two-strand twists by creating a faux side-swoop. Pull your hair into a side part, separate out the bangs, and then scoop the rest into a half-up half down. This is the perfect way to experiment with shorter front pieces because if you decide you’re not into the bang look, all you have to do is take your hair down and alter your parting.
Claw Clip Updo
No matter your style, a claw clip is a tried-and-true way to get your hair off of your neck without having to do too much. All it takes is gathering your twists and securing the clip. Pull out two face-framing pieces out and voilà, you’re all set.
Medium-Twist Bob
Simplicity is always a vibe. For short haired girlies, let your twists flow free in a cute little bob. These medium twists are the perfect size because you’re still able to tie them back, but they’re less time consuming to create.
