Creating Mini Twists
Begin with thoroughly cleansed hair by following your regular wash day routine. Before applying any protective hairstyle, do a deep conditioning treatment to ensure the moisture from the product fully penetrates your hair strands. Well-conditioned hair is less likely to break during the twisting process. Before twisting, saturate your hair with a deep conditioner for 20-30 minutes. Blow-drying your hair can help stretch your curls before twisting, making your twists appear longer and more uniform. However, this stretching step is optional.
Apply a leave-in conditioner to your damp hair. Work the product through from roots to ends. Then, use your fingers to gently detangle. Follow up by thoroughly brushing through your hair with a detangling brush to ensure the conditioner has been evenly distributed and your hair is completely free of knots and tangles.
Divide your hair into 4 sections. Create two sections in the front of your hair and two in the back. Use hair clips to keep the hair separated into the designated sections, but remember to leave one section loose as this is the section you will begin twisting with.
Use a rat tail comb to horizontally divide the section into smaller 1-2 inch segments. If you’d like your twists to be smaller, opt for 1-inch segments, while 2-inch segments will provide larger twists. Apply a pea-sized amount of twisting butter or cream to the parted sections to prepare them for the twisting process.
Split the smaller segments into two equal halves. Starting from the top of the head and working your way down, use your rat tail comb to split each section vertically down the center. The two pieces you create are what you will be using to make each twist.
Twist the two pieces together in a clockwise spiral. Beginning near the root, wrap the pieces around each other in a rope-like motion, continuing along the full length of the hair to the ends—think of a braid with only 2 strands of hair instead of 3. As you begin to approach the ends of your hair, you may need more twisting cream or butter if your ends are on the dry side.
Coil the ends around your finger to seal the twist. Twirl the hair ends until the twist feels tight and secure. Repeat this process across your entire head, section by section.
Mini Twist Maintenance
Stick to a regular washing routine. You can plan to get at least 4 weeks out of your mini twists, but over time, the twists can begin to mat and lock into locs. Fortunately, you can still wash your mini twist style.When wearing mini twists, be sure to thoroughly cleanse your scalp to promote optimal hair growth. Washing your hair in sections can also help reduce frizz and prevent the twists from rubbing against each other. After shampooing, consider applying a mousse to further control frizz. To wash, dilute 2-3 tablespoons of shampoo in water in an empty nozzle bottle. Gently apply this mixture to the twists and scalp, massaging the scalp with your fingertips before rinsing thoroughly. Repeat the process with a conditioner. Dry the hair using a microfiber towel, which absorbs more water than regular towels. You can also speed up drying with a blow dryer.
Sleep in a silk or satin bonnet. Sleeping with a silk or satin scarf or bonnet is essential for retaining moisture and minimizing frizz. This helps keep your hair neat and maintain your twists for longer. For even more protection, you can also sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase.
Wear your twists tied up from time-to-time. While mini twists provide protection for your hair, wearing them down constantly can lead to issues. To prevent split ends and breakage, try to avoid letting your hair rub against your clothing too frequently. Cotton fabrics, in particular, can dry out hair and make it harder for it to retain moisture.
Moisturize! For optimal hair growth and length retention while wearing mini twists, moisturize and seal your hair 2-3 times per week. Mix water with a leave-in conditioner and spritz the solution onto your hair. Then, follow up by applying a lightweight oil to seal in the moisture.
Mini Twist Styles
Half-up-half-down mini twists The half-up-half-down style is a simple way to add understated elegance to your mini twists. Simply put the top half of your hair up in a bun or ponytail and leave the rest down.
Long mini twists Some mini twists are created with extensions in order to give some desired length. If long hair is your thing, purchase some extensions that are similar to your own hair texture.
Space bun mini twists Creating space buns with your mini twists is a fairly easy process. Dividing your hair into two sections, make two pigtails—one on each side of your head. From there, form each pigtail into a bun and secure it with a hair tie.
Beaded mini twists Adding fun jewelry to your mini twists is a great way to incorporate a bit of pizazz. You can opt for hair cuffs, beads, charms, or shells.
Mini twists with a headband Who doesn’t love a fun pop of color on any hairstyle? Add your favorite headband to your mini twist style not only for a fashionable look, but to help keep your hair out of your face and absorb sweat in the summer.
Tools You’ll Need
Mini twists only require a few simple tools and products. Because there is no heat styling involved with mini twists, you won’t need any fancy tools for this style. What you will need is: Wash day products (Shampoo, Conditioner, Leave-in Conditioner) Detangling Brush Rat Tail comb Hair Clips/Separators A Twisting Butter or Cream
Are mini twists worth it?
Mini twists are worth it for those who want to grow out their hair or retain length. This is because your hair is not exposed to daily styling, heat tools, or environmental effects, however, it’s important to keep in mind that hairstyles alone do not directly impact the natural growth rate of hair. Mini twists can be a good low tension style for people looking to promote healthy hair by preventing excess breakage.
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