Saturday, April 9, 2011

Week #4 Technique - Twist-Out

For my fourth and final hair technique in this "Four Weeks Four Techniques" series, I chose a twist-out. For some, this is a regular everyday go-to style. For me, not so much. I have actually tried this technique several times and for some reason it has always come out a bit wonky on me. Braid-outs usually are more "trust-worthy" for me when it comes to consistency in achieving the look that I was going for. That was...until now! 


I have made some adjustments to my usual technique and the products and tools that I use. Similar to the braid-out, I made about 6 large twists (I could have actually stood to make 8 or 10 to create an even more defined finish) on freshly washed, conditioned, and thoroughly detangled hair. I used my Creme of Nature Argan Oil Foam and Aloe Vera Gel (no creamy products like I usually use). This time I placed rollers on the ends to protect them and create a more uniform result (as I did with the braid-out). I also placed a scarf around the top and edges to create a smoother look and to avoid excess shrinkage. 
Twists under scarf, already removed rollers from the ends
KEY TO A TWIST-OUT...LET IT DRY!!!!! 
For me this is soooo key to achieve the full look. I'm very impatient and have almost always taken down my twists while still damp, leaving an undefined frizz ball (braid-outs are a little more forgiving). Don't get me wrong, you can still work it. But for a TRUE twist-out, hair must be completely dry. I've noticed that the only time I really love my twist-out is when I've actually worn my twists first for a couple of days. Like I said before, I'm not a sit under the dryer type of girl (low attention span??). So I wore my hair in twists for a full 24 hours before removing them to go to a concert. (Shouts out to Teedra Moses who put on an excellent show in Chicago, LOVE HER!)


Freshly untwisted hair
Finished product: "Floofed" out twist-out
Me and Teedra Moses after her performance


WHAT I LIKE ABOUT THIS TECHNIQUE:

  • Even easier and less time consuming then a braid out. It took me less than 30 minutes to complete my whole head. 
  • Results last more than a day (with a little added frizz, but I don't mind) with no major upkeep.
  • Can be worn right after untwisting for more defined coils or it can be FLOOFED (teased out). I prefer to FLOOF!
  • The results! Loosely coiled defined big hair minus the shrinkage.
WHAT I DON'T LIKE ABOUT THIS TECHNIQUE:
  • Drying time. But I can reduce that time by sitting my behind under a dryer :)

And for your viewing pleasure...a bonus twist-out adventure. Enjoy! :-)
Five large flat two strand twists with rollers

End result. Me no likey, but I still tried to work it ;-) 

PEACE, 


SPC