How To Maximize Your Twist Out Definition

Twist outs are definitely one of those classic natural hairstyles. Though every twist out is not created equal, there are many tips and tricks out there to help you obtain one that is sure to slay.

One of the top goals of any twist out is awesome definition and maintaining it throughout the week. There is nothing worse than spending all that work styling your hair only to end up with wonky twists that have no definition and a ton of frizz.

Another issue you may face in the summer heat is shrinkage and frizz from the humidity. A well defined twist out helps to hold up against these elements and last.

I’ve recently developed a routine that ensures definition to perfection that will last you until your next wash day. I’ve learned that by following certain steps you can achieve results that will turn heads.

Twist dry stretched hair

My first tip is to perform your twist out on dry, stretched hair. This will make all the difference in the world.

For those of us who are prone to shrinkage, twisting while your hair is stretched can ensure that we have the length and stretch of our style that we desire. Also, if your hair is already dry you will eliminate the worry in the morning that is stemmed from the fear of wet hair which will only result in frizzy undefined curls.

I recommend performing your usual wash day and opting to wear your hair in crown twists for a day or 2. This will ensure stretch as well as not require a lot of product that will build up on your strands. After the second day your hair will be nice and stretched and you can install your twists.

Use a cream based product

The only product you will need when installing your twist is a cream based product, such as Camille Rose Naturals Almond Jai Twisting Butter. Something with a creamy consistency that will moisturize and add shine is all you need. No gel is necessary with this method.

Small twists are key

Now on to twisting. When you are adding twists ensure that your are putting in twists that are on the smaller side. Yes, larger twists lead to more volume and are quicker to put in, but if definition is what you want small twists are key.

Because the process is more time consuming you can opt to rock your twists as a style of its own for a couple of days and then move on to take down.

Set for at least 8 hours

If you choose not to wear your twists as a style and want to move right away to your twist out, make sure you let them set for at least 8 hours. No, there isn’t any dry time but if you want to ensure you are getting the most definition setting matters.

If you are setting overnight you should sleep on a satin pillow case instead of with a satin bonnet*. This will ensure that your twists aren’t “stunted” resulting in bent twists that are out of place and shrunken.

Don’t separate your twists further

For take down the most important thing is to not separate your twists after your take them out. It’s arguably in the “natural hair bible” that you unravel your twists, separate, and fluff to get the best twist out right? However, for this method, where you are focusing solely on definition and not going after volume on day one, it’s best that you don’t separate.

Gently pull your twists apart to unravel and carefully position each curl to its proper place so that the style comes together aesthetically.

Further, you can opt to style your hair by pinning back a side if you feel like it works better.

Sleep with a bonnet to preserve the style

What I love most about this style is that you can rock your twist out the entire week and it’s extremely low maintenance since all of the work was done up front.

As far as style preservation, sleep with a satin bonnet* and gently fluff each morning. Your definition should remain intact and you will get more volume as the week goes on.

Towards the end of the week when frizz begins to develop and definition starts to fade you are free to further separate your twists and use a little oil based gel to redefine your strands.

This style is perfect for those lazy naturals during the summer. The initial style time takes about 30 minutes to an hour depending on the length and texture of your hair but after that you will spend no more than 3-5 minutes freshening up in the morning.

If you’re still unsure, check out my tutorial below.

What are some of your tips to maintain definition of your twist outs throughout the week?