3 Reasons Why Your Twist Outs Are Failing

Twist outs are arguably almost every natural’s favorite go-to style. The ease and simplicity of the style accompanied by the fact that it typically doesn’t take long to complete are all very rewarding.

However, often many struggle with waking up that next morning and finding the precious two strand twists you installed the night before just did not come out to perfection as originally anticipated.

The failed twist out then leads to some completely giving up on the style altogether without facing why the style is not working for whatever reason.

Though all twist outs are not created equal, because some will come out to be less than perfect, each and every set you install should not be a fail. There are most likely other contributing factors causing this negative outcome.

Are you struggling with crappy twist out results? Here are three common reasons your twist outs could be failing:

1. They are not completely dry during take down.

Almost everyone should know, but in case you don’t, the major key to a successful twist out is to ensure that your hair completely dry. If you take out your twists prior to this and your strands are still pretty damp you will notice that your hair exhibits more frizz and less definition. Not to mention, the style will most likely not last throughout the length of the week either. Sad sad day.

Tips to overcome waking up with wet hair include letting your hair air dry a bit prior to installing your twists, start wash day earlier so that your hair has the full day and night to dry, or use a diffuser* prior to take down to make sure everything is all nice and dry.

Another option is if you wake up and the twists are still wet to touch leave them installed and instead opt to rock your twists for the day or throw on a head wrap.

I understand that every natural’s hair is different so you have to find a method that works for you to ensure that they are dry to completion. No more wet twists!

2. You’re using the wrong products.

Product experimentation without becoming a product junkie is another key to mastering your natural. What works for your favorite YouTuber may not work for you, so no need for tears when your style doesn’t come out to look identical to hers.

Hair texture, curl type, and porosity are all things that can play a major role in the ability for a product to work for your hair specifically. Those with fine, less kinky* hair with higher porosity may require products that are water based and not as heavy, while those with thicker and low porosity need heavier cream based stylers.

Many natural hair companies are now creating products for specific hair types, so determining your texture and level of porosity can assist in finding a good product.

Do note, however, that within this everyone is still unique which is why you have to experiment and figure out what works for you! There are tons of options out there so grab a couple of sample sizes from your local beauty supply store or do a product swap to save your coins until you find the perfect one for you.

3. You’re twists are the wrong size.

Lastly, twist size is an important factor in the results of your twist out. This is one thing many naturals often overlook or don’t consider. Most believe that as long as they are all about the same size collectively then you’re good, but this is not always the case.

Small, medium, and large twist have a direct correlation with the definition and volume of your hair.

If you install smaller sized twist you are likely to have incredible definition but if you are someone with fine hair you may not have the voluminosity that you desire. On the contrary, if you install larger twists you’ll definitely have more volume but your curls will not be as defined.

Thickness and the type of curl pattern you have are things that determine the size of twists you should install. Though smaller twists tend to take more time installing maybe it would be worth the extra effort in hopes of obtaining a better outcome.

Technique, skill, and products are all things that can easily be adjusted to obtain optimal twist out results. With practice and routine, you can rock a twist out to perfection almost every time you complete it.

Your twist out is failing for a reason. Instead of just writing them all off completely and accepting that “they just don’t work for you”, examine and alter your methods and I’m sure you will get the results you desire!

How do you ensure great twist out results? Let me know in the comments below.