What’s the secret to creating the perfect twist out on 4C hair? The right techniques! Whether you have short, medium, or long 4C hair, the right techniques can help you achieve a well-defined twist out with bouncy curls for days. If you’re ready to get started, then follow this guide.
Achieving the perfect twist out: a step-by-step guide
1. Give your hair moisture
The first step is to moisturize your hair because moisturized hair is manageable and easier to work with as opposed to dry hair that can snap and break. Grab your spray bottle and spritz your hair with water before massaging your leave-in conditioner into your hair.
Check out: Top 20 Leave-In Conditioners for Softer Hair
2. Split your hair into sections
It’s easier to work with your hair when it is split into sections. Trying to work with hair that is not sectioned can cause it to get all tangled up during the twisting process and you don’t want to be distracted with untangling when you should be twisting. Use your fingers to gently divide your hair into sections. The sections can be big, medium, or even mini, depending on what you want. No, these sections do not have to be perfectly lined at the roots. The focus here is your twists but hey, if you want to, you can go ahead and make straight neat lines. After this, clip off the sections with your hair clip. Clipping the sections will make sure they do not interfere with each other during the twisting process.
3. Rub in your twisting butter product and detangle
Take a section of hair and massage a small amount of your twisting butter into it from roots to ends. It is important that you do not use too much as that can leave your hair oily and weighed-down. After this, you want to gently detangle with your fingers or a detangling brush. Detangled hair is smooth and easier to work with as opposed to hair filled with knots and tangles.
4. Begin the twisting process
To start, you have to split the section into two strands. Again, this doesn’t have to be a neat divide but you can go ahead and make it so if that’s your preference. Grab the two strands of hair and twist them around each other from roots to ends. Now, your twist may unravel at the end if not secured. To secure it, you can do a finger coil 1½ inches to 1 inch towards the ends of your twist. Repeat the steps for each of the sections until you have your entire hair covered in twists.
5. It’s time to get your perfect twist out
Many naturals on the internet have all confessed to this — the longer the twists stay in, the more perfect the twist out. If you cannot afford to wait long, you can take out your twists after 24 hours. The 24-hour duration allows your twists to completely dry out so they can produce the desired finish. If your hair still isn’t fully dry by this time, you can use a blow dryer to complete the drying process. On the other hand, if you have the time and patience, you can leave your twists in for up to three days before taking them out. To take your twists out, first, rub some natural hair oil on your fingers. Why do you need your fingers oiled? The reason is that dry twists (and hair, in general) can become tightly coiled and painful to unravel. The oil serves as lubrication between your fingers and your twists, helping you to gently unravel yet preserve the twist pattern while minimizing pain, frizz, breakage, or any sort of damage. Start the unraveling process by first uncoiling the ends and then untwisting each twist with your finger, following the twist pattern direction. If you’ve followed the steps correctly to this point, you’ll notice your twist outs are coming out highly defined with a fluffy bouncy texture to them. You’ll then go a bit further by separating the twist outs into smaller ones, making sure to follow the direction of the twists during the unraveling process.
6. Get more volume
After you have unraveled your twists, you can use a pick comb to gently lift the roots of your hair. Do not comb out. This will give your twist out a fuller appearance.
Here are two helpful video tutorials that can visually guide you into creating the perfect twist out:
In this video, Seun Okimi shows how she achieves the perfect twist out on her 4C natural hair after 24 hours. She also shows how she maintains her twist out at night:
LaToya Ebony Hair shows two different techniques which are how to achieve the perfect twist out on both wet and dry hair:
Products to get the perfect twist out on 4C hair
Aunt Jackie’s Curl La La Defining Curl Custard
Product promise: Define your signature look by adding a little or a lot. Whatever your style, rest assure that it will be well-moisturized and soft to the touch, without caking or flaking. Use it as often as needed on wet or dry hair.
Amazon customer rating: This product has a 4.4 star out of 5 stars global rating by 20933 users
Camille Rose Almond Jai Twisting Butter
Product promise: The Camille Rose Almond Jai Twisting Butter is a supremely soft styling butter with an indulgent nutty aroma crafted to nourish and elongate tresses.
Amazon customer rating: This product has a 4.6 star out of 5 stars global rating by 2121 users.
As I Am Twist Defining Cream
Product promise: It produces shiny, long lasting well-defined twists and twist outs. It also minimizes frizz and maximizes smoothness. Hydrates dry hair and helps promote healthy hair growth from the follicular level. Also helps prevent shedding and thinning.
Amazon customer rating: This product has a global rating of 4.5 stars out of 5 stars by 1479 users.
The Doux C.R.E.A.M. Twist & Curl Cream
Product promise: This Twist & Curl Cream defines twist-outs and curls while reducing shrinkage. Ultra moisturizing formula helps with length retention by restoring moisture balance, increasing elasticity, and preventing breakage.
Amazon customer rating: This product has a 4.4 star out of 5 stars global rating from 232 users
With the techniques you have gotten, would you try a twist out soon? Have you tried it already? Share your response in the comments box below.
