How to Prevent Two Strand Twists From Unraveling

If you have fine or looser textured natural hair, keeping two strand twists from unraveling is one of the most frustrating challenges on wash day. Imagine spending two, maybe three hours twisting your hair only for it to start unraveling. Oh no, honey. We are not about to continue letting that happen.

There are two times a year when you’ll want to do more low manipulation hairstyles: when the weather is hot and when the weather is cooler. Both times of year are great for doing two strand twists. Below you’ll find different techniques to stop your twists from unraveling.

I’ve been there. When I first started twisting my own hair, my twists would come apart in less than a day. After a lot of trial and error, I finally figured out what actually works, especially for fine natural hair.

Why do Two Strand Twists Unravel?

Before jumping into the fixes, it helps to understand why your twists are coming undone in the first place:

• Heat damaged or straight ends
• Having a looser curl pattern
• An ineffective or wrong product used to twist
• Incorrect twisting technique

Once you identify your reason, the tips below will make a lot more sense.

Is It Better to Do Two Strand Twists Wet or Dry?

This is one of the most common questions about two strand twists, and the answer matters. Damp hair is the sweet spot. Not soaking wet, not completely dry.

Twisting on wet hair can cause frizz and slippage as it dries and shrinks. Twisting on dry hair makes it harder for the twists to hold their shape. Damp hair gives you the right amount of slip and control to create twists that actually stay put.

How to Prevent Twists from Unraveling

I’ve experienced my twists untwisting at times due to all of the above. With a little trial and error, I discovered a few methods to prevent twists from unraveling.

Here are the methods that work, especially if you have fine or looser textured natural hair:

1. Use a light gel at the roots. A little Loc and Twist gel at the root gives your twists something to grip onto. Don’t overdo it — fine hair gets weighed down easily.

2. Bobby pin the roots until dry. After twisting, pin the roots down until the twists have fully dried. This is one of the simplest and most effective methods.

3. Twist with a heavy oil. Jamaican Black Castor Oil (JBCO) adds weight and grip to your twists, helping them stay wound together a little longer.

4. Try rope twists instead of standard two strand twists. Rope twists are naturally tighter and less likely to unravel. Here’s a great tutorial showing exactly how to do them:

5. Always twist on damp hair. As mentioned above, damp hair — not wet, not dry — is your best starting point for long lasting twists.

6. Add a control paste to roots and ends. A product like Curls Blueberry Bliss Control Paste works especially well for looser curl patterns. Apply a small amount to the root and the ends to keep both from slipping loose.

7. Flat twist the root, then twist the length. This technique anchors your twist at the root where unraveling usually starts. You can also braid the root and twist the length for even more hold (see image below). This is a great technique if you are looking to do twist-outs.

8. Use a rubber band on the ends. If you have thicker strands this can work well. For fine hair I skip this, but if you try it, always cut the band out rather than pulling it off to avoid breakage.

Additional Tips for Longer Lasting Twists

Detangle thoroughly before you start – Always detangle in sections using a detangling brush or wide tooth comb before twisting. Smooth, knot-free hair creates cleaner, longer lasting twists. Good options include the Felicia Leatherwood brush, Tangle Teezer, or EZ Detangler brush.

Do an ACV rinse after washing – An apple cider vinegar rinse encourages your hair cuticles to lay flat, which helps your twists wind more smoothly and stay together longer.

Sit under a hooded dryer – Once you’ve twisted damp hair with the right products, sitting under a hooded dryer for a few minutes helps set your twists faster and more effectively.

Mist your hair as you twist – Use a spray bottle to keep each section damp as you work through your hair. This prevents sections from drying out mid-twist which causes frizz and slippage.

Tie down with a satin scarf and bonnet – Once your twists are done, tie your entire head down with a satin scarf. If you can, add a satin bonnet over it. At minimum sleep on a satin or silk pillowcase. The scarf is key — it helps lay your hair flat at the roots overnight.

Keep your ends moisturized and sealed – Apply a little curl cream followed by a light oil to seal your ends. Don’t overdo it because too much product causes unraveling at the ends just as much as at the roots.

Does Hot Water Keep Braids and Twists from Unraveling?

Hot water is actually used to seal the ends of synthetic hair extensions like in Senegalese or passion twists, but not twists done on natural hair. Dipping the ends of synthetic hair into hot water causes the fibers to fuse slightly, preventing unraveling.

For natural hair twists without extensions, hot water isn’t recommended. Stick to the techniques above instead.

A Word of Caution About Protective Styles

If you’re considering adding synthetic hair like Marley hair for an extended protective style, be cautious, especially with fine hair. Faux hair can dry your natural hair out underneath.

Senegalese twists and passion twists look beautiful but typically require added hair unless your natural hair is very long.

Whatever technique you choose, make sure your style isn’t causing stress to your hair underneath. Long lasting twists should protect your hair, not damage it. My personal timeframe for a protective style is no more than one month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Looking for more twist hairstyle inspiration?
Check out these related articles:

12 Easy Back-to-School Mini Twists Hairstyles for Natural Hair

How to Keep Mini Twists Tangle Free

How to Get Long Lasting Twists