Flat twisting on natural hair involves creating a twisted hairstyle that lies flat against the scalp, similar to cornrows, but using a twisting technique instead of braiding. Here's a breakdown of how to achieve this style:
Steps to Flat Twisting Natural Hair
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Prepare Your Hair:
- Start with clean, moisturized, and detangled hair. Applying a leave-in conditioner and a styling cream or gel designed for twisting will help define the twists and reduce frizz.
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Part Your Hair:
- Decide on the desired size and pattern for your flat twists. Use a comb or your fingers to create neat parts, sectioning off the hair where you want each twist to begin. The smaller the sections, the smaller and more numerous the twists will be.
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Begin the Twist:
- Take one section and divide it into two equal strands near the scalp, right at the part you created.
- Begin twisting the two strands together for about an inch close to the scalp, just like you're starting a regular two-strand twist.
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Incorporate Hair:
- After the initial twist, as you continue twisting down the section, add hair to each strand from the un-twisted hair along the part line. This is the key step that makes it a "flat" twist, securing the twist to the scalp. Think of it like a French braid, but twisting instead. The reference mentions: "...there's a section without hair I'm going to add some more hair from the back section. And then I'm going to twist. So this is basically. The um process of flat twisting."
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Continue Twisting:
- Continue twisting, adding hair from the section along the part line to each strand of the twist, until you reach the end of the section.
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Complete the Twist:
- Once you've incorporated all the hair from that section, finish the twist by regularly two-strand twisting the remaining length of the hair.
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Secure the Ends:
- Secure the end of each twist with a small elastic band, or by finger coiling the ends for a more defined look.
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Repeat:
- Repeat steps 3-7 for each section of hair until you've completed all the flat twists.
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Style (Optional): Once all the twists are complete, you can style them in various ways, such as twisting them into a bun, letting them hang loose, or creating an updo.
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Drying and Setting: Allow your twists to air dry completely, or sit under a hooded dryer to speed up the process. Once dry, you can carefully unravel the twists for a twist-out style, or leave them in as a protective style.
Tips for Success
- Moisture is Key: Ensure your hair is well-moisturized throughout the process to prevent breakage and maintain healthy hair.
- Practice Makes Perfect: Flat twisting can be tricky at first, so be patient with yourself and practice to improve your technique.
- Use the Right Products: Choose products specifically designed for twisting and natural hair to achieve the best results.
- Sleep Protection: Protect your twists at night by wearing a satin bonnet or scarf to reduce frizz and maintain the style.
By following these steps and tips, you can successfully create beautiful and long-lasting flat twists on your natural hair.
