It’s not easy to explain the stories behind twist hairstyles, but there is plenty of history. I recall a time when I was working with a client who was likely about nineteen or twenty years old, and she was getting her first twists. She mentioned that her grandmother had twists her entire life, and she hadn’t encountered twists as a hairstyle for her age group until she spotted a contemporary and effortless looking set on someone else on the train. That example stuck with me because it’s precisely the effect twists have, they bridge something. They are deeply rooted but they keep evolving in ways that feel genuinely new rather than repeat.
That’s why I appreciate twists so much today, particularly with the immense selection. There’s a lot to choose from whether you envision a very tight and sculpted two strand twist on a tapered cut, or extremely long twisted braids with some color at the ends. And contrary to what people might assume, it’s not very technique based. The outcome can change quite a bit based on how you twist it, where you begin with that, and the amount of hair you incorporate, even if two people have the same name for that style. Having said that, these are the styles I would suggest to people for now, and I will be truthful about the level of effort that is required.
#1: Textured Long Locs with Soft Layers Around the Face
It can be difficult to get a sense of how locs made of this type of texture will fall and how they will move. They look even more amazing in person because as you move your head the locs fall and shift in a gorgeous way. The face-framing layers here do quite a bit of work pulling focus to the cheekbones and softening the overall silhouette while still keeping all of that length, and, drama. When it comes to locs, they really do look best with thick and medium-density hair, as that is what provides enough density to give them body. There is still no way to say it but locs are a commitment. They are as much a lifestyle choice as they are a style choice. A lot of regular retwisting and maintenance will be needed to keep your scalp from looking neglected, but once they are maintained well, no other style even comes close to what they give in presence and how long those styles last.
#2: Twisted Locs with Gold Accents
What makes this set different is the gold accents. They change it from being an average set to looking purposeful and a little bit fancy. The twist sizes are also just right. They aren’t so chunky that they look like they took 12 hours toinstall, and aren’t so microscopic that they look like little strands of hair. They work really well on coarser hair, as the hair grips itself through the twists. I also like this length. It is nice at mid-back and it doesn’t drag the hair down too much. In terms of real hair cuffs, the gold ones are ideal, as opposed to plastic ones that come undone after a day. This look suits people who aren’t interested in doing too much in the morning to look polished, as it requires very minimal effort.
#3: Twisted Bob with Curls That Actually Behave
Shoulder length twists offer the opportunity to experience definition in your curls to give more bounce without excess bulk, and they will rest nicely in your twists when worn with a collared shirt, or even a crew neck. If your hair is a bit finer, then this is actually ideal for you, because this density in twists means that they will not pull or feel heavy. The curls that you have here are more youthful, without being juvenile which is a much harder line to walk than you may think. After the first week, you will need a good curl-enhancing cream to prevent the ends from drying and separating.
#4: Short Twists with a Deep Side Part
The side part really elevates this style; without it, they are just nice short twists—but with a side part, there’s a shape around the whole thing that feels intentional and a bit edgy. For a medium density coil pattern, the length really captures the texture and movement. No need to tie yourself to a time-consuming style. This is super low-maintenance once it’s done, just be consistent with moisture. Dry twists at this length get dusty quickly. A light curl defining spray a few days after twisting will keep them looking fresh as the day you did them.
#5: Twisted Curls with Laid Baby Hairs
I really like how these baby hairs are framing the style without over doing it. A lot of baby hairs are used in a style and they scoop and stick the baby hairs into all sorts of designs that take away from the hairstyle, but this is more simple and that works for it. The twists have good definition to hold all day and are medium in length. If you want to look put together without spending a lot of time on it, this is a good style. Just a little warning, the curls will need to be kept moisturized in order to maintain that definition, so a leave in is a must.
#6: Medium Twisted Locs with Natural Movement
They are practical in length. They’re not so long that you feel like you can’t swing into everything and they’re still long enough to feel substantial. What appreciiates me in this particular set is the twist pattern is loose enough to show the natural texture underneath. This adds dimension to the look and is more than what would be a tight, uniform twist. Styling time is minimal after installation, and this is the reason I would say most of my clients prefer this length.
#7: Long Twisted Braids with Layers That Frame Without Trying Too Hard
I really love how naturally subtle the face framing is done. It is quite effective. Long twisted braids can look like one big wall of hair, but with the slight layering it really helps break that up and let the style breathe. The density is perfect where the braids look full but aren’t too heavy on the head. I’d say these can go a solid few weeks before needing to be touched up. That being said, please keep your scalp clean and moisturized! With longer installs, the tension is no joke and people really have to do without a clean scalp to avoid the trade off but it just isn’t worth the risk.
#8: Curly Twists with Braided Roots and Color
The braids flowing into soft, loose bouncy curls at the roots are a great technical feature and look great. The colour highlights are great for adding depth to the extensions, without them looking blocky or fake. For thin hair, this style will not look good as it will be lacking the density around the braid and curl transition to not look sparse. I will say this style is more high maintenance than it appears to be. Those curls will get tangles and frizzy if you don’t separate them and apply a light oil to them regularly. Once you put in the time, they will look really beautiful for a few weeks.
#9: Twisted Braids at the Scalp Flowing into Loose Waves
What a great contrast the tighter braids at the scalp make, with the more loosely waved ends. All the individual sections are super soft and the whole thing gives a nice light feel, plus the added beads are a great finishing touch. This style should hold well for medium to thick hair, but do be warned about sitting, as tighter braids can create tension and headaches, plus the braiding can be a bit rough. Nonetheless, there is a lot of discomfort to be considered and that just makes the style all the more great. It emphasizes the need to communicate with your stylist about how to style your hair comfortably.
#10: Twisted Updo with Layered Curls
The different styles of hair layers twisted updo. They allow the hair to appear. It makes the hair less flat, and and more interesting and structured without looking too stiff. It works best on medium and thick hair, and oval face shapes. In my experience, I’ve also seen it look good on round face shapes when the volume is at the crown. It looks like an updo you could wear to a wedding, or even an errand run, which is a lot harder to achieve than people think!
#11: Burgundy Twisted Braids with Natural Texture
The color burgundy is subtle, but still very noticeable. I think this color works best on the braids. It gives warmth and dimension, while still being natural enough to be worn to the office without anyone doing double takes. The braids being medium thickness, keeps the style manageable and not super heavy, and the length is practical for every day life. If you have a heart shaped face, the braids will be even more flattering, but to be honest, there aren’t many styles that are as universally nice as this one. Just redo the edges every few weeks and these will be great for a while.
#12: Twisted Braids with Pastel Highlights
Pastel highlights in the twist styles are a hit! Because it is woven in, it is not overly covering the entire style. With the braids being past the shoulders, you have room to play about with different styles – pulled back, over one shoulder, half up. I want to be frank about one thing, if your natural hair is fine, this much length in braids will feel super heavy by the end of the day. It’s not a deal breaker if you know going in, but it is something to factor in to your decision over discovering it after a six hour install.
#13: Twisted Braids Transitioning into Loose Curls
The contrast of visuals for tight braids at the root and soft curls at the ends is always intriguing, and this style does it best. I appreciate that the braid construction at the scalp is nice and does not look so tight that it would create discomfort. The shape is particularly flattering on oval and heart shapes, and the real magic is the texture. I will say that the tight-to-loose transition can be a point of tension, both literally and in terms of maintenance. The area where the braids end and the curls begin tends to tangle the most, so be gentle when separating them.
#14: Long Box Braids with Clean Edges
It doesn’t get better than a simple, clean and honest design. The smooth finish makes it easier to maintain than many long braid styles because smooth hair surfaces are less likely to develop frizz. The weight is well distributed for people with medium and thick hair at this length and even for fine hair you’ll just feel the weight more. I would suggest to go slightly shorter if that is the case. The well defined edges pull the whole thing together from every angle and makes it look really intentional.
#15: Double Twisted Buns with Two-Tone Color
For me, double buns are particularly endearing because they are ageless; they don’t make you feel like you’re trying to look older or younger than you are. The two-tone color is an excellent way to be different without the commitment of a permanent dye job. These buns work best on medium density hair because there’s enough hair to create fullness without having to stuff the buns. The twists in the buns also add interest and keep them from looking like boring knots on top of your head. This style is more than a simpler one; it will need some re-styling, especially after you’ve slept on it, but personality-wise, it’s all worth it.
#16: Shoulder-Length Twists with a Side Part
The way the twists do those coils come from the way the twist pattern matches the uniqueness of no products. The side part adds to the overall look instead of uniformity. The length is also right, it isn’t too limiting and it isn’t too long to be obstructive. More than longer ones. The blocks show dryness more than longer ones because the weight pulls them down and smooth.
#17: Twisted Curls in Burgundy
One timeless combination is burgundy with twists. This is still one of my favorites because it goes with almost any skin tone. Other more trendy colors can be harder to work with. These curls are medium length, and the shape is perfect. The dark roots blended with burgundy give a more natural grow out look which adds to the style as opposed to making it look overdue. The amount of volume here is also great for those with fine hair who want more fullness. If you are looking to try the color for a short time, this is a great option because it is an alternative to permanent color with extensions.
#18: Twisted Braids with a Black-to-Burgundy Ombre
I admire the artistry involved in blending and positioning the hair for an even ombre and the bold, yet not overpowering, color choice. The clear tight braids show that there was a lot of care in the installation and the end result. This style is suited best on hair that is thicker in texture so that the braids can be supported without putting stress at the scalp. If you prefer styles that are tighter, you need to be truthful about the extent to which your hairline has been altered. When braids are done well, they look beautiful, however, they may not be forgiving if your edges are already on the weaker side.
#19: Short Golden Twists with Natural Texture
The short twists with gold highlights will give your hairstyle a more bright and lively appearance. Additionally, with this length, the twists closely frame the face, creating a lovely effect for rounder shapes as it provides some definition without adding more width. You won’t have to smooth your hair down and slap on a ton of product and that’s a plus in my book. This style is pretty low maintenance, although you might want to redo the twists in a couple of weeks to keep the parts neat and fresh.
#20: High Twisted Bun with Visible Texture
High buns look simple enough in theory, but achieving the right aesthetic balance of polished and textured Versus messy is tricky. This bun incorporates a twist which adds visual detail and texture that a standard bun lacks. It is designed to elongate the face and neck and therefore is most suited to oval and heart shaped face. You may want to be as exposed as possible or you may want to dial that down, as it will depend on your comfort. In the case of thick hair, the bun will hold its form perfectly. With fine hair, achieving that degree of fullness will require careful pinning and a few bobby pins.
#21: Twisted Braids with Gold Accents and Length
I really appreciate the gold accents on the braids because they add something extra without looking too costume-y. I like the feel of the braids and the close up detail of the patterns is really engaging. Your braider is going to be busy for a few hours just so you know- but once you see how long the braids last, you’ll know it’s worthwhile. After you get them in the braids, your only job will be looking after your scalp and edges. This style is ideal for everyday use, and crowded venues – no need to switch it up.
#22: Textured Twists with Bounce
It’s not easy to achieve the look you’ve got going on here, and that’s the beauty of it. It brings the vibe of “I just rolled out of bed, and my hair magically looks good!” While these curls give the look a little extra energy without going too far, it’s perfect for someone who has that easy, casual look that a lot of people admire. These curls will blend seamlessly with your people, and for the others, a lightweight anti-frizz serum should keep the curls defined even through day 2 during summer. For a lot of people who want a look that appears to have taken some effort without actually doing a lot, this style offers a lot of versatility.
#23: Curly Twists with a Black-to-Caramel Ombre
The ombre is nice, starting dark at the roots and brightening to a caramel shade at the ends that look like they could naturally be sun lightened. The mid-length is a good choice for curly twists because the curl is free to develop without being weighed down. Also, this is a really good protective style, which is a rare combo. The roots will need to be re-twisted before the style shows any real wear, so plan maintenance around that instead of waiting until the whole thing looks tired.
#24: Long Twisted Curls with Dimensional Highlights
High-quality hair makes all the difference for long twists with highlights. Using hair of a higher standard means the twists will look more realistic and have the healthy and natural dimension and flow. Cheap hair will look like cheap plastic and won’t cut it. If you’re investing in the length of the hair and detail of the twists, good quality human hair is a must. The installation is quite lengthy and maintaining the curls is essential to prevent them from interlocking. The results are beautiful when everything is done correctly.
#25: Double Braid Twists with a Clean Center Part
I appreciate the geometric sectioning. It adds even more structural detail to the style and gives a polished look to the design. It’s great to see a style that embraces raw texture because many choose to cover it. The length is also ideal as it sits nice and short above the shoulders and won’t be pulling at the scalp like longer, heavier braids would. A little edge control to the parting lines should help maintain sharp lines and keep the style looking good as it ages instead of growing out messy.
Enter your email and get this picture and description straight to your inbox, and you'll also get new hair ideas ❤️
🔒 We don't spam or sell emails. See our Privacy Policy.