Tips to Achieve a Long-Lasting 4c Hair Twistout
Try smaller twists. Ok. You twisted out your hair, your definition is on point, but then you have a huge, puffed up mess only a couple hours (if that) into your day. I learned that in most cases where that happened, the size of my twists were medium to larger. Try twisting your hair in smaller twists. If they are larger they may hold the definition for a day or two, but will lose definition shortly thereafter due to humidity, sweat, and other variables.
The longer the better. The longer you leave your twists in the longer the definition you achieve will last. In my opinion, the minimum amount of time to leave your twists in should be 1 day. This ensures that they set & dry really well. I have done the overnight twist-out and achieved great definition. However, that definition was short lived, due to humidity and the fact that the hair hasn’t really set long enough.
(For Dry Hair) Set with Water. If you’re not working with freshly washed,damp hair, spritz it with water. When your hair has been twisted and water is introduced, your hair will experience some shrinkage and dry in the twisted form it is in, thus locking the curl pattern in place.
Use One Hair Styling Product. Now is no the time to play “hair product mixologist”. Shhh, I’m guilty of this too. Find one good moisturizing styling product to use to apply to your hair when twisting. Too many products in the hair can weigh it down, increase your hair drying time, and produce results that you just weren’t looking for. Carol’s Daughter’s Marula Curl Therapy Diffusing & Styling Lotion, ORS Smooth n’ Hold Pudding, & Alikay Natural’s Shea Yogurt have all worked great in my hair. Plain water has too!
Retwist in chunkier twists. The Pineapple Method is not for everybody! Trust me I know. I re-twist my hair in chunky twists to avoid looking like Sideshow Bob the following morning. When i get home from work, I simply re-moisturize my hair using the LOC (liquid,oil,cream) method and twist my hair in chunky twists. It’s important that you do not run your fingers through your hair or do any type of detangling to disturb your curl definition. Check out the video below to see how I re-twist my hair for longer lasting twist outs.
Love your hair for what it does. I have thrown many twistouts up into a bun instead simply because my curls didn’t come out like how other naturals’ curls came out. It wasn’t a product or twisting method problem, it was a self acceptance problem. The sooner we learn to accept and work with the hair texture we have, the sooner you will appreciate the uniqueness about your hair and how your twist outs turn out.
What is the longest time your 4c hair twistout has lasted? Comment below!
