What are mini twists?
Mini twists are a form of protective hairstyle popularly used in Afro-textured hair. They are achieved by dividing partially wet hair into 4 or more main sections. These sections are further subdivided into smaller subsections for easier manipulation. Afterward, two smaller hair clusters are selected from the subsection. They are then worked together in a rotating manner (twists) from roots to ends to form mini twists. The main goal of mini twists is to protect or preserve ends while promoting hair growth.
How to install mini twists on natural hair
Step 1: Shampoo
Start by washing your hair with a sulfate-free shampoo. It will gently cleanse your hair and scalp.
Step2: Conditioning
Use a detangling conditioner and thoroughly work it in your hair. Deep condition your hair since you are going to wear mini twists for some time.
Preferably air dry your hair. This may take some time but it is worth the wait and makes the whole process even more interesting. Be sure to partially dry your hair. I’d say about 90% dry.
Step 4: Sectioning
Once your hair is partially dry, stretch it and start sectioning. You will need a moisturizing cream to make the process less tedious. Divide the hair into 4 main sections, 2 in the front and the back.
Step 5: Clips
Choose one section to start with, preferably in the back. Use sectioning clips to contain the other sections that you are not working on. This gives you space to focus on the current part by keeping things tidy.
Step 6: Hair butter
Once you have isolated the section you want to work on, apply a good amount of hair butter to smoothen your hair. Butter keeps your hair from becoming dull and frizzy.
Step 7: Subsection
Now select a smaller subsection of about a square inch in size. It doesn’t have to be precisely that. This solely depends on how big or small you want your mini twists to be. Preferably start at the edge so that you can work your way in.
Step 8: Twisting
Apply some more hair butter into the subsection and part it into 2 clusters of hair. Start twisting from the roots to the ends. You’ll need to apply a twist-pull motion so that your mini twists do not unravel at the roots. After that, finger coil your ends or twirl them around your finger so that they can stay in place
Step 9: Direction
Make sure to twist in a downward motion. This is very important because if you twist in an upward or horizontal motion you might not get the results you expect. So twist downwards so that they lay flat. Do the same for the section in the front. Twist downward towards your forehead.
Step 10: Repeat
Repeat steps 1 - 9 above. Apply all the procedures to the other sections and subsections. In no time, you’ll be rocking mini twists.
How to maintain mini twists on natural hair
- We recommend wearing your mini twists for a maximum of 4 weeks.
- You can wash your scalp after about a week. Use a good cleansing shampoo.
- Use a spray-based leave-in conditioner or moisturizer several days in a week.
- Try to redo or refresh your mini twists weekly or bi-weekly to prevent locking.
- You can have the perimeters taken down and have them freshly done.
- Wear a satin scarf or bonnet to bed in order to prevent loss of moisture.
- Massage your scalp several times a week with some oil to keep it odorless.
How to make mini twists look fuller
One of the best ways to make mini twists look fuller is to make smaller sections from the get go. Remember to dampen or moisturize your hair in order to avoid shrinkage. You can also try styling your mini twists differently. There are several styles out there to choose from and some of them can give you a fuller look than others.
How to moisturize mini twists
- Start by sectioning your mini twists into at least 6 groups.
- Select a handful of twists and stretch them out a little bit.
- Spray or spritz from roots to ends.
- Saturate your twists and work them from roots to ends.
- Rub them gently with your hands to make sure that moisture is absorbed.
- Once you have done that to all the sections, apply a moisture-sealing hair oil.
- Spray from roots to ends and rub it in gently in order to seal in the moisture.
- Apply the sealing moisture oil to the other sections and work them from roots to ends.
How to style mini twists
There are many ways to style mini twists. You can even mashup two styles together. For instance, you could do a bang in the front and a ponytail in the back. It really just depends on what you want to achieve with your twists. Another factor to consider should be the occasion. Here are some styles you should try:
- Ponytails
- Bangs
- Buns
- Double buns
- Deep side parts
- Headbands
Benefits of mini twists on natural hair
- Mini twists afford your scalp and hair a break from daily routines.
- They are a protective style meaning they help preserve your ends.
- Mini twists can be worn by people with short, medium, and long hair.
- Once installed mini twists can save you time in the morning.
- Promotes growth of healthy and soft hair.
- Helps retain length since hair is not combed too often
- Allows access to the scalp and hair roots for better cleaning.
- Saves you money if you decide to do them yourself.
- Mini twists are versatile and can be styled differently for various occasions
- They’re easy to maintain once installed.
Removing mini twists
Just like installing mini twists, sectioning is very important when it comes to removing them. Divide your mini twists into 4 major sections and select one to start with. Spray some water into your mini twists and gently rub or massage them. This helps soften your twists and to avoid breakage. Do the same by applying oil and after a few minutes begin untwisting.