Everything You Need to Know About Senegalese Twists

Between the pool days, beach days, lake days, and outdoor workouts, natural hair can take a beating during the summer months, which is why protective styles are our go-to when the temperatures start to rise. On the menu for today are Senegalese twists, also known as rope twists. They're one of the most popular protective styles for textured hair. And the best part? You can customize them any way you like — think long, short, blonde, blue, thick, thin — you name it! Below, we have more info and expert tips about these classic twists. Keep reading to learn more!

What Are Senegalese Twists?

"Senegalese twists are a braiding style done with straight braiding hair," explains celebrity hairstylist and braid expert Helena Koudou. "[They] resemble box braids but instead of braiding with three strands, you only braiding with two."

How Long Do Senegalese Twists Last?

"Senegalese twists can last anywhere from eight to 16 weeks depending on how you care for them," says Koudou.

When it comes to braids, it's all about preservation, so she recommends moisturizing your roots and wrapping your hair every night in either a satin scarf or bonnet to prevent your hair and edges from becoming frayed too quickly. Doing this will help the braids to remain fresh until they're ready to be taken out.

How to I Maintain Senegalese Twists?

For maintenance, Los Angeles-based celebrity hairstylist LaRae Burress recommends using Spiced Sugah's Scalp Oil to keep your scalp and roots moisturized, JC's Instant Control Edge and Braid Gel to lay and protect edges, and the CURLS Blueberry Bliss Leave-In Conditioner to keep hair moisturized. She recommends mixing the leave-in with water as a conditioning spray for the best results.

How Much Do Senegalese Twists Cost?

Depending on the length and size of the Senegalese twists, the price typically ranges from $150 to $400. The smaller or longer the braids are, the more expensive they can be, but well worth it.

VIDEO: 6 Twisted Hairstyle Ideas for Anyone with Natural Hair

How Can I Style Senegalese Twists?

Senegalese twists can be styled the same as regular box braids, which makes them an incredibly versatile hairstyle. Throw them up in a huge top bun when you're having a pool day, cute space buns when you're headed to the club, braid them into pigtails, or tie them up into a low bun at the nape of the neck. The possibilities are endless!

What's the Best Way to Remove Senegalese Twists?

Koudou says that Senegalese twists are pretty easy to remove compared to taking out box braids. The best way to remove these twists is to unravel them from the middle and then the root where the three strands and the two strands meet

Buress adds that when removing Senegalese twists, you should estimate your hair length, cut the excess ends of the twists, and untwist each twist from the bottom. "It's important to unravel each twist from the bottom to ensure you're not snapping your hair strands that may have gotten tangled across the two strands while you were wearing your protective style," she explains.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Do Senegalese twists last longer than braids?

  Senegalese twists and braids can last about the same amount of time, which is anywhere between six to eight weeks.

• What kind of hair should I use to do Senegalese twists?

  The most common type of hair used for Senagalese twists is Kanekalon, a type of synthetic, silky braiding hair that can also keep your twists from unraveling. You can also use human hair or Toyokalon, a type of wavy, synthetic braiding hair that looks like natural hair.

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