For those who have long relied on wigs, weaves, and extensions, the shift towards embracing natural hair can be both intimidating and liberating.Regular breaks from extensions are beneficial. Use them sporadically rather than continuously, allowing your scalp and hair time to recover and repair.
Twist outs and braid outs are staple hairstyles popular among those with curly and textured hair.Twist outs encompass twisting two strands of hair together, while braid outs apply three-strand plaiting.
Braid Out vs Twist Out
Perhaps the most noticeable difference between twist outs and braid outs is the resulting curl patterns and shrinkage.
Twist outs provide a spiral ringlet effect, which can give your hair more volume but may lead to significant shrinkage. In contrast, braid outs typically offer a crimp-like pattern with much less shrinkage, often resulting in a longer appearance.
Which style lasts longer?
In terms of longevity and ease of maintenance, braid outs generally have the upper hand. With proper care, a braid out can last up to 10 days without necessitating significant restyling. This makes it a preferred choice for those looking for low-maintenance hairstyles. Twist outs, on the other hand, may require more regular intervention to maintain their structure and definition, losing shape faster than braid outs.
Braid Out vs Twist Out
Both styles have some advantages for natural curly hair
1. Curl definition- Both of these can enhance your hair’s natural curl pattern and give it a wave-like definition.
2. Stretching- Both of these can stretch your hair without using heat, which can be especially helpful for people with tighter curls.
3. Long-lasting- Depending on the products you use and how you protect your hair at night, both of these can last 3–7 days.
4. Hydration- Both of these can help your hair stay hydrated for longer, which can make it more manageable.
5. Detangling- Because your hair is stretched, both of these can help reduce tangles and knots, which can lead to breakage when you brush your hair.
Top braid/twist out hairstyles tips:
1: A great braid/twist out starts on throughly cleansed hair. You can’t expect the best from your hair if it’s overloaded with old products. If you want the most out of any hairstyles you need to start on freshly washed hair.
2: Use products that are correctly labelled for the purpose of the hairstyle.Leave in keeps your hair conditioned. Gel cream clumps the hair offering definition and elongation. Oil seals the products in to the strands preventing loss of moisture and frizz.
3:Make sure when doing your twists or braids each lengths of hair being twisted is of equal length! Do not borrow hair (might be difficult if your hair has many layers). Equal side length hair means faster unravelling, less frizz and prevents tangles and rips.
4.If your hair is dense, coarse texture and coily in curl pattern (similar to mine or thicker) you need to twists smaller. If you struggle with definition or your twist out is fluffy/puffy on take down then twisting smaller will help with all those struggles as it enables you to use the right amount of products per twists.
5:Let your hair properly dry down. I suggest allowing 3 days for your twists to dry. Each day wear your twists down with no hairbands it will help dry quicker.
Conclusion
For many, wigs and hair extensions have been a convenient solution for styling and achieving desired hairstyles that may not be possible with natural hair alone.Take a break from wigs/hair extensions and feel confident wearing your real, natural hair,braid out and twist out hairstyles are two popular options that allow you to showcase the beauty and versatility of your natural curls.
Remember, healthy natural hair should be the ultimate goal in any hair regimen.