How Long Should You Keep Twists in Your Natural Hair?

Having twists in your hair is great especially if they are mini twists. They can give you so much freedom and give your hair an opportunity to take a break too.

Have you been wondering how long you can keep them in for? Look no further, because this ultimate guide has got you covered.

No matter if you are a natural hair professional or a newbie when it comes to dealing with your kinky, curly strands of hair, finding the ideal duration for your twists is crucial to maintaining healthy, luscious hair.

In this comprehensive guide, we’re going to be diving deep into factors that will determine how long you should keep twists in your natural hair. We’ll explore things like hair type, texture, and length to give you the best insight into managing twists in your natural hair. Plus, you’ll get tips and tricks to ensure your twists stay fresh and fabulous for as long as possible!

Let’s debunk some common myths, and provide actionable steps to prolong the lifespan of your twists. Get ready to learn how to keep your natural hair looking flawless, whether you prefer short twists or long-lasting protective styles.

So, let’s get started on your journey to twist perfection!

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Benefits of Keeping Twists in Your Natural Hair

Twists are a popular protective style for a reason. They offer a host of benefits that can help to keep your natural hair healthy and thriving.

One of the key benefits of twists is that they protect your hair from damage and breakage. By twisting your hair, you’re creating a barrier that helps prevent your hair from rubbing against your clothes or other surfaces, which can cause split ends and breakage. Essentially twisits can be a protective style for your hair.

Another benefit of twists is that they allow your hair to rest and recover. If you’re constantly styling your hair, you may be putting stress on your hair follicles, which can lead to hair loss and breakage. By giving your hair a break with twists, you’re allowing your hair to recover and grow.

Lastly, twists are a versatile style that can be worn in so many different ways. Whether you prefer short twists or long-lasting protective styles, you can create a look that suits your personal style and preferences.

I personally love the versatility of natural hair twists!

Factors To Consider When Deciding How Long To Keep Twists

How long should you keep twists in your natural hair? That’s the question that everyone wants an answer to.

This depends on several factors, including your hair type, texture, and length. If you have fine or thin hair, you may need to remove your twists sooner to prevent breakage. On the other hand, if you have thick or coarser hair, you may be able to keep your twists in for a longer period of time.

If you have a softer texture you may notice that your twists could unravel sooner as there is not an awful lot to give it as strong of a hold.

Another factor to consider is the style of your twists. If you have intricate twists with lots of small sections, you may need to remove them sooner to prevent tangling and matting. If you have larger twists, you may be able to keep them in for a longer period of time.

Your lifestyle and daily activities should also be taken into consideration when deciding how long you can keep your twists in for.

If you are someone who works out frequently or participates in activities that cause you to sweat, you may need to remove your twists sooner to prevent odour and buildup from occurring.

How Long Can You Keep Twists In Your Natural Hair?

The length of time you can keep twists in your natural hair varies depending on the factors mentioned above. However, the general rule of thumb is to keep twists in for no more than four to six weeks. After this time, your hair may start to tangle and mat, which can cause breakage and damage.

This is especially true if you are going to be washing your hair whilst they are in twists.

It’s important to pay attention to your hair and the condition of your twists as time goes on. If you notice any signs of damage or breakage, it’s time to remove your twists and give your hair a break.

Proper Care And Maintenance For Twists

To keep your twists looking fresh for as long as possible, it’s important to take proper care of them. Here are some tips to help you maintain your twists.

1. Moisturise

It’s important to keep your scalp clean and moisturised. Use a spray bottle like this one to mist your scalp with water and a lightweight oil, such as jojoba or grapeseed oil.

2. Avoid These Things

Try as much as possible to avoid using heavy products that can cause buildup and weigh down your twists. This will likely attract dirt and cause it to stick to your strands.

3. Sleep With Silk

When you go to bed make sure you are using a satin or silk scarf or pillowcase to prevent frizz and breakage. Using a regular cotton pillowcase will likely pull the moisture away from your hair and cause it to be dry and frizzy.

4. Be Gentle

Be gentle when handling your twists, and avoid pulling or tugging on them. The general rule is that you shouldn’t hande your hair when you don’t have enough time on your hands. You will probably do more harm than good like this.

It’s a rule I’ve followed for many years myself and it has benefitted me greatly.

By following these tips, you can help prolong the lifespan of your twists and keep your natural hair healthy and looking beautiful.

Signs That It’s Time To Remove Your Twists

Even with proper care and maintenance, there comes a time when it’s necessary to remove your twists. Here are some signs that it’s time to take down your twists and do something fresh.

1. Unravelling

You may notice that your hair will start to unravel or just not behave the same anymore. Your twists will start to unravel and come loose. This is likely due to the fact that your hair is tired and bogged down.

2. Tangling

No matter how much you try to avoid this there comes a point where your hair will start to tangle and mat. The new hairs growing will begin to wrap around each other and because you are not detangling or combing your hair they are left to their own devices, hence the matting and tangling.

3. It Gets Itchy

An itchy scalp at this point is going to be quite normal, especially if you haven’t been washing it. Your scalps’ natural sebum will be mixed with sweat and all kinds of other things so you need to give your hair a good wash to stop the irritation.

4. Shedding and Breakage

Even though your hair is in twists, you may not notice it right away but your hair could be experiencing excessive shedding and breaking.

Some shedding is completely normal as your hair goes through its different cycles but too much shedding and breaking is a sign you need to make a change.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to remove your twists and give your hair a break.

Different Ways To Style Twists While They Are In

One of the great things about twists is that they can be worn in a variety of different ways. Here are some ideas for styling your twists while they’re in:

Pull them back into a ponytail for a sleek, sophisticated style.
Twist them up into a bun or updo for a chic, polished look.
Add hair accessories, such as beads,jewellery or clips, for a pop of colour and style.

Above all else have fun, experiment with different styles and find the look that works best for you!

Tips For Preventing Damage To Your Natural Hair While Wearing Twists

While twists are a great protective style, they can also cause damage if not done properly. Here are some tips for preventing damage to your natural hair while having twists.

1. Never pull

Don’t make your twists too tight, as this can cause breakage and damage to your hair. If you do this you may also begin to see small bumps. This is very dangerous as you are pulling at the follicles way too tightly.

2. Avoid Heavy Products

Avoid using heavy products that can weigh down your twists and cause buildup. As mentioned before this will only attract dirt to your hair and cause you to need to either wash it or take them down early.

Twists don’t really need a lot of maintenance which is why they are a great protective style. To freshen them up you can opt for a very light oil if you need to.

3. Keep It Clean

Keeping your scalp clean and moisturised to prevent itching and irritation is super important. If you need to squeeze a gentle wash in the middle while your hair is still in twists you can do that.

Avoid using too many products as much as possible.

Helpful post: Should you wash your hair in twists?

How To Properly Remove Twists From Your Natural Hair

When it’s time to remove your twists, it’s important to do so properly to avoid damage and breakage. Here’s how to remove your twists in the safest possible way.

Start by rubbing some oil into your hands. Use a lightweight oil, such as coconut or olive oil.
Use a comb or your fingers to gently unravel each twist.
Be careful not to pull or tug on your hair, as this can cause breakage.
Once all of your twists are removed, wash and condition your hair to remove any buildup or residue.