NERLINE GERMAIN
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5 Ways Two-strand Twists Can Damage Your Hair

If you do a search on Google for Two-strand twists, you will find over 1 million results. The reason is because it is such a universal hairstyle. Not only that, two-strand twists are also a versatile hairstyle.  It is one of the few hairstyles that allows you to create many other styles. I love it because it is a great protective style and it makes wearing my hair down easy. As much as I love this hairstyle, I have to admit that it has its downside. If it’s not done properly, two-strand twists can damage your hair instead of protecting it. I learned the hard way. But now you can learn from my mistakes.

Related Article: How To Keep Your Natural Hair Protected This Summer

Five Ways Two-strand Twists Can Damage Your Hair

{1} Twisting your ends to tight:

Avoid twisting your ends too tight; that can result in overstretched hair. And overstretched hair will definitely lead to split ends,  and eventually breakage. Make sure you pay close attention to where your natural hair ends while twisting it to avoid causing damage to your ends. I also love to use Murray’s Loc-Lock hair gel to keep the hair soft and moisturized. This product is a life changer!

{2} Pulling on your edges:

I have tried to regrow my edges so many times that I lost count. Being gently on your edges should be your number one priority when twisting your hair. Instead of starting the two-strand twists from the roots/scalp when I get closer to my edges, I start with 3-strand braids first, then twist when I get to about 1-inch.

{3} Borrowing hair from the sister strand:

It’s hard not to borrow when doing a two-strand twist. But, borrowing when you get to the end of the twist can lead to breakage when trying to untwist the hair. Make sure each strand is the same length before you start twisting. Or, be very careful when taking down the twists.

{4} Using too much hair:

I have mentioned here a few times that synthetic hair is unforgiving. Using too much of it to twist your own hair is like creating a barrier between your hair and the moisture that needs to get to it. Using the right amount of hair makes it easy to use plain water or a spritz to moisturize your hair.

{5} Not washing the twists properly:

Keeping the twists on for too long is not really a problem, but not washing them properly is. The longer you have the twists on, the more dirt/lint caught from your pillow, oil, and other buildups are stored between the strands. These residues can create knots that make it hard to remove the twists. Washing the twists with a conditioner that provides slip at least once a week helps soften any residue left between the strands. Using warm water to rinse the hair also helps in removing buildups and keeping the hair knot-free.

If you follow all these tips, your two-strand twists will protect your hair instead of damaging it. Did I miss anything? Please share your tips with us!

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26 Comments

  1. Beauty
    October 7, 2015 / 2:38 am

    Lovely tips and very detailed information; thanks for sharing Nerline.

  2. Ms Neti*
    October 7, 2015 / 2:47 am

    Thanks for keeping us informed my Sista. Your hair is always poppin..I keep my hair short and it is thinning due to my genes and aging, so I just keep it shaped via Haircuttery then wash & go.

  4. Subha Bose
    October 7, 2015 / 7:39 am

    I have never done two strand twist, nice tips.

  5. Jackie Harrison
    October 7, 2015 / 10:20 am

    Great tips doll.

  6. Andrea
    October 7, 2015 / 4:21 pm

    Great tips Nerline! I haven't had any kind of hair extensions added in in forever; and not at all since starting my hhj. I want to make sure I do my research before I do. I will definitely take a lesson from these tips.

  7. Tomes Edition
    October 7, 2015 / 5:37 pm

    I always enjoy seeing your twist but never thought about it like that. Thanks for the tips!

  8. Lilli
    October 7, 2015 / 6:24 pm

    Your tips are good Nerline and I think ur hair is great as ever, is a kind of hairstyle Im always curious to try. Kisses! xo

    • admin
      December 22, 2015 / 5:32 am

      Thanks love

  9. Cascia Talbert
    October 7, 2015 / 8:03 pm

    That hairstyle is beautiful. Thanks for sharing your tips!

  12. Marcela Gmd
    October 8, 2015 / 10:22 am

    Great tips, Nerline!!!!
    Have a nice day!!! and my g+ for you!!!:)))

    Besos, desde España, Marcela♥

  15. Busola Coutts
    October 9, 2015 / 6:16 pm

    It is never easy to have braids or twists on. They hurt and pull on the scalp the first few days but soften up later. Protecting it from damaging the edges is always so important. Great job with the tips.

    http://www.thefashionstirfry.com

  16. Lenya
    October 9, 2015 / 7:00 pm

    I always love your detailed and interesting post, Nerline, And I love your hair, you look fab, hun. Report about my wash day ma'am…….b-o-r-i-n-g……… 😉
    MUAH!
    Lenya
    FashionDreams&Lifestyle

  17. Sandra N.U.
    October 10, 2015 / 12:08 pm

    Great tips Nerline. My edges are fragile so I can definitely relate. Also trying to grow them out and it's such a delicate balance between protective styling and being gentle on my edges.

  18. Juditherese Nnenna
    October 10, 2015 / 7:34 pm

    While I do not use extensions, I must say this is a very detailed and informative post. Love the way you styled your twists too!

  19. Juditherese Nnenna
    October 10, 2015 / 7:37 pm

    While I don't use extensions, I must say this is a very detailed and informative post. Love the way you styled your twists too. Really beautiful!

    Juditheresehaircare.blogspot.com

  20. Uzoma Don't Touch The Hair
    October 10, 2015 / 9:51 pm

    Great tips, Nerline.

  21. Candice
    October 11, 2015 / 3:10 am

    Great tips Nerline!

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