Are you dreaming of having long, beautiful twists but simply don’t have the length to make them? Then you need some hair extensions, girl! With a pack of hair extensions and some patience, you, too, can have the twisted hair you’ve always wanted.
Twisting hair with extensions is a relatively simple but time-consuming process. Start by purchasing a pack or two of hair extensions. Separate and cut to your desired length. Wash, dry, and section your natural strands. Start twisting, then add the extension to your twist, and continue.
If you want to learn how to twist hair with extensions, you’ve come to the right place. This article shares the proper technique for twisting your natural hair with hair extensions to create a look that’s ready for the Red Carpet.
What are we waiting for? Let’s twist some hair!
Contents
How to Twist Hair With Extensions in Eight Steps
It might look a little complicated, but I promise, once you get the hang of it, you’ll be twisting your hair faster than the speed of lightning. OK, maybe not exactly (it takes up to six hours typically to do twists), but you can at least be confident that your hair will look amazing.
Here’s how to twist hair with extensions in eight easy steps.
1. Buy Hair Extensions
Before you start twisting your hair with extensions, you’ll need to do one thing: buy the hair extensions.
How many packs you need depends mainly on the length and volume you’re looking for. However, it’s almost always recommended to have at least three packs of hair when doing twists.
Remember – if you buy too many hair extensions, you can always send them back for a refund. But if you buy too little, your hair will look like an unkempt mess until your hair extensions arrive in the mail.
Let’s be smart about this, ladies!
2. Separate and Cut the Hair Extensions
Hair extensions typically come in wefts or large sections, many of which will be too wide for twists.
That said, the next step is to section off the hair extensions into portions you’re happy with. How wide the hair extensions are will be how wide your twists end up, so keep that in mind.
Next, bend the hair extensions in half. Where the U shape dips is where your natural hair will be twisted into the hair extensions. So, cut the length if you want them shorter.
3. Wash and Dry Your Natural Mane
Now your hair extensions are in the correct width and length for your adorable twists. It’s time to prepare your natural strands!
Wash your hair as usual (shampoo and conditioner are a-okay), then dry using a blow dryer on the lowest heat setting. Use a round brush to help stretch your natural hair strands. This will make it easier to twist later.
Do not add any oil to your hair. Although that’s likely part of your “normal” routine, it can hinder the twists.
4. Section Your Hair
For your twists to have a glamorous, uniform look, you need to do a lot of sectioning.
Start by parting your hair where desired (down the middle, off to the side, etc.). Then, section your hair in half, then fourths. Continue until you’re satisfied with the width and thickness of your sections.
5. Add the Extension
Are you satisfied with your sections? Then let’s move on to the fun part – adding the extension!
First, select a portion of hair and section it into two equal parts using your fingers or a comb. Then, lay your extension over your natural hair (remember the U shape) so that the strands are equally laid on each side, right and left.
Wrap your natural strands around the hair extensions a few times until it creates a strong coil.
This can be a little confusing. If you need some extra help, check out this video:
6. Start Twisting!
Now that your natural strands are secured to the hair extensions, you can start twisting.
It’s as simple as twisting your hair, one over the other, to the right. Continue twisting until you’ve reached the ends of your hair.
Then, move on to the next portion of hair and repeat the process.
Continue until all of your hair is twisted as desired.
Here’s another great video showing how it’s done:
7. Seal Off the Ends
You don’t want all of that hard work going to waste. That said, always make sure you seal the ends of your twists!
You have two options:
- Bring a pot of water to a boil. Then, dip the ends of your hair into the boiling water for 15 seconds to seal them.
- Knot the ends. You can also dip them in boiling water, but it is not essential if you have the ends knotted.
8. Care For Your New Twists!
The hard part is over, queen – it’s time to enjoy your new, gorgeous twisted hair with hair extensions.
But don’t forget to take care of them!
Twisted locks can last for several months, but only if they’re cared for appropriately. Here are the top four tips to consider:
- Wash once a week or every other week using a residue-free shampoo.
- Apply oil to your scalp for protection.
- Use a good leave-in conditioner to avoid dried-out ends.
- Wrap your hair in a silk or satin bonnet or scarf before slumber to eliminate undesirable friction.
FAQs
Twisting your own hair with hair extensions? Yeah, you just did that, queen! But don’t hurry off just yet. I have a few frequently asked questions that you might want to know the answers to. Let’s check ‘em out.
How long do twists last with extensions?
Twists can last anywhere from four to eight weeks, but six weeks is the most common timeframe. However, keep in mind that aftercare has everything to do with longevity. So, if you take great care of your twisted hair with extensions, it will last longer—point blank.
Is it better to do twist on wet or dry hair?
Whether you do twists on wet or dry hair is more of a personal preference. Some people prefer to do twists on dry hair because they get more length. Yet, a twist on wet hair creates more hydration and a better set.
What should I put on my hair before twisting it?
You don’t “need” to put anything on your hair before twisting it. All you need to do is wash it using shampoo and a top-notch conditioner. However, some women will use a twisting cream for easier management and better results.
Twisting Hair with Extensions is a Relatively Simple Process!
Yes, it might take a while, but twisting hair with extensions isn’t overly complicated. The two most important things to remember are that you need to section off your hair thoroughly and make sure you coil your natural strands to the extensions before you start twisting. As long as you do that, your hair will come out fantastic!
Do you twist your hair with hair extensions? Do you have any tips or tricks to add to this how-to guide? We’d love to hear from you – so comment below!
