Okay bestie, let’s be real two strand twists are such a go-to for curly girls like us. They’re cute, low maintenance, and perfect for giving our hair a break. But nothing is more annoying than spending all that time twisting your hair, only to have them start unraveling the moment you’re done. Been there, done that, too many times.

So if you’re tired of twists that won’t stay put, I’m here to share everything I’ve learned over the years about how to keep twists from unraveling especially on soft, juicy curls that just love to spring loose.

Why Do Twists Unravel in the First Place?

Before we jump into the solutions, it helps to know why this happens. If your hair is soft, freshly washed, or you’re using products that make it super slippery, your twists might not have enough grip to hold. Add in shorter lengths, uneven tension, or twist patterns that don’t work for your curl type, and it’s a recipe for unraveling. Now let’s fix that.

Related post: Twists without puffy roots on 4C Natural Hair.

Start on Damp, Not Soaking Wet Hair

I used to twist my hair right after washing, while it was still soaking wet. And surprise twists just kept slipping out and the roots puffy. Damp hair has just the right amount of moisture to be pliable but not too slippery. After washing, deep conditioning and moisturizing, I like to blot excess water with a microfiber towel or cotton T-shirt and install 6 chunky braids to stretch it and let it air dry until its damp or totally dry sometimes before I start twisting.

This gives your curls better hold and helps the products grip the hair instead of sliding right off.

Use the Right Products with Hold

Your twist-outs will only be as good as the products you use. For twists that stay in place, you want something that gives definition and a bit of hold not just moisture. I’ve had the best results when layering a good leave-in conditioner, followed by a thick twisting cream, butter or gel.

For example, when using something like the Camille Rose Almond Jai Twisting Butter, it gives great moisture, and pairing it with the Aunt Jackie’s Flaxseed Recipes Don’t Shrink Elongating Hair Curling Gel gives twists a soft hold that actually lasts. This combo helps set the hair while keeping it nourished.

Don’t forget to smooth each section with your fingers or a brush before twisting. Smoother sections mean neater twists that are less likely to frizz and unravel.

Don’t Make the Sections Too Big

Larger sections might seem like they’ll save time, but they actually unravel more easily, especially if your hair is soft or has a looser curl pattern. Smaller twists tend to stay in place better because they hold the twist pattern more securely.

So take your time and work in smaller sections especially around your edges or the nape of your neck where twists tend to loosen the fastest.

Twist With Tension and Consistency

Girl, the way you twist makes all the difference. You want to maintain even tension from root to tip. If your twist is too loose in some parts and tight in others, it’s more likely to unravel.

Another trick I use is twirling the ends between my fingers when I finish each twist. This helps “lock” the twist in place and creates a cute curl at the bottom too.

Some naturals also like to braid the first inch or so at the root before twisting the rest of the section. Braiding the roots works for me when installing chunky twists. This is especially helpful if your roots are soft or your twist get puffy at the scalp. That little braid keeps the base nice and secure.

Secure the Ends

The ends are usually the first part to unravel, so they need some extra love. After you twist to the end, you can:

• Twirl the ends tightly between your fingers
• Add a little bit of gel or edge control to seal them
• Secure with a small snap-free elastic band (especially helpful for shorter hair)
• Try the two-strand twist and roll method—where you twist all the way down and then coil the ends up like a bantu knot to help them stay sealed

I also like using a little extra twisting product and an oil right at the end before sealing, just to help them set nicely.

Let Your Twists Fully Dry Before Manipulating

This one is major. If you unravel your twists while they’re even slightly damp, not only will they frizz, but they’ll also lose definition. Also, don’t manipulate your hair, regular styling, touching and all that before your twists dry because they will start unravelling. Give them plenty of time to dry overnight at the very least. I usually keep my twists at least two weeks before rocking a bomb twist-out.

If you’re in a rush, sitting under a hooded dryer or using a diffuser can help, but make sure they are 100% dry before you touch them.

Sleep Smart

You didn’t spend hours doing your twists just to wake up to a matted mess. Protect your hair at night with a satin or silk scarf, bonnet, or pillowcase. If you sleep wild, a satin pillowcase is a great backup in case your bonnet slips off.

You can also pineapple your twists loosely to help them hold their shape and avoid friction.

Refresh Smartly

If some of your twists still unravel a bit after a couple of days, it’s okay to touch them up but do it gently. Spritz a little water or a leave-in refresher spray, smooth in a tiny bit of gel or cream, and re-twist just the parts that need it. There’s no need to redo your whole head unless you really want to.

I also love applying a few drops of oil on my fingers when retwisting to add a little shine and minimize frizz.

Final Thoughts

Twists are such a beautiful, protective, and low-manipulation style, but getting them to stay put can definitely be a challenge. Once I started tweaking my technique, choosing the right products, and being more patient with my prep, I noticed a huge difference.

Now, my twists stay neat and secure for days to a week, even when I’m living my best active life. So if yours are constantly unraveling, don’t stress. Try a few of these tweaks and see what works best for your hair.

Let me know how it goes or what twist combos have worked for you. We’re in this together, curlfriend.