Hey girl, so let’s talk about two strand twists. They’re honestly one of the easiest and cutest styles for curly hair, right? Whether you’re rocking them as a protective style or prepping for a bomb twist out, they’re a go-to. But here’s the thing after a few days (or maybe a week or two), those twists start looking a little frizzy, loose, or straight-up messy. And that’s where the magic of a good retwist comes in.
You don’t always need to take down your entire head to keep your twists looking fresh. Sometimes, all you need is a little touch-up here and there. So let me walk you through exactly how to retwist your two strand twists on curly hair like a pro, whether you’re just refreshing the perimeter or going all in.
When Should You Retwist Your Twists?
First things first, how do you know it’s time to retwist? Here’s the tea:
- Your roots are puffy or growing out
- Your twists are unraveling or looking extra frizzy
- You’re planning to wear them out longer and want a neater look
- You want to prep for a defined twist-out and need to refresh that curl definition
Honestly, it depends on your hair goals. If you’re protective styling and trying to retain length, you might want to retwist every 3–4 weeks. If you’re prepping for a twist-out, even retwisting overnight can make a huge difference in definition.
Step-by-Step: How to Retwist Two Strand Twists on Curly Hair
Okay bestie, here’s how I like to do it super chill, no stress, and minimal breakage.
1. Start With Moist Hair
This is major. Trying to retwist dry hair will just lead to breakage and frizz. You don’t need your hair soaking wet, but at least lightly misted. I love using a hydrating leave conditioner mist. Something like the Maui hydrating leave in conditioner hair mist is amazing for softening and detangling as you go.
Give your hair a little spritz, and massage that moisture in before you touch it.
2. Work in Sections
Girl, don’t try to do your whole head at once. That’s a guaranteed recipe for frustration. Instead, clip away the twists you’re not working on and tackle one section at a time. Trust me, it keeps things neater and way easier to manage.
3. Add a Little Product
You don’t need to pile on products, but a tiny bit of twisting cream, gel, or butter helps with definition and hold. Camille Rose Almond Jai Twisting Butter is perfect when you want juicy, moisturized twists that last. For a firmer hold, Mielle Organics Pomegranate & Honey Sculpting Custard is also a fave—it gives that shine and hold without the crunch.
Just take a dime-sized amount and apply it from root to tip on each twist you’re redoing.
4. Detangle Gently
Before you retwist, gently separate and detangle each strand using your fingers or a wide-tooth comb. If you skip this part, your twists can turn into matted chaos over time. And we’re not about that life.
5. Twist It Up
Now twist! Split the section into two even pieces and twist tightly but gently from the roots all the way down. Try to maintain even tension, but don’t pull too tight, you don’t want to stress your scalp. Twirl the ends around your finger to help the twist stay in place and look neat.
Tip: If your ends won’t hold, a little gel at the tips (like Aunt Jackie’s Don’t Shrink Flaxseed Gel) can work wonders to seal them.
6. Focus on the Front or Visible Areas If You’re Short on Time
You don’t always have to do your whole head, especially if your twists are still in good shape. I like to focus on my edges, the crown area, and the back nape those spots get messy fastest. This little trick saves time and still gives you a fresh, clean look.
7. Let It Dry or Set Before Styling
If your twists are damp or freshly moisturized, give them time to dry completely. You can air dry or wear a satin scarf to help them lay down and stretch while drying. Don’t take them down or style them until they’re fully dry this helps avoid frizz and keeps that definition popping.
How Often Should You Retwist?
Totally depends on how long you’re keeping the style in and your hair’s needs. For a protective style that you want to keep in for weeks, retwisting once every 2–4 weeks should be enough. If you sleep wild (like me), you may need to retwist more often to keep the style neat. But if you’re just doing twists overnight for a twist-out a quick retwist every evening or every few days can help you maintain that curl definition.
Pro Tips to Keep Your Twists Looking Fresh Longer
- Sleep with a satin bonnet or on a satin pillowcase to reduce frizz
- Lightly oil your scalp and massage to stimulate growth
- Moisturize every few days with a water-based leave-in or refresher spray
- Don’t manipulate your twists too much during the day (hands off, sis)
Final Thoughts, Bestie
Retwisting your two strand twists doesn’t have to be a whole production. It’s really just about keeping your hair moisturized, detangled, and gently twisted. Whether you’re rocking your twists for a week or a month, a good retwist routine will keep your curls defined, healthy, and super cute.
You’ve got this. Grab your favorite twisting butter, throw on some good music or a show, and give your curls the TLC they deserve. Your future twist-out will thank you too.
