I know you’ve wondered if you should install mini twists on dry or wet 4C natural hair and what are the benefits of each. Well, you’re in the right place. I have tried both and will share with you all about their benefits and how to make the best of each.
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Mini twists are perfect protective style for natural hair, they offer many cute styling options and are easy to install. If you have thick and long hair, you might disagree. Medium size twists or chunky twists are an option too but if you’ve got the time and patience, go for mini twists.
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Table of Contents
Mini Twists on Dry or Wet 4C Natural Hair.
Let’s get into all the details on wearing mini twists on both dry and wet hair. But first, catch up on all posts about natural hair twists here.
How to Prep Hair for Mini Twists
Before installing any protective styles, always prep your hair. By preping I mean detangling, deep conditioning, starting off with clean and conditioned hair. Preping starts with the following wash day steps.
Pre-pooing and Detangling.
Pre-pooing is a pre- cleansing process where you apply a pre-shampoo treatment to minimize the stripping effect of shampoos leaving your hair feeling clean and hydrated. You can use a pre-shampoo treatment of choice from oils, conditioners, aloe Vera gel to formulated pre- shampoo treatment.
Some pre-shampoo treatment are amazing detanglers as well since they offer a good slip needed to melt those tangles and knots. Detangle in sections and use a detangling tool of choice. Be gentle with your hair when detangling and start from the ends towards to the roots.
Pre-shampoo treatments that act as detanglers too;
- Carol’s Daughter Goddess Strength Ultra Shield Pre Poo Hair Treatment
- Dr. Miracle’s Strong & Healthy Detangling Pre-Shampoo Treatment
- African Pride Moisture Miracle Aloe & Coconut Water Pre-Shampoo
Cleansing/ Shampooing.
Next step is getting rid of all the dirt, sweat and product build-up. If you hadn’t washed your hair for a while or experiencing build-up, go for clarifying shampoos and for hair that needs gentle cleansing and high porosity hair, use a moisturizing shampoo or gentle cleansing shampoo.
Massage your scalp with the pads of your fingers or a scalp massager to break down the dirt and lastly, thoroughly rinse to get rid of all the shampoo and dirt.
Deep Conditioning
Never skip a moisturizing deep conditioner when you cleanse the hair, that’s if you want moisturized, soft, strong and manageable hair. Apply the moisturizing deep conditioner on damp hair, use heat to infuse the good, essential nutrients then rinse it off.
For damaged and weak hair, consider using protein based deep Conditioners or rather protein treatments to strengthen the hair and repair damage. Always follow up with a moisturizing deep conditioner after rinsing off the protein treatment. You can choose to use a balanced deep conditioner that has both moisturizing and protein properties/ ingredients.
Moisturizing.
When wearing mini twists on wet hair, this is where you install them. Apply your go to moisturizing products on wet or damp hair then twists. Always work in small sections when apply products and installing styles. For more definition, use curl defining creams.
When wearing mini twists on dry hair, moisturize and lock in the moisture with your go to moisture sealants. Then stretch your hair, you can choose to use heat or heatless methods. When using heat, use low temperatures and a heat protectant to avoid heat damage. You can also use a curl defining cream when wearing mini twists on dry and moisturized hair.
Related post; how to prep natural hair for protective hairstyle.
Mini Twists on Dry Vs Wet Natural Hair
Let’s start with twisting wet hair. Looking for definition, twists with a perfect hold and tight coils or curls, this is the method for you. Twist outs from this method or super defined and tightly held, less likely to have flyaways and frizz. The downside of this method is shrinkage, your mini twists will be shorter compared to those installed on dry and stretched hair.
Mini twists installed on dry hair are longer and have looser curls. Looking for long twist outs with loose curls, this is the method for you. If you’ve the hair texture where your styles get puffy roots or easily unravel, this method isn’t for you, unless you’re wearing the mini twists for short period of time. For the puffy roots, you can braid the roots then twist.
Related post; how to have twists without puffy roots.
Personally, I prefer mini twists on dry and stretched hair because I love some length and loose curls.
I would love to know which do you prefer, mini twists on dry or wet hair?
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