Tip 21 Erica's 3 Strand Twists

This tip was submitted by Erica.


A lot of people do two-strand twist, but I have found that with my type 4 hair three strand twist look ten times better. It does take longer but it is well worth it in the long run. Three strand twist look fuller and more defined.


To do three strand twist you start with a small section of hair and separate it into three sections as if you were starting a braid. But, instead of braiding your hair twist it. It is kind of hard to explain without a visual. But, basically you are wrapping one strand over the other two. So, each time you switch strands that strand goes over the other two.


Here is a great instructional video for how to do three strand twist: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjwWanR65Pg. She does them a lot bigger than I do for my twist out, and I have done mine that big but it is not as defined and does not last as long as the small ones in my experience. To do the twist make sure to apply shea butter to your damp hair and then actually twist with QP Mango Butter, or your go to twist product.


Here is a link to some pics of my three strand twist (they were about a week old and I was preparing to take them out for my signature twist out): http://uncnatural.blogspot.com/2010/04/three-strand-twist.html.


I would have to say the three strand twist-out is more PHENOMENAL than the twist themselves! After keeping your small to medium three strand twist in for at least a day, massage about a dime-size amount of Giovanni's Weightless leave-in conditioner into your hair making sure to get the ends. The amount of leave-in you use depends on the length of your hair. Next, spritz your hair with your glycerin and water mix and let it sit for about 30 minutes before taking the twist out. Coat your hands with coconut oil and proceed to take your twist out carefully. This leaves you with a defined and full twist out. Usually, I do not get a full looking twist out without separating the twist more, but this allows me to cut out that extra step. To preserve this look just cover your hair with a satin bonnet and when you wake up fluff it with your hands and coconut oil and go! If you want to make it last even longer at night put your hair in bigger three strand twist and untwist it the next morning. It can last for about a week or more depending on how long you can go without washing your hair.


Here is a link to some pics of the three strand twist out: http://uncnatural.blogspot.com/2010/05/three-strand-twist-out-results.html.


Overall, three strand twist really work better than two strand twist and braids for me. Two strand twist and braids do not provide the definition that three strand twist do. With two strand twist I have never liked a twist out on my hair because there is no cohesiveness to it. By that I mean sometimes there is no continuous coil/curl, which I do get with the three strand twist. And with the braid out it does not even last a day on my hair. I do not think my hair type works well with the crinkle look. If I put my bonnet cap on at night, the next morning my hair is basically straight. It is as if I never braided it. Also, I can wear my three strand twist in the twist state for about a week and love every bit of it, but I cannot do the same for two strand twist and braids. When I did do two strand twist and braids I would do them at night and take them out the next morning, because they were just not wearable outside the house. I like styles that provide me more options and last with my busy schedule and three strand twist are my saving grace.


The only negative about three strand twist is the amount of time it takes to do them. But, at the end of the day I would rather take my time doing a style that is going to last.

Will you be using Erica's tips for 3 strand twists?
	Yes
	No
	Maybe