Beautifully twisted braids by PeopleImages

I bet you didn’t know that, besides the regular method of twisting, there is another way to twist your hair called rope twisting.

It’s simple, easy-to-style look, yet so much better than regularly twisting your coils. If you haven’t already been clued in on this method, here’s a simple how-to that will have you rope twisting like a pro in no time.

Step 1 of a rope twist tutorial

Step 1

    • First, section a small piece of hair like you would if you were twisting normally. Next, secure the rest of your hair so that it doesn’t get in the way.
    • Split that section into two equal pieces.
    • With one hand, twirl one section using your index finger and do the same to the other piece in the other hand. Hold the sections securely to ensure that they do not unwind.
    Step 2 of a rope twist tutorial

    Step 2

    • Once done twirling both sections, twist them together as you would a normal twist ensuring that the twirled sections do not unwind. Once you get to the end of the twist, use your index finger to spin the hair around the finger to coil the ends and prevent them from unraveling.
    • And there you have it: one rope twist.
    Rope twist compared to an ordinary twist

    Rope Twist vs. Ordinary Twist

    Some of you may be wondering what the difference is between rope twisting and ordinary twisting. The twist on the left is a normal one, and the twist on the right is a rope twist. This is what the technique of an ordinary twist looks like.

    Rope twist compared to an ordinary twist

    As you can see, a rope twist:

    • Makes a twirlier twist because of the method used to create it.
    • Lasts longer because the hair is wound first then twisted, so it’s more bound and therefore harder to unravel midway down the twist like normal twists would do after a few days.
    • Reduces frizz because the hair is first twirled before twisted. Thus, it is tightly bound reducing frizz. Normal twists are known for frizzing out after a few days or a wash, but this method will help to combat this.
    • The twists are more stretched, hang better and are shinier.

    To see rope twists in action, watch this tutorial by Brown Girls Hair

    Isn’t that lovely?

    To DIY Senegalese Twists, watch this tutorial by Breanna Rutter

    I hope this tutorial was helpful, and next time you twist, try a rope twist! Then, come back and tell me what your results were like. I’m all ears!

    And as always, remember to have love, peace and curly haired bliss!

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