Rope twists are a member of the twists family which although created like regular two-strand twists, have a tweak in technique that results in a distinct wire-coil-like look. Like regular twists, they can last for weeks while looking more beautiful the longer they stay in your hair.
What you need for rope twists
To DIY this hairstyle, you’ll need these items:
- Spray bottle of water
- Hair cream
- Hair oil
- Hair twisting butter or hair gel or styling mousse
- Hair clips (optional)
- Rattail comb or three-tooth African parting comb
- Wide-tooth comb or detangling brush
How to do rope twists
STEP ONE: MOISTURIZE
Mist your hair with water from the spray bottle and apply hair cream and oil to it. This will help soften your hair and reduce pain for the process in the next step.
STEP TWO: DETANGLE
Section hair into four, spritz, apply hair cream and oil to all sections, and detangle each of them with the wide-tooth comb or detangling brush. When you finish detangling one section, clip away using the hair clip or put in a loose braid or twist.
STEP THREE: ROPE TWIST
Cut up a small section of hair using the tail of the rattail comb or three-tooth African parting comb. Apply your hair twisting butter or gel or styling mousse as this will help for curl definition. Separate the hair into two equal strands and then roll each strand individually before wrapping them both around each other. Continue rolling and wrapping until you get to the ends of the hair. Repeat this for the entire hair.
Watch this video tutorial by Kurly Krissy to see how to create rope twists:
Here are even more photos and videos on how to do rope twists yourself.
Best Products for Rope Twists
TGIN HONEY WHIP HYDRATING MOUSSE
Kiss dry hair goodbye and say hello to soft, beautiful moisturized curls with tgin Honey Whip Hydrating Mousse. Infused with raw honey and agave nectar, this lightweight mousse softly defines kinks, curls and waves. This perfect combination of moisture and antioxidants, helps to improve manageability, fight frizz, and transform dry brittle strands into soft, smooth and healthy hair
ORS OLIVE OIL HOLD & SHINE WRAP SET MOUSSE
This product can be used to mold, wrap, or set the hair.
DIPPITY-DO GIRLS WITH CURLS CURL BOOSTING MOUSSE
This creamy and lightweight 3-in-1 curl boosting mousse is packed with style-worthy ingredients to help you reclaim your beautiful curls. Natural curls love this lush hibiscus and olive oil formula for beautiful, frizz free curls with body and bounce.
AUNT JACKIE’S GRAPESEED STYLE & SHINE RECIPES FRIZZ PATROL ANTIPOOF TWIST & CURL SETTING MOUSSE
Frizzy, poofy, fly-away hair is under arrest! Thank goodness Aunt Jackie’s is on guard with Frizz Patrol. This lightweight, frizz-busting elixir sets waves, curls, and coils, leaving them smooth, shiny, and defined. Formulated with Grapeseed Oil for gorgeous sheen, and Tamanu & Jojoba Oils for penetrating moisture retention, and smoothness, Frizz Patrol beautifully sets without leaving build-up or residue. For use on all hair types and textures.
TAILORED BEAUTY GOLDEN HERBAL COLLECTION FLEXIBLE CURL POTION MOUSSE
Our Flexible Curl Potion Mousse contains a premium herbal blend of Hibiscus for shiny, beautiful, lightweight curls. This non-drying mousse leaves hair frizz free. Perfect for a fluffy hold to your favorite curly hairstyles such as rod sets.
TWISTED SISTA AMAZING DREAM CURLS CREAM GEL
Twisted Sista Amazing Dream Curls Gel is a fortifying and defining cream gel that provides curl and wave definition without leaving hair crunchy or hardened. This special formula was made to stimulate the natural definition of curls or waves and add moisture and shine. Condition your curls and get rid of frizz for a natural, defined look.
ORGANIC ROOT STIMULATOR CURLS UNLEASHED SHEA BUTTER & HONEY CURL DEFINING CREME
Perfectly blended with shea butter and honey, this formula helps to add the curl definition and elongation you desire. This product is great for twists, twist outs, coiling, freestyles and updos. This product does not flake and stretches your curls.
THE DOUX C.R.E.A.M. TWIST & CURL CREAM
Defines and elongates Twist-outs and curls. Ultra moisturizing formula helps to aid in length retention by restoring moisture balance, increase elasticity, and preventing breakage.
CURLS BLUEBERRY BLISS TWISTNSHOUT CREAM
This deep penetrating, intensive, reparative conditioning hair mask is guaranteed to prevent breakage, repair damage and enhance growth. It will soften, detangle, moisturize, condition and hydrate your curls while repairing damage, protecting against breakage, and encouraging hair growth.
UNCLE FUNKY’S DAUGHTER CURLY MAGIC CURL STIMULATOR
Curls become more defined and manageable with a nourished, brilliant shine. Curly Magic delivers superior results of taming frizz, elongating curls and adding moisture all in one powerful product.
CURLYCHIC YOUR CURLS DEFINED GEL
Your Curls Defined Gel is a unique styling gel that defines and moisturizes curls without flaking and minimal shrinkage.
LUSTER’S SCURL TEXTURIZER STYLIN’ GEL
Stylin Gel conditions as it holds curls and waves in place. Adds sheen without a greasy look or feel. Perfect for natural and texturized styles.
MIZANI STYLING EDGE TAMING GEL
Finish any style with protection from heat without flaking or crunch with this mineral oil and petrolatum free hair gel. A high-hold essential for styling with control and a dry finish, this professional hair gel is formulated with Anti-Breakage Ceramides, Vitamin E and Natural Oils for a nourishing and strengthening combination of smoothing ingredients. Perfect for protecting the hairline from heat damage and eliminating frizz, this gel is an effective way to finish any hairstyle.
AMPRO PRO STYL PROTEIN STYLING GEL SUPER HOLD
Ampro Pro Styl Super Hold Styling Gel is the styling gel that gives you the perfect look the first time, every time! This legendary, alcohol-free styling gel is uniquely formulated to provide a hard extra firm hold you need to achieve the styles you desire.
ECOCO ECO STYLER COLORED HAIR STYLING GEL
Eco Styler Colored Hair Styling Gel is specially formulated for color or highlighted hair. It is weightless and provides gravity-defying hold for all styles. Eco Styler Colored Hair Styling Gel is strong holding, water based and will provide moisture to help maintain healthy hair.
