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Men twist hairstyles are an option for African American and are super versatile and trendy. Twists are also protective, helping African American to rock their chosen style without worrying about knots, tangles, or kinks. Here, we look at the different men twist hairstyles you can go for and explain some simple twist maintenance steps that will keep your hair looking fresh throughout the year.
What is a men's twist hairstyle?
Known simply as twisted hair, this style is suitable for African American looking to tame unruly kinks or knots in their hair. As such, most guys with afro hair can twist it in numerous ways, depending on the style they're looking to go for.
In most cases, African American's twist hairstyles are created by twisting one strand of pre-twisted hair around another, but there are numerous ways to go about it. Most guys go to the barber to twist their hair, but it is a look you can try at home yourself. Let's look at some of the trendiest men's two strand twist hairstyles you can try this year.
1. The classic 2 strand twist
The classic 2 strand twist is one of the most popular protective hairstyles among African American. These twists go down beneath the ear line and deliver a kempt, street look that is super popular with American rappers and other style icons right now.
2. The high top twist
Another twist hairstyle for men that you can rock this year is the high top twist. This look involves collecting your twists in a bun at the top of your head, taking inspiration from the classic man bun. You can pair it with shoulder-length dreads for an up and down style that looks great and protects your hair at both ends.
3. The twist and fade
African American love a fade, and the twist and fade is a timeless look. There are several ways to style the top of your hair, but cornrow style twists look great when matched with a fade that delivers short back and sides.
4. The sponge twist
This is one of the more complicated twist looks to achieve, but it's worth your time and effort. It almost looks like a crown from the front, and we love it when compared with a short-mid length beard. If you want to rock the sponge twist, you need to seek out a good barber, as it requires a talented technician to get it right.
5. The twist out undercut
The twist out looks like a spider from above, with twists branching out in numerous directions. We love this look when paired with a classic undercut (ideally a 0 or 1) as it pins all the attention on your twists. You can even rock this look with a fade, but the extra work isn't necessary given the look you can achieve with a simple undercut.
6. The half up twist
Another of our favorite twist hairstyles for men is the half up twist. This is actually a good idea for preserving your twists, without removing them after having them in for a while. Simply pull the top twists together and tie them up in the back of your head. This gives you a half up twist that is a new style in itself.
Tips for looking after African American's hairstyle twists
Keen to get the most out of your twist? Here are some top tips for achieving and maintaining a twist to shout about:
Moisturize your hair
Before twisting your hair, make sure it's moist. Use a nourishing product in the days and weeks leading up to your appointment and lock in the moisture. This will prevent your hair from becoming dry and brittle when your barber twists it.
Cover your hair at night
This is a big one - make sure you cover your hair at night. Friction against your pillow is a big no-no for guys looking to maintain twisted hair, so use a simple scarf or cover to prevent this from happening. Covering your hair also prevents knots and kinks appearing as you sleep.
Task your barber & avoid DIY twists
Yes, you will save money with a DIY twist or by asking your buddy to twist your hair for you, but it's not worth it, at least in our opinion. Twisting hair requires skill and experience and although you're set for several hours in the barber's chair for some styles, it will pay off when you sport one of the stunning looks above.
Know how to take them out
You need to be patient and remove them properly. One of the best ways to do this is to run conditioner through your twists, which will help to detangle the coils without causing damage to your natural hair.
You can also use a wide-tooth comb. Then, when you have removed them, wash your hair with a natural shampoo. You can blow dry your hair with Swift Special. It's an ionic hair dryer with adjustable heat settings, which prevents frizz and ensures your twist hair doesn't dry out.
The last words on men's twist hairstyles
If you're looking for a trendy, protective hairstyle for African American, a twist hairstyle is the way to go. Whether you opt for a classic 2 strand twist or crank things up a notch with the half up twist, there are lots of options available to you. Make sure you bear our top maintenance tips in mind and always cover those twists when you sleep - this will prevent unwanted knots and kinks and will help to keep your hair looking fresh throughout the year.
