Hey ladies! We’ve covered a lot of protective styles in our previous blogs, from Goddess box braids to passion twists. But if you’re still on the hunt for a hairstyle that lasts up to six weeks and doesn’t take forever to braid, you’re in the right place. HotBraids has you covered with this ultimate guide to mini twists.
What Are Mini Twists？What’s the Difference Between Mini Twists and Regular Twists?
Mini twists are a protective, low-manipulation style created using the two-strand twist method. They are popular for their versatility, low maintenance, and longer-lasting wear compared to regular twists. Mini twists are especially favored for natural hair because they help retain moisture, reduce breakage, and offer various styling options, from updos to wearing them down.
Compared to regular twists, mini twists have some key differences:
Smaller Size:Mini twists are typically much smaller, with each strand measuring about 1/8 to 1/4 inch wide,or even smaller, whereas regular twists range from 1/2 to 1 inch wide.
More time and effort:Because of their small size and the precision required, mini twists take longer to install. A full head of mid-length mini twists can take 2-4 hours to complete.
Longer lasting:Mini twists can last longer (2-6 weeks) than regular twists (1-4 weeks) because their smaller size makes them less prone to unraveling and frizzing. More Greater Versatility:Mini twists offer more versatility in styling due to their smaller size, allowing for more detailed and varied looks. Regular twists may be easier to manage for some, but they offer fewer styling options.
What’s the minimum hair length for mini twists on natural hair?
For natural hair twists, it's generally recommended to have at least 4 inches of hair length. This allows enough length for the twists to hold securely and for you to achieve a defined twist pattern. However, longer hair, such as 6 inches or more, would be a more friendly length for beginners cause longer length makes it easier to create twists with more volume and length. Even with shorter hair, twists can still be done, but they may be more challenging to maintain and style.
How to Do Mini Twists on Natural Hair?
To maintain the neat appearance of your mini twists and ensure they last as long as possible, it is important to apply consistent tension while creating them. As many tutorials shared by professional hairstylists indicate, fresh, well-conditioned hair is less likely to frizz or break during the process. Therefore, a few key preparations before starting your mini twists are essential for achieving a flawless result.
Preparations：
Cleanse your hair: Washing your hair with a sulfate-free shampoo to remove any product buildup and dirt.
Deep condition your hair: Apply a deep conditioner or hair mask to hydrate and strengthen your hair. This helps to keep your hair moisturized while it's in the twists.
Detangle Thoroughly: Using a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to remove any knots or tangles. This makes the twisting process smoother and prevents breakage.
Moisturize your hair: Apply a leave-in conditioner or moisturizer to your hair,then seal in the moisture with a natural oil. This keeps your hair hydrated during the twisting process.
Stretch Your Hair (Optional):If you prefer, you can stretch your hair using a blow dryer on a low heat setting or by banding your hair. This can make it easier to create even and smooth twists.
Step by Step Tutorial:
Section your hair: Use rat-tail comb to divide your hair into small even sections as you desired for twisting(1/8 - 1/4 inch wide).
Apply a twist gel: Use a twisting cream or gel on each section of your hair. This helps define the twists and keeps them in place longer.Then you can use hair ties or clips to clip away the unnecessary sections and leave one section loose for twisting to make the twisting process easier.
To strand twist your hair: Twist the two strands around each other from the root to the tip. Make sure to twist tightly enough to hold but not so tight that it causes tension on your scalp.
Keep twisting: Repeat the twist process until your entire head is twisted.
Seal the ends:You can either twirl the ends of each twist around your finger to secure them or add a tiny bit of gel or cream to help hold the twists.
Air dry your twists: Allow your twists to air dry, or use a hooded dryer if you're short on time. Once dry, your mini twists are ready to style as desired.
Moisturize: Applying a light oil or leave-in conditioner to keep your twist moisturized.
How to Do Mini Twists With Braiding Hair Extensions?
The keys to create neat and flawless mini twist with braiding hair extensions are securely attaching even amount of braiding hair to each small sections and maintain consistent tension while braiding.
Step by Step Tutorial:
Section your hair: Divide your natural hair into even small sections.
Prepare the Braiding Hair:Cut the braiding hair to your desired length, and separate it into small, even sections. The amount of braiding hair you use should match the thickness of the natural hair section you’re twisting.
Apply a twist gel on your natural hair:
Attach braiding hair:Take a section of your natural hair and place the braiding hair at the root. You can either braid a few times to secure it or start twisting immediately, depending on your preference.
Twist the Hair: Divide the section of natural hair and the braiding hair into two equal parts. Twist the two strands around each other, ensuring that you maintain consistent tension. This will keep your twists slightly tight for security while still being comfortable for your scalp.
Continue Twisting: Repeat the twisting process until you completed all the twists.
Maintenance and Finish Touches: Once all your twists are complete, seal the ends in the same manner as you would with mini twists on your natural hair. Moisturize your twists with a light oil and style them as desired. You can also cover your twists with a satin or silk scarf to help the oil absorb better.
Do Mini Twists Help With Hair Growth?
As many hairstylists and influencers have shown on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, mini twists can be great for maintaining hair growth, much like other protective braid styles. But don’t get it twisted—these styles don’t actually speed up hair growth. Board-certified dermatologist and licensed cosmetologist Yolanda Lenzy explains that while hairstyles alone won’t make your hair grow faster, keeping your hair in a protective style can help prevent breakage and create the right conditions for healthy growth.
This means that proper care for your scalp and twists is essential for promoting hair growth while wearing mini twists.
Do Mini Twists Cause Breakage?
Mini twists, when done correctly, generally do not cause breakage. In fact, they are often used as a protective style to help prevent breakage by keeping hair tucked away and reducing the need for daily manipulation. However, if mini twists are done too tightly, left in for too long, or if the hair isn’t properly moisturized before and during the style, they can lead to breakage. It's important to be gentle during installation, maintain moisture, and avoid too much tension on the scalp to keep your hair healthy while wearing mini twists.
How to Wash, Care for, and Maintain Your Mini Twists to Prevent Frizzing and Unraveling?
Properly washing, caring for, and maintaining your mini twists is key to preventing frizzing and unraveling.
Mini twists should typically be washed every 1 to 2 weeks to maintain cleanliness and scalp health. However, the exact frequency can depend on your hair type, lifestyle, and how your scalp reacts to the twists.
We suggest to stretch the time between washes to about every 2 weeks if if you have a dry-scalp.Water-based moisturizer to keep the twists hydrated in between.
Here’s how to do it:
Gentle Washing:
Dilute Shampoo: Use a sulfate-free shampoo and dilute it with water to reduce harshness. Apply it directly to your scalp using an applicator bottle.
Scalp Focus: Gently massage your scalp with your fingertips to clean it without disturbing the twists. Avoid excessive scrubbing or tugging.
Rinse Carefully: Rinse the shampoo out by letting the water flow down the twists, ensuring minimal friction. Avoid piling your twists on top of your head while washing.
Deep Conditioning:
Condition and Moisturize: Apply a lightweight conditioner or leave-in conditioner, focusing on your scalp and the length of the twists. Avoid thick products that can cause buildup.
Steam or Cap: Use a plastic cap or sit under a steamer to help the conditioner penetrate your hair. This adds moisture without unraveling the twists.
Drying:
Air Dry: Gently squeeze out excess water with a microfiber towel or T-shirt. Allow your twists to air dry as much as possible.
Low Heat: If you need to speed up the drying process, use a hooded dryer on a low heat setting to avoid frizz.
Moisturizing Routine:
Daily Moisturizing: Keep your twists moisturized by spritzing them with a water-based leave-in conditioner or a moisturizing spray. Follow up with a light oil or cream to seal in the moisture.
Avoid Heavy Products: Stick to lightweight products to prevent buildup and keep your twists looking fresh.
Moisturize your scalp: It’s important to moisturize your hair and scalp throughout that period.Spritzing on a hair mist two to three times a week and using a hair oil to seal in the moisture.
Night Care:
Protect Your Twists: Wear a satin or silk scarf or bonnet at night to protect your twists from friction and keep them in place.
Pineapple Protect: You can also gather your twists into a loose, high ponytail (the “pineapple”method) to reduce frizz and maintain the shape.
Refresh with Touch-Up and Maintenance Tips for Washing Less Often:
Check out this blog The Easiest Hack To Refresh Knotless Braids For Beginners; you can use the same method to revitalize your mini twists:
Refresh and Re-twist as Needed: If some twists start to unravel or frizz, gently re-twist them with a bit of twisting cream or gel.
Edge Care: Apply a lightweight gel or edge control to your edges to keep them neat without putting too much tension on your hair.
By following these steps, you can keep your mini twists looking fresh, prevent frizzing, and ensure they last longer without unraveling.
Mini Twists inspirations
Mini Twist with Cornrows
Mini Twists Space Buns With Two Front Strands
Half Mini Twists Space Buns
Long Goddess Mini Twists With Ash Blond Highlights
Min Twist Short Ponytail
claw Clip Mini Twist Half up Half Down
Image @uhlexsissss
Elegant Mini Twist Bun With Frame Fringes
Image @favourrr_ike
TRY HOTBRAIDS Tight Afro Kinky - Bulk Human Braiding Hair
Beaded Mini Twists
Image @CurlFriendAri
Mini Twist with Rings and Cuffs
Mini Twist Updo with Bangs
Bubble Mini Twist Ponytail
Reach out to us at [email protected] with any fresh braiding hair tips you've discovered or questions about hair. Enjoy your braiding and twisting journey, and keep shining!