The barrel twist hairstyle, also known as barrel curls or dreads, is a protective hairstyle where hair is parted into sections and twisted into larger, more defined twists.
It holds cultural significance in the Black community as a symbol of tradition, protection, and style versatility.
Barrel twists are ideal for both men and women at various occasions; however, they are more generally worn by women. This hairstyle offers both casual and formal styling options.
Barrel twists are chunkier than other twists like Senegalese or flat twists. They provide more texture and volume while giving a bold and structured appearance that lasts longer.
In this article, we have listed 15 barrel twist hairstyles for women that can elevate your look for any occasion.
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1) Classic Barrel Twists
Classic barrel twists are achieved by parting hair into sections. It uses a two-strand twisting method with a comb, styling gel, and hair extensions.
This style works best for women with curly or coily textures. It typically lasts 2-3 weeks with proper care.
To maintain the twists, wash them weekly with a mild shampoo and cover them at night with a satin scarf. This helps preserve moisture and keeps the twists intact.
It’s a low-maintenance protective style that prevents breakage, especially for natural hair. It provides a sleek and defined look.
2) Jumbo Barrel Twists
This hairstyle is created by applying gel to thick hair sections and twisting each section with larger hair extensions for a chunky and oversized look.
This hairstyle suits dense or thicker hair types and generally lasts 1-2 weeks due to its larger size.
I’d recommend oiling the scalp regularly and re-twisting to maintain neatness and prolong the style.
Its bold and voluminous appearance makes it a striking choice for those seeking a protective yet stylish look that can easily be maintained.
3) Half-Up, Half-Down Barrel Twists
This half-up half-down hairstyle combines barrel twists on the top half of the hair with either loose or lightly twisted sections on the bottom.
This hairstyle is ideal for both natural and relaxed hair types. With proper care, the style lasts around 2 weeks.
Spritzing the hair daily with leave-in conditioner and covering it at night helps maintain the twists.
This versatile look provides a balance between casual and formal. It is suitable for various occasions while keeping the hair protected and moisturized.
4) Barrel Twists with Beads
Barrel twists with beads offer a decorative twist on the traditional style by adding beads to the ends of the twists.
This style typically lasts 1-2 weeks and is best suited for curly or natural hair textures. To maintain neatness, reapply the edge control as needed. Use a silk bonnet at night to protect the beads.
This style adds flair and personality to the traditional barrel twist. It is perfect for special events or to enhance daily wear with added texture and shine.
5) Accessorized Barrel Twists with Cuffs
Accessorized barrel twists with cuffs add decorative elements to individual twists by placing hair cuffs randomly throughout the style.
This variation works well for both natural and relaxed hair types. Depending on the accessories used, the style can last 1-3 weeks.
To preserve the look, you should avoid washing the hair too often and reapply hair oil to keep it shiny.
The cuffs provide a stylish touch. They add elegance and uniqueness to the twists while keeping the hair protected from daily wear.
6) Barrel Twist Updos
Barrel twist updos involve twisting sections of hair upward and securing them into a bun or crown.
This style is ideal for thick or coarse hair and can last up to 2 weeks with proper care. I suggest applying leave-in conditioner to keep the hair moisturized.
Wrap your hair in a silk scarf at night to preserve the updo’s neatness. This elegant updo hairstyle is perfect for women at formal events.
It offers a protective option that reduces manipulation while showcasing the volume and texture of natural hair.
7) Barrel Twists with Cornrows
Barrel twists with cornrows combine the neatness of cornrows with the volume of barrel twists. The front of the hair is cornrowed while the back is styled into barrel twists.
This cornrow hairstyle is a great choice for coarse and curly hair. This style can last 2-3 weeks with proper care.
I’d suggest spritzing the scalp with a hydrating solution and covering the hair at night to maintain the freshness of both the cornrows and the twists. It keeps the style intact for a longer duration.
8) Loose Barrel Twists
These twists are created by loosely twisting sections of hair that result in a more relaxed and wavy look.
This style works best for relaxed or softer textures and typically lasts around 1 week. To prevent frizz, regularly moisturize the hair and avoid excessive manipulation.
This casual, laid-back variation of barrel twists offers a softer finish. It is ideal for a less structured look while still protecting the hair from daily damage and dryness.
9) Barrel Twist Faux Hawk
It is a bold hairstyle where the hair is twisted upward into a faux hawk, while the sides are tightly twisted.
This style works well for coily and thick hair types and lasts 1-2 weeks. To maintain the shape, I’d recommend applying a light oil and covering the twists with a satin scarf at night.
The faux hawk offers an edgy and creative twist on traditional barrel twists. It is perfect for those women seeking a statement hairstyle that is both protective and fashionable.
10) Barrel Twists with Extensions
Barrel twists with extensions involve attaching hair extensions to each section before twisting to add length and volume.
This style is particularly suited for short, natural hair. It offers a way to create longer and fuller twists. The style lasts 2-3 weeks with proper care.
You should lightly oil the scalp and avoid excessive pulling to maintain both the health of the hair and the longevity of the style.
It’s a popular choice for those wanting to experiment with longer styles while keeping their natural hair protected.
11) Barrel Twists with Braids
This hairstyle starts with braiding the roots and transitioning into twists midway down the section.
This variation is ideal for coily or textured hair and can last 2-3 weeks with good maintenance.
You must reapply edge control to the braids to keep them looking neat. Cover your hair with a satin scarf at night to preserve the style.
This mix of braids and twists offers a textured and dimensional look. It combines the structure of braids with the volume of barrel twists.
12) Micro Barrel Twists
Micro barrel twists are small, tightly twisted sections that create a delicate and detailed look. This style is well-suited for women with thin hair and typically lasts up to 2 weeks.
To avoid frizz and buildup, I suggest using a lightweight oil and ensuring that the hair remains moisturized.
Micro twists are ideal for those seeking a more intricate and protective style. It allows for plenty of movement and styling versatility while reducing the risk of breakage in thinner hair textures.
13) Barrel Twists with Curly Ends
Barrel twists with curly ends are created by twisting the hair halfway down and leaving the ends loose and curled.
This style works best for naturally curly hair as it allows the curls to stand out while maintaining the structure of the twists. With proper care, the style lasts 1-2 weeks.
You should use a curl-defining cream on the loose ends to keep them bouncy and avoid tangling. This combination of twists and curls offers a soft and playful look that enhances natural hair texture.
14) Side-Swept Barrel Twists
Side-swept barrel twists are styled by twisting the hair to one side and securing it with pins for an elegant and asymmetrical look.
This style works best for thick, natural hair and typically lasts 1-2 weeks. Lightly spritz the hair with water and cover it with a satin bonnet at night to retain moisture and protect the twists.
The side-swept look adds a touch of sophistication to the traditional barrel twists. This style is a great choice for formal occasions.
15) Barrel Twists in a Ponytail
This hairstyle involves twisting sections of the hair and gathering them into a high ponytail for a sporty and chic look.
This style is ideal for relaxed or medium-textured hair and lasts 1-2 weeks. I’d recommend applying a smoothing gel around the edges.
Secure the ponytail with a silk wrap at night to maintain the sleekness of the style. This variation is perfect for active individuals who want a protective yet stylish option that can handle daily wear.
Benefits of Barrel Twists
Barrel twists are a popular protective style that promotes hair growth by minimizing manipulation and breakage.
As a low-maintenance and heat-free option, they help retain moisture and shield the hair from daily environmental damage.
These dread hairstyles are ideal for natural hair as they reduce the need for frequent styling while allowing the hair to rest and grow.
The versatility of barrel twists also provides flexibility for various styling options. It offers both protective benefits and a stylish polished appearance.
Styling Products for Barrel Twists
The best products for maintaining barrel twists include lightweight gels, moisturizing creams, and nourishing oils.
Aloe-based gels provide a soft hold without flaking while creams with shea butter add moisture and smooth the hair.
Natural oils, such as argan or jojoba, help seal in moisture and add shine without weighing the hair down.
These products are essential for keeping barrel twists neat, hydrated, and long-lasting. It ensures that both the style and hair health are maintained.
How to Take Down Barrel Twists Safely?
To remove barrel twists without damaging the hair, first apply a leave-in conditioner or oil to soften the hair.
Start by gently unraveling the twists from the ends, working your way toward the roots. Use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to detangle any knots carefully.
Avoid rushing through the process as this can cause breakage. Once all twists are removed, wash the hair thoroughly to remove any product buildup and restore moisture.
Things to Know About Barrel Twists
Over-twisting or using excessive product can lead to tension on the scalp which may result in hair breakage or damage.
It’s important to avoid twisting too tightly as this can cause discomfort and thinning at the roots.
Additionally, improper care, such as not moisturizing regularly or neglecting to cover the hair at night, often causes frizz or tangling.
To prevent these issues, use a light hand with products. Moisturize frequently and protect the hair with a satin scarf or bonnet during sleep.
Conclusion
Barrel twist hairstyles offer a protective, low-maintenance option for women.
With variations like jumbo twists, half-up styles, and accessories, barrel twists cater to diverse hair textures and styling preferences.
Whether you’re seeking a casual or formal look, this style is versatile and long-lasting. It typically requires minimal care while promoting healthy hair growth.
FAQs
How long does it take to do barrel twists?
Depending on the hair length and size of the twists, it typically takes 2-4 hours to complete barrel twists.
Can barrel twists be done on short hair?
Yes, barrel twists can be done on short hair using extensions to add length and volume.
How do barrel twists compare to regular twists?
Barrel twists are larger and more defined than regular twists, offering a chunkier, more textured appearance that lasts longer.
