Senegalese Twists as known as rope twists are one of the many defensive styles for Afro-textured hair. Wearing protective styles helps encourage safe hair growth while shielding your hair from environmental harm, handling, heat styling, and everyday styling habits. Senegalese twists are formed by first wrapping your choice of braided hair around the root of your natural hair. The hair is then twisted from the root to the ends of the hair shaft.
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How to do Senegalese Braids
- If your natural hair is around 1.9 cm or longer, you can make a Senegalese twist. Senegalese twists work with natural hair; you would need to use synthetic hair extensions in either case.
- A few of the common types of synthetic hair extensions to use for this style are those called Kanekalon and Toyokalon. You’ll need 3 to 4 packs of hair if you’re looking for a medium-length model. You may also use Marley Hair Extensions, but the higher quality of this extension means that it is best suited to Marley Twists.
- Open the pack of extensions and separate the braided hair strands, if they are twisted together, by gently rubbing them between your fingertips. Separate the extensions into parts depending on how big you want your twists to be. Then fold each section in half to form a “U” shape. The bend is the point where the extension segment will be attached to your actual hair while the two ends are being woven into the twists. Use the saloon scissors to cut the strands to the desired length.
- Wash your hair with a daily shampoo and conditioner. Use a wide-tooth comb and a detangle spray to detangle it. Dry your hair naturally or with a round, natural-bristle brush and a low-heat dryer. This is going to straighten and stretch your hair until you braid it. Do not use any of the hair oils. You need to get your hair straight so that it can coil adequately. However, you may want to use a heat-protective product on your hair before you dry it.
- It’s better to do this before separating hair parts since the portion you make will remain on when you do the twists, and attempting to change it afterward can be difficult.
- Use a comb to separate your hair into four even parts. Then divide each segment into four parts. – of these parts should have a width of 1 inch or less. However, if you have very thick hair, you might need to split each section into half or fifth. Comb the hair segment to eliminate any tangles. Use small hair clips to hold the rest of your hair away from your fingers while working on each section.
- Use a comb or your fingers to carefully separate the segment into two halves of the same width. Do your utmost to isolate the two smaller parts entirely. You don’t actually need to peel them out again, but each section should be straight, and the two should not be joined together at any stage.
- Use your fingers to twist each small section to the right progressively. Continue turning until each segment has started to be twisted into a coil. Take each of sections 1 to 2 from the scalp and twist from that point. The two pieces should be turned equally.
- Place the center of the prepared piece of synthetic hair extension over the two parts of real hair until you start twisting and wrapping. Bend the hair extension to keep the middle between the two separated halves of the actual hair. The ends of the extension should be draped over the two parts of the real hair already divided. Follow the same technique used by natural hair to curl the hair extension. Grab both your real and the extension hair in between your fingers and twist to the right before it rolls. This way, you lock the hair extension in place and weave it effortlessly into your natural hair.
- Overlap the right-hand section of the hair over the left-hand section once, and then twist the right-hand and left-hand sections to go in the same direction. Then, loop the twisted pieces around each other in opposite directions. The right-hand section should be wrapped clockwise, while the left-hand section is wrapping anticlockwise. Coil the combined stranded hair to the right, pull the overlapping segment under, and back up again.
- From this point on, you can continue to curl and coil your hair like this, working over from the right until you reach the end of the two combined portions. If performed right, the twist should be tight enough to remain in place for a little while without being sealed immediately.
- Separate the remaining hair into pieces of the same size, focusing on 1 section at a time. Each part of the hair must be about the same size as the other parts. Otherwise, your Senegalese twists can look uneven when they’re finished. Similarly, you can use the same amount of hair extension with each twist.
- Doing so would keep the Senegalese twists in place for a long-term style. Bring to a boil a small saucepan of water over medium-high heat. When it reaches a steady boil, thoroughly remove the pan from the sun. Carefully dunk the bottom ends of each turn into hot water. Immerse each twist in such a way that all the loose ends are hidden. Leave each end of it in water for 15 seconds. If you do Senegalese twists on smoother hair, you can need to gently knot the ends before sealing them in warm water or use hair elastics to tie them off. Allow your hair to dry naturally.
- It is advised to dip the ends in olive oil or Jamaican castor oil after the water has dried to lock the moisture in the ends, preventing them from drying out. Allow drying again naturally.
How long do Senegalese braids last?
You should expect your Senegalese twists to last anywhere from 8 to 16 weeks, depending on how you take care of them. You should tie your hair with a satin scarf or a bonnet every night to prevent your hair and edges from frying too quickly. Don’t skip to take good care of your hair when you’re wearing protective styling.
How many packs of hair do I need for the Senegalese twist?
As a general rule of thumb, eight boxes of hair are healthy starting numbers. If you have thicker twists, you could get through with just half a dozen boxes, but eight boxes are more likely if you fall on the thinner side.
Do Senegalese twists damage hair?
Senegalese twists are the most common protection style options out there, and for a worthy reason. They not only look fire and add length, this beloved celebrity trend allows your locks to develop without any risk of injury, and they’re also super flexible.
Do you dip Senegalese twists in hot water?
It’s best to dip the ends of the Senegalese Rope Twists Extensions in hot water. Be patient, avoid dripping hot water on yourself, and avoid burning your hot scalp. Until you’ve completely dried the twist, run your fingers through the twists and trim any thin ends away.
What hair is best for Senegalese twists?
Synthetic hair is the best option for Senegalese twists as it grips well and prevents twists from unraveling too quickly. Kanekalon and Toyokalon are the two most common brands.
How to wash Senegalese braids?
- Shampoo and Soak. Soak your braids with water before shampooing, and then apply your shampoo.
- Be thoroughly rinsed. Thoroughly rinse; repeat if necessary. I suggest using a light conditioner to add some moisture back in.
- Dry your braids full.
- Product Apply.
How to sleep with braids?
To cover the front of your hair, you’ll want to tie your scarf around the ends. The bonnet keeps the individual braids out of the way when sleeping to protect them from becoming frizzy. It can cut down on frizziness and protect the edges.
Difference between Senegalese braids and regular braids
Senegalese braids
Senegalese Twists, or rope twists, are one of the many defensive styles for Afro-textured hair. Wearing protective styles helps encourage safe hair growth while shielding your hair from environmental harm, handling, heat styling, and everyday styling habits. Senegalese twists are formed by first wrapping your choice of braided hair around the root of your natural hair. The hair is then twisted from the root to the ends of the hair shaft.
Regular braids
It’s the braids’ baseline. Alternately, taking three sections of hair, passing each area over a middle strand on either side, think of it as juggling hair.
How to take care of Senegalese braids
- Apply light oil to your scalp a few times a week. It’s ideal every two to three times a week. Doing this will help to hydrate your scalp. Peppermint, coconut, or Jamaican Black Castor Oil are examples of oils that you could use.
- Braid spray or liquid conditioner may keep your hair moisturized and healthy. It would be best if you use it once a day to promote optimal hair health.
- Make sure you avoid creamy conditioners while the braids are in place. Creamy conditioners can leave residues and build-up, and this, in turn, can create knots along the base of your twists.
- For an all-in-one solution for both your hair and your scalp, mix a little coconut oil, JBCO oil, and conditioner in a spray bottle of water. Apply this formula to your scalp and hair every day, and miss a separate oil treatment for your scalp.
Hairstyles for Senegalese Braids
1) Mohawk braids
Initially a sign of rebelliousness, Mohawk can now be considered a staple in the array of African American women’s hairstyles. Shaved sides make this hairstyle even bolder, and the twisted tie adds a whimsical aspect to the look. So, you’re going to get a look that’s both edgy and girly.
2) Twisted braids
This gorgeous style will keep your long locks away from your face, and it’s a lot more unique than other style choices that have the same impact. To try it out, take all your hair down to one side, make a swoop, and then clip it in the back.
3) Side twisted braids
In what way are you supposed to style your hair? Throw it to one side and put a long-haired, non-careful attitude, duh! The deep side will still go hand in hand with the Senegalese twists. Consider this your new daily look and play with other choices for special occasions or night outs.
4) Twists along with highlights
Oh, yes, baby! Thick rope twists are among the chicest items imaginable. They’ve been done so correctly—super! It’s To take a unique look at the significant Senegalese turns, add a few light highlights. For a color that flatters with black hair, choose caramel or sand instead of a bright blonde.
5) Micro braided twists
Micro-braids hairstyles can be completely free of noise. The best thing to do with Senegalese twists is to let them down (especially after you just got them, so your scalp has time to adjust). If you desire to try a new look right after they’ve been put in, choose a simple half-up pony.
6) Half twisted ponytail
These Senegalese bands look super cool. To imitate her look, ask your braider for a big twist and choose something with color. You can make accent twists in any hue you choose, but a cool-toned blonde is the right choice if you want to look modern and urban.
7) Senegalese bun
Rope twists quickly make the most lovely buns. The hair is simple to shape, the styles stay well, and the twists themselves generate a visual appeal in the sock bun. Don’t tie your hair in a ponytail for a loose look like this before twisting a bun. Instead, use one ponytail holder to do it all in one move.
8) Brownish gorgeous twists
Small to medium-sized twists are an excellent choice for a more subtle look. If you desire to try a new color but don’t want something that looks too wild, it’s worth considering a dark, soft brown like this one. The color has a reddish undertone and will brighten up your look though it still looks normal.
9) Senegalese ponytail
Nothing makes a nicer ponytail than a string twist. Fullness is a desirable factor for just about every style—but not more than a ponytail. Place your ponytail high on the back of your head for a flattering height. Keeping the ends of the hair unbridled allows for a softer (and less firm) look.
10) Curly hair with Senegalese
These twinkling rope twists are the most stunning we’ve ever seen. The advantage of making small twists is that you don’t get long string bits at the end. Instead, the upper and lower thicknesses are more uniform. Only pick a few twists at the temples and tie them together to try the cute back of the headband.
11) Senegalese sided hairstyle
Here’s a royal style choice that keeps your hair out of your face in a way that’s much more unique than a ponytail. To try it:
- Put your hair down the middle of it.
- Take your hair from one hand and cross it back and forth.
- Take the other part and cross it again.
- The weight of long twists holds it all in place.
12) Blue Senegalese twists
One of the great things about protecting your hairstyles is that you can change your color without damaging your natural locks! Blue shades are incredibly flattering on darker skin tones, and you will only be loyal to the color you chose for as long as your strands are built.
13) Jumbo Senegalese
If you’re willing to try twists that aren’t just average, begin with the Senegalese jumbo. Massive spirals take less time to do this and give you a chance to try hair colors that would usually be difficult to maintain. If your hair has settled down, play with your partner to find your dream look. It’s a good idea to coordinate your hand with the outer corner of your eye if you want to wear eyeliner and accentuate your cheekbones.
14) Micro braids with straight ends
It may take a long time to do this, but you’ll be so happy you’ve been waiting for your micro braids to be completed. Parted into extra small parts, you’re going to need a lot of patience, as every tiny braid will have to be painstakingly assembled. A price worth paying if you’re looking for a flattering, feminine, and manageable hairstyle.
15) Curly Senegalese
Are you bored of your straight style of Senegalese twisting? Please upgrade it to curls! Flexi rods are perfect for producing waves without damaging your extensions. Wrap your twists around your rods, tie a silk scarf around your head for safety, and get a good night’s rest. In the morning, cut the rods to expose the beautiful curls!