2 Strand Twist Updo – How to Guide + 30 Styling Ideas

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You can achieve 2 strand twist hairstyles in two ways– using your natural kinky hair or the strands of your dreadlocks. Two-strand twists are protective and easy hairstyles you can do yourself or for someone else. This hairstyle helps your hair maintain moisture and be healthy.

For 2 strand twist on your natural hair, you won’t need rubber bands to hold the ends. However, when styling your dreadlocks in a two-strand twist, you’ll have to lock the ends either with a knot or runner bands to secure them from unplaiting.   

Below, I’ll take you through a step-by-step process on how to do 2 strand twists.

Also Read: 55 (Three) Strand Twist Dreads Styles You Wish You Knew! [+Pics & Videos]

How to do 2 Strand Twist on Natural Hair

You’ll have to prep your hair for the two-strand twist if you’re using your natural hair. The same goes for dreadlocks. Wash your hair with sulphate-free shampoo and use a conditioner for natural hair. Washing your hair gives you a clean scalp that prevents irritation. 

It’s best to use your finger to detangle or use a toothcomb after washing off the conditioner. To make things manageable, divide and detangle your hair into sections from the roots to the ends. 

You may want to oil the scalp to lock in moisture before twisting. Remember, this hairstyle is unisex.

Also Read: 70+ Incredible Natural Hairstyles for Black Women

To get ready for your 2 strand twist, you’ll need;

  • Small comb
  • Edge control gel
  • Spray bottle with water
  • Rubber band ( for dreadlocks)
  • A wide-tooth comb (for natural hair)
  1. After washing and detangling the hair, take a small section depending on what size you desire. Rub edge control gel on the sides of the small section. Then divide into two again. 
image 22
  1. Rub the gel on the divided section to make it easier to twist the two strands. Holding one strand, flat twist as though you’re doing a cornrow. Flat twist until you reach the end of the scalp. 
image 17
  1. Repeat step two on the other strand. Now, know that you can use your fingers to flat twist or use the small comb. Either way works. 
image 15
  1. Once you flat twist the second strand, join them together. 
image 21
  1. Twist them together until you reach the end. You can choose to rubber band or coil the ends to secure it. 
image 18
  1. Repeat the process until you complete all sections. 

Watch the YouTube video below by Nas_Thestylist to get all the details. 

2 Strand Twist: 30 Styling Ideas 

1. Two Strand Twist on Blonde Hair

Natural hair dyed blonde is unique in the black community. Imagine how everyone will admire you for styling them in two-strand twists. This is because this hairstyle is beautiful and low-maintenance.

1. Two Strand Twist on Blonde Hair
@locnstylezwith.maya

2. Short Two-Strand Twist

If you have short hair and don’t know how to style it simply, go for 2 strand twist. This hairstyle protects your hair and encourages hair growth.

2. Short Two-Strand Twist
@locnstylezwith.maya

3. Two Strand Twist in Buns

While 2 strand twists are unique hairstyles, you can hold them in buns to keep them off your face. 

3. Two Strand Twist in Buns
@locnstylezwith.maya

4. Jumbo Two Strand Twist

You style your hair in jumbo twists by parting big sections before twisting. If you have big locs, good for you!

4. Jumbo Two Strand Twist
@xquisite.stylez

5. Freeform Twist

Freeform twists employ diverse techniques to achieve this unique style. Take a screenshot to show to your hairstylist. 

@xquisite.stylez
@opaglamz

6. Locs in Up-do with Scarf

To make it easier to hold your 2 strand twists in a bun, use a long rectangular scarf to hold them in place.  

6. Locs in Up-do with Scarf
 @elliemichelll

7. Jumbo 2 Strand Twist on Natural Hair

2 strand twists are beautiful on natural hair. They’re even more unique when you twist them in jumbo, looking like dreadlocks.

7. Jumbo 2 Strand Twist on Natural Hair
@evehthenatural

8. Bob 2 Strand Twist

Twisting your hair to achieve a bob is possible with 2 strand twists. If your hair is long, hold a knot at the end to invisibly shorten them.

8. Bob 2 Strand Twist
@milasofab

9. Brown Twist on locs

Dark brown colours are natural colours of black hair that are more versatile with twist.

9. Brown Twist on locs
@thelanyamarie

10. Long 2 Strand Twist

Don’t worry if you have long hair or locs but are wondering if you can style them in 2 strand twists. Yes, you can. And you can hold a big bun.

10. Long 2 Strand Twist
@ethereal.t

11. Flat Twist

You can flat-twist small sections of your hair and twist them to the end. This hairstyle is unique to normal cornrows. 

11. Flat Twist
@sayalejandra

12. Knot Twists

If you have curly or straight hair, styling your hair in a twist can be easy. Hold a knot at both the roots and ends to secure them.

12. Knot Twists
@cee.naturally

13. Black and Blonde Two Strand Twist

Sometimes, it’s okay to free your scalp or roots from hair dye. This protects your roots and creates a beautiful combination for your dyed hair. 

13. Black and Blonde Two Strand Twist
@shayhairgoddess

14. Cornrow 2 Strand Twist

An alternative to flat twists before twisting is cornrow. This hairstyle makes the hair low-maintenance and beautiful.

14. Cornrow 2 Strand Twist
@dhatgirlbecca

15. 2 Strand Twist with Blonde Ends

A little dye doesn’t hurt, especially at the ends of your twists. This hairstyle is unique for people looking to add dye but don’t know where to start.

15. 2 Strand Twist with Blonde Ends
@shayhairgoddess

16. Long Jumbo Twist with Beads

With long natural layered hair, you can twist them to achieve this jumbo twist. Hold the ends with beads to make the layers visible. 

16. Long Jumbo Twist with Beads
@razorempress

17. Teen 2 Strand Twist

Young ladies are not left out of the trend either. You can style your kids’ hair in two-strand twists for school or for that special occasion. 

17. Teen 2 Strand Twist
@shayhairgoddess

18. 2 Strand Twist on Locs

2 strand twists on natural locs are beautiful and make you appreciate the pattern on your scalp. 

18. 2 Strand Twist on Locs
@cypashore

19. Side Swept 2 Strand Twist

While many people love to style their hair by parting the middle, you can style yours like this, sweeping one side on the other.

19. Side Swept 2 Strand Twist
@shayhairgoddess

20. Super Jumbo Two Strand Twist

This hairstyle reminds me of a famous reggae musician and activist. Can you guess? Super Jumbo twists are beautiful and unique on either long or short natural hair.

20. Super Jumbo Two Strand Twist
@creeative91

21. Half Up Half Down Twist

You can hold some of your hair up, and leave the rest on your back and front. 

21. Half Up Half Down Twist
@chynax_24

22. Small 2 Strand Twist in Bun

A chic hairstyle featuring a bun created with small two-strand twists for a textured and elegant look.

22. Small 2 Strand Twist in Bun
@solelylocs

23. Two-Strand Twist with Knots

2 Strand twists can lose at the ends if you don’t knot them. That’s why you need extra invisible rubber bands to secure them.

23. Two-Strand Twist with Knots
@shayhairgoddess

24. Multicolored Twist

Dyeing your hair in two colours and mixing them in twists is versatile and beautiful, especially if it’s red vs. blond, black vs. brown or black vs. gold.

24. Multicolored Twist
@iamd3vine_cug

25. Medium Twists

If you don’t want big, jumbo, or small twists, you can do a medium size and length like this hairstyle. 

25. Medium Twists
@cee.naturally

26. Twist Curls

Twist curls are unique twists you can do by using curly gels. Rub a small gel for curls before twisting to achieve this hairstyle.

26. Twist Curls
@jaichill_

27. Twist with Accessories

Adding accessories to your twists is one way to stand out and be unique.

27. Twist with Accessories
@tianna.shanell

28. Triangle Two Strand Twist

Part your scalp into unique shapes, like this triangular shape, before twisting your hair. 

28. Triangle Two Strand Twist
@shayhairgoddess

29. Jumbo Locs Twist

You can style your big locs into 2 strand twist and hold a big jumbo bun as you desire. 

29. Jumbo Locs Twist
.@mstrinitysimone

30. Twist Bantu Knot

Twisting your hair in a strand twist before styling in Bantu knots protects and encourages hair growth. 

30. Twist Bantu Knot
@purposexbeauty

Now It’s Your Turn

2 strand twist hairstyles are protective hairstyles you can achieve on natural hair and with locs. The hairstyle is versatile, unique, captivating, and beautiful from the scalp to the roots.

Make sure your hair is clean and moisturised before styling it. You can always wash it once a week and remember to oil your scalp after.

Which of the hairstyles are you going for first?

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AUTHOR
Sedi here...Fascinated by the interplay between people, lifestyle, relationships, and communication dedicated to empowering women and spreading positive messages about black people. When she's not writing, Sedi is busy advocating for plastic-free earth with her local NGO. Got questions? Just hit the comments" Her socials: @SediDjentuh

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