3 Strand Twist for Men: The Ultimate How-to Guide + 30 Styles!

Last Update:

Three-strand twists are a spin on the original 2 strands’ twist-out style that gives you tight curls, less frizz, and more definition. Of course, 3 strand twists take more time than 2-strand twists, but they’re more defined. 

Rather than using two strands, you wrap your hair around each other in a spiral pattern of three strands. 

3 strand twists are a great alternative to a 2 strand twist for a few reasons.

  • You have less frizz
  • It gives you tighter curls
  • It helps to lengthen your hair.
  • There are fewer sections to complete!
  • Your hair is more defined in comparison to a two-strand twist.

Also Read: 55 Three 3 Strand Twist Dreads Styles You Wish You Knew! [+Pics & Videos]

The Ultimate How-to Guide to the 3 Strand Twist for Men

What you’ll need:

  • A spray bottle with water Hair oil or olive oil
  • Big tooth comb
  • Shea butter
  • Hair Gel
  • Hair clips
  1. Spray your hair until damp
image 2
  1. Divide the hair into four or more big sections. This will help you
image
  1. Take one section of the hair and moisturise it with hair oil or olive oil. Use just a little of the oil to prevent residue build-ups. Apply some shea butter after that. 
image 3
  1. Using the wide-tooth comb, comb the section evenly. Depending on how big you want the 3 strand twist, take a section of hair and divide it into three equal parts.
image 4
  1. Use the hair clip to hold one or two sections of hair in place, so you can work on one strand at a time. 
  2. Apply a little gel to the section you want to 3 strand twist. Part into three equal sections.
image 1
  1. Naming the strands A, B, and C, twist A around B and C, then twist B around A and C. Again, twist C around B&A. Repeat until the three strands twist the whole hair section to the bottom.  Use some gel to hold the bottom together as you twist that section. You can also use your finger to coil the end. 
  2. Repeat the same technique on all the hair sections for a 3-strand twist. 

Watch KaeDaGreat demonstrate how to do three-strand twists in this YouTube video.

30 Three-Strand Twist Hairstyles for Men

1. Jumbo 3 Strand Twist in Pony

If you have medium-to-large dreadlocks, you can style them in a jumbo 3-strand twist after retwisting.

1. Jumbo 3 Strand Twist in Pony
Image source: @twistedby.skyee, IG

2. Small 3-strand twist

For short dreads or natural hair, you can also style them in a 3-strand twist. As you can see, they’re neat, clean, and long-lasting. 

2. Small 3-strand twist
Image source: @allthingsffresh, IG

3. Bob 3 Strand Twist

You can style your natural hair in a 3-strand twist if your hair is neither long nor short. And especially if the parting is big enough, you don’t have to worry about pain.

3. Bob 3 Strand Twist
Image source: @allur3galore, IG

4. Dark Blonde Colored 3 Strand Twist

A little colour isn’t bad at all. It adds warmth, creativity, and life to your hair. Own it!

4. Dark Blonde Colored 3 Strand Twist
Image source: @allur3galore, IG

5. Medium 3 Strand Twist

You can achieve this medium hairstyle with long dreads, thanks to 3 strand twists. It creates a less frizzy but neat and flexible style.

5. Medium 3 Strand Twist
Image source: @allur3galore, IG

6. 3 Strand Twist on Trimmed Hair

Whether you have super short natural hair or dreads, you’re not left out of options to style in a 3 strand twist. Ideal for men and young men.

6. 3 Strand Twist on Trimmed Hair
Image source: @allthingsffresh, IG

7. 3 Strand Twist in Bundles

If you’re looking for something different from just 3 strands twisting your dreads, bundle them up like a mini ponytail. You’ve got this!

7. 3 Strand Twist in Bundles
Image source: @allthingsffresh, IG

8. 3 Strand Twist Pop Smoke Barrels

And you can do smoke barrels with twists no matter how long or short your hair is. For this hairstyle, it’s comforting as you don’t have to worry about the hair shadowing your face or vision.

8. 3 Strand Twist Pop Smoke Barrels
Image source: @allthingsffresh, IG

9. Crisscross Twist Pony

For trimmed hair with only dreads or hair at the upper head, you can style in 3 strand twist too. Add a color like blonde to add esthetic.

9. Crisscross Twist Pony
Image source: @ste_dread_locs, IG

10. Long 3 Strand Twist

3 strand twist is even more beautiful on long hair. Use an invisible rubber band to secure the ends.

10. Long 3 Strand Twist
Image source: @allthingsffresh, IG

11. Peekaboo 3 Strand Twist

Dying the lower inner part of your hair is the new trend now. Whether you dye your natural hair or use extensions, the style gives room for flexibility and uniqueness. That’s all peekaboo is all about.

11. Peekaboo 3 Strand Twist
Image source: @allthingsffresh, IG

12. Long Black 3 strand Twist

If you have a super sensitive scalp, you don’t have to worry about wearing this style, as it’s favourable for soft and curly hair too.

12. Long Black 3 strand Twist
Image source:@giftedhandsbytphil, IG

13. Half Dyed Twist

Take your hairstyle one step ahead with dye. If you want to explore colours, why not dye half or almost all the hair? Look at that dye!

13. Half Dyed Twist
Image source: @ste_dread_locs, IG

14. Purple Twist

Of course, you can experiment with purple dye on your dreads. 

14. Purple Twist
Image source: @kd_elegance, IG

15. Half Dyed 3 Strand Twist 

If you don’t like too much colour, you can apply dye to one to two inches to make a statement.

15. Half Dyed 3 Strand Twist 
Image source:@giftedhandsbytphil, IG

16. Twist with Rubber Bands

3 strand twists are firm but can lose at the ends, especially if the hair or locs are short. Use a rubber band to hold them together. 

16. Twist with Rubber Bands
Image source: @ste_dread_locs, IG

17. Short 3 Strand Twist with Dye

Sometimes, all you need is a tip-toe dye at the bottom of your hair.

17. Short 3 Strand Twist with Dye
Image source: @bookwithdaniyelle, IG

18. 3 Strand Twist in Low Pony

If you have a formal event to attend and are wondering how to style your hair, 3-strand twist, then hold a low pony. This style gives off gentlemanly vibes. 

18. 3 Strand Twist in Low Pony
Image source: @ste_dread_locs, IG

19. Half Hair Shaved Twist Dreads

You don’t have to wear dreads on your head; wearing them on top along with trimmed edges is enough.

19. Half Hair Shaved Twist Dreads
Image source: @kd_elegance, IG

20. Half Trimmed 3 Strand Twist

And there are the dreadlocks, where you have full dreads but have trimmed the edges to give your hair some shape. Style it in a 3-strand twist to make an even bolder statement.

20. Half Trimmed 3 Strand Twist
Image source: @hairwithniya, IG

21. Crisscross Twist

You don’t have to start the twist from the roots. Crisscross the hair from the scalp, then twist the rest. It’s unique, classic, and gentlemanly. 

21. Crisscross Twist
Image source: @ste_dread_locs, IG

22. Long 3 Strand Twist with Dye

 A twist in one colour can be boring sometimes. Give it life by adding colours. You don’t have to dye the whole hair!

22. Long 3 Strand Twist with Dye
Image source: @kd_elegance, IG

23. Double Strand Twist

After three strands of twisting the hair, you can go ahead and twist two more to make it jumbo if you desire.

23. Double Strand Twist
Image source: @graced.by.millyj, IG

24. Blonde Twist

Why have a little when you can have it all? Go blonde with your twist if that’ll make you happy!

24. Blonde Twist
Image source: @kd_elegance, IG

25. Twist and Barrels

You can have a twist at the front and barrel the rest of the hair.

25. Twist and Barrels
Image source: @ste_dread_locs, IG

26. Twist in Braids

How about braiding the twist to create a new look that stands out from the crowd? Box braid your hair after twisting it into three strands.

26. Twist in Braids
Image source: @dreadloccity, IG

27. Twist Cornrow

A twist cornrow holds the hair firm and secure on the scalp. You can achieve this by twisting the locs closer to the scalp downward.

27. Twist Cornrow
Image source: @kd_elegance, IG

28. Twist Back Wrap

Instead of holding a low ponytail, just wrap the hair loosely. If you have a sensitive scalp, this hairstyle will do.

28. Twist Back Wrap
Image source: @mum_grg, IG

29. Cornrow 3 Strand Twist

For older folks who want to keep their dreads at bay, cornrow twisting is the way to go when you have long hair.

29. Cornrow 3 Strand Twist
Image source: @freshkwame13, IG

30. Twist in Two Low Ponytails

Holding two jumbo barrels with long, big dreads can be a lot of work. When you get the nape of your neck, twist the locs to create 3 strands.

30. Twist in Two Low Ponytails
Image source: @avo_dreadlocs, IG

31. Short Jumbo Dyed Twist

It doesn’t hurt to add a little red dye to your hair. It may out of the ordinary, but it’s unique.

31. Short Jumbo Dyed Twist
Image source: @kd_elegance, IG

There you have it. Which style are you gonna wear?

Before you go…

Finding the right hairstyle is just the first step. Even the world’s best 3-strand twist will fail if you don’t know how to maintain it! Read my next article to ensure that your stylish look never falters again.

Photo of author
AUTHOR
Hey there, Lovelace Gyamfi also known as Love of LDIM here - biomedical scientist by day, master blogger by night. When I'm not micropipetting my way through the lab, you can find me crafting witty blog posts and analyzing Forex trends like there's no tomorrow. Some might say I have a slight split personality, but I prefer to think of it as having the best of both worlds - brains and creativity!

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.