Flat twisting short natural hair can be a wonderful way to create stylish and protective hairstyles. It not only gives your hair an elegant look but also helps in maintaining its health. For beginners, it may seem a bit intimidating, but with the right guidance, you’ll be able to master this technique in no time.
Preparing Your Hair
Cleanse and Condition
Before starting the flat twist process, it’s essential to have clean hair. Use a gentle sulfate – free shampoo to wash your short natural hair. This type of shampoo will not strip your hair of its natural oils. After shampooing, apply a rich conditioner. Let the conditioner sit for a few minutes to deeply moisturize your hair. Rinse thoroughly.
For very short hair, you can also consider using a co – wash (conditioner – only wash) if your hair isn’t overly dirty. This helps in retaining moisture.
Detangle Gently
Use a wide – toothed comb or your fingers to detangle your hair. Start from the ends and work your way up to the roots. This prevents breakage. If you encounter any stubborn knots, apply a small amount of leave – in conditioner or a natural oil like coconut oil to help loosen them.
For short hair, it’s important to be patient during this process as the hair may be more prone to breakage due to its length.
Moisturize and Sea
Apply a water – based moisturizer to your hair. This provides the necessary hydration. You can use products that contain ingredients like aloe vera, glycerin, or shea butter. After applying the moisturizer, seal it in with an oil. Natural oils such as jojoba oil, argan oil, or olive oil are great options. This step helps in keeping your hair moisturized during the flat twist process.
Tools You’ll Need
Rat – Tail Comb
A rat – tail comb is crucial for creating clean parts in your hair. The pointed end of the comb can be used to section your short hair precisely. It also helps in smoothing the hair as you flat twist.
Hair Clips
Hair clips are used to hold sections of your hair that are not currently being twisted. This keeps your hair organized and out of the way during the process. You can use small butterfly clips or alligator clips.
Styling Gel or Cream (Optional)
If you want a more defined and sleek look for your flat twists, you can use a styling gel or cream.
Look for products that are formulated for natural hair and do not contain harsh chemicals that can dry out your hair. Apply a small amount to each section of hair before twisting.
The Flat Twist Process
Sectioning Your Hair
Start by dividing your hair into sections. For short natural hair, you can create four to six sections depending on the thickness of your hair. Use the rat – tail comb to make straight parts. Clip each section away with a hair clip.
For example, if you have very thick short hair, you may want to create more sections to make the twisting process more manageable. On the other hand, if your hair is thinner, fewer sections may be sufficient.
Starting the Twist
Take one of the sections and divide it into two smaller sub – sections. The size of these sub – sections will depend on the length and thickness of your hair. For short hair, they should be relatively small.
Hold one sub – section in each hand. Cross the right sub – section over the left one close to the scalp. This creates the base of your flat twist.
Adding Hair to the Twist
As you continue the twist, start adding hair from the remaining section to the sub – section that is on top. Do this by incorporating a small amount of hair from the adjacent area each time you cross the sub – sections.
For short hair, it’s important to be gentle when adding the hair to avoid pulling or breaking it. Make sure the added hair is smoothly incorporated into the twist.
Twisting Down the Length
Keep crossing the sub – sections and adding hair as you work your way down the length of the hair.
Twist the hair tightly but not too tightly to prevent discomfort. As you near the end of the hair, you can stop adding new hair and simply twist the remaining length.
You can use your fingers to smooth the twist as you go along. This gives it a neater appearance. If you are using a styling gel or cream, apply a little more as you twist to keep the hair in place.
Securing the Twist
Once you have completed the flat twist, you can secure the end with a small hair elastic or a bobby pin. If you are using an elastic, make sure it’s not too tight to avoid causing damage to the hair. For a more seamless look, you can tuck the end of the twist under the rest of the hair.
Styling Options with Flat Twists
Multiple Flat Twists
You can create multiple flat twists all over your head. For short hair, you can have two to four flat twists depending on the style you want. You can make them all in the same direction or alternate directions for an interesting look.
For example, if you make all the flat twists towards the back of your head, it gives a more uniform and sleek appearance.
Alternating directions can create a more textured and dynamic style.
Combining with Other Hairstyles
Flat twists can be combined with other hairstyles. For short natural hair, you can leave the ends of the flat twists out and fluff them for a curly or wavy look. You can also combine flat twists with a small bun at the back of your head for an elegant updo.
Another option is to create a half – up, half – down style by making flat twists on the top section of your hair and leaving the rest of the hair down.
Maintaining Your Flat Twists
Nighttime Care
To protect your flat twists at night, you can cover your hair with a satin bonnet or sleep on a satin pillowcase. This reduces friction and helps in maintaining the shape of the twists.
If your twists start to look a bit frizzy in the morning, you can use a small amount of oil on your fingertips to smooth them down.
Refreshing the Twists
As your hair grows during the week, you may notice some new growth or loose hairs. You can use a small amount of styling gel or water to re – twist any loose sections. This helps in keeping your flat twists looking fresh.
If you have any product build – up, you can use a damp cloth to gently wipe the surface of the twists.
Conclusion
Flat twisting short natural hair is a great skill for beginners to learn. With proper preparation, the right tools, and following the correct technique, you can create beautiful and long – lasting flat twists. Experiment with different styles and maintenance tips to make the most of this versatile hairstyle for your short natural hair.
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