Two strand twists are one of the most popular hairstyles among women with natural hair. They are easy to do, look good on everyone, and they can be the basis for many different styles with slight variations. You can easily do two strand twists (aka double strand twists, twists, or twisties) on your own natural hair. They can be done on short hair or long hair; you only need about one inch of hair to wear two strand twists.

Here's how it's done:

1. Start by shampooing and conditioning the hair. Towel blot, or squeeze excess water out.
2. Create a horizontal part about 3/4 inch from the nape (in the back, above your neck).
3. Create a vertical part about 3/4 inch from the left (or right) side of your hairline. A rattail comb works well for this.
4. You should now have a square section of hair separated from the rest. Use clips, bobby pins, or ponytail holders to hold the rest of your hair out of the way.
5. Mist the section of hair with water, and apply a small amount of Carol's Daughter Kizzy pomade. Massage in, focusing on the ends. Comb through with a fine toothed comb.
6. Part the square diagonally into two smaller sections.
7. Begin twisting these two sections together. Left over right, left over right, and continue down the length of your hair.
8. Continue parting sections and twisting across the width of the nape. You should have four to five twists going across when the row is complete. Start another row, and continue toward the crown.
9. Once you get to the top of your head, you will decide whether to part your hair on the side, in the middle, or just have your twists go straight back (or up depending on the length). To direct your twists a certain way, gently pull the two sections of hair in that direction as you twist. If they need a little extra coaxing, use a clip or bobby pin to hold them down while they dry.
10. Spray your finished twists with Oyin Handmade Greg Juice to give them a nice sheen and make them super soft.

• Two strand twists can be unravelled as soon as they dry, or after wearing them for two weeks or more for a "twist out" style. Your hair will take on a wavy and/or curly texture, that is usually more defined when the twists are worn longer before unravelling.
• Two strand twists can also be done on dry hair. If the hair is blow dried or stretched first, the twists may have less definition. Also, a twist out is usually more defined when twists are done on damp hair with a styling product such as Kizzy.
• Wear the back of your hair in an afro puff, and two strand twist the front.
• Vary your two strand twists over time by gradually splitting each twist into smaller sections. You can easily have a different look every week by using this method.
• Add accessories like a scarf or headband when your twists start to get fuzzy.
• Use barrettes, clips, or bobby pins to clip back the right side, left side, both sides, or the whole front of your hair.
• Spritz your twist out with varying amounts of water to totally change the look of it. You can go from smooth and wavy to chunky and voluminous with this trick. Be careful with this one. A few extra spritzes and your coils and waves will disappear.
• Use bigger or smaller sections for totally different looks. Small twists are delicate and feminine, and really big ones are jaw dropping and head turning.
• Get yet another look by grasping random sections of hair to twist - no parting.

• You can wash your hair with the twists in so that you won't have to re-part your hair the next time. If your hair is prone to unravelling, try washing with a stocking cap, or braiding the ends.
• Other products that will help define your twists include Fruit of the Earth Aloe Vera Gel or African Formula Botanigel.
• Wear a satin bonnet or scarf at night. A scarf will hold your twists down if you want a more controlled look. Bonnets can be more comfortable to sleep in.
• Refresh your twists in the morning by spraying with Oyin Handmade Greg Juice or an herbal mixture of your choice. Spray lightly, lifting your twists as you go to dampen your scalp. Finger comb your twists into place.
• If you want your twists to go in a certain direction, spritz with water and bobby pin in place. Allow to dry, remove the pins, and finger comb. The pins can be worn overnight if your twists tend to get messy while sleeping.
• Combing through each section of hair before twisting is optional. It usually creates smoother, shinier twists, and makes the twists easier to unravel.
• You can find step by step photo illustrated two strand twist instructions in issue #9 of Naturally You! [http://www.naturallyyoumagazine.com/issues.php?id=3-3].