How Long Does A Twist Out Last? Definitive Guide

Your curly hair gets a different look when you do a twist out. Not only does it provide a beautiful wavy pattern but also gives you scope to style it in multiple ways. Although the process is quite tedious, it’s convenient because you can do it at home. But good things don’t have a good life expectancy. So, how long do twist outs last?

Twist outs last anywhere from 2 days to 6 weeks depending on hair type, products, maintenance, techniques, weather conditions and other factors.

But wait! You can make them last longer if you do it on wet hair, use a good gel, take proper care of the hair and follow some aftercare routines. Here you’ll get 9 techniques through which you can make the twists hold their shape for a longer period. 

Then again, it’s not recommended to over-manipulate the natural hair pattern while trying to make twists last longer since it can cause hair damage. 

How To Make Twist Out Last Longer? [9 Method Explained]

You can make twist out last longer by following these 9 methods provided below:

1. Twist Out On Damp Hair

When hair is damp, your twists get easier to style, absorb moisturizing products well and allow you to create definition.

That’s why experts say water is the key to perfect twist set. The hair should be saturated with water, more like damp, but not completely soaked. Basically water weakens the naturally occurring bonds in your hair but as the hair dries, it strengthens the bond. So, when you do twist out on damp hair, the bond will strengthen into the twisted style.

Hence, not only is this a part of regular process but essential to make your twist out last longer. Using water as a base is even more important for high porosity hair because such kind of hair absorbs and loses moisture quickly. And water will help keep it well-hydrated and maintained.

2. Do Smaller Twists

Smaller twist outs work to last longer because there are lots of definitions. It doesn’t have to be very tiny, just small will do. However, it can take more time to do smaller twist outs. Then again, the effort is worth it as it makes your twists stay intact longer than larger, looser curls.

Divide each section into smaller sections to fashion smaller twists. Then twist them tightly around each other from the roots to the ends. Finally, set it with gel as a holding product.

Note that, you want to twist the hair tight enough to hold the pattern but not so tight that it can cause tension.

Even though some parts of your twists may lose definition as the week goes on, you’ll still have lots of twists covering that.  

3. Pick Gel With A Good Hold

Besides water, you need products that work to maintain the shape and definition of your twist out for a longer period. Moreover, those products also help keep hair moisturized. As long as it stays moisturized, the twist out makes sure to last longer.

A gel here is a good option as it holds all the twist outs tight in place. So, you need to dab them with a gel. But note that gel can make the hair stiff and feel heavier. But to balance the stiffness and heaviness, you can use some good leave-in conditioner or lightweight moisturizer.

Get a dollop of leave-in conditioner and apply to damp hair. Then follow up with a good moisturizer because it’s going to lock in moisture and keep the twist out soft. Both leave-in conditioner and moisturizer will help hydrate and nourish hair, prevent frizz and dryness left by the gel as well as avoid knots and tangles. 

4. Set Twists With Styling Creams

Styling cream or mousse can extend the life of a twist out on dry stretched hair.

A curl cream usually has ingredients like Coconut Oil, Tea Tree Oil, Aloe Vera Gel and/or Shea Butter that work to smoothen hair shaft, nourish it and strengthen the hair. Since curl cream gives extra hold to the hair, it helps enhance your twist out definition and maintain its shape.

Mousse is usually used before twisting as a final styling hair product. It gives hold and volume to the twist outs so that they uphold their shape and bounce. To add more, a mousse enhances texture and definition as well to make twists last longer.

5. Use Products In Even Sections

Twist out lasts long when products are used in even parts of your hairline. When gel is applied evenly throughout the sections, it distributes moisture evenly to the twists from root to tip and makes sure they hold the shape for a long period. Not just that, it also guarantees that you don’t end up having heavy or greasy curls.

However, this will need your patience because it can be more complex to apply products section by section than slathering them on your entire head. So, take your time and follow the process carefully.

6. Leave Twists In For 1-2 Weeks

Leaving your twist outs in for 1-2 weeks can help make them last longer. The rule of thumb here is that the longer you leave them in, the more defined the curls will be after taking them down and the longer they will hold their shape.

If you put in twist outs overnight and unravel them the next day, they may last around 3 or 4 days. But wearing them for around 2 weeks and then taking them out can extend the duration of their shape up to a couple of weeks.

Before you do that, make sure to start by keeping your hair clean and moisturized. After getting the twists, wrap them with a satin or silk scarf at night. This will preserve their shape as well as prevent frizz. Also don’t forget to keep the scalp clean throughout the period so you don’t end up having buildup. Right after 1 or 2 weeks, unravel the twists carefully and enjoy how long they last.

7. Go Pineapple

An effective tool to keep your twist out last longer is pineappling. You just have to grab 5 sections and tie them with a rubber band or satin scarf at the root. This will make mini pineapples all over your head.

Pineappling got its name from the obvious resemblance to the fruit since it involves tying your curls up as close to the hairline just like how pineapple looks.

This method works to keep the twists stretched, prevent friction against pillows while sleeping and preserve the twists for a much longer period. Not just that, it also adds definition to the twists and maintains them.

So, go pineapple especially at night if you want to fluff the twist out and make it last longer.

8. Skip The Pick

Try not to pick out your roots since it can disrupt the new curls that are just created. Yes, picking out helps give twist outs some lift and volume but it’s temporary.

What you can do instead is to tease out the twist out with your finger. Make sure not to over-fluff the curls after they are out. It will help make the hair stay defined for longer period.  

In case you still need some lift, get yourself a dry shampoo and give the roots a light spritz. It’s going to add some volume at the base without picking.

9. Re-Style Your Twist Out

No matter how good the twist out is, it can start losing definition as the week goes by. In case this happens, try to re-twist your twist out. You don’t have to do your entire head, just some sections will do:  

Put twist out into a puff.

Retwist the front part of the hair. Twist, braid or roll the back of the hair.

Retwist the back part of the hair. Twist, braid or roll the front of the hair to create half up or half down look.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Should I Keep Twists In?

You should keep twists in for a maximum of 3-4 weeks because going longer than that can cause a variety of adverse effects.

Keeping twists for longer period results in prolonged exposure to tension that can eventually cause discomfort, headaches and/or muscle strain. This can further result in frizz, damaged hair shaft, breakage and split ends.

Moreover, excess manipulation of your hair can also affect natural pattern and texture which can lead to loss of hair definition.

That said, you can keep twists in for 3 or 4 weeks safely without any severe issues.

Do Braids Or Twist Last Longer?

Twist out can last longer than braids based on the thickness and stiffness of your hair, aftercare and some other factors.

In case the hair is coarser, right methods are followed and a good hold is used, twists last longer as the texture of the hair enables the curls to hold their shape better. But if the hair is finer, braids last longer because such strands can be woven together more tightly.

However, both braids and twist can last 4 to 6 weeks. The duration just varies depending on the factors mentioned above.

What Are The Benefits Of Twist Out?

Some of the benefits of twist out are:

• Works to transform natural pattern of hair
• Enhance texture and make hair appear fuller
• Provide natural and defined curls
• Versatile as it lets you create different styles like loose waves or tight coils
• Easy style to do at home
• May last longer than braids
• Works to lock in moisture preventing dryness and frizz
• Looser twists promote healthy hair
• Once the twist out is set, maintaining it is easy.   

How Often Can I Do A Twist Out?

You can do twist out once a week as it helps keep the waves fresh, defined and lasting longer.

However, there’s no rule in frequency so you can re-twist as often as you like. But make sure you don’t over-manipulate your hair because you may end up with breakage.

Conclusion

Making a twist out last longer comes down to smart prep, the right products, and nightly maintenance. Starting on clean, well-moisturized hair with a good leave-in conditioner and curl cream helps set a solid foundation. Letting twists fully dry before unraveling is key for definition and frizz control.

Sleeping with a satin bonnet or on a silk pillowcase keeps twists smooth and prevents breakage. Lightly re-twisting sections at night or using a pineapple method can refresh the look without starting over. With the right care and techniques, a twist out can stay fresh, defined, and beautiful for days. It’s all about moisture, protection, and minimal manipulation to make those curls last.