With the pandemic appearing to slowly slink away into the shadows, most of us are yearning to get our spring and summer looks in order once again. Not that we need a reason or season to try out new looks, but who doesn’t want to shake off the winter gloom? One style that’s making Insta headlines (pun intended!) is spring twist hair.
Here’s a deceptively simple, amazingly attractive, low maintenance, go-anywhere hair-do that also doubles up as a super protective style. Twists are suitable for any length of hair, whether minimalist bob or Rapunzel tresses. Being lightweight and springy, they’re easy to style into high ponytails, buns, casual knots, or sassy bobs. The good news is that with some patience, skill, and time, you can DIY them yourself at home too.
Salon Businesses In The US: Pandemic Woes
The last two years have seen a wipeout across various industries. Spas, wellness centers, hair and nail salons, and aesthetic services have been hard hit by pandemic lockdowns. The average client pre-Covid used at least four or five different professionals to keep up appearances.
But with social distancing, the need to stay masked, and fears of catching the virus, the beauty business has been hard hit. Many salons have either shut shop, functioning on skeletal staff, provide certain basic procedures at home, or offer online consultation.
- Before the pandemic, there were an estimated 1.2 billion salons and spas in the US.
- The Professional Beauty Association reported that in 2019, sales figures crossed $59 billion.
- Monthly expenses for the average salon include rentals, products, staff salary, utilities, marketing, consumables, cleaning, and hygiene.
While it’s bad news for professionals, the smarter ones have quickly learned to adapt, using social media and personal contacts to keep themselves afloat. Today’s client wants something stylish yet low maintenance, versatile and natural, without the need for too much processing. Trends such as the spring twist and passion twist are hitting the top of the popularity charts.
What Is Spring Twist Hair?
Some call them natural or fluffy twists, mini twists, or bomb twists, while others prefer the term passion twist – whatever the spin you put on it, this is the season to call it the Spring Twist.
It’s a fluffy, light, two-strand twisty spring load of curls that’s well defined and great looking on any kind of face shape. You’ve probably seen Instagrammers killing the look with them, and you can wait to try the look for yourself.
But what exactly is the spring twist style?
It is:
- a long-lasting, protective strategy that safeguards your natural hair as it grows and develops
- made using coiled hair extensions
- created by modifying the traditional Senegalese twist
- a textured, bouncy, and lively style
- most suited for summer, but looks great all the year-round
- you can DIY at home or achieve it with a little help from a professional
- very easy to maintain and manage
- lightweight and available in a variety of colors, lengths, and cuts
- secure and comfortable for all-day wear
Spring twists are usually shoulder-length or shorter, making them lighter and bouncier than longer styles like the passion twist. They are uber-glamorous, and you can choose from a range of styles, including:
- Mambo
- Red tinted
- Braided bobs
- Springy Afro
- Single or Micro Spring
- Tiny, tight black coils
- Super kinky twists
- Big, fat twists
- And many more
Because of their lightweight, you don’t have to worry about damaging your natural hairline.
You can continue to live your normal lifestyle (with a few caveats) including working out because you can wash and clean your scalp whenever you feel sweaty.
What’s The Best Type of Spring Twist Hair To Get?
Something that could put the brakes on your dream hair-do is the cost. Getting the spring twist in a good quality salon could set you back by a few hundred dollars. But, if you love experimenting and are an avid DIY enthusiast, there’s nothing to stop you from doing your own research and getting to work on the style yourself.
You can buy your twists from specialist hair salons or retailers or go online to purchase.
Make sure it looks like your natural hair and has approximately the same texture. This makes the twist extension look more authentic and like you own it.
Choosing your own spring twist hair can be fun. Pick a well-known brand, even if it costs a few dollars more. Make sure you don’t compromise on quality.
If you have doubts or concerns, talk to a professional with experience and expertise. Friends and family who have been on the journey before are also good sources of information and tips.
Ideally, there should be no smell or plasticky feel, and the strands should be soft, washable, and tangle-free. Choose anti-bacterial and water-repellent types.
Check whether it mimics natural curl patterns or whether it looks obviously synthetic. You want compliments and not pitying glances!
Opt for a crochet braid or any other type of coiled crochet braided hair for the extensions. They are generally made from high-quality, low-temperature synthetic fiber, with the soft, shiny look and feel of natural hair.
You will need at least 3-6 packs for a full head of twists. But if you have fine and soft hair, you may need less.
Separate the strands and stretch them out to get the desired length to get the desired look.
Some brands come with free accessories such as beads, clamps, hair jewels, or other blingy stuff.
It can last for anywhere between 5-6 weeks with careful use.
Want To DIY? Follow These Steps For Home-Made Spring Twist Hair
Once you’ve purchased a good brand of spring twist hair, it’s time to get into the act. These are the culprits that may cause itchiness or soreness when installing the extensions. Some folks like to prep the twists with a soak in apple cider or plain vinegar to remove any residue or other chemical products.
So, here’s how to look and feel as if you’ve just landed on a tropical island:
- Set aside at least six to seven hours for the whole process
- Get a friend or sibling to help out.
- Organize your tools: good quality spring twist hair bundles, leave-in conditioner, rat-tail and wide-tail combs, scissors, your usual brand of hair cream
- Wash, condition, moisturize and blow dry your natural hair.
- Use a heat protectant before you blow-dry
- If your package of spring twist hair is bundled and not pre-separated (more expensive), you need to separate the hair into strands before twisting.
- Part your natural hair into four large sections
- Apply hair cream on the roots of the twist and attach it as close to the scalp as you can get
- Braid the synthetic hair into your natural hair for about an inch, and then start twisting
- Don’t twist too tight or too loose.
- Continue the process till your whole head is covered.
- Use the rat-tail comb to remove excessive thickness.
- Trim to the right length once it’s installed
Maintaining Your Spring Twist Hair
The best thing about this style is that it looks more authentic the longer it lasts.
While this all-season style is versatile enough to wear all year round, you need to know that you can make your twist last longer, look and feel better, and be more damage-resistant with a little care and attention.
Experts recommend keeping spring twists or other extensions in for not more than two months. Otherwise, you could cause irreparable damage to your scalp and natural hair.
Moisturize your scalp thoroughly and regularly to prevent itchiness.
Wrap your head in a silk headdress or scarf before going to sleep to prevent tangling and frizzing. Invest in a good-quality braid bonnet or silk scarf that can be washed and dried easily.
Wait for at least a week before you wash for the first time.
Based on where you live, wash your spring twist with the right products. Use your regular shampoo and conditioner on your scalp.
Water down your normal hair products and styling products before you apply them. Use a spray bottle to spread the products evenly and then rinse well with running water.
Make sure that your scalp stays well moisturized because exposure dries it out faster than you know. It’s a great idea to use a leave-in conditioner and spray it on generously. If you’d like to make your own, a mix of plain water and tea tree oil is an excellent recipe.
Handle the twists carefully and tighten them so that they don’t lose the springiness
You can condition the twists to keep them looking smooth and shiny and feeling soft.
Keep styling to a minimum because too much meddling with them can loosen the twists and encourage frizzing and matting.
Prevent frizzing by loosening the twists regularly and then twisting back again
Protect your twists from friction and surrounding pollution
Use a mousse to keep the curls bouncy and lively. Pick one that’s paraben, silicone, and sulfate-free.
Give your scalp an essential oil treatment to strengthen moisture and relieve flaking and itching.
Remember that protective styles often cause scalp tension, headaches, and stress in the head region. Use a good quality serum to relieve the tension.
Avoid swimming and wear a shower cap to avoid wetting the twists when you’re in the shower.
Conclusion
With twist season round the corner, it’s a great time to treat yourself to the spring twist hairstyle that the world is talking about – and you’ll never have a bad hair day this season!
