The twist out is a staple for a reason. It delivers stretched, soft, and defined curls with a low-manipulation technique that results in one of the most versatile styles in the natural hair community. Its simplicity and adaptability make it a go-to for many, but even experienced naturals can struggle with dryness, frizz, or uneven definition. The right twist out products, combined with a thoughtful routine, make all the difference in achieving consistent, long-lasting results.
This post breaks down what a twist out is, how twist out hairstyles vary, and how Wonder Curl products can help you get smooth, defined, and frizz-free curls.
What is a Twist Out?
A twist out is a styling technique created by forming two-strand twists in the hair, allowing them to dry completely, and then gently unraveling them to reveal a stretched, defined curl pattern. Because the hair sets inside the twists, this method reduces shrinkage, creates uniform curls, and helps you maintain softness and definition in the hair with minimal manipulation.
Even better? Small changes in twist size, tension, and technique can completely shift the look of your twist out, adding to its versatility. Smaller twists produce tight and highly defined curls, while larger twists create softer, fuller volume. Flat twists, styled close to the scalp, stretch the roots and add lift. These variations in twist out hairstyles help make this styling technique a great beginner-friendly option and one you can customize to suit your curl pattern.
How to Choose the Right Twist Out Products
A great twist out accomplishes top-notch moisture, definition, and longevity. To achieve this balance, you need the right products that will properly hydrate, provide flexible hold, and seal in moisture as the style sets. When layered correctly, your chosen twist out products will help the hair stay smooth, frizz-free, and defined for several days.
Wonder Curl created our twist out collection to make things easy. It covers all the bases with these essentials:
Get Slick Hair Smoothie
A light cream-oil moisturizer made with aloe and virgin coconut oil to help condition and soften the hair without weighing it down. It absorbs easily, helps enhance your natural curl pattern, increases elasticity, and creates the perfect moisture base for a smooth, defined twist out.
Curl Enhancing Styler
A lightweight, humidity-resistant styling gel that defines without flakes or crunch. It provides clean curl formation inside each twist and helps your pattern set in place for a frizz-free finish.
Sealing Hair Butter
A rich, thick sealing butter that locks in moisture and reinforces your twist’s structure without weighing the hair down. This will be the cherry on top that helps your twist out maintain softness and definition for several days.
Now that your products are covered, let’s go over your next routine for consistent, bulletproof results.
Step-by-Step Routine for Your Best Twist Out
After washing, follow this routine using our twist out collection to maximize curl definition and hydration for days:
1. Apply Get Slick Hair Smoothie (soften)
Start on wet, sectioned hair. Apply a small amount of Get Slick Hair Smoothie to each subsection to condition, soften, and prep your curls for twisting. This gives the hair enough slip and moisture to help each twist set smoothly.
2. Layer Curl Enhancing Styler on top (define)
Smooth a small amount of Curl Enhancing Styler over the same subsection. This creates clean, frizz-free definition and helps your twists set with flexible hold.
3. Seal with Sealing Hair Butter (lock it in)
Use a light layer of Sealing Hair Butter (focusing on mid-lengths and ends) to lock in moisture and maintain softness throughout the week.
4. Twist and Let Hair Fully Dry
Create your two-strand twists using your preferred method, keeping consistent size and tension. Allow them to dry completely, either by sitting under a hooded dryer. Don’t unravel early. Fully dry twists = maximized definition and smoothness, minimized frizz.
5. Unravel Gently
Once dry, unravel slowly and separate only as needed. Shape with your fingers to maintain definition or pick the roots for extra volume. For extra frizz protection, use a few drops of Gimme Shine Hair Oil.
How to Maintain Your Twist Out
Keeping your twist out smooth and defined throughout the week comes down to consistent moisture and minimal disturbance. Try these tips:
Protect at night. Pineapple your hair or use the WC Hair Sock to prevent friction and loss of definition from tossing and turning.
Avoid daily rewetting. Do not mist your entire head with water to refresh. This rehydrates the hair unevenly, causes swelling, and leads to frizz.
Spot refresh only as needed. Use a small amount of Moisturizing Hair Pudding on areas that need smoothing, then finger-coil them back into place. This keeps your style neat without disturbing the entire head of hair.
Common Twist Out Hairstyles
The twist out provides the perfect foundation for multiple looks:
- Defined twist out: Created with smaller, tighter twists for maximum definition and hold.
- Voluminous twist out: Created with larger twists to produce soft curls and full volume. After unraveling, gently lift the roots with a pick for added body.
- Flat twist out: Instead of two-strand twists hanging down, these twists lay flat to the scalp, giving stretched roots and lifted volume from the base.
Conclusion
Mastering a twist out is about choosing the right twist out products and applying them with intention. With Wonder Curl’s Get Slick Hair Smoothie, Curl Enhancing Styler, and Sealing Hair Butter, you can create long-lasting twist out hairstyles that stay soft, defined, and frizz-free, all while maintaining healthy hair.