The French twist, a timeless and elegant hairstyle, is a staple in both formal and everyday wear. This versatile updo can be dressed up or down, making it a go-to look for various occasions. If you're wondering how to twist a French twist, you've come to the right place. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the process, step by step, ensuring you master this classic hairstyle.
Before we dive into the technique, let's ensure you have the right tools. You'll need a comb, hair elastics, hairpins, and hairspray. Having texturizing powder or dry shampoo on hand can also help create grip and volume. Now, let's get started!
Preparing Your Hair
To begin, ensure your hair is clean and free of tangles. If your hair is fine or lacks volume, consider using a texturizing powder or dry shampoo at the roots to create grip and lift. Brush your hair back away from your face, creating a smooth, sleek surface to work with.
If you have layered or shorter hair, you may need to use extensions or a hair donut to create enough length for the twist. For this guide, we'll assume you have medium to long hair.
Sectioning Your Hair
Start by parting your hair down the middle, creating two equal sections. Clip one side away, and work on the other. This will make it easier to manage and ensure your twist is symmetrical.
For the section you're working on, part your hair horizontally from ear to ear, creating a top section and a bottom section. Clip the top section away, leaving the bottom section down.
Creating the Twist
Starting with the bottom section, take a small subsection of hair near your left ear. Twist this subsection away from your face, rolling it under itself towards the nape of your neck. Secure this twist with a hairpin, pointing the pin's closed end downwards to keep the twist in place.
Now, take a subsection of hair from the right side of your head, mirroring the first twist. Twist this subsection in the same direction, rolling it under the first twist. Secure this twist with another hairpin, placing it next to the first pin. Continue this process, working your way up the back of your head, alternating sides and creating a series of twists.
Forming the French Twist
Once you've twisted all the hair at the nape of your neck, you'll have a series of twists lying flat against your head. Start at the bottom and gently lift each twist, rolling it upwards and tucking it into the twist above it. This will create the characteristic spiral shape of a French twist.
As you work your way up, use hairpins to secure each twist in place. Make sure to angle the pins downwards to keep the twists from unraveling. If you find that your twist is too loose or lacks volume, use your fingers to gently pull at the edges of the twists, creating tension and lifting the roots.
Securing the Twist
Once you've twisted and secured all the hair, you should have a beautiful French twist at the back of your head. To ensure it stays in place, use a few more hairpins to secure the top of the twist. You can also use hairspray to help set the style.
If you find that your twist is too loose or lacks volume, you can use hairpins to create a "shelf" at the base of the twist. This involves pinning a section of hair horizontally at the base of the twist, creating a shelf that supports the weight of the twist and helps keep it in place.
Finishing Touches
Once your French twist is secure, you can style the look to suit the occasion. For a formal event, you might want to smooth down any flyaways and use a shine spray to add gloss. For a more casual look, you can gently pull at the edges of the twist to create a softer, more undone appearance.
To finish, remove the clip from the top section of your hair and style it as desired. You can leave it down, tuck it behind your ears, or pin it back with a decorative hairpin. The choice is yours!
And there you have it! With a little practice, you'll be twisting your way to French twist perfection in no time. This classic updo is a timeless choice for any occasion, and now you know how to create it with ease. Happy styling!