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Create a twist-out

Choose a twist-out when you want to reshape loose curls or coils without heat. Smaller twists give more individual curl groups; larger twists give fewer, broader groups.

Step by step

  1. A woman brings one undivided damp side section forward while the rest of her coily hair is clipped away.
    STEP 1 OF 10

    Bring one damp section within reach

    • Start with detangled hair that is damp, not dripping. Keep the rest out of the way with loose clips or move it to the other side.
    • Bring one manageable side section forward so both hands can reach its roots and ends without raising your shoulders.

    A styling product is optional. Check that its directions allow damp hair, and follow its stated amount. Lightly re-dampen a section if it dries while you work.

  2. Woman divides one damp section of her own coily hair into two strands while the rest is held in loose clips.
    STEP 2 OF 10

    Divide it into two even strands

    • Split the section into two strands of roughly equal thickness, separating them all the way to the ends. Hold one in each hand.
    • Keep the two strands separate. If one runs out much sooner, undo the split and divide again rather than borrowing hair midway.
  3. A woman holds the first crossing of two strands near the root, with both loose lengths still separate below her fingers.
    STEP 3 OF 10

    Make the first crossing

    • Hold the strands near the roots without pulling. Pass the strand in your right hand over the one in your left.
    • Pinch that crossing gently with your left thumb and finger. Take the other strand in your right hand so each hand holds one strand again.
  4. Woman crosses two strands of her own damp coily hair in the same direction to form a hanging twist.
    STEP 4 OF 10

    Continue crossing down the section

    • Cross the strand now in your right hand over the one in your left. Repeat the hand transfer and crossing, moving lower each time.
    • Keep the loose ends separate as you work. If the root pulls or the ends catch, stop, undo enough to free them and restart more loosely.

    You are wrapping the two strands around each other. You do not need to spin each strand separately or pull the twist tight.

  5. A woman supports a completed two-strand twist while gently rolling its short tips together between her fingertips.
    STEP 5 OF 10

    Finish the tip and let the twist hang

    • Near the ends, support the twist with one hand. Gently roll the last short tips together between the other thumb and finger.
    • Let go and check that the twist hangs comfortably. If it immediately opens, try a smaller section rather than tightening the root.

    Repeat these steps on the other sections you want to set. Take breaks and leave an awkward section loose if you cannot reach it comfortably.

  6. A woman reads with both hands away from her uncovered two-strand twists while they air-dry.
    STEP 6 OF 10

    Let the twists air-dry

    • Remove any sectioning clips left in your hair. Leave the twists hanging loose and uncovered while they air-dry.
    • When the outside feels dry, open one reachable test twist using the next step. The hair inside may still be damp.

    Drying time varies. If you need to stop early, gently open the twists and finish drying the hair loose; the shape may be less defined.

  7. A woman supports a test twist above the fork while gently opening its two tips; the rest of her hair remains twisted.
    STEP 7 OF 10

    Open one test twist from the tip

    • Support a reachable twist just above its tip with one hand. Use the other fingertips to find and gently separate the two ends.
    • Follow the turns upward, opening a little at a time until the whole twist is free. Move your supporting hand upward as you go.

    Do not pull the two strands straight apart. If hair catches, stop and gently free the caught strands before opening another turn.

  8. A woman feels the roots of one fully opened test twist while supporting its released lengths; other twists remain intact.
    STEP 8 OF 10

    Feel the roots and opened lengths

    • With clean, dry fingers, feel the roots and both released strands, including the hair that was inside the twist.
    • If any part feels damp, twist it again comfortably and wait longer. If dry, check a thicker twist or one near the nape next.

    A dry test twist does not prove the whole set is dry. Check each section as you take it down.

  9. A woman uses both hands to open the ends of a two-strand twist, with loose curl groups beside it.
    STEP 9 OF 10

    Take down the remaining dry twists

    • Open each remaining twist from its tips upward, supporting the hair and following the turns as you did with the test twist.
    • Check the released hair as you go. Retwist a damp section and give it more time, or let it finish drying loose if you are stopping.
  10. A woman collects sectioning clips into a tray after opening all her twists.
    STEP 10 OF 10

    Arrange the hair and collect the clips

    • Feel around the nape and crown for any twist you missed. Once all sections are dry and open, arrange the curl groups with your fingers.
    • Collect the clips, clear away shed hairs and clean the clips as their care directions allow. Let them dry before storing them.

    You can leave the released groups together. For a fuller look, gently separate only where the dry hair parts easily; stop if strands resist.

About 25–60 minutes of handling for dividing, twisting a full set, later takedown and collecting clips. Washing, detangling, air-drying and breaks take additional time.

Estimated handling time. Allow longer for small twists, long or dense hair, or a first attempt.

You’re done when…

Every twist and sectioning clip is out, the released hair is dry and your roots feel comfortable. The clips are collected for cleaning or storage.