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Create a twist-out

Choose a twist-out when you want to set loose curls or coils into a different shape without extensions or a heated tool. You make simple two-strand twists on damp hair, let them dry fully, then unwind them with your fingers.

Woman crosses two strands of her own damp coily hair in the same direction to form a hanging twist.

Step by step

  1. Woman divides one damp section of her own coily hair into two strands while the rest is held in loose clips.
    STEP 1 OF 5

    Prepare one damp section

    • Start with loose hair that is damp and already detangled.
    • Keep the rest separate, using loose clips if helpful, then bring one reachable section forward.
    • If it dries while you work, mist that section lightly instead of soaking the whole head.
  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 5

    Split the section into two strands

    • Use both hands to divide the section into two distinct strands from near the root to the ends.
    • Hold one strand in each hand, with your fingers below the starting point.
    • Restart with a cleaner split if you have to borrow hair between strands near the ends.
  3. Woman crosses two strands of her own damp coily hair in the same direction to form a hanging twist.
    STEP 3 OF 5

    Cross the two strands to the ends

    • Pinch the crossing point with one hand while the other takes the outside strand; move the right strand over the left, then switch hands.
    • Repeat in the same direction down the section, sliding your hands lower as the twist grows.
    • Twist the last reachable ends gently between your fingertips, then let the twist hang without pulling the root.
  4. Woman checks one of her finished two-strand twists near the nape with her fingertips before takedown.
    STEP 4 OF 5

    Repeat, then let every twist dry

    • Repeat the divide-and-cross movement around the head, bringing back sections forward when needed.
    • Leave the twists loose and let them air-dry without a heated tool.
    • Feel the roots and the inside of thicker twists. Wait longer wherever you still feel dampness.
  5. Woman uses both hands to unwind one fully dry two-strand twist from its end while released sections hang beside it.
    STEP 5 OF 5

    Unwind from the ends upward

    • Choose one fully dry twist and find the point where its two strands meet at the end.
    • Turn the strands apart with your fingertips, following the twist upward instead of pulling them straight apart.
    • Repeat until every twist is open, place the released sections with your fingers, and collect any clips for storage.

About 25–60 min hands-on for dividing, twisting a full set and later unwinding it. Start with damp, detangled hair. Add complete air-drying and breaks.

Practical editorial estimate, not measured. Two-strand twists are usually quicker than comparable braids; small twists or very long hair can take longer.

You’re done when…

Every section is released from ends toward roots, with no twist left hidden at the nape or crown and no damp section taken down early.