Rope twists—also called Senegalese twists—are a stunning & versatile way to style your curls & elevate your look, all while protecting your precious curl pattern. And, from sophisticated up-dos to 90s-style ponytails, there’s an endless number of ways you can wear them.
So, are you ready to transform your hair game & become a master of the classic rope twist?
In this blog, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about achieving flawless rope twists, from how to prep your hair to tips for ensuring your coils stay gorgeous & hydrated with this unique protective styling technique.
Unlocking a New Style: Exploring the Art of RopeTwists
With a tighter, protective style like rope twists, you can create long-lasting & shiny curls. But, before you go trying out 101 different rope twist styles, it’s important to understand the basics of this protective look. Here’s some general need-to-know info:
- You can create rope twists on natural hair or with hair extensions for some added oomph.
- You can create rope twists using the two-strand twist method, which lends itself to tighter curls than regular twists.
Regardless of how you choose to rope twist, the hair twist products you use play an important role in creating a truly flawless look while nurturing & supporting your hair type.
Product Selection Guide: Elevate Your Rope Twist
Having the right curly hair stylers on hand makes it easy to prep your locks for any style. For rope twists in particular, the specific products & tools you’ll need will depend on your hair’s texture, porosity & length. Here are some PATTERN-specific product recommendations you may want to reach for when creating the perfect rope twists:
- Leave-in Conditioner
- Intensive Conditioner
- Curl Gel
- Detangling Nectar
- Wide Tooth Comb
- Your favorite 90s hit to keep you twisting to the beat (It’s not entirely necessary, but there’s nothing like a throwback anthem to keep enthusiasm high while you’re styling your gorgeous curls!)
Prime Your Hair: Essential Steps Before Rope Twisting
Before you get to twisting, it’s essential to prime your locks with hair twist products that can help you get the most out of your styling technique.
To that end, here are some simple steps you can take to ensure your tresses are ready to twist:
- Wash & Deep Condition – Prep your curls by washing your hair & applying a deep conditioner to ensure your scalp & coils have enough moisture.
- Apply Leave-In Conditioner Section by Section – Next, you’ll want to take your favorite leave-in conditioner & use it to prepare your hair for this protective style. Apply a small amount of the product to your fingers & work it through one small section of your hair at a time.
- Detangle so You’re Ready to Twist – Finally, you’ll want to use a curly hair detangling tool to smooth each section & make sure it’s ready to twist.
Mastering Rope Twists: A 3-Step Guide for a Polished Look
One benefit of rope twists is that they look more complex than they really are, which means you can create an elegant hairstyle without a lot of hassle. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown to help you create this sophisticated look for yourself:
Step 1: Begin Your Rope Twist Style
After prepping a section of your hair strands with the steps above, you’re ready to tackle the twist. Split the section into two equal parts, & begin by twisting one of the two parts around your finger. You’ll use a finger coil technique to spin each half-section, similar to how you would when creating the look of simple coil twists.
Step 2: Use the Two-Strand Twist Technique
Rope twists include both the finger coiling & two-strand twist techniques, so once you’ve coiled part of one of your half-sections around your finger, you’ll cross it over the other section & continue twisting.
This creates the look of two twisted pieces of rope (hence this style’s fitting name). When you arrive at the bottom of the section, wrap the ends around your finger to create a tight curl that’ll help hold the twists in place.
Step 3: Repeat for the Remaining Sections
Repeat steps one & two for each section of your hair. When you’re finished, you can style your rope twists into a variety of different looks. For instance, try:
- An updo
- A cute ponytail
- A combination with cornrows to create a rope twist braid
Of course, you can also always leave them down for an effortlessly elegant effect.
Twist Your Tresses with Help from PATTERN
When you’re ready to elevate your curl styling techniques, make sure to check out rope twists, a tried & true method for creating a sleek & polished look with your gorgeous locks. And, while you’re at it, make sure to check out PATTERN.
At PATTERN, we make it easy for you to take care of those luscious curls by creating natural hair products for curly hair, coils & loose waves. Plus, we only use the highest quality ingredients, backed by science, so that you can rest assured you’re giving your curls the support & love they deserve.
No matter your styling & haircare needs, we’re here to help. Explore our collections or take our curl quiz today to get started.
Sources:
New York Society of Cosmetic Chemists. An Overview on Hair Porosity. https://nyscc.org/blog/an-overview-on-hair-porosity/
Photo Credit: @freshlengths, Pinterest.
