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Image Courtesy of James Westman- Time Spent: 0 minutes
- Total Duration: 5 minutes
- Difficulty Level: Beginner
- Estimated Price: $0-5
There's nothing more stylish than a timeless French twist. While the classic style may seem challenging to master, it's actually quite achievable, regardless of your hair texture. You can make it look effortlessly casual for daily wear or elevate it for a formal evening. With just a few quick steps, you'll be able to perfect this chic look. Plus, Gina Rivera, a renowned hair expert and the founder of Phenix Salon Suites, shares her advice on securing your twist with the right products.
Essential Items You'll Need
Tools and Equipment Required
- Hairbrush (optional)
Necessary Materials
- Bobby pins
- Medium-hold hairspray
Guidelines
Gently Sweep Hair to One Side
James WestmanUsing your non-dominant hand, guide your hair slightly off-center to one side. Then, with your dominant hand, position a bobby pin vertically, securing it from the bottom up.
Place Bobby Pins
James WestmanBegin at the bottom and work your way up, placing a series of bobby pins vertically, crossing them over one another to hold the hair in place. Complete the process by pressing the final pin downward.
Secure the Twist Firmly
James WestmanCollect the hair with one hand and twist it tightly, lifting it upwards.
Maintain the Style
James WestmanPlace bobby pins horizontally at the base of the twist, crossing over the vertical pins to secure the style. Rivera suggests, "U-shape pins work best for a twist. This helps keep the hair in place without losing volume."
To insert, take a U-shaped pin and push it through the edge of the twist. Flip it upside down, pushing it towards the scalp to secure the hair. Repeat with additional bobby pins until the hair feels firmly secured.
Lightly mist the hair with spray.
James WestmanLet the ends fall naturally, then lightly spray the hair to set the style. Rivera suggests using a medium-hold, flexible hairspray that allows you to adjust the style into the finish you want. "This is especially helpful if you want to leave some hair out of the twist for a curlier or piecey look," she adds.
For a polished French twist, grab a few extra bobby pins and tuck in any loose ends. You can also curl the ends with a curling iron for a gentler, more refined appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What distinguishes a French roll from a French twist?
Rivera explains that a French twist is "a sleek, formal twist that creates a smooth, polished shine, while a French roll is a more relaxed, playful look that remains elegant even when left loose."
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How long must your hair be for a French twist?
A French twist is designed to elegantly keep your hair off your neck. If you can pull your hair into a ponytail, it's long enough to be twisted and pinned. Short to medium-length hair is easier to twist than longer hair. For very long and heavy hair, you can use a claw clip instead of pins for a similar effect, as it holds more hair.
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How do you use a hair pin for a French twist?
Your hair should be at least shoulder-length to use a hair pin effectively. Begin by pulling your hair into a low ponytail and twisting it as you would for a French twist. Next, insert a large U-shaped hair pin between the nape and top of the twist. Place the pin with the prongs facing up, then angle it diagonally before looping it through the hair for a firmer hold. Style by pulling out a few face-framing pieces or a section of hair from the top of the twist, finishing with a light-hold hairspray.
