Two Strand Twist Dreads: 5 Simple Steps to Two Strand Twist Locs (Dreadlocks Style Guide & Tips)

Are you looking for an easy yet, stunning protective hairstyle you can wear regardless of the season? Two-strand twist dreads may be that hairstyle for you. They are easy to do, and you can style them in multiple ways.

For instance, dreadlocks can be colored when mature. The natural hair community boasts many protective styles and the two-strand twist has a special place in everyone’s heart.

Also referred to as twists or mini twists, two-strand twist dreads are a great way to keep your hair hydrated and healthy in a low-manipulated style. You can achieve the hairstyle with your hair or extensions.

This hairstyle’s simplicity and versatility make it a favorite for many black women. While anyone can rock the two-strand twists, they tend to hold better without reinforcement on the ends with textured hair.

Here is everything you need to know about this protective hairstyle that always seems to stay in style.

What Are Two Strand Twist Dreads

The natural hair community is saturated with many stylish baddie hairstyles, like the gorgeous two-strand twists. The technique is one of the easiest ways to start locks.

Two-strand twists work the same way as creating your locks with plaits or braids. The two-strand twists are a hairstyle that holds up the hair as the roots begin locking. They are installed by rotating two strands together in opposite directions.

Depending on your hair’s length, it can be short or long. To do the two-strand twist, you must section your hair into two strands and then twist them from the roots to the ends. Don’t apply anything but leave them to lock on their own.

At first, they will look like regular twists, but over time they will develop into beautiful traditional dreads – thicker than braid or interlocked locs. To maintain these trendy kinky twists, retwist or interlock them every few weeks to a month.

The best thing about this hairstyle is that you can start the locs with a few inches of hair.

Pros and Cons of Starting Your Locs With Two Strand Twists

So, what are the advantages and disadvantages of going the two-strand twist way?

Two Strand Twists Advantages 

• When you start, they will resemble mini twists until the locs mature. That’s an excellent way to wear the style for the time being.
• They are easy to start, whereby you can quickly begin them at home.
• If you love thick locks, this is the best method.
• They are great if you have long hair, although even a few inches of hair will work.

Two Strand Twists Disadvantages

• Since the hairstyle starts as mini locks, this can be frustrating since it can take anywhere between 6 months to 2 years for the twist pattern to disappear.
• Your twists will likely unravel a few times when you get started forcing you to re-do them all over again.

How to Get and Maintain Two Strand Twist Locs

While doing two-strand twists is a pretty straightforward process, many things could go wrong.

To prevent that, here is a step-by-step guide on how to get and maintain two-strand twist locs:

Step 1 – Prepare your hair

The first thing you need to do before twisting your hair is to ensure that it is clean, moisturized and conditioned. Use clarifying shampoo for the best results since it helps to lift away any build-up.

If you start with dirty hair, all that build-up will get trapped in your dreads. After cleaning your hair, use a moisturizing conditioner to replenish the lost moisture. If your hair feels dry, go ahead and deep condition it.

If you need more clarification, ask your hairstylist how often to condition your hair. Finish with a penetrating moisturizer or oil. Apply just enough throughout your hair so every hair strand is covered.

Step 2 – Decide on the size of the locs and parting system

The size of your parting will determine the lock size. Large parts result in large locks and vice versa. Before you start twisting, deciding on the loc size you want is crucial.

There are various dread sizes you can go for, from micro locs, sister locks, extra-large congos and versatile wick dreads. The size of the locks comes down to your personal preference. However, two-strand twist dreads work best for medium to thick locks.

Once you’ve decided on the loc size, it’s time to choose a parting system that works for you, and there are a few choices when it comes to that. You can either go with square parting, crescent, organic or diamond.

Square parts are ideal for those who don’t want more intricate paring techniques. With square parts, use a brick layering pattern to minimize the amount of scalp that will show after your locks mature. Crescent parting involves making half-moon sections.

With organic parting, neatness isn’t a big factor since it involves sectioning your hair using your fingers. Still, ensure that the size of the parts is equal. Diamond parts are rare and they are challenging to achieve at home.

Step 3 – Part and twist

Now that you have decided on your size and parting system, it’s time to get down to twisting the locks. Section your hair into four sections and secure each section with an elastic band.

This will make the hair easy to work with by ensuring you don’t accidentally grab more hair than needed. Make the first part at the back based on your desired loc size and parting system.

After making the part, separate the section into two strands and twist one over the other until you reach the end. Twist both strands to the right and overlap to the left for sturdier locs.

This method will result in twists that have a rope-like appearance. Ensure that you twist all the strands in the same direction. Continue parting and twisting until all hair is twisted if your scalp feels dry, use olive or jojoba oil.

Step 4 – Locking process

Twist locks tend to get frizzier in the baby lock and teenage phases – there is no way around it. In addition, they will also likely shrink, which varies depending on hair texture.

Your twists will also unravel during the first few weeks, even to the point of frustration. When that happens, twist them back down to the ends.

Step 5 – Maintain two-strand twist locs

Retwist your hair every four and eight weeks with two-strand locks to interlock new growth. Twist locks take anywhere from 6 months to a year to lock, but they often start budding at three months.

The time it takes your hair to lock will depend on your hair texture and how often you wash your locs. Another way to maintain your locs is by wrapping your hair in a satin headwrap when sleeping.

This will help keep the locs healthy and prevent frizz and loss of moisture.

Do’s and Don’ts

Here are the do’s and don’ts to follow when dealing with two-strand twist locs:

Do’s

• Add lightweight gel to the sections before twisting them to avoid frizz. However, your locks will still get frizz; it’s just part of the locking process.
• Ensure your hair is moisturized before twisting to avoid flakes and build-up on your locks.
• Rub some witch hazel to eliminate itchiness.
• Finger coil the ends or use rubber bands for the first few weeks to keep them from unraveling.
• Once your locs have matured, feel free to experiment with different hairstyles. You would be happy to know that freeform dreads can be accessorized or colored to reflect your personality and style.

Don’ts

• Don’t use wax when twisting your hair since it tends to suffocate hair causing build-up and attracting dust and debris.
• Don’t style your starter locs too much, as they are more likely to unravel because of that.

FAQ

Are two-strand twists an excellent protective style for natural hair?

Yes, two-strand twists are one of the best protective hairstyles for your hair.

Are two-strand twist dreads better when done on dry or wet hair?

This all comes down to your preference; what works for your hair and the look you’re going for. If you want your hair to be well-hydrated with minimal upkeep, install your twists on wet hair.

Wet styling is excellent for moisture retention and defines your hair when you take down your twists. Setting your twists on wet hair also ensures you lock in moisture for longer but be prepared for significant shrinkage.

If you decide to install your twists on dry hair, you must keep it moisturized.

How long do two-strand twists last?

Two-strand twists can last for years once the hair locks. They stay intact for 2 to 6 weeks in the first few weeks. Washing and conditioning your hair will keep them looking fresh and healthy for longer.

Are two-strand twists better than three-strand twists?

Three-strand twists are great for ensuring definition when you take down the style. It is also a great choice if the twists unravel too much. Ideally, it all comes down to your preferred style.

How long does it take to do two-strand twist dreads?

Depending on your hair texture and thickness and your desired loc size, it can take two to four hours to do two-strand twist locs.

Are two-strand twist dreadlocks low-maintenance hairstyles?

Two-strand twist locs one of the lowest-maintenance styles. In the first few weeks, you will need to retwist them every few weeks, but once they lock, you can go for a month to two before retwisting them.