Protective styling with a stylish twist.
Want to get that extra half an hour of sleep in the morning at the expense of hair styling? Or are you looking for ways to reduce the stress on your hair? Whatever your reasons, Havana twists are a fabulous protective style that is lightweight, full of volume, and a great basis for other styles. It’s giving major protective style goals!
In this protective style, natural hair is twisted in a two-strand rope braid with Havana hair extensions. You can either follow one of the video tutorials for DIY twists or entrust your hair into the hands of a professional braider. Either way, it’s a good practice to wash, condition, and straighten your hair before the installation process.
An apple cider vinegar soak of the hair extensions will save you from potential itching and scalp irritation. Expect to trade six to eight hours of installation time for four to six weeks of styling freedom. Don’t forget to regularly cleanse and moisturize your protective style to avoid brittleness and split ends when you take your protective style down.
Because the twisting technique is roughly the same, these types of twists often get confused with one another. The difference lies in the extensions used for twisting. Havana extensions are softer, lighter, and have a more natural feel. They are typically chunkier, which translates into a faster installation process. Overall, they will give you a more voluminous look.
Marley extensions are coarser, smaller, and tend to be tightly wound. They require more sections and, therefore, take longer to install. With them, you’ll get a denser, more textured look.
Senegalese twists use a similar technique but often use Kanekalon hair, which is smoother and silkier, resulting in sleeker twists. The twists are tighter and more compact. That’s why the style can feel a bit heavier. And, of course, it will take longer to install than the chunkier Havana ropes.
Ready to see some amazing twist styles of this type? Browse through the photos and read all about each one to find the perfect look for you.
If you are more of a volume than length gal, jumbo twists that end around your armpits are an optimal choice.
@marykbella
For a seamless, undetectable look try invisible locs. The natural hair is flat twisted first, and then the extensions are fed into the twists and secured.
@locdbyki
Although the twists are full-bodied, they lay sleeker against the head in this look. A neat middle part adds symmetry to the look.
@tbihsalon
Color matching your extensions with your existing color is fun. But you know what is even more fun? Getting a custom color for your twists.
@dajavu_hair
Soft, loose twists that graze your shoulders will get you a puffy hairstyle that is gentle on your edges.
@hairbyjeleah
These sleek chocolate brown twists gradually get thinner toward the ends and culminate in flowy curly ends around the waist level.
@magichandsbraids
A relaxed hairstyle that looks and feels so comfy! The more you wear your style, the more softness and movement it gets.
@afro_dreamz
Luckily, hair extensions come with color gradients so you don’t have to dye them to get the desired look. Pops of color shine brightly through this adorable half-up style.
@narahairbraiding
These might take longer to install but if you are after that feeling of a flight after every swish, they’re worth their while.
@layedbylee216
Burgundy makes a wonderful color accent on black hair – not too stark, not too muted. Just the right tone to add depth to the style.
@mawafofanaq_
Instead of burning the ends to seal them, try finishing them off with bouncy curls. Just wrap the ends around curling rods and dip them in hot water.
@aishybraidinghouse
Just like with other braiding styles, you can add curls into the mix for an interesting texture and a laidback boho feel.
@zonthebraids
These twists look gorgeous in a bob length too! With large twists, you get maximum volume and a beautiful shape.
@sammy.did.it
Hair extensions are your chance to try a new commitment-free hair color. When you decide to dye your hair, you’ll know exactly what shade matches your skin tone.
@sealenebailey_happyhealthyhair
This hairstyle is soft and touchable with an enviable silky finish. The quality of hair extensions plays a major role in the final look.
@kaysbeautiquesalon
“Adding boho curls just takes any style to the next level,” claims Kāilah Miller, Atlanta-based braider, and we couldn’t agree more.
@kailovestyle
If you love your braids, twists, or locs on the denser side, go for a smaller size but opt for the quantity instead.
@glamlookconnectshairstudio
Mixing hair extensions in several complementing shades will create a cool, one-of-a-kind multitoned effect on your twists.
@slaybraids.bytaqueen
Tying knots at the ends of the twists kills two birds with one stone – it prevents your twists from unraveling and creates bulk along the baseline.
@albertinecouture_hairsalon
The longer your twists, the larger the canvas to play with color. Try an ombre effect, where the color gradually gets lighter toward the tips.
@stylesbysmyley
Thanks to clear geometric partings, this hairstyle creates an illusion of box braids from a distance and only when you look closer, you make out the beautiful rope twists.
@ocey_hairstyle
Whether you are heading for an actual beach or simply love the beachy aesthetic, island twists will get you into the relaxed vacation mood thanks to the swishy softness and extra bounce.
@hairby_erial
“Twists are a signature for long healthy happy hair,” sums it up Mesha Ta’Queen, a licensed hairstylist who specializes in braiding styles and natural hair.
@slaybraids.bytaqueen
Extra-long or shoulder-grazing, medium or jumbo, with or without color, those twists make a stunning protective style. Wear them down, in a half-up style, or in a fun bun. Lightweight and soft, they’ll make you want to return to them over and over again.