senegalese twists as a protective style
- Thread starter Schakiaw
- Start date
Britt
Well-Known Member
Thanks! You went to Aminata right? So it's best to just use their hair? It works out to be the same price?
cutiebe2
Well-Known Member
Britt I go to Aminata and I bring my own hair. For me, it works out to be cheaper but that could depend on what style you get. I only need to use 2-3 packs of the hair I get. If you go to Aminata you can talk to them and see what hair they use and if you don't like it you can just go buy something else. I have seen several people come in and do that.
cutiebe2
Well-Known Member
They usually use Kanekalon hair. I like a certain brand of kanekalon so I usually bring that. To me, some of the pictures posted above are called "kinky twist" as they are slightly curly and use more kinky textured hair. My twist usually come out like the pics I have attached with slightly larger parting. The best thing to do is to talk to them, and show a picture of what you want so that you are on the same page. Once you have gone a few times they know what you like.
Britt
Well-Known Member
Oh wow, your twists blend very well with your natural hair.
I really like these pics. When I get them I was thinking it would be best to bring a pic, I don't want them too small or too big.
I think I'm feeling some of the kinky twists. They're not too long and prob take less time to put in and take down and look quite natural. This is all new to me.
naturalmanenyc
Well-Known Member
They look good naturalmanenyc ... How long does it take to install? I'm go to a local African braiding shop
naturalmanenyc
Well-Known Member
Schakiaw
The Senegalese twists took 11.5 hours to install over the course of two days. We ran out of hair on day 1. I posted about the experience on my blog here: http://goingnaturaltransitioningtonaturalhair.com/senegalese-twists-protective-hairstyle/
My kinky twists took about 5 hours to install at the African braiding shop (two people on my head).
The Senegalese twists took 11.5 hours to install over the course of two days. We ran out of hair on day 1. I posted about the experience on my blog here: http://goingnaturaltransitioningtonaturalhair.com/senegalese-twists-protective-hairstyle/
My kinky twists took about 5 hours to install at the African braiding shop (two people on my head).
ronie
Well-Known Member
I have been reading this thread and taking lots of notes. naturalmanenyc I am going to show your second picture in your first post to the braider as this is exactly what I want. Can you recommend a braider? I live in NY. Also which is the best hair for this style? My hair is 4b,4c with nothing but kinks, no curls.
I am going to ask them to leave my edges alone though. So the front will be more like LuLu s second picture with the baby hair, lol. I also want them to leave my nape alone. I might have that cornrowed straight accross and hidden.
Thanks for this thread OP and to all the ladies who shared their knowledge and experience.
More questions:
Is it better to blow dry the hair to stretch?
I plan to get my hair ready for the install. What should I use to moisturize and seal? I usually use a cream and some type of Shea butter mix. Will that be too much?
Are they going to use some type of pomade or wax to twist as they do with locs?
If yes what is an alternative product I should take with me? My hair hates beeswax. Silk dreams mocha bling butter has a nice pomade like texture, and my hair loves that. Any other recommendations will be appreciated.
Thanks again ladies.
I am going to ask them to leave my edges alone though. So the front will be more like LuLu s second picture with the baby hair, lol. I also want them to leave my nape alone. I might have that cornrowed straight accross and hidden.
Thanks for this thread OP and to all the ladies who shared their knowledge and experience.
More questions:
Is it better to blow dry the hair to stretch?
I plan to get my hair ready for the install. What should I use to moisturize and seal? I usually use a cream and some type of Shea butter mix. Will that be too much?
Are they going to use some type of pomade or wax to twist as they do with locs?
If yes what is an alternative product I should take with me? My hair hates beeswax. Silk dreams mocha bling butter has a nice pomade like texture, and my hair loves that. Any other recommendations will be appreciated.
Thanks again ladies.
naturalmanenyc
Well-Known Member
ronie
For that style Marley hair was used, which I think will match your texture. However, I think it's also about technique.
I have blown out my hair in the past for braiding but I don't prefer it. When my hair shrinks up upon washing I feel like my braids loosen too much.
I don't do any special prep for braiding, other than a protein treatment.
Usually some kind of gel is used on the hair or edges. I've never seen wax used.
I've never used Silk Dreams products and can't compare them to anything.
You can try Marion Council George at (718) 783-9078. She's been braiding hair for about 30 years and has done my hair several times as well as my neighbors hair.
For that style Marley hair was used, which I think will match your texture. However, I think it's also about technique.
I have blown out my hair in the past for braiding but I don't prefer it. When my hair shrinks up upon washing I feel like my braids loosen too much.
I don't do any special prep for braiding, other than a protein treatment.
Usually some kind of gel is used on the hair or edges. I've never seen wax used.
I've never used Silk Dreams products and can't compare them to anything.
You can try Marion Council George at (718) 783-9078. She's been braiding hair for about 30 years and has done my hair several times as well as my neighbors hair.
ronie
Well-Known Member
Thanks Chica.
momi
Well-Known Member
I like the look with Marley hair.... Just might try using it for my next set.
ElevatedEnergy
Rooted Yet Flowing
ronie Is it better to blow dry the hair to stretch? I normally just roller set to stretch my hair but my braider always goes back in and use a blow dryer (especially on the roots) Takes her about 5 mins. I don't own a blow dryer but if I did, I would blow dry first. There are also licensed hairstylists that works in her shop; so for an extra $10, one of them will wash, deep condition then blow dry your hair if you prefer.
I plan to get my hair ready for the install. What should I use to moisturize and seal? I usually use a cream and some type of Shea butter mix. Will that be too much? I normally just use my rosewater/glycerin then follow that up with CD Hair Balm and focus that on my ends. What you plan on using seems fine since your hair is going to be hidden away and heavier products will keep it moisturized for a longer period.
Are they going to use some type of pomade or wax to twist as they do with locs?
More than likely. My braider adds some type of gel/pomade mix type product to the very beginning of the braid. (not sure of the name) She also adds a grease to the length of the hair every now and again while braiding. I just got braids this past weekend and noticed she used Softee coconut oil grease. I'm not a stickler for ingredients so I didn't mind...I just let her do her thing. lol
If yes what is an alternative product I should take with me? My hair hates beeswax. Silk dreams mocha bling butter has a nice pomade like texture, and my hair loves that. Any other recommendations will be appreciated.
The Silk Dreams sounds like it would be a great option or maybe even your shea butter mix you mentioned earlier. Let us know how it turns out!
I plan to get my hair ready for the install. What should I use to moisturize and seal? I usually use a cream and some type of Shea butter mix. Will that be too much? I normally just use my rosewater/glycerin then follow that up with CD Hair Balm and focus that on my ends. What you plan on using seems fine since your hair is going to be hidden away and heavier products will keep it moisturized for a longer period.
Are they going to use some type of pomade or wax to twist as they do with locs?
More than likely. My braider adds some type of gel/pomade mix type product to the very beginning of the braid. (not sure of the name) She also adds a grease to the length of the hair every now and again while braiding. I just got braids this past weekend and noticed she used Softee coconut oil grease. I'm not a stickler for ingredients so I didn't mind...I just let her do her thing. lol
If yes what is an alternative product I should take with me? My hair hates beeswax. Silk dreams mocha bling butter has a nice pomade like texture, and my hair loves that. Any other recommendations will be appreciated.
The Silk Dreams sounds like it would be a great option or maybe even your shea butter mix you mentioned earlier. Let us know how it turns out!
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bydebra
Well-Known Member
I've been meaning to make a YouTube video about this, but I have not gotten around to it. I do not think Senegalese twists are a good protective style for several reasons.
The hair used can cause irritation/itching, the weight of hair is not good for your edges, the products they use to make the twists stay in (gel/spritz) can cause breakage, my hair is always tangled up with the twists when it's time to take them down and my naturally thick hair seems thinner. The braiders also "trim" flyaways. I did not allow them to do this to my hair, but I watched them cut quite a bit of someone's natural hair that was puffing out of the twists.
For long hair, it takes forever to install and when they dip the ends in hot water, some of your hair can get "sealed in" the twists. I experienced a set back from my last set of Senegalese twists and I will never get them again. Hopefully, if you decided to get them, some of the tips shared here will help you avoid damage.
The hair used can cause irritation/itching, the weight of hair is not good for your edges, the products they use to make the twists stay in (gel/spritz) can cause breakage, my hair is always tangled up with the twists when it's time to take them down and my naturally thick hair seems thinner. The braiders also "trim" flyaways. I did not allow them to do this to my hair, but I watched them cut quite a bit of someone's natural hair that was puffing out of the twists.
For long hair, it takes forever to install and when they dip the ends in hot water, some of your hair can get "sealed in" the twists. I experienced a set back from my last set of Senegalese twists and I will never get them again. Hopefully, if you decided to get them, some of the tips shared here will help you avoid damage.
ronie
Well-Known Member
lulu97 thanks for your reply missy. I have an appointment for Friday morning. I hope everything goes well, and I will report back with pictures.
simplydebra girl now u getting me scared, lol. What do you recommend?
simplydebra girl now u getting me scared, lol. What do you recommend?
cutiebe2
Well-Known Member
I think like any style, you need to pay attention to what the braiders are doing, go to a good braider who is not going to argue with you when you want changes, etc. The last time I took down my twist which was about two weeks ago, I had no matting. My hair was sooo moisturized. I took them out after two months, and went to run an errands. I agree that they can cut fly aways, use gel etc. It is up to you to watch what they are doing. I often bring my own comb, hair (which you can clean in the vinegar mix), and lotion for them to moisturize my hair with. I also watch how they install the hair around my edges and they know to do bog parting. After a few week, if some braids are coming out I take them out and wrap the hair around another braid.
Like any other style, you can't just let people do what they want with you hair. I've been wearing this style for about two years now, 2 months on, 1 month off. My hair has grown from SL after a set back to grazing BSL. Hopefully by the end of the year I will be full BSL.
naturalmanenyc
Well-Known Member
simplydebra
Senegalese twists and twists in general are one of the best protective styles due to the low manipulation of the hair (with or without extensions). Braids are more harsh than twists because they require more manipulation. Your issue is with your braider, not the style.
ronie
It's always a good idea to wash hair in advance of installing to remove any coating or it can cause itching.
There is no requirement to use gels or spritz. The braider will use whatever product you prefer.
I've never had a braider try to trim fly aways from my twists. Then again, the method for installing twists does not leave fly aways. I suppose if one is getting a more puffy twists, rather than a firmer twists, there would be fly aways. I prefer my twists to be more firm.
My extensions are always a bit longer than my own hair such that the ends of my hair are never touching the hot water to curl the extensions.
I removed twists last week after about 8 weeks and I had no hair tangled up in my twists. It only took 1 hour to remove them. I then carefully detangled my own hair.
Senegalese twists and twists in general are one of the best protective styles due to the low manipulation of the hair (with or without extensions). Braids are more harsh than twists because they require more manipulation. Your issue is with your braider, not the style.
ronie
It's always a good idea to wash hair in advance of installing to remove any coating or it can cause itching.
There is no requirement to use gels or spritz. The braider will use whatever product you prefer.
I've never had a braider try to trim fly aways from my twists. Then again, the method for installing twists does not leave fly aways. I suppose if one is getting a more puffy twists, rather than a firmer twists, there would be fly aways. I prefer my twists to be more firm.
My extensions are always a bit longer than my own hair such that the ends of my hair are never touching the hot water to curl the extensions.
I removed twists last week after about 8 weeks and I had no hair tangled up in my twists. It only took 1 hour to remove them. I then carefully detangled my own hair.
bydebra
Well-Known Member
@lulu97 I didn't mean to scare you. If you want to get them, go for it. When my hair was shorter, I wore phony ponies. I also like to do French braids, buns, and other updos. I think the ladies here have shared some good tips to help you (hopefully) avoid damage.
@cutiebe2 I did pay attention to what the braiders were doing. No matter how good the braiders are, you still risk damage from the weight of the braids as well as the other factors that I listed. If they work for you, great. Everyone's hair is different.
@naturalmanenyc With all due respect, I'm not a newbie at hair care. Not all low manipulation styles make for good protective styles. I don't know your hair history or anything about your hair length, retention, thickness/density, goals, etc. All of those factors may have affected your experience versus mine, but I've been on my journey for years and I have had both Kinky twists and Senegalese twists installed.
I know what my experience is and I know that there are many horror stories regarding Senegalese twists. The braiders were fine and I made my requests regarding my hair clear. My opinion stands that I do not think that they are a good protective style. I am also certainly NOT the only person who has this opinion.
One thing about this online hair care world is that people don't like a diversity of opinions. That's why I don't post often.
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naturalmanenyc
Well-Known Member
simplydebra
Not here to e-argue. Per my Komaza Care hair analysis as compared with hundreds of others who sent in hair, twists are the best low manipulation style for growth and retention when installed correctly and removed with care. This is based on what they saw under their high powered microscope.
Feel free to post your opinion. You paid your subscription fee just like everyone else.
Not here to e-argue. Per my Komaza Care hair analysis as compared with hundreds of others who sent in hair, twists are the best low manipulation style for growth and retention when installed correctly and removed with care. This is based on what they saw under their high powered microscope.
Feel free to post your opinion. You paid your subscription fee just like everyone else.
Old thread but lulu97 what brand/hair was used for the pics you showed? The second woman is not you, correct? Do you know the hair used for her?
cutiebe2 What is that certain brand of hair?
naturalmanenyc
Was the whole head done with the Marley hair or is the one where you combined marley with the janet afro bulk?
Britt
Well-Known Member
I currently have in Senegalese twists and I'm almost on my 6th week of having them in. My edges started to grow out so I bought an extra pack of hair and went on Saturday to have front redone and a few in the nape.
Since I've had these twists in I've done 2 regular washings with shampoo in the shower and in between that I did spray bottle with shampoo and rinse with water from another spray bottle method. I've been also oiling my scalp.
When I got my braids redone I was anxious to assess the condition of my hair from the twists I took done. Much to my surprise, my hair felt very moisturized and slightly oily in spite of the fact that I washed my hair the night before. What I also noticed that I wasn't too happy about was the matting at certain areas around my edges. It seemed as if product had built up a little bit possibly where the braid/twist begins and the area was matted. The braider took her time to comb it out. Now that I have the front redone, I will keep these in another 3 or 4 weeks, leaving me at a total of 8 -9 weeks that I've had these in. When I take them down, I'll cut off the remainder of my relaxed ends and prob get another braided style.
Since I've had these twists in I've done 2 regular washings with shampoo in the shower and in between that I did spray bottle with shampoo and rinse with water from another spray bottle method. I've been also oiling my scalp.
When I got my braids redone I was anxious to assess the condition of my hair from the twists I took done. Much to my surprise, my hair felt very moisturized and slightly oily in spite of the fact that I washed my hair the night before. What I also noticed that I wasn't too happy about was the matting at certain areas around my edges. It seemed as if product had built up a little bit possibly where the braid/twist begins and the area was matted. The braider took her time to comb it out. Now that I have the front redone, I will keep these in another 3 or 4 weeks, leaving me at a total of 8 -9 weeks that I've had these in. When I take them down, I'll cut off the remainder of my relaxed ends and prob get another braided style.
naturalmanenyc
Well-Known Member
ElevatedEnergy
Rooted Yet Flowing
Britt
Well-Known Member
contsantia
Well-Known Member
BUMP
I have has Senegalese twist in for a month and my roots are SUPER puffy. (I watched my hair twice). Do you know how I can avoid this? Also I'm afraid of twisting my hair bc I locs very easily
I have has Senegalese twist in for a month and my roots are SUPER puffy. (I watched my hair twice). Do you know how I can avoid this? Also I'm afraid of twisting my hair bc I locs very easily
Maneylovee
This is not a trend....
Hey I know that braided, are you in Nashville or did you just find this pic on the internet?
LadyPBC
Well-Known Member
bumping this thread because I have senegalese twists. I love them and have received lots of compliments using toyokalon hair. I got them on Thursday and they are frizzing up already. I'm sure its because I have no idea how to take care of them. Would anyone care to give bedtime tips and detailed daily regime tips?! Please and thank you!
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