For a chic and killer hairstyle that’s both protective and gorgeous, you can’t go wrong with Senegalese twists. Also known as rope twists or braids, the Senegalese twist is named for the West African country Senegal and generally meant for Afro-textured hair. Furthermore, Senegalese twist hairstyles are a beautiful way to give your tresses a break from routine styling. With so many twists for women to choose from, Senegalese twist styles are also incredibly trendy, versatile, and cute. Whether you want a short, medium, long, small, large or jumbo Senegalese twist, there is a stylish look for you. For the best braids styles, explore these examples of Senegalese twist hairstyles for women to inspire your next look.
Senegalese Twist Styles
Small Senegalese Twists
Also known as micro Senegalese twists, the small twists are a stunning option if you prefer a no-fuss hairstyle. These fun-sized twists will pair nicely with short or medium lengths, and come with an easy to maintain and style label.
Medium Senegalese Twists
For ladies with thin to medium thick hair, medium Senegalese twists are an ideal option. You can join in the twist trend without having to go too big. Plus, having more twists can add the effect of thickness and volume, and look gorgeous in any style.
Big Senegalese Twists
Sometimes size does matter; big Senegalese twists are an elegant style that both protects your hair and looks amazing. You don’t have to choose one or the other with these statement-making locks.
Jumbo Senegalese Twists
If you truly want to shine, jumbo Senegalese twists will do the trick. These striking twists are elegant and powerful, while also being feminine and beautiful. Long hair pairs well with these jumbo-sized tresses.
Short Senegalese Twists
You can’t go wrong by adding Senegalese twists into your short hair. Natural hair deserves to be dressed up too, and twists are flattering on shorter cuts, like a pixie or bob.
Long Senegalese Twists
Without a doubt, Senegalese twists in long hair are absolutely gorgeous. Extensions are always helpful to achieve extra length if your hair isn’t naturally long. Either way, you can go with lots of thin twists or large, thick ones, depending on your personal style.
Senegalese Twist Updo
When it comes to a Senegalese twist updo, there are so many options to consider. A simple bun is effective, though the other end of the spectrum is jaw-dropping. Try to incorporate braids and volume for a sophisticated flair.
Half-Up Half-Down Senegalese Twists
A bun on top is a simple variation for Senegalese twist hairstyles. It’s easy to style, yet looks flawless from every angle. Experiment with a half-up, half-down style with twists and achieve a low-maintenance yet hot look throughout the year, especially in the summer.
Burgundy Senegalese Twists
A flattering and edgy look for Senegalese twists is the popular and chic burgundy color. It’s both cool and hot, especially when worn on darker hair tones, and definitely leaves an impression.
Senegalese Twists Top Knot
The half-up half-down look is always trendy in style, especially when the top know is made from Senegalese twists. It’s easy to create and looks flawless, plus there’s the added benefit of keeping hair out of your face – just gather the top portion of your hair and sweep it up into a small and cute bun, while the rest of your hair flows below.
Crochet Senegalese Twist
Sexy, modern and fierce, crochet Senegalese twist hairstyles continue to be a popular variation. With the right hair extensions, crochet Senegalese twist braids last about 3 weeks and take 2 to 3 hours to do. However, the final result is a ravishing and irresistible style that will stand out in any room.
Senegalese Twist Ponytail
Ponytails are a great way to showcase your facial features and mix things up. Senegalese twist ponytails are chic, modern and easy to style. To achieve this fresh look, gather your hair upward and use two small sections from the base of the neck and use them to wrap around the ponytail. In addition to using hair to secure the twists, also use a hair tie and clips underneath to secure.
Blonde Senegalese Twists
Senegalese twists are a great way to dabble in new colors, thanks to their protective styling properties; if you want to try out blonde, now’s the time – even if it comes from a bottle. The twists give your tresses a break from styling, while letting your strands repair. The blonde won’t do as much damage, and it will look fabulous on your locks.
Senegalese Twist Cornrows
When you combine Senegalese twists with cornrows, it’s a recipe for cool. You can braid your twists at the top and sides of your head, and the finished result will be sleek, interesting, and dynamic.
Red Senegalese Twists
A surefire way to make a statement is by making your Senegalese twists a red color. This spicy and bold color looks amazing over black hair, and truly makes for a fiery way to stand out among the crowd.
Ombre Senegalese Twist
If you want a cool, fun and trendy style, try adding ombre color into your Senegalese twists. Ombre just means transitioning from one color to another, so you have plenty of room to play with different complementary hues. Pastel shades are always fun to layer on twists. Also, extensions are one way to experiment with different combinations without committing completely.
Curly Senegalese Twists
Curls look good on any and every hairstyle, including Senegalese twists. Even with your twists, you can join in the fun and add some extra movement to your hair from time to time, whether it’s a beachy vibe or more of a sleek and structured look.
Senegalese Twist Bun
If you want a hairstyle that is bold, beautiful, and puts your face front and center, consider gathering your Senegalese twists into a high bun. Twist your strands together into a ponytail and then continue to wrap your strands around the base. Secure with a heavy-duty hair tie, and pin as necessary.
Senegalese Twist Bob
If you want an edgy yet glam look, Senegalese twists also look flawless in a bob haircut. The shorter the cut, the slimmer the twists should be.
Purple Senegalese Twists
Why not be bold and colorful with a pop of purple? Senegalese twists look amazing with any kind of hue, but purple is a fun and exciting variation that will leave you feeling energized and ready to party.
Brown Senegalese Twists
A little splash of brown is a cute way to change up your Senegalese twists and keep things fresh. Your hair will look sun-kissed and fresh with this subtle and understated, yet defined, change of pace.
Shoulder Length Senegalese Twists
You don’t have to wear extensions or keep your hair long to rock Senegalese twists – one gorgeous variation is having shoulder-length hair. This length is ideal for women with both thin or finer hair. Simple and stylish, shoulder or medium-length twist styles work well with lots of small braids or fewer, large twists.
Wavy Senegalese Twists
Senegalese twists don’t have to be worn straight to be beautiful; wavy twists are a trendy, feminine, and laid-back version of the style. You’ll be beach-ready with these stunning locks that complement a natural style.
Two-Tone Senegalese Twists
One great thing about Senegalese twists is that you can easily play with color to create a beautiful and personalized style. For instance, two-tone twists are a popular and alluring way freshen up your tresses. Opt for two complementary color tones to achieve this flawless hairstyle.
Senegalese Twist with a Deep Side Part
Another way to style your Senegalese twist is with a deep side part. All it takes to add variety into your look is by parting your hair deeply to one side, wearing some statement earrings, and carrying yourself with deserved confidence.
Long Natural Senegalese Twist
If you have long, goddess-like hair, you can easily wear Senegalese twists naturally. This style has little fuss and looks amazing, while also being extremely easy to maintain. Just let your hair’s impressive flow do the talking.
Senegalese Twists with Charms
One way to spice up your hairstyle is by adding charms to your Senegalese twists. Hair jewelry is great for mixing things up and sparking some fun at the same time. Place charms throughout your twists to both showcase your personality and give others a little something extra to admire.
Swept Up Senegalese Twists
One way to keep your hair out of your face in a stylish and cute hairstyle is with swept up Senegalese twists. To achieve this look, all you have to do is gather all of your hair to one side, and pin the top portion in place. By doing so, you’re creating that sweeping motion across your forehead, which is both chic and effective.
How To Do Senegalese Twist Braids
Learning to do and style twist braids requires patience, time, and hair extensions. However, one of the best things about Senegalese twists is that they can be worn both on natural hair and with added extensions that are wrapped around the root of natural hair. These twist braid styles are typically installed by a professional, which can take anywhere between 4 and 8 hours. However, some women prefer to do Senegalese twists on their own, at home.
To do your own Senegalese twist, you’ll need to start with tapered braided hair. Neatly part a small section of your natural hair to work with, add some hair growth grease or serum, and then twist the artificial hair braids at your root.
From there, separate two sections of hair, twist them in opposite directions, and then twist them together. Work your way down, and then repeat throughout the rest of your head.
To style a Senegalese twist, you’ll want to experiment with different hairstyles depending on your braids, length, and personal sense of style. With so many different styles, all of which are chic, sexy and powerful, you can’t go wrong with any hairstyles with twists. Alternatively, you can always try Goddess Braids to change up your style.
Best Hair For Senegalese Twist
While many black women prefer to use Marley hair for their extensions when getting protective twist braids styles, the most popular types of hair for Senegalese twists are Kanekalon (silky) and Toyokalon (yaki). Although some like to use human hair, synthetic hair offers a stronger texture to prevent unraveling and fraying. Similarly, Kanekalon and Toyokalon are the best hair for twists because they tangle and braid faster.
How Long Do Senegalese Twists Last?
Generally, you can expect Senegalese twists to last between 8 and 16 weeks, depending on your hair care routine and how well you protect the braids. If you want to keep your twists in longer and make them last, consider sleeping with a high-quality satin scarf or bonnet to protect your hair at night. This will stop the braids and your hair from becoming frayed or frizzy. Moreover, wash and clean your hair gently, blow dry on the “Cool” setting, and always be delicate with your natural hair when styling.
