Popsugar Beauty Hair 20+ Natural-Hair Twist Styles Natural-Hair Twist Styles Are on the Rise 5 May 2023 by Chelsie DeSouza Image Source: Getty / Jeremy Moeller Natural-hair twist styles are trending everywhere right now, and it's easy to see why. Not only are they a way to protect your hair from damage caused by heat and styling products, but they also look chic as hell. Twists are a versatile style, achieved by dividing the hair into several sections, twisting those strands of hair, and then twisting two twisted sections around one another. "Twists offer a lightweight experience and have a tendency to be a bit more forgiving after a few weeks of wear," Illeisha Lussiano, owner of The Way salon in New York City, tells POPSUGAR. "They're also great for those that may be more hesitant to try protective styles." (Read: box braids, cornrows, and others.) Whether you're looking for an everyday style or something special for a night out, there is certainly no shortage of options when it comes to natural-hair twists for short or long hair. From jumbo twists and half-up/half-down looks to beaded twists and space buns, there's something for everyone. Lussiano's favourite way to wear twists is in all different sizes. "Large twists can transform by tying them together and adding accessories," she says. "Medium twists can transform into Bantu knots in the front and loose in the back. Small twists can transform into beautiful high ponytails and buns." Each style has its own unique charm that can make any hairstyle stand out from the crowd. The best part? They all use simple techniques, so even those who are newbies at styling their twists can get creative without feeling overwhelmed. If you're looking for proof of the trend's versatility — or just wanting some inspiration — keep scrolling for our favourite takes on the natural-hair twist styles ahead. Natural-Hair Twist Styles: Ponytail Twists Image Source: Getty / Gotham People with long or medium-size hair lengths will appreciate this look, which features various styles of hair twists into one ponytail into a leave out at the ends. 1 / 23 Natural-Hair Twist Styles: Medium-Size Twists Image Source: Getty / Jacopo Raule The bigger your twists, the less time you have to stay at the salon. Medium-size twists won't overwhelm your head or be too heavy, a great selection if you don't want too much tension on your scalp. 2 / 23 Natural-Hair Twist Styles: Pigtail Twists Image Source: Getty / Jacopo Raule Yara Shahidi is the queen of hair twists, as evidenced by her pigtails here. This look is great on longer lengths but can also be a great twist style for short natural hair. 3 / 23 Natural-Hair Twist Styles: Half-Up, Half-Down Bun View this post on Instagram A post shared by Priscilla | Curl Specialist (@shinestruck) Twist half of your twists into a bun and leave the other half down for a cute, easy hairstyle that looks good for any occasion. 4 / 23 Natural-Hair Twist Styles: Jumbo Twists View this post on Instagram A post shared by Text 770-500-0206 (@byamydohair) Jumbo twists with extensions are a perfect style for those who want to switch up their look without the commitment of a long-term hairstyle. With about 10 twists in your hair, it won't take too long at the salon, and it's definitely a showstopper. 5 / 23 Natural-Hair Twist Styles: Middle-Part Twists View this post on Instagram A post shared by Priscilla | Curl Specialist (@shinestruck) Give your natural-hair twists a boho vibe by parting the style down the middle and adding gold wiring details for a low-tension look. 6 / 23 Natural-Hair Twist Styles: Jumbo Topknot View this post on Instagram A post shared by BRAIDS|GHANA WEAVNG| BRIDAL HAIR| KIDS HAIR INSPO (@hairspiration_naija) Like Lussiano said, jumbo twists have lots of versatility, because you can either leave them down for dramatic effect or put them up into a ponytail and wrap it into a bun. 7 / 23 Natural-Hair Twist Styles: Mini Twists View this post on Instagram A post shared by ProtectiveStyles (@protectivestyles) Mini twists are extremely versatile. Lussiano says, "Small twists can transform into beautiful high ponytails and buns." 8 / 23 Short Natural-Hair Twist Styles: Chunky Twists View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nara Hair Braiding (@narahairbraiding) These shoulder-length chunky twists are perfect for warmer weather, since they won't leave you too hot. 9 / 23 Natural-Hair Twist Styles: Flat Twists Into a Low Bun View this post on Instagram A post shared by Annastasia | Natural Hair & Lifestyle Creator (@_simplystasia) On the days when you have back-to-back meetings, flat twists into a simple low bun is just the style to keep your hair out of your face to power through the day. 10 / 23 Natural-Hair Twist Styles: Half-Up Thick Twists View this post on Instagram A post shared by Joyjah Estrada (@joyjah) Put your twists in a half-up, half-down style and defined edges for an ethereal effect. 11 / 23 Short Natural-Hair Twist Styles: Knotless Twists View this post on Instagram A post shared by TheHairbalistLDN / BraidUp.LDN (@braidup.ldn) Thicker coil twists are an edgier style that gives volume without being heavy for those who prefer shorter lengths. 12 / 23 Natural-Hair Twist Styles: Highlighted Twists View this post on Instagram A post shared by Amanda Jacob (@mandy_jacobz) Getting twists using coloured extensions is an opportunity to try a colour you've always wanted to without the commitment. 13 / 23 Natural-Hair Twist Styles: Beads View this post on Instagram A post shared by Keke J. (@keke.j_) Smaller twists with beads on the bottom give all the feels and nostalgia of summers in the '90s while still being trendy and current. 14 / 23 Natural-Hair Twist Styles: Box Twists View this post on Instagram A post shared by ProtectiveStyles (@protectivestyles) Bold box twists with length are definitely a statement style and add a touch of glam. 15 / 23 Natural-Hair Twist Styles: Sleek Twist Into a Leave Out View this post on Instagram A post shared by Natural hair & women’s health (@abbiecurls) With shorter hair, a sleek ponytail may seem more difficult, but a twist or braid at the front can be just what you need for a chic look. 16 / 23 Natural-Hair Twist Styles: Twisted Updo View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tupo1, RN (@tupo1) Turn heads with this sophisticated, sculpted sleek bun with the added illusion of bangs. 17 / 23 Natural-Hair Twist Styles: Loose Coils View this post on Instagram A post shared by Marina | Curls & Comfort (@curlsbymarina) Loose, chunky twists give the illusion of curls for a fun coiled look. This twist style also works great for short hair. 18 / 23 Natural-Hair Twist Styles: Havana Twists View this post on Instagram A post shared by Laulanne Cecilia (@cecilialaulanne) Mini Havana twists with unraveled ends is elevated. The deconstructed look with loose ends makes these twists effortlessly chic. 19 / 23 Natural-Hair Twist Styles: High Bun View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lesley (@freshlengths) A topknot is a chic no-hassle hairstyle, convenient for the days when you don't want your hair down. It also creates height for more impact. 20 / 23 Natural-Hair Twist Styles: Side-Part Flat Twist Into a Low Puff View this post on Instagram A post shared by Natural hair & women’s health (@abbiecurls) For people who like to frequently switch it up, half twists with the back left out is perfect. You can curl the remaining hair, straighten it, or put it in a cute low pony. 21 / 23 Natural-Hair Twist Styles: Micro Half-Up Twists View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tupo1, RN (@tupo1) Micro twists give extra volume, and since these are twisted in box parts, you can part your hair in any direction. 22 / 23 Natural-Hair Twist Styles: Twisted Bantu Knots View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lou Bouenan Carla (@afroodesiac) Twist Bantu knots are a detailed yet dainty go-to for those days when one bun or space buns aren't cutting it. 23 / 23 HairThe Heads UpNatural HairHair Trends