50 Kinky Twist Ideas for Natural Hair in 2024

Kinky twists stand out as a popular choice for natural hair, offering a stylish and low-maintenance option for a protective hairstyle. This fashionable look can be adapted with short sassy twists or extended for a longer, flowing appearance.

Beyond aesthetics, kinky twists provide additional benefits by reducing breakage and contributing to a professional and fashionable appearance. While you rock an amazing hairstyle, your natural hair has the opportunity to grow and thrive.

Achieving kinky twists involves employing a two-strand twist technique, resulting in a rope-like finish with loose, curly ends. This style is particularly well-suited for natural hair, offering a combination of low maintenance, aesthetic appeal, and protective benefits.

Embrace creativity with different twist patterns and colors, as kinky twists provide an easy avenue for a unique look. Begin by selecting a shade that complements your natural hair color, with popular choices including copper and stunning platinum blonde.

As far as we’re concerned, kinky twists can make for a playful, charming, and all-around beautiful hairstyle, so see our favorites below to choose yours!

I. Kinky Twists by Hair Length

1. Short Kinky Twist Hair

Taking inspiration from the photo above, the kinky twist hair exemplifies a short, bouncy, and layered charm that imparts enhanced volume to the overall look. Typically falling around shoulder length, this hairstyle offers a playful and lively appearance. However, for a more powerful and impactful natural look, opting for a shorter length is a stylish alternative.

The short, bouncy, and layered nature of the kinky twist hair adds a dynamic and vivacious quality to the hairstyle. The layers contribute to a textured and voluminous effect, creating movement and depth within the twists. This style choice not only celebrates the natural texture of kinky twists but also provides a contemporary and chic aesthetic.

2. Medium-Sized Kinky Twists

Building upon the earlier showcase of small twists, let’s expand the spectrum to present options for medium-sized kinky twists that gracefully fall over the shoulders. This approach is perfect for women seeking a balanced look that strikes a harmonious middle ground, skillfully avoiding extremes of boldness or blandness.

Medium-sized kinky twists offer a versatile and elegant solution, providing a textured and voluminous appearance that is both eye-catching and refined. With the twists gracefully draping over the shoulders, this style exudes a natural and relaxed charm, striking a balance between the intricate detail of the twists and the overall silhouette.

3. Long Kinky Hair

Even though you’ll often find kinky twist hair worn shoulder-length (as usual) or even shorter, their long hair alternative is just as brilliant. Moreover, the longer the twists, the better to show off this intricate technique and have a natural hairstyle.

4. Long Half Curly Twists

To emphasize the versatility and textured appeal of twist braids, consider the above illustration featuring curls. While longer twists are commonly styled into elegant updos, the showcased example above highlights the stunning visual impact when these twists are left down and allowed to cascade freely. This presentation not only underscores the adaptability of twist braids but also demonstrates their ability to enhance a more relaxed and effortlessly chic aesthetic when worn in a down-to-earth fashion. The incorporation of curls adds an extra layer of dimension, further elevating the overall charm and individuality of the hairstyle.

5. Jumbo Kinky Hair

Kinky twists are on the smaller side; especially when compared to other types of twists or even braids, they can still be worn jumbo-sized. So, these are just as classy and stylish and will look just as good.

II. Different Kinky Twist Styles

6. Wavy Hairstyle

Twisted hairstyles can be styled to have different ‘forms’ too. In other words, kinky twist hair can take a wavy shape, among others. Also, this side-swept hairstyle has beautifully curled locks besides the curled tips. So, this helps create an overall wavy aspect.

7. Curly Kinky Twist Hairstyle

To intensify the textural appeal of the twists, surpassing mere waves and aiming for a distinctly curly appearance is recommended. Take note of the meticulously crafted tight twists of hair, originating from the back and gracefully descending to the tips of the locks. This meticulous execution not only enhances the intricacy of the style but also accentuates the curly nature of the twists, lending a dynamic and vivacious quality to the overall look.

Furthermore, to complement this textured elegance, we suggest opting for a chic half-up styling. This choice not only adds a touch of sophistication but also allows for a harmonious balance between the structured twists and the free-flowing curls, creating a visually captivating hairstyle that effortlessly combines refinement with a playful, curly allure.

8. Afro Style

Twists are some of the most beloved African-American short black hairstyles. One outnumbered benefit of afro-textured curls is that they can easily take an afro form. To put it otherwise, this hair texture can naturally turn into an afro – without much effort. Provided the braids are trimmed in layers, they will be even easier to style.

9. Crochet Kinky Twist

Crochet braiding is a technique that rests at the foundation of numerous African hairstyles. In this context, it’s an exceptional way to obtain kinky hairstyle – this rope method results in sleek and stylish braids.

10. Knotless Spring Twists

While spring twists may not be directly synonymous with kinky twists, they undeniably belong to the broader category of natural kinky twisted styles. Embracing a unique approach, these braids are skillfully crafted to achieve a tight, spring-like shape, providing a distinctive character that aligns with the hairstyle’s nomenclature.

In this particular style, the braids adopt a coiled structure reminiscent of springs, showcasing a creative fusion of the natural kinky aesthetic with a playful and lively twist. This innovative twist on the traditional kinky style not only breathes new life into the look but also highlights the versatility within this category of hairstyles. The result is a visually engaging and dynamic hairstyle that brings together the timeless appeal of kinky twists with a fresh and spirited twist, making it a standout choice for those seeking a blend of tradition and contemporary flair.

11. Kinky & Flat Twists

If preferred, consider combining different types of twists and even braids. Just one example is mixing kinky twists with flat twists. Start with tightly braided flat twists and end with kinky braids. Then, the outcome is a cute and protective hairstyle for natural hair.

12. Small Kinky Twist Hairstyle

One of the appealing aspects of twisted hairstyles lies in the flexibility to create braids with diverse widths. A prime illustration is evident in this rendition featuring small twists. Notably, the width of the twists plays a pivotal role in determining their resemblance to individual strands.

In this example, the small twists showcase a refined and intricate aesthetic. The narrower dimensions contribute to a more delicate and detailed appearance, akin to individual strands of hair. This nuanced approach not only showcases the craftsmanship of the stylist but also provides a distinctive texture that adds depth and visual interest to the overall hairstyle.

13. Cornrow Style

In addition to flat twists, cornrows are also a common choice for kinky twist-style combos. With a hairstyle like this one, you can recreate the idea of a shaved side and add some spunk to twisted braids.

14. Side Cornrows

An alternative and stylish approach to sporting cornrows with twisted braids involves creating them exclusively on one side. In contrast to our initial example, this hairstyle incorporates a minimalist yet impactful design by featuring only a few thin cornrows. This technique introduces a subtle yet distinctive element that enhances the overall aesthetic in a more understated fashion.

By focusing the cornrows on one side, this hairstyle achieves a balanced asymmetry, adding an element of intrigue to the look. The choice of thin cornrows contributes to a refined and delicate texture, creating a harmonious blend with the twisted braids. The result is a chic and modern hairstyle that exudes sophistication while maintaining a touch of flair through the artful combination of cornrows and twisted braids. This approach showcases the versatility of cornrow styles, demonstrating how a subtle variation can make a significant impact on the overall visual appeal of the hair.

15. Coiled Curls

When looking for African hairstyles, you will often come across the term “coils”. To put it simply, coils are tightly curled strands or braids with almost a doll-like aspect. These corkscrew beauties are a detail to consider.

16. Micro Kinky Twists

Having explored small kinky twists, let’s delve into the realm of micro braids—a category where the name perfectly encapsulates the size of the braids. Micro braids are characterized by their incredibly diminutive dimensions, reaching a level of smallness that brings them close to resembling individual strands of hair.

In this style, the meticulous craftsmanship involved in creating micro braids is evident. Each braid is executed with precision and care, resulting in a look that mirrors the appearance of separate strands. The fine and intricate nature of micro braids not only showcases the skill of the stylist but also imparts a unique texture and detail to the overall hairstyle.

III. Kinky Twists Updos and Styles

17. Lose Twisted Bun

If your twists are set and ready to rock, then also start looking into the different styling ideas to emphasize them. For instance, this loose twisted high bun is ideal for complementing those twists. We warmly encourage the long bangs swept to the side too.

18. Kinky Twist Braids with Headband

Hair accessories can serve as transformative details, elevating a hairstyle from noteworthy to truly exceptional. Consider this hairstyle as a prime example – while the twists themselves are undeniably eye-catching, it’s the addition of a gold leaf headband that takes it to the next level.

The gold leaf headband acts as the proverbial cherry on top, imparting a touch of elegance and sophistication to the overall look. Its presence not only complements the twists but also introduces a subtle yet impactful element of glamour. The metallic sheen of the gold seamlessly harmonizes with the twists, creating a harmonious balance between the natural texture of the hair and the refined embellishment.

19. Half-Up Twist Hairstyles

If you’re not into full updos, you can always experiment with half up half down hairstyles to complement those kinky twists. In the photo above, admire an example of such a gorgeous hairstyle – one that also accentuates the hair color.

20. Casual Half-Up Styles

Speaking of half-up hairstyles, here is another example to inspire you. This one has a more casual touch to it and can be worn in more day-to-day situations. So, the half-up style uses a ponytail that can easily be turned into a top knot or bun too.

21. Shaved Sides

Jill Scott is an inspiration to us all – from her talent to her style. She is an avid supporter of the African hair community and usually sports enchanting hairstyles that embrace her roots. Also, for this look, she opted for kinky twists with a steep undercut and looked stunning with them.

22. Knotless Kinky Twist Updo

As far as styling is in the discussion, updos are a must for all gals. In this delightful example, you can observe curly twists wrapped in a loose top bun with a few strands left in the front and styled as bangs. So, it doubles as a classy and casual hairstyle.

23. Elegant Hairstyle

Elegant Kinky Twists Hairstyles — Source

This refined hairstyle is undoubtedly well-suited for formal occasions, offering an elegant and polished look. If you’ve already styled your twists, consider enhancing the sophistication by delicately pinning a few strands to the side. This subtle adjustment not only adds a touch of glamour but also serves to highlight the natural contours of your cheekbones and jawline.

By strategically securing select strands to one side, you create a gracefully asymmetrical effect that draws attention to the facial features. This styling choice not only imparts a sense of chic asymmetry but also allows for a flattering frame around the face. The result is a harmonious blend of the intricately crafted twists and a refined presentation of your facial structure, making it an ideal choice for formal events where an air of grace and sophistication is desired.

This versatile styling tip showcases how a simple modification can transform a hairstyle into a more tailored and event-appropriate look, demonstrating the adaptability of twists for various occasions.

24. Metallic Beads

Kinky Twists with Metallic Beads — Source

This photo shows that playing with different lengths can go a long way for the volume of a braided and twisted hairstyle. However, the main element we want to point out here is the use of metallic beads as hair accessories. Also, the use of beads might be inspired by Fulani braids.

25. Long Pixie Kinky Twist

We’re head over heels in love with this hairstyle so we will point out its various great elements. First up is the pixie haircut with long bangs, the various blonde highlights in brown hair, and the creative undercut.

26. Side Tossed Hairstyle

In certain instances, styling braids can be as effortless as counting 1, 2, or 3! Take inspiration from this photo, where achieving a chic look is as simple as running your fingers through the twists and casually tossing them to one side.

This laid-back styling approach exudes an air of relaxed elegance. By raking your fingers through the twists, you introduce a subtle tousled effect that adds a touch of casual charm to the hairstyle. The artful toss to the side imparts a sense of nonchalant sophistication, creating an easygoing and stylish look.

This style celebrates the beauty of simplicity, showcasing how minimal effort can lead to maximum impact. It’s an ideal option for those seeking a quick and stylish solution.

27. Swept Back Half Up Style

Building on our discussion of half up, half down braided hairstyles, this particular example underscores their remarkable versatility with an elegant, swept-back approach. The sophistication of this style is accentuated by the recommendation to angle the braids to the side when sweeping them back.

In this rendition, the half up, half down concept takes on a refined demeanor. The swept-back braids create an effortlessly chic appearance, providing a balance between a polished updo and the free-flowing allure of loose hair. The strategic angling of the braids to the side adds a dynamic element, contributing to a look that is both stylish and visually engaging.

28. Side Swept Style

For a refined alternative to the casual tossed-to-the-side look, elevate the elegance of your braids by sweeping them over one shoulder. This sophisticated approach not only exudes class but also places emphasis on the graceful cascade of tresses.

By gently gathering and directing the braids to flow over one shoulder, you achieve a polished and regal aesthetic. This styling choice not only adds a touch of glamour but also draws attention to the length and texture of the braids, creating a focal point that enhances the overall allure of the hairstyle.

29. Inverted Bob with Twists

This is the perfect way to showcase twists, sport a bob haircut, and still keep all that natural volume. Inverted or angled bobs are well-trimmed to accentuate the dynamic part of a hairstyle and create volume all around.

30. Hairstyle for Mature Women

Braided and twisted hairstyles know no age. A style like this can bring out anyone’s youthful side, all while remaining perfectly age-appropriate, whether you are over 40, well past 50, or even in the golden 60s.

31. Layered Kinky Twists

This is not the first time we have mentioned layering, but this method deserves all the praise and spotlight. Stacked or layered cutting can make a tremendous difference for twists or almost any hairstyle in general as it helps create and add volume.

32. Knotless Twisted Pompadour

Few updos carry the same impactful presence as the pompadour. This timeless hairstyle has long stood as a symbol of refinement, revered by both women and men alike. Remarkably versatile, the pompadour can be effortlessly obtained or recreated with various hair types, including braids and twists.

33. Twisted Bangs

We may not associate bangs with braids all the time, but we guarantee that the combo will be impressive. Particularly if your braids are shorter and layered, the outcome will be fresh, funky, making for a creative way to rock a twisted hairstyle.

34. Kinky Bob Haircut

When contemplating twisted braids, it’s essential to consider the interplay with haircuts. The versatility of twisted braids harmonizes seamlessly with various haircut styles, allowing for a wide range of creative possibilities. The sky truly is the limit when it comes to the length, shape, and texture of the curls, and specific cuts, such as the bob, can prove particularly advantageous.

In the context of haircuts, the bob stands out as a particularly versatile choice. Twisted braids paired with a bob haircut can create a contemporary and stylish look. The juxtaposition of the structured bob with the dynamic texture of twisted braids results in a visually striking and well-balanced hairstyle.

35. Half Up Hairstyle

One of the primary reasons why half-up styles pair exceptionally well with twists is their ease of attainment, simplicity in maintenance, and overall accessibility. Achieving an outgoing look is as straightforward as pinning up a handful of strands.

The charm of half-up styles lies in their practicality and versatility. By securing a portion of the twists at the crown or back of the head, you effortlessly strike a balance between a polished appearance and the relaxed allure of cascading twists. This approach not only offers a quick and convenient styling solution but also allows the natural beauty of the twists to shine through.

36. Mohawk Style

While we can’t state that this is a mohawk per se, it’s a spectacular example of a faux hawk with kinky twists. So, we’re extremely impressed by the vertical braiding in the back and on the sides and the marvelous spring of twists that flow from the top.

37. Sleek Kinky Twist Braids Styles

African hairstyles are often synonymous with the notions of volume, dynamism, and distinctive shapes. However, it’s important to note that numerous braided styles showcase exceptional beauty when left down.

Contrary to the expectation of intricate braids solely being styled in updos or elaborate structures, allowing them to flow freely can be equally captivating. Leaving the braids down emphasizes their natural texture, intricate patterns, and the visual allure created by the interwoven strands. This approach not only highlights the craftsmanship of the braids but also lends a relaxed and effortlessly chic vibe to the overall look.

38. Long Side Bangs

We love presenting two “sides” to every hair story, so here is an example that firmly contrasts the aforementioned one. While the example above goes for a straight and graceful approach, this one goes wild with volume and ample side bangs.

39. Kinky Twist Hair for Kids

Another aspect of kinky twist hair that we love is that they are a child-appropriate hairstyle. Also, they will now damage the hair but instead protect it.

IV. Colored Kinky Twist Hair – The Different Ways to Dye Them

40. Copper Twists

How about women who want to bring a splash of color to their hairstyle? There are plenty of shades to experiment with – but start with tones from a natural palette if you don’t want to create a shocking impact. Then, this copper hair color, for instance, is a widespread favorite.

41. Platinum Blonde Hairstyle

In contrast, ladies looking to add bold colors to their twists can take the image above as. an example. Platinum blonde is a popular and stunning shade all on its own, but when paired with braids, the results are breathtaking!

42. Red Brown Twists

Nevertheless, adding a touch of red can infuse a spicy and dynamic element into your entire hairstyle. If the idea of vibrant candy red or other bold variations of this color isn’t appealing to you, exploring the captivating world of red-brown tones might be the perfect alternative.

Red-brown tones offer a more subdued yet rich and warm infusion of color. This sophisticated choice introduces a subtle hint of red that seamlessly blends with the natural tones of brown, creating a harmonious and nuanced appearance. The result is a versatile and elegant look that provides a refined take on incorporating red into your hairstyle.

This approach allows for a stylish and tasteful expression of color without being overly flashy. Red-brown tones offer a balance between a touch of vibrancy and the timeless allure of brown, making them an excellent option for those who seek a more understated yet captivating addition to their overall aesthetic.

43. Dark Magenta Kinky Hair

A deep tone of magenta, for instance, serves as another fantastic choice for individuals with vibrant personalities. This bold and rich color option adds a touch of daring flair to your overall look. To enhance the visual impact even further, we highly recommend incorporating the balayage technique, which can yield even more stunning and multidimensional results.

The deep magenta hue brings a sense of boldness and individuality to your hair, making it an ideal option for those with bright and expressive personalities. Balayage, a technique where highlights are hand-painted onto the hair for a natural, sun-kissed effect, adds depth and dimension to the magenta color, creating a visually captivating and dynamic appearance.

44. Stacked and Colored Twists

The red wine color is truly phenomenal, and its allure extends beyond the twists, especially when complementing darker skin tones. The stacked cutting technique plays a crucial role in achieving that radiant final shape, enhancing the overall visual impact.

This deep and luxurious red wine hue is particularly striking against darker skin tones, creating a harmonious and captivating contrast. The richness of the color not only adds warmth but also brings out the natural beauty of darker complexions. It’s a choice that exudes sophistication and adds a touch of glamour to the hairstyle.

45. Curly Colored Tips

We’ve shown full-colored options so far, but there’s also this choice: instead of dyeing the entire braids, only add a dash of color to the tips. So, this idea works wonderfully for women that go with the classy kinky hair with curled tips looks as it will accentuate the ends of the locks.

46. Ombre Twists

Ombre hair is yet another sweet way of mixing up colors in your hairstyle. Think about combining two earth tones, like the black and brown above for a natural approach to the color blend.

47. Ombre and Updo

To continue on the same note, here is what kinky twists look like when they’re halfway colored and styled in an updo. An intense chocolate brown was used for the ombre, shades further enhanced by the updo itself.

48. Two Tone Style

Ombre isn’t the sole method for blending two colors in a hairstyle. Here, we can admire a skillfully executed job of top highlights on a black base. The choice of a rusty red for these highlights serves as a perfect way to infuse a touch of glamour into the overall look.

This meticulous highlighting technique creates a stunning contrast against the deep black base, introducing a dynamic interplay of colors. The rusty red highlights add vibrancy and depth, bringing a sense of warmth and sophistication to the hairstyle. The strategic placement of these highlights showcases the stylist’s precision and artistry, resulting in a harmonious blend of colors.

49. Lowlights and Jumbo Twists

In this particular example, we aimed to seamlessly blend two distinct ideas. Firstly, it serves as another fantastic representation of jumbo twists, showcasing their bold and impactful presence. Additionally, the look magnificently comes to life with the introduction of rich burgundy lowlights strategically placed in key areas.

The jumbo twists make a bold statement, offering a voluminous and eye-catching texture to the overall hairstyle. Their larger size not only adds a touch of drama but also provides a modern and trendy aesthetic. Meanwhile, the strategic incorporation of rich burgundy lowlights elevates the visual appeal, creating depth and dimension within the twists.

The choice of burgundy as the lowlight color adds a layer of sophistication and warmth to the hairstyle. Placed thoughtfully, these lowlights enhance the jumbo twists by introducing a complementary and harmonious contrast. The result is a hairstyle that seamlessly marries two distinct elements—bold jumbo twists and strategically placed burgundy lowlights—to create a look that is both striking and elegantly textured.

50. Brown Balayage

What truly impresses us regarding this hairstyle is the mix of coloring techniques. Combining the classic technique of balayage with points of intensity similar to highlights, you can create a hairstyle that is sure to draw attention!

Kinky Twists FAQs

What are kinky twists?

Kinky twists are a traditional African style that dates back many centuries ago. While their history goes way back, it started trending again in the 2000s.

How do you make kinky twists?

Kinky twists use hair extensions that are installed only after you braid your hair for about an inch from the root. Then, the style continues in a two-strand twist that traditionally ends in curled tips.

Are there any differences between kinky twists, Havana twists, and Marley twists?

Kinky twists have unique qualities that separate them from Marley and Havana twists, such as a different installation procedure and a thicker strand size.

We’ve explained how kinky twists are installed, so know that Marley twists are directly twisted throughout the hair’s length.

Then, kinky twists tend to be much thinner or at least not as thick as Marley and Havana twists.

Are there differences or similarities between kinky twists and Senegalese twists?

Senegalese twists and kinky twists are similarly made and styled. The difference between them is in the hair used for making them. Kinky twists use coarser hair that is closer to the natural texture.

How long do kinky twists last?

There are a few factors to consider when asking how long kinky twists last. The most common time frame is anywhere from four to eight weeks. The biggest things to consider are how much maintenance you are willing to put forth, and how fast your hair grows.

A tip to keep your twists looking fresh is to wear a silk scarf or bonnet when you sleep to help protect your hair. Doing this will almost ensure your new hairstyle will look amazing for at least 6 weeks. You can also retwist any baby hairs that grow or if a few strands happen to become loose.

Is a kinky twist good for natural hair?

Yes! This hairstyle is a wonderful, stylish, and protective style for your natural hair. Plus, keeping your hair tight in a twist is a perfect way to reduce manipulation and prevent unwanted breakage. It is also very easy to add pops of vibrant colors or longer lengths to your hair.

What kind of hair do I need for kinky twists?

For kinky twists, you typically need to start with clean, untangled hair. After washing your hair with your favorite products use a wide-combed comb to remove any knots. Then you will need to add the hair extensions you want.

Most of the time you will want synthetic hair that either matches the color and texture of your natural hair, or you can always go with lighter or darker tones to add a bit of contrast. The most important thing about picking your synthetic hair is to find the best quality that will not shed or tangle because it can damage your real hair.

So, What Is YOUR Hair Motivation?

To wrap everything up, kinky twists are an excellent idea for African American women looking to protect their hair fabulously. Also, there are more than enough approaches available so you can find the perfect twists for you.

Whether you choose short and bouncy twists or go for long and luscious ones, wear the kinky twists with confidence and a broad smile! And don’t forget to tell us your favorite!

Lorene Kendall

Lorene Kendall is a professional hairdresser who has been around in the industry for quite some time. She has traveled to different countries and cities because of her undeniable passion for styling. Her creativity and eyes for fashion are what make her stand out the most. With her talent, she provides service that will beautifully translate what her clients want into actual art.