The Two-Strand Twist method is a popular locking method that can be used on all hair types. For this reason, this method comes highly recommended and offers many benefits.
One benefit is that the technique is easy to maintain and takes no time to lock. Some professionals will recommend this technique over others, just for that particular reason.
Another reason is that the twist can be used on any length of hair. As long as you have 4” of hair, you can use this technique. There are many benefits to starting your locking process with this technique, but where will be the pros without the cons.
So, before you decide to choose this locking technique, understand the following:
- Two-strand twists can take between 6 months to 2 years to fully lock.
- Locking times depend on 3 factors: hair texture, density, and maintenance.
- Lines created due to twisting the hair will begin to fade as hair begins to mature. This process usually takes 6 months to 2 years.
- Two-strand twists swell up and get thicker during the first 2 stages of maturity.
- At the beginning of this process, twists may unravel. Therefore, properly managing your twist, during this stage, is important.
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Related: Popular Loc Styles To Inspire You This Summer Season
What is a Two Strand Twist?
A two-strand twist is one of the most common and highly recommended methods to start your dreadlock journey. The first step is to put your hair in a two-strand twist, but make sure that you are OK with the size and parting of the twist. The best part about starting your dreadlocks this way is it gives you more room to be flexible and to change your mind. This means that you can change the way the hair is parted, decide the location of the locs, change the size, or just simply take out the twists. If you choose to stay with the two-strand twist, the line from the twist should disappear within a year.
Two Strand Twist Breakdown
The beauty of the two-strand twist dreadlocks is in their simplicity. Still, there is a method to follow.
Grow Out Your Hair
First, you will want to grow your dreadlocks so that they are long enough to be ably manipulated with your fingers. Ideally, your hair should be three to six inches long before employing the two-strand twist method.
Keep in mind that as you twist your hair, it will initially appear shorter in length than it actually is.
And be patient. Average hair growth rates will vary from person to person. But the average person experiences about half an inch of hair growth per month.
It is also worth mentioning that the two-strand twist method benefits those with black hair or naturally curly hair. With this method, black hair and naturally curly hair follicles fuse and lock together much easier.
The straighter your hair, the longer it will take for the hair follicles to lock up naturally.
Keep it Clean
Only wash your hair with organic and natural shampoo and conditioning products.
There is a multitude of hair products, especially hair products that are explicitly marketed to the black community, that contain toxic and health-endangering substances.
Some hair grooming products may contain substances that won't degrade naturally when stuck within the locked hair follicles of a dreadlock strand. So, you could have leftover hair product residue stuck in your locs for as long as you have them.
Use a clarifying shampoo and conditioner to wash your hair. And dry it thoroughly before you begin twisting it.
Always dry your hair thoroughly before and after your dreadlocks develop. Wet dreadlocks can cause the proliferation of a hair fungus called dread rot.
Divide Your Hair Into Sections
Divide the hair on your scalp into square sections. Keep in mind that the larger the squared sections on your scalp, then the larger and thicker your dreadlocks will become as they grow.
Your squared scalp sections should be of one-inch by one-inch dimensions for optimum growth.
Squaring each of the partitions on your scalp will also help your dreadlocks grow more round in circumference instead of flat.
You may want to temporarily tie off each squared section with a rubber band or hair clip. Doing so may help you to avoid twisting hair from adjacent squares on your scalp.
Divide Each Square Section Into Two
Now, divide each squared section into two strands with a rattail comb.
Twist
Now, twist both strands of hair in opposing directions until they resemble a spiral strand rope.
Remember, two-strand twists are not dreadlocks yet. Two strand twists are just neatly strand spiraled hair strands. It may take six months before your two-strand twists become dreadlocks.
As your two-strand twists get longer, you may want to switch to the palm rolling method. Just take one dreadlock strand and twist it between your palms. And always palm roll each in the direction each two-strand twist is turning.
Frizz
As you use the two-strand twist method, you will notice that your dreadlocks strands will become extremely frizzy.
Frizz is normal when it comes to dreadlocks, especially during the initial development and growth stages.
Pros and cons of doing a Two Strand Twists
Pros
- Resembles a mini twist while you wait for the locs to mature
- Easy to start, and you can even do it at home
- The locks will turn out thicker
- This is an excellent style for long hair
Cons
- It could take longer for the twist patterns to disappear and could take anywhere from six months to two years.
- The twist can unravel, but an excellent strategy to this is to create a knot and tie them together to prevent it from breaking apart.
What you will need:
- Comb
- Residue-Free shampoo
- Dread Wax or Dread Cream
- Elastic bands (natural or rubber)
- Hair clips (small) depending on hair length
- Hairdryer
Step-by-Step Guide for Interlocking/Sisterlocks Dreadlocks:
- Wash hair with a clarifying or residue-free shampoo. (Dry)
- Starting with any section, divide the section into little sections.
- Once complete, separate the smaller sections into two and twist, twisting from left to right.
Repeat these steps until you have completed your entire head. These twists will eventually mature into solid locs you can be proud of!
How Long Does It Take to Lock
This answer is going to vary from one person to another. This is mainly because it depends on your hair density, hair care regimen, and hair texture. Tightly coiled hair texture will lock up quicker than a soft and loose texture. Keep in mind that using the wrong product for either texture could lead to months and up to years before the hair locks.
What To Do With Frizz?
When it comes to locs, there’s always going to be frizz. This is not something you can control, especially if you have soft hair. Fortunately, using aloe vera gel is a natural way to manage the situation. However, if you experience some itchiness, you can try a high-quality dreadlock oil to provide moisture and to alleviate the frizziness.
How To Take Care of Locs
Here are some fantastic tips on taking care of your locs, especially if this is the beginning of your two-strand twist journey. The most common misconception that people often make is to avoid putting water on your locs for the first two weeks; however, depending on which method you use, it’s best to use water as soon as possible.
Mixing saltwater with regular water does wonder for the two-strand twist method to make the hair lock up quicker. If you are worried about your locs drying out or breaking, then you can moisturize it with quality oil products or use conditioner products. Oil products do a great job of trapping moisture and providing it to your locs.
After a month or two, it’s time to retwist the locks, and you would have to decide between palm rolling or interlocking.
Palm rolling versus interlocking
Palm rolling
Palm rolling is a method to retwist your locks while you use the proper moisturizer. The central aspect of this is to roll the hair in the same direction. Avoid rubbing your palms like you would do you in front of a campfire, instead rub them in one direction.
The advantage of palm rolling is that it’s fast and easy to do. However, the issue with this method is that it could result in some bald spots from over manipulation, and it tends to unravel our twist.
Interlocking
Interlocking is basically like sewing your locs together. With this method, you will need a lightweight moisturizer and crochet hook to get the process going. When it comes to interlocking your dreads, you’ll need to follow a pattern and never sew the same hole twice.
The advantage of this is that the locks last longer, and it works with all types of hair texture. The problem with this method is it’s more suitable for smaller or thinner locks, and if done incorrectly, can cause loc damage and form a hole.
Conclusion
We hope that our article gave you some insights on how to do a two-strand twist on your locs. If you want the best results, always consider quality products.
So what are you waiting for? View our loc products today, and see what we have to offer
References
Dreadlocks, Perfect. How to make dreadlocks. 26 11 2019.
Making Dreadlocks - Learn how to start dreads and make'em grow! 26 11 2019.
Mariuta. How to Start Dreadlocks. 20 01 2019.
Renee, Jocelyn. 7 Ways to Start Locs: Benefits, Drawbacks and What to Expect. 26 11 2019.
Roots, Raging. The History of Dreadlocks . 12 11 2019.