The two-strand twist dreadlock style is controversial for many reasons.
They take a long time to form into dreadlocks. And they are technically hair twists - two-strand twists take a long time to develop into dreadlocks.
But two-strand twist dreadlocks are aesthetically striking and develop into thick dreadlock strands once the spiral twists disappear. And this is a relatively easy way to start your dreadlocks.
So, let's talk about two-strand twist dreadlocks and three of the best styles you can try out now.
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Related: What Ingredients Are Bad For Locs?
What Are Two Strand Twist Dreadlocks?
Two-strand twist dreadlocks are an easy way to start developing dreadlocks.
To create two-strand dreadlocks, all you have to do is two strands of hair and then begin twisting each strand around each other in a clockwise direction. Each strand is strategically twisted clockwise over the other in a perpetual twisting instead of a braiding or plaiting motion.
You can twist each strand over the other in a counterclockwise twisting motion as well. Because it takes a long time for the hair follicles in two-strand twist dreadlocks to lock and fuse together, it may become necessary to retwist the hair.
And in that case, you need to remember in which direction to retwist the hair strands. So, if you use this twisting method, make sure to twist all strands in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. Never mix both twisting directions on your head.
If you forget in which direction you twist the strands, then you will essentially unravel all of your previous work if you need to retwist.
Two-strand twist dreadlocks can take six months or more to develop into dreadlocks fully. And that is because the hair follicles are twisting around each other instead of finger coiled or palm rolled into one massive coiled strand.
Two-strand twist dreadlocks have their aesthetic texture, which makes them noticeable and also stand apart from traditional dreadlocks. Traditional dreadlocks usually look like massive, overgrown hair follicles that resemble vines or rope strands.
Two-strand dreadlocks resemble extremely thick spiral pattern rope strands.
Advantages of Two Strand Twists
Two-strand twist dreadlocks are extremely easy to perform yourself. It may take practice, but all you must do is perfect the clockwise two-strand twisting method.
Two-strand twist dreadlocks are aesthetically unique. Your dreadlocks texture will resemble a bulging, spiral strand rope that was weaved by an artisan. As the hair follicles begin locking and fusing, they will swell out as they turn into dreadlocks.
Your upkeep options are straightforward as well.
As the hair on your scalp slowly grows, you can use the interlocking method. The average human hair follicle grows about half an inch per month. So, as the hair on the scalp loosens, you can take the end of the dreadlock tip and carefully thread it through the loose follicles of new hair at the scalp.
You must be careful with the interlocking method. If you do not have an appreciable growth of new and looser hair follicles at the scalp, then you will create intense tightening tension on the scalp when you thread the dreadlock strand through.
(Remember that two-strand twist dreadlocks are thicker, wider, and fatter than most conventional dreadlock strands. And that is because of the style's swelling, spiral strand aesthetic texture that develops from the two-strand twisting method.)
If you thread a thick two-strand twist dreadlock strand through its short scalp base, then you will cause unbearable tightness. Aggressively twisting and tightening your hair for hairstyles can cause traction alopecia. Traction alopecia is a medical name for self-induced baldness, thinning hair, and receding hairlines due to aggressive hair manipulation.
You can also wait for the hair at the scalp to grow and then just continue the two-strand twisting method as the hair grows. Just remember whether you twist clockwise or counterclockwise.
Disadvantages of Two-Strand Twist Dreadlocks
Two-strand twist dreadlocks can take months before they fully develop into dreadlocks. Until the hair follicles begin fusing together, you can't technically call your hair dreadlocks.
Until your hair follicles begin locking, your hair is just two-strand twists.
You have to use rubber bands, scrunchies, or hair clips to tie off the ends of each two-strand twist dreadlock strand. Two-strand twist dreadlocks are fragile during the initial months of growth and will unravel easily.
You may find yourself having to retwist your two-strand locs often.
Always remember whether you are twisting your two strands of hair clockwise or counterclockwise. Pick one direction and stick with it. Otherwise, you could unravel or hair or delay the follicle locking process without realizing it.
If you botch the twisting method and use the wrong dreadlock care products, then it could take as long as 20 months before your two-strand twists begin to lock naturally.
As two-strand twist dreadlocks grow, they will aesthetically appear to swell out. They will look like fat strands of spiral-weaved rope. In other words, your dreadlock strands may end up looking much thicker and wider than you originally intended.
Additionally, get ready for frizz. Most people who rock the two-strand twist dreadlock style complain about uncontrollable frizz.
Remember that you are twisting your hair strands around each other in a spiral pattern. You have to retwist them often because this style often unravels during the initial months. And it takes a long time for this dreadlock style to develop fully.
The follicle strands will loosen and stray and create frizz as your two-strand twist dreadlock style develops. You can use a good organic dreadlock locking gel or spray to cut down on frizz, but you will never completely eliminate it with this style.
It is also important to remember that this style's "two-strand twist" aesthetic will eventually disappear as your dreadlocks begin forming. But it could take two years before that occurs.
And now that we have sufficiently prepared you for what you're about to get into, here are some of the best two-strand twist styles for locs.
Two-Strand Twist Box Braids
The name is a misnomer. It's just a variation of the knotless box braid style.
Part your hair into large box-shaped sections. And then part the hair in each section into two strands and twist each strand over the other in twisting spiral motions.
You may have to put rubber bands at the end of your two-strand twists and just under the scalp so that the twists don't unravel.
Two-Strand Twist Dreadlock Braids
Braiding your into two-twist strands creates a newer-looking and textured look. Just make sure that your double strands are securely twisted before you attempt to braid them.
Braid your twist into cornrows, french braids, or a ponytail braid to create a new aesthetic dynamic with your double strands.
Two-Strand Twist Dreadlock Bun
Roll, braid, or weave your two-strand twists in a massive bun. It's a protective hairstyle and low maintenance as well.
And if your two-strand twists are well secured, wrapping them into a bun should protect them from unraveling as well.
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