The question of which is preferable for enhancing the curl pattern—a twist out or a braid out—has been an age-long debate. I’m about to provide you with the answer, starting with the setup processes and installation method. Let’s jump right in, shall we?
Choosing Between Twist out and Braid Out
Twist-out and braid-out are great! None better than the other; it all depends on the look you are going for. The critical difference between a braid out and a twist out is that a braid out results in a more stretched, wave-like curl pattern while a twist out results in a spring-like curl pattern.
Before starting either of these processes, ensure your hair is clean. Here’s how to get your hair clean and ready to begin!
Begins in the Shower
Start your washing process with a sulfate-free shampoo; using a sulfate-free shampoo keeps the hair moisturized—sulfates in shampoo aid in cleaning the hair of product buildup and dirt. The only negative is that they perform their duties so well that they take away the moisture and oils that the hair requires to stay healthy.
Apply your deep conditioner to your hair shaft after shampooing, working your way up from the tips to the roots. Conditioners shouldn’t be applied at the roots because the scalp doesn’t necessarily need more moisture.
But when shampooing, always remember to focus on the roots. Using your fingertips, the conditioner should then be evenly distributed throughout the hair ends. Without causing hair damage, softly untangle and smooth out knots in conditioned hair using a brush, your fingers, a wide-tooth comb, or anything else.
Out of the Shower
After getting out of the shower, your first instinct might be to use a towel to dry your hair but resist the urge. Instead, use a light T-shirt or a microfiber towel to squeeze out the extra water from your hair.
While using a towel would irritate the hair, resulting in increased frizz and hair breakage, choosing a softer cloth lowers friction and reduces the possibility of hair damage.
The LCO or LOC Method
The method you take to apply the products that seal moisture in your hair is known as the LOC method. L stands for liquid or leave-in conditioner, O for oil, and C for cream. It means to begin with the lightest weight and finish with the heaviest, which is the Cream in this instance. Another technique you could use is the LCO technique, which stands for liquid, cream, and oil.
Leave in Conditioner
Leave-in conditioner should be added. The leave-in conditioner may moisturize and preserve the health of your hair all day long without rinsing. Use a heavier weight hydrating leave-in conditioner for hair that is dryer or denser in texture and a lighter weight leave-in conditioner if your hair tends to weigh itself down quickly.
Oils
Emollients like oils work to hydrate the hair by forming a film-like layer that traps moisture. Oils help keep the hair moisturized and serve as a barrier against hair breakage because their tiny oil molecules can pass through the outer cuticle and replace protective oil in the hair.
You might want to use less fatty oil if you have low porosity hair or an oily scalp. Almonds and jojoba are both excellent choices. They are easily absorbed.
Cream
Curling cream should be chosen based on your hair’s kind, texture, and formula weight. The cream seals in all the moisturizers in your hair.
Sectioning
When you “section,” your head is arranged like a chess board. To begin, separate your hair into single strands. Then, choose the parting style you want to use. It could be a circular, square, triangular, diamond, or any other shape. The decision is entirely yours!
The Twist Out Process
There are two methods to twist out, and each would give different results. We have two twist strands and three twist strand methods.
The two twists Strands: Organize your sections first using a grid pattern or preferred parting style. Take a section of hair, divide it in two, then twist it by stacking the two halves together. Use a brush to help with detangling and when you get to the end of the twist-outs, wrap your fingers around so it creates a curl at the bottom and doesn’t loosen up or come loose.
Three twist strand method: Divide a section into three equal strands. You could mentally number them 1,2, and 3. Take the hair strand three and cross it over strands 1 and 2. Next, cross hair strand two over 3 and 1, and do the same with one. Repeat this process till you get close to the ends of your hair.
You’ll notice thinning at the ends of your hair, so switch to your usual two-twist strand style. To prevent unraveling, add a little gel to the ends and twirl. Continue until you have finished with all the other areas of your hair. It’s that easy!
Pros of a Twist out Process
More straightforward to install and remove
- Twist out gives out more springlets and curls.
- You get this done in minutes!
- Twist out gives volume and defined curls.
- The curl pattern is more pronounced.
Con
- Noticeable shrinkage in hair length.
The Braid Out Process
Take a section of hair and divide it into three equal pieces. Lay each piece on top of the other to start braiding.
Leave the braids or twists on for as long as possible to allow them to dry and get the product in depth.
Pros of the Braid Out Process
- Simple to make.
- With a braid-out, there is less shrinking, resulting in long curls.
- Results in a curl pattern resembling a wave.
- Additionally, because the hair is packed more tightly throughout the braiding process, you will discover that you get a lot more definition with a braid out.
- It reduces frizz.
Cons
- Braid out requires more time to install and dries more slowly.
- There is less volume produced.
- Your braid’s degree of tightness will affect the outcome.
- It takes much time to take down.