From tried-and-true ‘dos to unique updos, celebrity hairstylists share their favorite twist hairstyles and tips on creating them.

Twist hairstyles offer a fusion of elegance and versatility. From classic Senegalese twists to trendy Marley twists, these hairstyles add a unique flair to any look.

Perfect for a variety of occasions, twists can be adorned with accessories or left to cascade freely. Whether sleek and polished or bohemian and carefree, twists are a great choice for those seeking style and function in their hairdos.

Below, we asked two celebrity hairstylists to share some of their favorite twist hairstyles and tips on how to create them.

Meet the expert

• Ester Rojas is a celebrity hairstylist who works with Carol’s Daughter.
• Brendnetta Ashley is a curly and textured hair expert and Schwarzkopf ambassador.

High Twist Ponytail

Lupita Nyongo’s high ponytail is an elegant style that’s perfect for an evening out. Rojas recommends using a hosiery hair tie for this style, as they have a good amount of stretch to hold all the twists. “To finish the look, you can add a decorative satin scrunchy, then do a two-strand braid. Add a clear elastic at the end of the braid to secure it, then pin the end into place,” says the stylist.

Marley Twists

“Keke Palmer’s jumbo twist beehive is a fun, edgy look,” says Rojas. “To get this look, start off by spraying Carols Daughter Black Vanilla Moisture and Shine Sheen on the twists to add moisturizer and shine. Next, hold up the front half of the hair, leaving a few twists out to frame the face. Take the twists and use a large hosiery hair tie to make a messy bun at the top of the head.” Pin the ends of the bun up to create the beehive look.

Color Mix Twists

Alicia Garza’s green accent twists are a fun way to jazz up any style. This look incorporates green braiding hair, and the fun thing about braiding hair is that it comes in an array of colors. Whether you’re looking for a color that compliments your outfit or something a bit more neutral for the everyday, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Ponytail Twist

“Zoe Saldana’s twisted ponytail is elegant and great for any night out,” says Ashley. “Use OSiS+ Thrill to slick your hair back into a ponytail. It gives control and shine. Finish with OSiS+ Elastic hairspray for the perfect hold to your style.”

Halo Twist

“Condola Rashad’s halo twist is an amazing way to change up your look after a few weeks of having twists, especially when the front starts getting messy,” says Rojas. “To do this look, take a few twists, starting a few inches behind the ear, and do a three-strand cornrow. Continue braiding all the way around the head, then secure the end of the braid with a small, clear elastic tie and pin it in place behind the front row.” To make your edges look slick, Rojas recommends using a styling gel like Carols Daughter Black Vanilla Jelly to smooth any frizz.

Twist Buns

This style is perfect when you aren’t ready to take your twists out but want to change up the look a little. “Begin by twisting your hair into small sections using OSiS+ Bounty Balm. This curl cream supports curl definition while controlling frizz,” says Ashley. “After you create your twist, leave two out for the fringe and place the remainder in a ponytail on each side of the head. Wrap into a bun and there you have it!”

Up Down Do

“Storm Reid’s look is timeless and very easy to do,” says Rojas. “Start by applying Carols Daughter Black Vanilla Moisture and Shine Sheen to add a shine to your twist. Create a side part in the twists, then take a handful of twists on each side of your head and softly position them towards the back of your hair, securing them with a clear elastic hair tie,” says the stylist. You can wear all the twists to one side like Reid, or put them to the back of your head.

Long Twist Bob

Shahidah Omar is rocking a long twist bob with a deep part. This look has been created using braiding extensions. “This is a great way to switch up your look if you’ve been wearing the middle part for a while,” says Rojas.

Twisted Fringe

“Twisting the fringe instead of wearing it curly is a fun alternative,” says Ashley. “Use OSiS+ Curl Jam for control and shine of your twist. Curl jam is great for medium hold of your curl set.”

Twist Up

“To achieve Estelle’s look, take the majority of the top of the hair and gather it into a twist at the back of the head to create a bit of volume. Use jumbo bobby pins to hold the hair in place,” says Rojas. “Leave the back out and let it flow."

French Braid Twist with Highlights

The contrasting twist highlights give this style an edgy vibe. “To achieve the look, start by applying Carols Daughter Black Vanilla Jelly to hold and smooth your baby hairs,” Rojas says. Take a few twists at the top of one side of the head and create a small french braid, securing it with a clear elastic at the end. Repeat on the other side,” Rojas continues. “Position the two braids towards the back and tie the hair with a clear elastic for a seamless look.”

Jumbo Halo

Kelly Jenrett has a jumbo halo style. You can achieve this look by doing a two-strand cornrow around the head. “Start the twist a few inches behind the ear on whichever side works best for you. Continue around the head until the end, making sure not to make it too tight. Wrap the end of the hair behind the front row and pin into place.” To smooth any frizz at the hairline, the stylist recommends applying Carols Daughter Black Vanilla Jelly. Lastly, if you want to add some extra pizazz, Rojas says decorative pins or ribbons add a nice finishing touch.

Twist Pigtails

Twist pigtails are a great alternative for two braids. “To create this style, part your hair from the center of your hairline to the nape. Place each side in a ponytail and twist the remainder of the hair,” says Ashley. “While twisting the hair use OSiS+ FlexWax. It’s a strong-hold texture cream that can keep each twist in place.”

Flat Twist Bouffant

“Danielle Moné Truitt’s look is a modern take on the bouffant braid style,” says Rojas. “This is such a classy hairstyle and it can last a few weeks.”

Boho Twists

“Adding a few twists to your sleek look is a great way to add an element of surprise to your style,” says Ashley. “Randomly take a section of hair, spray with OSiS+ Freeze and then twist until you reach the ends and spray again. OSiS+ Freeze is a strong hold hairspray, so you don’t have to worry about the twist falling out. Repeat with 3-5 sections on the crown of the head.”

Jumbo Side Twist

“For Brandy’s look, you’ll need to start off with a deep part, leaving one side heavier to give volume. On the other side, leave two rows and twist them down until you pass your ear. Pin the twists at the end to hold them in place,” says Rojas. “To finish, you can add a decorative pin to add your personal touch.” 

Twisted Updo

The beauty of this style is how it organically falls into place. “Randomly take your twists and pin them into the center of your head,” says Ashley. “Finish with OSiS+ Elastic hairspray for the perfect hold and shine.”

Pineapple Twist

For this look, you can create small single twists throughout your natural hair or add textured braiding extensions like Heat Free Hair or Marley Twist Hair for Twists. “Once all your hair is twisted, gather the hair at the back of your head and start twisting it towards the front to create a french twist. Use bobby pins to secure it in place,” says Rojas. “When you reach the top, you can play with the shape and the desired amount of hair you want to leave out to create a beautiful pineapple look.”

Twisted Bantu Knots

To create this look, start by sectioning damp hair into small sections. Apply a styling product for hold and definition, then twist each section tightly from root to tip. Once twisted, wrap the hair around itself to create a small knot, securing it in place with bobby pins. Repeat this process across the entire head until all sections are twisted into knots. Allow the hair to air dry.

Faux Mohawk Twist

“The key to this look is getting the sides sleek,” says Ashley. “Using OSiS+ FlexWax will give you the strong support you need for this style.”

Twist Crown

“The twist crown is an elegant style. Using OSiS+ Thrill can give this style the shine and control it needs,” says Ashley. “Key tip — when using Thrill, rub it into your hands to ensure it glides easily into the hair.”

Single Twists

If you regularly have box braids but want to change things up a bit, Ashley says these single twists are a great alternative to traditional braids.

Side Twist Updo

“Bring on the volume by using OSiS+ Grip to prep the hair for the blowout,” says Ashley. “As you create your twist, use OSiS+ Dust It . It’s a powder that supports volume and control.”

Twist Chignon

For this style, start by creating a few flat twists at the front section of the hair. “As you twist, lightly lift the hair to create volume,” says Ashley. “Use OSiS+ Dust It to create a more voluminous twist.” Secure all the twists in a ponytail at the nape of the neck. Next, attach a twisted piece of hair extension or a twisted bun attachment and secure it using bobby pins.

Senegalese Twist Updo

To create a stunning Senegalese twist updo, start by gathering all the twists in a high ponytail at the crown of the head. Next, roll the twists and use bobby pins to secure them into a bun.