Zuri Hair Studio
Norwood, Lambeth, London
Also offers: Braids take down, Faux locs, Stitch braids
Setting: Salon/studio
Passion twists
Passion twists are a soft, rope-like twist made with wavy bohemian hair, giving a fuller, more textured finish than a smooth twist. They sit in the same protective-style family as box braids and knotless, but the look is loose and curly rather than sleek. They have become one of the most-requested twist styles in the UK, helped by how light and natural they feel. This page covers what passion twists involve, what they tend to cost here, who they suit and what to expect at your appointment, then points you to braiders near you who do them.
What are Passion twists?
Passion twists are a two-strand twist made with curly or wavy braiding hair, usually a water wave or bohemian texture. The braider sections your hair, then twists each section together with the added hair to create a soft, rope-like twist with a loose, textured finish. People also call them bohemian twists. They are close cousins of spring twists, which use a springier, more uniform hair and tend to sit shorter and tighter.
The wavy hair is what gives passion twists their look. Rather than the smooth, defined surface of a Senegalese or rope twist, they have a relaxed, slightly undone texture that reads as natural and full. Because the hair comes pre-textured, often in pre-looped packs, the style goes in faster than many braided looks.
How they are done
There are two main methods. The two-strand twist method twists the hair directly into your own, for a secure, longer-lasting result. The crochet method loops pre-made passion twists onto cornrows with a hook, which is quicker but sits a little less flat at the root. Many braiders offer both, so ask which they use and how it affects the price and wear time.
Sizes and lengths
Passion twists come in small, medium and jumbo, at lengths from shoulder to waist. Smaller twists look neat and last longer but take more time; jumbo is quicker and lighter. Length and fullness are the main things that move the price and the hours in the chair.
Typical cost
In the UK, passion twists usually cost between about £80 and £160. Shorter, shoulder-length styles often start around £85, chest-length around £95, and waist-length £120 or more. Smaller twists, extra fullness and longer lengths push toward the top of the range, and London and the larger cities sit highest.
What moves the price: twist size (smaller means more twists and more hours), length and fullness, the method (a full two-strand install usually costs more than a crochet version), and whether the hair is included. Water wave braiding hair is inexpensive, often a few pounds a pack, and a full head usually takes six to eight packs. Home-based and mobile braiders can come in a little lower than commercial salons. Check whether the quote includes hair before you book.
Who this is for
Passion twists suit most hair textures and are a good pick if you want a protective style with a soft, natural, curly finish rather than a sleek braided one. They are lighter than many braided styles, which makes them comfortable for longer wear, and they are forgiving for anyone who finds tight braids uncomfortable.
They work well if you want length and volume without the weight of long box braids, if you like a relaxed, textured look, and if you are happy to sit for several hours for the smaller sizes. If your edges are fine, ask for a medium or larger twist and a gentle tension at the hairline, since twists can still pull if installed too tightly.
They are less ideal if you want a very sleek, defined surface; for that, Senegalese twists or box braids hold a cleaner line. If you want the gentlest option for your hairline overall, knotless braids are worth comparing. Children can wear passion twists too, usually in larger sizes and shorter lengths to keep the appointment manageable.
House of Zi
Nottingham
Also offers: Braids take down, Faux locs, Feed-in Braids, Sew-in weaves, Stitch braids
Setting: Home studio
Raine Bells Hair World (RBHW)
Manor Park, Newham, London
Men's & boys' hair: Yes
Setting: Home studio
Something About Braids
Eccles, Manchester
Men's & boys' hair: Yes
Also offers: Faux locs
Setting: Salon/studio
Josee's Professional Braiding Studio
Finsbury Park, London
Men's & boys' hair: Yes
Also offers: Pick and drop braids
Setting: Salon/studio
Find a Passion twists braider in your city
What to expect at the appointment
Most braiders start with a quick consultation to agree the size, length, fullness and method, and to confirm the price and how many packs of hair to buy. Come with clean, blow-dried, detangled hair unless prep is part of the service. Stretched hair is quicker to section and twist.
Plan for a medium-length appointment. A full head of passion twists usually takes four to five hours, longer for small sizes, less for jumbo or a crochet install. Eat beforehand and bring something to watch or listen to. Flag any tightness early, especially at the hairline, since twists pull there if the tension is too high.
For the first night, a satin or silk scarf or bonnet keeps the twists neat and the curl from frizzing. After that, light oil on the scalp, a wash every couple of weeks with diluted shampoo, and re-tying at night will keep them looking fresh. Passion twists usually last four to six weeks, a little longer with careful upkeep. Take them down rather than letting the roots grow out too far, which strains your natural hair.
Passion twists FAQs
- How long do passion twists last?
- Usually four to six weeks, a little longer with careful upkeep. Take them down by around week six to eight, before the roots grow out too far and strain your natural hair.
- Are passion twists the same as spring twists?
- No, though they are related. Passion twists use wavy bohemian hair for a soft, loose look; spring twists use a springier, more uniform hair and sit shorter and tighter. Both are two-strand twists.
- How much hair do I need for passion twists?
- Most full heads take six to eight packs of water wave braiding hair, depending on length and fullness. Your braider will confirm the number when you book.
- Do passion twists damage your hair?
- Not when they are done at a comfortable tension and taken down on time. Damage comes from twists installed too tightly or left in too long, so size sensibly and speak up if anything pulls.
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