Twists
Twists are not one style but a whole family, from sleek and rope-like to soft and natural, all built the same way: two strands of hair twisted together down the length, usually with added hair for fullness and protection.
They sit in the same protective-style family as box braids and knotless. This page is the overview: what the main twist styles are, how they differ, what they cost in the UK, and how to find a braider who does the one you want.
What are Twists?
A twist is made by twisting two sections of hair around each other, rather than plaiting three strands as you would for a braid. Add synthetic or wavy hair and you get a full, long-lasting protective style.
The difference between twist styles comes down to the hair used: smooth synthetic gives the sleek Senegalese twist, wavy bohemian hair gives the soft passion twist, and matte kinky-textured hair gives Marley and kinky twists that blend in with natural Afro hair.
The four main twist styles in the UK are passion twists (soft, wavy, bohemian), Senegalese twists (smooth, sleek, rope-like), Marley twists (matte, natural) and kinky twists (springy, close to natural hair). Pick by the finish you want.
Typical cost
Most twist styles in the UK cost between about £80 and £160. Shorter, shoulder-length styles tend to start around £80, chest-length around £100, and waist-length or smaller twists push toward the top of the range.
Passion twists usually sit highest because the wavy hair costs more; Marley and kinky twists can be a little cheaper on materials.
What moves the price across all of them: twist size (smaller means more twists and more hours), length, fullness, and whether the braider supplies the hair or you bring your own. London and the larger cities sit at the top.
Confirm the price and how many packs to buy before the appointment.
Who this is for
Twists suit most hair textures and are a good pick if you want a protective style that is lighter and often quicker than a full head of braids.
The right twist depends on the look you are after: choose passion twists for a soft, curly finish, Senegalese for a sleek, tidy one, and Marley or kinky twists if you want the result to blend in with natural Afro hair.
They are forgiving for anyone who finds tight braids uncomfortable, and they work well as a base for updos and wraps.
3Thirty Curly Hair Salon
Men's & boys' hair: Yes
Also offers: Curls, Sew-in weaves
Setting: Salon/studio
AdelineTresses
Archway, Haringey, London
Also offers: Braids take down, Sew-in weaves, Stitch braids
Setting: Salon/studio
Adeline Hair & Beauty
Enfield, London
Men's & boys' hair: Yes
Also offers: Feed-in Braids
Setting: Salon/studio
Zuri Hair Studio
Norwood, Lambeth, London
Also offers: Braids take down, Faux locs, Stitch braids
Setting: Salon/studio
Hair & Makeup by Abis
Erdington, Birmingham
Men's & boys' hair: Yes
Also offers: Sew-in weaves
Setting: Mobile (comes to you)
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
What to expect at the appointment
Most braiders start with a quick consultation to agree the twist style, size, length and fullness, 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.
Appointment length varies by style and size, but plan for roughly three to six hours for a full head, longer for smaller twists. Some styles need finishing steps, such as sealing the ends of Senegalese twists in hot water, so do not be surprised if that is part of it.
Twists FAQs
- What are the different types of twists?
- The main ones in the UK are passion twists (soft, wavy), Senegalese twists (sleek, rope-like), Marley twists (matte, natural) and kinky twists (springy, close to natural hair). They share the same two-strand technique; the hair used sets the look.
- What is the difference between passion and Senegalese twists?
- Passion twists use wavy bohemian hair for a soft, curly finish; Senegalese twists use smooth synthetic hair for a sleek, tidy, rope-like look.
- How long do twists last?
- Most twist styles last around six to eight weeks with careful upkeep. Take them down before the roots grow out too far and start to pull on your natural hair.
- How much do twists cost in the UK?
- Roughly £80 to £160 depending on the style, twist size, length and area, with London and the larger cities at the top of the range.
- Which twist style should I choose?
- Go by the finish you want: soft and curly is passion twists, sleek and tidy is Senegalese, matte and natural is Marley or kinky. Open the style you like to see typical cost, wear time and braiders near you.
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