Senegalese twists, or rope twists, are a popular protective hairstyle for black women who embrace their natural hair. The name and style come from Senegal, West Africa. It’s a great way to protect your hair for 2-3 months if it’s been damaged by daily styling, products, etc. Braiding the twists can take 6 to 8 hours, so you’ll want to give yourself plenty of time. Before you install the twists, be sure your hair is clean and moisturized, as you won’t be able to do that for the next few months. There are several braiding types and patterns to create Senegalese Twists, such as cornrows and crochet braiding. Below, I’ve compiled some of the most popular Senegalese Twist hairstyle ideas for your next inspiration!
#1: Cornrows Senegalese Twist
Aren’t you in love with how clean and neat these twists are? Plus, this super sexy color and jewel combination is on-point as well.
#2: High Bun Senegalese Twists
Styling the Senegalese Twists in a high bun is an easy way to keep the twists out of your face. Secure a high ponytail, divide the hair into two parts, create a big twist, then wrap the twist into a fabulous top bun, and you’re ready for a fun day out!
#3: Purple Senegalese Twists
Stay golden with lavender locks. This style is protective and stylish. All rolled in Senegalese twist braids.
#4: Short Bob Senegalese Twists
These trendy Senegalese twists don’t always have to be long! You can always go with a shorter version if you’re the bob type of girl and finish with loose ends for a feminine vibe.
#5: Senegalese Twist with Red Hair
Feel like a million bucks when you wear this hot color! If you are looking for diverse ways to experiment with your Senegalese tresses, try these twists and discover how versatile they can be. With Senegalese twists, medium lengths are a great option to keep maintenance easier, but you can always go for long.
#6: Senegalese Twisted Braided Updo
You’ll need superb talent and skill to achieve this cool top bun. Worth the time to create this Senegalese Twists hairdo.
#7: Half Up Half Down Senegalese Twists
Be amazed by the styling and detailing of this classic Senegalese Twist hairstyle. Twists are a super versatile protective style worn on any occasion.
#8: Senegalese Twist Ponytail
These Senegalese twists couldn’t be more surprised with the endless ways of styling them like this gorgeous ponytail. Get some fashionable brunette and blonde colors to match such Senegalese twists styles for an instant face-brightening effect.
#9: Grey Senegalese Twists
Grey is one of the trendiest fashion colors everywhere right now. Paint your twists with a grey ombre, then accessorize with a few shiny silver cuffs for a dreamy look!
#10: French Braid Senegalese Twists
A brilliant take on Senegalese twists hairstyles – start with intricate cornrows, gather them into a magnificent French braid, and finish by letting those long twists down! This Senegalese twist medium hairstyle removes everything from your face allowing you to accessorize without hassle.
#11: Low Bun Senegalese Twists
So simple yet loveliest is this Senegalese twists style nicely wrapped in a low bun—an ideal style for women who want to be a fashion inspiration in their workplace.
#12: Blonde Hair with Senegalese Twists
Stand out with these fantastic blonde rope twists that only require a little time to style and look stunning. Just a nice half-up half-down like this will do for any occasion you have.
#13: Medium Senegalese Twists
Not too small or too big – these Senegalese twists still offer you the protection you need this summer and with so many ways to style it. Like this cute high ponytail parted in half for a thicker and more stylish look!
#14: Micro Senegalese Twists
Get more pieces and more ways of styling your hair when you opt for these cute thin small twists! In a ponytail, bun, or even half-up, wear your adorable braids any way you want for different occasions and events!
#15: Senegalese Twists + Top Knot Bun
Wrapping those lovely Senegalese braids in a high bun can free some weight and volume from your look. This top knot works ideally for round faces as it has an elongating effect.
#16: Long Hair Senegalese Twists
Consistency is key when you wear these beautiful long twists! You’ll always be satisfied with the infinite ways of styling you can do with these stunning twists.
#17: Side Braid Senegalese Twist
Look fab with these easy-to-manage thin, long side braids that bring people’s attention to your sexy body!
#18: Big Senegalese Twists
Jumbo Senegalese twists never looked so good when neatly and evenly done. You can easily wear them without doing much!
#19: Jumbo Senegalese Twists
Change your life with just a few gorgeous jumbo twists to manage daily. If you want to spend less time styling your hair every day, this trendy style is surely for you!
#20: Senegalese Twist with Shaved Sides
Q&A with style creator, Monet Trammell
Natural Hair Stylist @ Stamped Salon & Spa in Eastpointe, MI
How would you describe this look?
These Senegalese Twists are very feminine, and they seem to have a softer look than a regular braid. They are also fast to install!
Any advice for someone considering it?
The twists are for the fun boho girly girls. If you don’t like the boho style and prefer a sleeker and more polished look, the twists are not for you! Over time they tend to frizz, so I recommend all my clients to use Lotta Body’s “Wrap Me Foam Mousse.”
#21: Long and Large Senegalese Twists
Q&A with style creator, Elizabeth
Mobile Hairstylist @ BunnyBraids in London, UK
How would you describe this look?
These are Senegalese twists, also known as rope twist hairstyles. This is because it originates from Senegal, West Africa, and it mimics the look of a rope. It’s a trendy and stylish protective style.
What I love about this style is its versatility. You can get them done in different sizes/lengths and be styled in various ways. You can have it down, braided into an updo, curled, or put into a lovely bun. It is also quicker to install and take out than traditional three-strand braids.
Any advice for someone considering it?
This look is very low maintenance & easy to manage. You can style it just like you would do your hair. It’s ideal for people with busy schedules or who prefer to spend less time on their natural hair.
Minimal products are needed to keep it neat. I usually tell clients to focus the care on their scalp because the twists are fine. I recommend using the Cantu Apple Cider Vinegar Root Rinse to soothe the scalp and moisten the hair.
This style suits any face regardless of shape or size. Regarding hair texture, it’s easier to twist kinkier hair than silky straight hair. If you have straight or silky hair, I’d recommend using a small size or kinky or Marley hair extensions to help keep your twists in place. Braids are also an alternative option, as they will unravel slowly on silky hair.
These twists are trendy and can be worn casually and in corporate settings. Great for fun and easygoing people!
#22: Burgundy Hair with Senegalese Twists
Q&A with style creator, Monique Jourdain Lawson
Stylist / Owner @ Ivan’s Hair Professionals in Rancho Cucamonga, CA
How would you describe this look?
Senegalese twist is a softer look than box braids. Many of my clients go for this look because it is so different from your normal braids.
I love the way it all comes together in the end. From afar, the twists look like braids, but up close, they look amazing!
Any advice for someone considering it?
Senegalese twist style is a good choice for those who have corporate jobs, being that twists have a much softer appeal. They are also great for those who want a different look. When styled, they look amazing!
The twists are also great for all hair types. Although, they do less well in water than box braids since braids are sealed. Twists are just twisted hair, so in water, your hair tends to come out of the twist, which causes it to frizz.
Even though they last less time than braids, once my clients try these twists, they rarely return to regular box braids. They completely fall in love with the look of the twists.
#23: Senegalese Twist into Two Buns
Q&A with style creator, Anne
Future Professional in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
How would you describe this look?
This is a bold look. You sometimes come up against someone using it out there. I love how you can be different with it.
Any advice for someone considering it?
You need to be able to sustain the style you carry. The first thing to consider is: will this look beautiful on me? If the answer is positive, then do it!
#24: Senegalese Twist Crochet Braid
Q&A with style creator, Tedra Owens
Licensed Cosmetologist @ Salon P31 in Columbia, SC
How would you describe this look?
This protective style is easy maintenance, a time-saving yet professional look, and a vacation hair. You can have Senegalese twists like these for half the time and half the cost.
What I love about this style is its convenience of it. Just put your bonnet on at night, get up, and go in the morning.
Any advice for someone considering it?
Has a stylist assessed your hair first to see if it can withstand this style? One must not have thin hair or edges or a receding hairline. It also depends on one’s personality and lifestyle to see if this may or may not be the look for you.
This particular hairstyle has a braided foundation, and then the Senegalese twists are crocheted onto the braid. So, this style is made for hair with a lot of density and thicker edges that can withstand the tension of this style.