Twist Outs vs. Braid Outs: Easy Guide to Know the Difference
Natural hairstyles are styles made without using heat or chemical relaxers. They work with your hair’s own curl or wave pattern. Many people with curly or coily hair love to wear natural hairstyles. These styles help keep hair healthy and strong.
Two very popular natural styles are twist outs and braid outs. Both of them are great for making curls and waves. They are easy to do at home and don’t need too many tools. You only need your hands, a comb, and some hair cream or gel.
Twist outs are made by twisting small parts of your hair, while braid outs are done by braiding. After keeping them in overnight or until the hair is dry, you take them out and get a nice curly look. These styles are soft, pretty, and fun to wear.
Many people ask, “Which is better: twist outs or braid outs?” That’s why they compare “Twist Outs vs. Braid Outs.” Some think twist outs give more curl, others say braid outs last longer. In this article, we will help you know the difference and choose what’s best for your hair.
Everything You Need to Know About Twist Outs
What is a Twist Out?
A twist out is a fun and natural hairstyle. People do this style by twisting small parts of their hair and then opening them after some time. The twist makes the hair wavy and curly. This style looks very cool and is loved by many with curly or coily hair.
It is a nice way to show your hair’s natural shape. You don’t need heat or flat irons for this style, so it is safe for your hair. Twist outs are soft, bouncy, and perfect for school, work, or play.
Many girls and women do twist outs at home. You can do it before sleeping and open it the next day for a pretty hair look. It is simple, low-cost, and makes your hair look fuller.
How to Do a Twist Out?
1. Start with Clean Hair: First, wash and dry your hair a little. Your hair should be damp but not wet. Use your comb to take out all knots or tangles.
2. Add Cream or Oil: Now, put a little bit of hair cream or oil on your hair. This helps to make your twists smooth and shiny. You can also use curl cream.
3. Make the Twists: Take a small part of your hair and split it into 2 parts. Twist them around each other from top to bottom. Do this again and again until your full head is twisted.
4. Let It Dry and Open the Twists: Let the twists dry fully. You can sleep with a scarf on your head to keep them safe. In the morning, gently open each twist using your fingers. Don’t pull hard. You will see nice curls.
Best Hair Types for Twist Outs
Twist outs work best on curly, coily, or kinky hair. If your hair makes little curls or coils on its own, then a twist out will look really pretty. People with 3B, 4A, 4B, and 4C type hair love this style.
If your hair is too straight, the twist out may not stay long. But curly hair holds the twist shape better. This style is great for thick hair, too, because it makes curls soft and stretched.
Even kids with natural curls can try twist outs for a fun look. It’s a gentle style that works for many ages and makes curly hair easier to manage.
How Twist Outs Look in the End?
When you open the twists, your hair will look curly and full. The curls will be big or small based on how thick your twists were. A twist out gives a natural, fluffy look.
You will see your hair has more volume and shine. It looks neat but also playful. Twist outs are perfect for school, parties, or just chilling at home. They are cute, easy, and make you feel good about your natural hair.
Many people also like how twist outs can shape their face. You can style the curls in different ways like a side part or puff so each twist out looks special every time.
Benefits of Twist Outs
- Easy and quick to do
- Gives soft, fluffy, and bouncy curls
- Makes hair look fuller and thicker
- Great for short or medium-length hair
- No heat needed protects hair from damage
- Helps you learn your natural curl pattern
- Works well after washing hair
Everything You Need to Know About Braid Outs
What is a Braid Out?
A braid out is a natural hairstyle where you braid your hair when it’s damp, then take the braids out once they are dry. This makes your hair look wavy or curly. It’s a fun and easy way to style natural hair without heat.
People love braid outs because they give soft, full curls. It’s also a safe style that doesn’t damage your hair.
You can do a braid out with small or big braids, depending on the kind of waves you want. Small braids give tight curls, while big braids make loose waves. It’s a good way to try different looks with your natural hair.
Braid outs also help stretch your hair, which can make it look longer. This style is great if you want to show off your length while keeping curls soft and bouncy.
How to Do a Braid Out?
Step 1: Start with Clean, Damp Hair
Wash your hair with shampoo and conditioner so it’s clean and soft. Gently dry it with a towel until it’s damp, not soaking wet.
Damp hair is best for braid outs because it holds the curl shape better. If your hair is too wet, it may take too long to dry and the braid out won’t come out right.
Step 2: Apply Leave-In or Styling Cream
Add a leave-in conditioner or curl cream to your damp hair. This helps your hair stay soft, shiny, and curly after you take out the braids.
Make sure you spread the product evenly from root to tip. Don’t use too much, just enough to coat the hair so it holds the shape of the braid.
Step 3: Section and Braid Your Hair
Divide your hair into small or medium sections, depending on how curly or wavy you want the braid out to look. Use clips or hair ties to keep sections separate.
Now braid each section tightly from top to bottom. Try to make the braids even and smooth so your curls come out nice and neat.
Step 4: Let the Braids Dry Completely
Leave your braids in overnight or until they are fully dry. You can air dry or sit under a hooded dryer if you want it to dry faster.
It’s very important that the braids are 100% dry. If they are still damp when you take them out, your curls will be frizzy or loose.
Step 5: Take Down Braids Gently
Once the braids are dry, use a little oil on your fingers and slowly take them out. This helps prevent frizz and keeps your curls soft.
Best Hair Types for Braid Outs
Braid outs work best on natural, curly, or coily hair. These hair types hold the shape of the braid well and create pretty waves or curls when the braids are taken out.
If you have Type 3 or Type 4 hair (curly or kinky), braid outs are perfect for you. They help stretch your curls and give your hair a longer look while keeping it soft and bouncy.
People with straight or very soft hair may not get the same curly result. The waves might fall out quickly. But if you still want to try, use styling cream or gel to help hold the shape longer.
How a Braid Out Looks and Feels?
When you take out the braids, you will see pretty waves or soft curls. The hair looks big, fluffy, and full of volume. It’s a great style for people who like big hair.
The curls feel light and soft to touch. A braid out also gives your hair a natural bounce. You can wear it out as is, or style it in a puff, ponytail, or bun.
Braid outs give a more stretched curl look than twist outs. The curls are longer and looser, which many people like.
Benefits of Braid Outs
- Gives longer and more stretched curls
- Curls look more defined and neat
- Lasts longer than twist outs
- Helps reduce frizz
- Great for keeping hair smooth for days
- No heat needed safe for natural hair
Twist Outs vs. Braid Outs: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | Twist Outs | Braid Outs |
|---|---|---|
| Texture | Soft and smooth curls | More defined and thicker texture |
| Volume | Less volume, more shrinkage | More volume and stretched look |
| Curl Pattern | Round and springy curls | Wavy or crimped zig-zag curls |
| Time Needed | Quick and easy to twist | Takes more time because of braiding |
| Lasts For | 2–3 days (may get frizzy) | 3–5 days (holds shape better) |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Not letting your hair dry all the way
If you take out the twists or braids when your hair is still wet, the style may not look good. It can also get frizzy fast. Always wait until your hair is fully dry.
2. Using too much or too little product
If you use too much cream or oil, your hair can feel heavy and sticky. But if you don’t use enough, the style may not stay long. Try to use just the right amount.
3. Taking out twists or braids too fast or rough
If you rush and pull too hard, your curls can get messy and frizzy. Take your time and be gentle when you open them. You can use a little oil on your hands to help.
CONCLUSION
Twist outs and braid outs are two fun ways to style natural hair. Twist outs are made by twisting two strands of hair and letting them dry. Braid outs are made by braiding three strands instead. Both styles give your hair curls, but they look a little different from each other.
Twist outs give softer curls and take less time to do. They work well if you want a loose and fluffy look. Braid outs give more stretched and tight curls. They are good if you want your hair to look longer or less frizzy.
You can try both styles and see which one you like more. Everyone’s hair is different, so what works for one person may not work the same for someone else. Trying both will help you know which one is easier for you and which one you like the most.
Both styles are beautiful and easy to do at home. Just be sure your hair is dry before taking the twists or braids out. Have fun trying them and enjoy your natural curls with twist outs or braid outs.
I’m Jennifer, the author of Glamour Corner. I love sharing hairstyle inspiration, hair color ideas, nail trends, and outfit tips that help women feel confident and stylish every day. Beauty should be fun, simple, and something every woman can enjoy — that’s what I write about here.
