35 Ways to Wear Senegalese Twists

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updated May 06, 2020

woman with senegalese twists — @abanaturelle

Senegalese twists are one of the most popular protective hairstyles in the natural hair community (outside of box braids and cornrows). It only requires two strands wrapped around each other for each section. Hair is neatly tucked away and looks somewhat similar to a rope–which is why this style is often nicknamed "rope twists."

Most people like to use braid hair extensions so their style can be long-lasting and as protective as possible. This can include smooth synthetic textures like Kanekalon or natural-looking textures like Marley hair. Though, there is no rule that says you can’t twist your regular hair if that’s what you prefer. Here are 35 fun ways you can style your Senegalese twists.

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XL Lob

Most people like to add extensions to their Senegalese twists for a dramatic look. However, you can achieve an equally beautiful do using your own natural hair. We adore the extra-large twists YouTube phenom Chime Edwards sported with her charms. It looks just like a long bob!

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Charms and Rings

Perhaps you like the look of extra-large Senegalese twists, but you need length to be happy? No worries, the style looks just as great when its long. And if that’s not enough, you can dress it up further with larger charms and statement hair rings.

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Multicolored Ponytail

Your Senegalese twists don’t have to be one hue. You can play around with as many shades as you want. We love this trifecta of black, brown, and blonde. It has so much dimension!

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Fire Engine Red

Maybe you want your Senegalese twists in a color that packs a lot of heat? If that’s the case, this fire engine red hairdo is right for you. Pair it with medium-sized twists and metallic accessories and everyone around you is sure to swoon.

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Chunky Brown

Brown is beautiful and don’t let anyone tell you different! That includes Senegalese twists. This chunky brown do makes a statement without making it look like you’re screaming for attention.

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Natural Queen

Whether you have long natural hair, or you want installed extensions that look as natural as possible, both look amazing in Senegalese twists. The key to making this style last lies in the thin twisted sections. And if you really want this style to appear effortless, don’t make your baby hairs look overdone.

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Two-Tone

Why settle for one hair color when you can have two? Check out this neutral blonde and brown combo. It’s the best of both worlds.

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Giant Middle Part

They say beauty is symmetry. And that must be why middle-parted hairstyles are so flattering. It looks great with these giant Senegalese twists.

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Gray Ombre

Who doesn’t like a good dramatic ombre? This unique black to gray style is giving us life.

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Natural Top Knot

If you want to maximize your time with your natural Senegalese twists, throw them up in a tight top knot. It will not only help to reduce frizz, but it will look amazing too. We promise.

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Purple Twists

If you have a deeper skin tone, a purple shade like violet will always look good on you.

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Accessorized to the Max

Having a distinct protective style like Senegalese twists doesn’t mean you can’t wear a fashionable hat. The straw fedora looks great alongside Brittne Babe’s varied metallic braid charms and decorative twine. In this case, less isn’t more; more is more.

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Simple Half-Up-Half-Down

Sometimes simplicity is the best option. That’s very well the case with these medium-sized Senegalese twists that are in a half-up-half-down style. It looks great with hoop earrings!

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Bandana and Curls

Show a little sass by pairing your Senegalese twists with a boldly patterned bandanna. The cowrie shell accents and loosely curled tendrils add a sweet pan-African feel to the overall look.

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Shoulder Length

Natural Senegalese twists look fantastic with a shoulder blade-grazing length. For a romantic aesthetic, part your hair in a way that allows your twists to be whimsically side-swept.

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Blue Twists

Everyone loves a good indigo. Why not pair this beautiful blue shade with your Senegalese twists?

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Wood Blocks and Rings

OK, so this isn’t an everyday hairstyle, but it still looks very cool – and of course, it is since it’s highly inspired by Ciara’s “melanin” cover story in Fault Magazine. YouTuber Shanell Khan recreated the style with twists instead of faux locs. The woodblocks and rings are certainly eye-catching accessories.

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Balayage Bob

Having tight twists doesn’t mean you can’t have curly ends for a spring effect. We admire the smooth transition between the dark-to-light brown shades. It looks very similar to a balayage bob.

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Jumbo Twists

Hey, if you’re a little theatrical, we won’t judge. Uber-long jumbo twists are right for you. Even better if you like to accessorize with rings and pins.

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Big Bun

Having a head full of chunky Senegalese twists can be a lot. That’s why we won’t blame you for wanting to throw your hair up in a high bun.

Try leaving two Senegalese twists out of your top-knot to frame your face and add dimension to your look.

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High Ponytail

If you want to make a statement without needing bells and whistles, a high ponytail is the way to go. It simply looks gorgeous with Senegalese twists. For added elegance, you can twist your ponytail as well.

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Reinvented Rubber Bands

Who needs rubber bands as a twist fastener when there are braid charms around to do the job? These accessories add a pop of shine while securing your ends for a longer-lasting style.

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Adorned Twists

Beads and charms aren’t just for braids, they work for twists, too. Just check out this glamorously adorned ponytail if you need proof.

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Rapunzel Twists

Do you have a flair for theatrics? Do you like long locks? Why not go for Rapunzel length twists like Ciara?

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Gunmetal Bob

If you’re not afraid to go granny gray, you should make your twists a gunmetal shade. And even better if you go for a shoulder-grazing style. It adds a low-key edge.

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Fauxhawk

Getting Senegalese twists doesn’t mean you have to give up fauxhawks. Check out this bold front-twisted knot and ponytail combo for a fauxhawk-esque style. Bonus points if you add charms to complete the look.

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Hip Length

Love length but you don’t want to go for an ankle-grazing Rapunzel look? Go halfway and choose hip length Senegalese twists. Chunkier twists will add a lovely boho vibe.

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Jumbo Half-Up-Half-Down

Do you want an edgy look that can stop traffic? Look no further than this dramatic jumbo half-up-half-down style. It’s absolutely gorg and looks great with elaborately swooping baby hairs.

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Layered Brown Lob

Unlike the blunt ends on the other bobs or lobs on this list, we love the way these Senegalese twists are layered. The contrast simply makes this look more dynamic. And it’s even better with the varying brown tones.

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Twisted Braids

Can’t decide on a style? Why not try combining them? We love the way these Senegalese twists have been put into double braids and paired with a giant braided front-facing knot. It’s geometrically pleasing to the eye.

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Medium Twists with Baby Hairs

Super skinny Senegalese twists are very common to see. But, if you’re willing to be a little different, you can save styling time and steal the show with medium-sized twists. And don’t forget, smoothing down that baby hair is a must with this look.

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Regal Updo

Have a wedding to go to or another special event? Then sweep those glamorous Senegalese twists into a low-placed chignon bun and you’re ready to go. It's the perfect regal updo.

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Short Twists and Bandanna

Sure, Senegalese twists are supposed to tight and uniform, but maybe you don’t want to deal with the headache. You can leave your twists a little looser an allow your natural texture to show a bit like this short style. It looks amazing with a patterned bandanna.

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Princess Twists

If you’re a princess and you know it, and you really want to show it, get this twisted ponytail plait. It’s extravagant and gorgeous. And, of course, it surely makes good use of those braid charms.

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Red Half-Up-Half-Down

Red is always a striking color. And that’s exactly why you should implement it into your Senegalese twist style. We particularly love this warm burgundy shade paired with a top knot half-up-half-down do.