You want to know how to do Havana Twists? Great, you'll find out how to do exactly that right now. When you look in any popular black hair magazine that shows the best protective braid hairstyles you'll likely see Havana style twists.
The problem is that many women don't know how to install them. Also, there are a few DOs and DON'Ts that we'll discuss on maintaining twists and then you can see the 3-part video special from Breanna Rutter on how to do it. She does an excellent job of giving a clear explanation and demonstration, she teaches you the right way to borrow hair, install invisible roots and much more. Much better than many other how-to-do videos out there.
The DOs & Don'ts Of Maintaining Havana Twists
What You Should Do...
Do #1 - Keep your twists moisturized. We love to recommend a special moisturizing cocktail using Shea Moisture Extra-Moisture Detangler mixed with Shea Moisture Damage Repair Hair & Scalp Serum and water, it works amazingly to keep your twists perfectly moisturized. Just mix it all in a spray bottle and spritz the mixture on your twists and scalp as needed.
Do #2 - Keep your scalp free of product buildup. Since Havana twists are fairly thick, you'll have more than enough room in between each twist to clean your scalp. We recommend that you use Shea Moisture Purification Masque to promote a truly clean and healthy scalp. It works great because you can apply the masque right onto your scalp to lift up any product buildup. After you rinse your scalp and Havana twists, be absolutely sure that the twists fully air dry in order to prevent odor, mold or mildew from forming in your Havana twists hair extensions (some women actually prefer to use Marley twists hair, it's your decision).
Do #3 - Be gentle when styling your Havana twists. Many women wear their Havana twists in a high bun on top of their heads, although it's a really chic and cute style, it creates a lot of pressure. The roots of each Havana twist then becomes "overdirected" meaning that this style of wearing them bends your hair root in a direction it doesn't naturally grow in which could cause your individual hairs to literally be pulled out of the hair follicle and lead to hair damage and hair loss. If you have your heart set on wearing a topknot, do so for short periods of time and be sure to let your twists down each night before you go to bed.
Don't Do These Things...
Don't #1 - Put too much pressure around your edges. This is a big NO-NO. Most women naturally have 'baby hair' around the edges that is a little shorter and much more fragile. Havana twists are much larger in size, thus, there is a greater chance of them being too heavy around your hairline. To prevent breakage, uninstall the twists every two weeks and have redo them. This not only keeps your twists looking fresh, but it's also a way for you to keep close tabs on your fragile edges.
Don't #2 - Leave them in too long. Braids hairstyles like this shouldn't be left in too long, 6 weeks is the maximum that is recommend. Leaving them in any longer than that could compromise the health of your own hair and may even lead to scalp infection from lack of thorough cleansing of your scalp.
Don't #3 - Get your Havana twists done too tight. Most breakage and traction alopecia is caused by hairstyles that are way too tight. When you're applying your moisturizing spray, your natural hair will naturally expand and swell up. Synthetic hair does not expand so if the twist is too tight but your hair wants to expand inside of that twist, your hair becomes more susceptible to breakage.
How To Do Havana Twists On Natural Hair - Full Tutorial
If you follow the instructions in this video about how to do Havana twists you'll have all of the help you need to be able to do this protective braid hairstyle from home. Protective braids help maintain natural hairstyles for black women, Please leave a comment below if you have done Havana twists on your own or have any more helpful tips.