Protective hairstyles have become increasingly popular among those with natural hair, and it’s easy to see why. These hairstyles not only shield your hair from environmental damage but also offer a variety of looks that can elevate your overall style.
You might already be familiar with popular protective styles like knotless box braids or Fulani braids, but there’s another hairstyle that’s been gaining a lot of attention lately: Marley twists.
If you haven’t heard of the hairstyle before, Marley Twists is a low-maintenance hairstyle inspired by the iconic reggae artist Bob Marley. What sets Marley Twists apart from other twist hairstyles is the use of a specific type of synthetic braiding hair that mimics the texture of kinky, natural hair. This gives the twists a slightly fluffier texture, resembling dreadlocks, and allows them to blend seamlessly with natural hair.
Marley twist not only lets you show off a stunning hairstyle but also keeps your natural hair protected and tucked away. Plus, the style has become so popular on TikTok that the hashtag #marleytwists has over 11.2k posts from beauty enthusiasts sharing their unique takes on this versatile look.
If you’re looking to switch up your hairstyle and want to try something trendy and protective, Marley Twists might just be the perfect choice for you.
What are Marley Twists?
They are two-strand twists created using Marley braiding extension, which gives them a textured, soft appearance. One of the great things about Marley Twists is their versatility. Whether you prefer short or long twists, you can customize the length to suit your personal style, making this a truly flexible option.
How Long Does Marley Twist Last?
Marley Twists are designed to be a long-lasting protective style. With proper care, you can expect them to last between six to eight weeks. It’s important to remove them within this timeframe to ensure your natural hair stays healthy and strong, which is, after all, the primary goal of any protective hairstyle.
Whether you’re looking to protect your natural hair or simply want to try a new, stylish look, Marley Twists offers a beautiful and practical option.
Keep reading to explore different ways to wear this trendy hairstyle and get inspired for your next look.
How to Do Marley Twists
One of the best things about Marley Twists is that they’re easy to do yourself, meaning you can skip the salon visit, save some money, and take your time perfecting the look. Follow this detailed step-by-step guide to create stunning Marley twists at home.
Step 1: Prepare your hair
Start with clean, freshly washed, and conditioned hair to ensure your twists look their best and last longer. Begin by parting your hair down the middle and clipping one side out of the way.
Then, divide the remaining side into two sections—top and bottom—and clip one of those sections away. The size of your sections will determine the size of your twists. For smaller twists, create one-inch-wide sections, while larger, jumbo twists will require sections that are two to three inches wide.
Step 2: Apply hair gel
To keep your twists neat and secure, apply a small amount of hair gel, like the L’Oréal Paris Studio Line Clean Gel, to each section before you begin twisting. This will help you grip the hair better and control any flyaways, ensuring a polished finish.
Step 3: Begin twisting
Take a piece of Marley twist hair (one inch for smaller twists or two to three inches for larger twists) and wrap it around the base of the sectioned hair at your scalp. Firmly hold the synthetic hair in place while dividing your natural hair into two equal parts.
You should now have two sections of Marley hair and two sections of your natural hair. Pair each section of your natural hair with Marley’s hair, and twist one side downward three to four times. Repeat this on the other side. Once both sides are twisted, wrap them around each other tightly, continuing to twist down to the ends.
Step 4: Repeat the process
Continue sectioning your hair and twisting until your entire head is full of Marley twists. Be patient and take your time to ensure each twist is neat and uniform. This step may take a while, but the results are well worth the effort.
Step 5: Trim the ends
After all your twists are complete, you may notice some stringy or uneven ends. Use a pair of sharp scissors to carefully trim these off, giving your twists a clean and polished look.
Step 6: Lay your edges
For a flawless finish, use an edge brush or a clean toothbrush to lay down your edges. Apply a small amount of hair gel or pomade to the brush, and gently curl your baby hairs toward your hairline. You can keep it simple with a classic curved look or get creative with different shapes and patterns.
Step 7: Set the style
Finally, secure your twists with a holding spray to ensure they stay in place. A few spritzes of L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Light Hairspray will bond your natural hair with synthetic hair, helping to prevent unraveling and keeping your style looking fresh.
How to Maintain Marley Twists
Marley twists are no doubt a fantastic low-maintenance protective hairstyle, but maintaining the health of your scalp and hair while wearing them is crucial. Even though the style itself doesn’t require much daily upkeep, taking care of your scalp should always be your top priority.
To keep your scalp clean and healthy, it’s important to use scalp cleaning oils or serums regularly. These products help remove buildup and maintain a fresh environment for your hair. One excellent option is the Wash & Scrub Detox Shampoo by Curlsmith, which thoroughly cleanses your scalp without stripping your hair of moisture. This gentle yet effective shampoo ensures that your scalp stays clean and free from any residue that could irritate it.
After cleansing, it’s essential to keep your scalp moisturized to prevent dryness, which can be common when wearing braids. Applying a scalp oil or a specialized scalp supplement is a great way to lock in moisture. Products like Curlsmith’s Bonding Oil or Virtue’s Topical Scalp Supplement are designed to nourish the scalp and keep it hydrated while your Marley twists are in.
If you’re looking for creative ways to rock your twists, there are plenty of styles to explore. Here are a few popular options:
Long Marley Twists
If you’re aiming for a dramatic, goddess-like look, try extra-long Marley twists that cascade down your back. This style doesn’t need any additional accessories or bold colors because the length alone makes a stunning statement.
Shoulder-Length Marley Twists
Who says Marley twists have to be long? A shoulder-length version of this style is just as stunning and offers a more manageable option for those who prefer a shorter look. This length allows you to frame your face beautifully, providing a fresh and unfussy style that’s perfect for any occasion.
Half-Up Bun Marley Twists
The half-up, half-down style is an option that works beautifully with Marley twists. This hairstyle is casual enough for everyday wear but still has an elegant flair. The key to nailing this style is perfectly laid edges, which add a polished touch to the overall look.
Wrap it Up
Can’t decide whether to wear your hair up or down? A twisted topknot wrapped with a silky scarf is a great way to enjoy both. Create a sleek topknot with your Marley twists and let a few strands fall for a balanced look.
Twisted Pigtails
One of the best things about Marley Twists is their versatility, and twisted pigtails are a perfect example of this. For a carefree and playful vibe, gather your long twists into two pigtails. This style is fun and easy to achieve, making it a great option for days when you want to keep your hair out of your face while still looking stylish.
Accessorized Twists
Add a bohemian vibe to your Marley twists by adorning them with accessories like beads, clips, pearls, and more. Choose a subtle color palette, such as gold beads or tiny pearls, to enhance the natural beauty of your twists without overwhelming them. The accessories add a delicate, eye-catching detail that elevates your style while keeping it chic and understated.
Curly Ends
Take advantage of the naturally curly texture of Marley’s hair by leaving the ends of your twists slightly undone. This style offers plenty of volume and body, giving your twists a more dynamic and textured appearance.
Blonde Twists
For those who love to experiment with color but want to keep things relatively subtle, making use of bright blonde extensions for your Marley twists is the way to go.
Jumbo Marley Twists
Jumbo Marley twists are a standout choice for anyone looking to make a bold statement with their natural hair. This eye-catching hairstyle features large, voluminous twists made from Marley braiding hair, which closely mimics the texture of natural hair.
Unraveled Marley Twists
If your Marley twists are starting to loosen up or you’re ready for a change, you can unravel them to create a whole new hairstyle. By carefully unwrapping the twists, you can achieve defined waves with lots of volume and texture.
Alternatively, you can crochet the loose Marley hair into different patterns to craft a style that’s uniquely yours. This transformation gives your twists a second life, allowing you to enjoy a fresh look without starting from scratch.
Photo Credit: Instagram/eviedoesla
