- Style
- Hair
Perfect this quick and versatile hairstyle with just a few bobby pins.
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Maura Fritz
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Updated on April 12, 2024
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:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/C0202_300-e7e1967df8fc4bf2a1162d18a01cb461.jpg "How to Do an Easy French Twist in 5 Steps (1)")
Project Overview
- Working Time:0 minute
- Total Time:5 minutes
- Skill Level:Beginner
- Estimated Cost:$0-5
Nothing says chic like a classic French twist. However, the traditional style can seem a bit intimidating to pull off, no matter your hair type. This updo can be made messy and casual for an everyday look or even more elegant for an evening out. Here's how to do a French twist that is so simple it will only take you a few minutes. Plus, hair artist and founder ofPhenix Salon Suites Gina Rivera shares tips on how to secure your twist with the right products.
Equipment / Tools
- Brush (optional)
Materials
- Bobby pins
- Medium-hold hairspray
Instructions
Pull Hair to the Side
Using your non-dominant hand, sweep your hair off to that side, just slightly off center. With your other hand, slip in a bobby pin vertically, up from the bottom.
Insert Bobby Pins
Working from the bottom up, insert a row of bobby pins vertically, crisscrossing them to secure the hair. Finish by pushing the last one downward.
Twist Tightly
Gather hair in one hand and twist tightly, pulling the hair up.
Hold the Style
Insert bobby pins horizontally into the base of the twist, intersecting with the vertical pins to hold the style. "U-shape pins work best for atwist. This allows you to secure the hair without losing volume," says Rivera.
To insert, take the U-shaped pin and push through the edge of thetwist. Turn it upside down to push back towards the scalp to secure the hair. Repeat with remaining bobby pins until hair feels secure.
Spray Hair Lightly
Arrange the ends, letting them fall freely. Spray hair lightly to hold the style. When choosing a hairspray, Rivera recommends a medium-hold, workable spray that you can manipulate the hair into your desired finish. "This works best if you want to leave some hair out of thetwistto give it a more curly or piecey effect," she says.
For a more refined French twist, grab another bobby pin or two and tuck in your loose ends. You can also curl the ends with a curling iron for a softer look.
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:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/C0172_300-b8d8e010d88a49b6b4ac3cf7d723b5aa.jpg "How to Do an Easy French Twist in 5 Steps (3)")
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:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/C0194_300-bf94c2ada9f044a28e83d30d31339a70.jpg "How to Do an Easy French Twist in 5 Steps (5)")
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a French roll and a French twist?
According to Rivera, a Frenchtwistis "a sleeker, formaltwistthat has a smooth, tailored shiny finish, whereas a French roll is a messy, more playful look that can be left loose yet still be very elegant."
How long does hair need to be for a French twist?
A French twist aims to get the hair off of your neck in a classic and refined way. As long as you can pull your hair into a ponytail, it should be long enough to twist up and secure with pins. Shorter to medium-length hair is easier to twist than longer lengths. If your hair is too long and heavy for a French twist, you can also achieve a similar idea by using a claw clip, which holds more hair than a bobby pin.
How do you do a French twist with a hair pin?
For a hair pin to work effectively, your hair should be a little longer than shoulder length at its shortest. Begin by pulling your hair back into a low ponytail and twisting your hair as you would for a French twist. Then, insert a large, U-shaped hair pin between the nape of the hair and the top. Insert the pin with prongs facing up and then diagonal before looping it through hair for a tighter hold. To style, pull out pieces around your face or a bit of hair from the top of the twist and finish with a light-hold hair spray.
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