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Nubian Hairstyles/Nubian Twist Braids/Nubian Braids
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Nubian Twist Styles for Ladies
Nubian twists are a protective hairstyle that involves twisting natural hair with coily, spring-like extensions, creating a look that closely mimics natural curls.
This style is popular among individuals transitioning back to their natural hair texture, as it provides a natural appearance while protecting the hair.
Installation Process
- Preparation: Start with clean, detangled hair and section it into manageable parts.
- Extension Application: Fold the Nubian hair extension in half to create a “U” shape and place the center of the “U” at the root of a hair section.
- Braiding: Begin with a three-strand braid at the root for about an inch to secure the extension.
- Twisting: Divide the three strands into two and proceed with a two-strand twist down to the ends. The twist should be tight enough to prevent unraveling but not so tight as to cause tension on the scalp.
Benefits:
- Protective Styling: Nubian twists help shield natural hair from environmental factors and daily manipulation, reducing breakage and promoting growth.
- Versatility: They can be styled in different ways, including updos, ponytails, or left loose, and can be customized in various lengths, thicknesses, and colors.
- Low Maintenance: Once installed, Nubian twists require minimal upkeep, making them a great option for individuals looking for a stylish yet low-maintenance hairstyle.
Maintenance Tips:
- Cleansing: Gently cleanse the scalp and twists using a diluted shampoo solution to prevent product buildup.
- Moisturizing: Regularly apply a light oil or leave-in conditioner to keep both the natural hair and extensions hydrated.
- Sleeping: Protect the twists at night by covering them with a satin or silk scarf or bonnet to reduce friction and frizz.
Nubian twists typically last between four to six weeks, depending on care and hair growth.
It’s important to monitor the health of your natural hair and scalp during this period and to remove the twists if any issues arise.
Best Hair for Nubian Twists
For creating Nubian twists, it’s essential to use hair extensions that closely mimic the natural coily texture.
The ideal choice is synthetic hair with a tight, coiled pattern, often referred to as “Nubian hair.”
This type of hair provides the springy, natural-looking twists characteristic of the Nubian twist style.
When selecting hair for Nubian twists, look for extensions labeled as “Nubian twist hair” or “spring twist hair.”
These are designed to achieve the desired coiled appearance. Brands like Xtrend offer suitable options, such as their 12-inch spring twist hair extensions.
Using the appropriate hair ensures that your Nubian twists will have the authentic, springy look that defines this protective hairstyle.
How Much Is Nubian Twist in Kenya?
You can expect to pay around Ksh. 600-850 for a packet of Nubian Twist extensions in Kenya.
Ordinarily, Nubian Twist hairstyles take about 2 packets per head.
How to Style Nubian Twists
Spring Twist vs Nubian Twist
Spring twists and Nubian twists sit in the same family of hairstyles, but the difference comes down to texture, finish, and overall vibe.
They may look similar at a glance, yet on the head they give very different results.
The Core Difference
- Nubian twists: tighter, kinkier, more matte and natural-looking
- Spring twists: smoother, shinier, more defined and “uniform” spirals
Nubian twists mimic natural 4B/4C hair more closely, while spring twists are designed to look more polished and bouncy.
Texture & Appearance
Nubian Twists
- Made with very tightly coiled, almost zig-zag (Z-shaped) hair
- Have a soft, fluffy, slightly frizzy look that feels very natural
- Usually matte (not shiny), so they blend well with natural hair
- Often look less “perfect” on purpose, which gives that organic finish
Spring Twists
- Use pre-coiled extension hair with a smoother pattern
- Have a defined spiral shape that looks like a stretched coil
- Slightly shinier and more uniform
- Give a neater, more styled finish overall
A simple way to picture it:
- Nubian = fluffy afro-textured twist
- Spring = defined spiral curl twist
Size, Length & Shape
Nubian Twists
- Typically short to medium length (often shoulder-length or shorter)
- Usually smaller in size
- Tend to shrink more because of the tight coil
Spring Twists
- Can be worn longer and more flexible in length
- Often slightly bigger or more stretched-looking
- Less shrinkage, so you see more length
Installation & Feel
Nubian Twists
- Often start with a braided base, then twisted
- Texture can require a bit more effort to install neatly
- Feel very soft and lightweight on the head (La Reine Braiding)
Spring Twists
- Usually easier to install because the hair is pre-coiled and “ready to twist” (Accio)
- The strands naturally wrap into shape, which speeds things up
- Also lightweight, but feel a bit more “defined” when touched
Maintenance & Longevity
Both styles are considered low maintenance, but they behave slightly differently:
- Nubian twists
- Age into a more natural, fluffy look
- Frizz blends in, so they can still look good as they grow out
- Typically last 4–6 weeks or more depending on care (Chick About Town)
- Spring twists
- Look neater at the start, but frizz is more noticeable over time
- Need a bit more effort to keep that defined spiral look
- Also last a few weeks, but may need touch-ups sooner for a polished finish
Which One Should You Choose?
Go for Nubian twists if:
- You want a very natural, afro-textured look
- You like soft, fluffy, slightly imperfect styles
- You want something that blends seamlessly with kinky hair
Go for spring twists if:
- You prefer a defined, uniform curl pattern
- You like a neater, more polished appearance
- You want something that looks light, bouncy, and styled from day one
Final Take
Spring twists and Nubian twists aren’t about one being better than the other. It’s really about aesthetic preference.
- Nubian twists lean toward natural texture and subtlety
- Spring twists lean toward definition and visual structure
If your style leans more toward “this could be my real hair,” Nubian twists will suit you. If you want something that looks intentionally styled and defined, spring twists will likely feel more like your lane.
Photo credits: Natural Hair Kenya, Wakanda Beauty Spa, King N Queen Beauty Paradise Hair Braiding, La Reine African Hair Braiding