Protective Styles: Afro Kinky, Marley and Havana Twists

Afro Kinky Twists

Different types of twists can be used as a protective hairstyle, especially for those with natural hair. Persons with relaxed hair, may find that their blunt relaxed ends may stick out of this style especially after shampooing. 

Twists are differentiated by the type of braiding hair used. Afro kinky twists use afro kinky braiding hair, marley twists use marley twist braiding hair. Havana twists are actually supposed to be used with havana braiding hair, but necessity is indeed the mother of invention, so the marley braiding hair is used instead (since it is cheaper, has a similar finish and is readily available). These twists can either start with a plait or can be 'corkscrewed' from root to tip. The havana twist is more like the senegalese twists, since it starts with the two strand twist from the roots and follows the same braiding technique to ensure that it is secured to the hair. 

Marley Twists

 The difference between the marley hair and afro kinky hair is that the marley hair has a looser curl pattern and has no bounce or spring. The afro kinky hair has a tighter curl pattern that allows for a certain degree of shrinkage when twisted. The marley twist is generally longer when twisted than the afro kinky twist of the same length.
Like any other type of braiding hair, these come in a variety of colours, but the individual textures vary slightly from brand to brand. Marley braids and afro kinky braiding hair can be found in these brands: Janet Collection, FreeTress, Harlem125, Supreme, Vanessa etc.

Havana Twists

Braiding Hair used:           Afro kinky braids or Marley braids depending on the style. 

Duration of style:              Style can last 6-8 weeks.

Number of packs used:     

• Afro kinky twists - 2 packs of hair is generally enough to complete a head.
• Marley twists - 2-3 packs depending on the desired length and thickness
• Havana twists - Havana hair is the best option, but since Marley braids are a cheaper alternative, this is generally used. It can take 5-6 packs of Marley braids to complete this style.

Products I recommend:    Dream Kids Braid Spray, Oil Sheen and any hair oil you would prefer to moisturize your scalp, Leave-in Conditioner, Moisturizer, Clarifying Shampoo and Moisturizing Conditioner.

Home Maintenance:          I always stress the need to still care for your natural hair even when you are wearing extensions. This means that you can shampoo, condition and moisturize your hair as you normally would. 

Dilute your shampoo with water in a cup or container and pour the mixture on to your covered head, run your fingers along the partings to cleanse your scalp. Rinse and repeat this process until water runs clear and apply conditioner in the same way. Rinse conditioner from your hair, towel blot your hair and apply leave-in conditioner. Allow hair to air dry, oil scalp and spray hair with hair sheen. Wash hair as often as required or once every 2 weeks.


Do you have any questions, queries or concerns? Feel free to leave them in the comments section, or email me at elbeautique@gmail.com.

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