13 Stunning Senegalese Twist Hairstyles To Try (2024)

Senegalese twists are a protective hairstyle that has roots in West African culture.

They involve twisting synthetic hair extensions in with your natural hair to create defined, rope-like twists.

Senegalese twists are versatile and long-lasting, typically lasting 6-8 weeks with proper care.

There are many ways to achieve different looks with Senegalese twists through styling techniques, parting patterns, length, and adding accessories.

Let’s look closer at stunning Senegalese twist styles in greater detail so you can find inspiration for your next install.

Jumbo Flat Twists

Jumbo flat twists offer a neat, polished look that works for many settings. To get this style, part your hair into larger square or triangular sections about 1-2 inches wide each.

Take each section and begin two-strand twisting it flatly, incorporating both your natural hair and the kanekalon hair extension.

Keep twisting down the length of the hair smoothly and firmly to get each section to lie flat rather than in a rounded, rope-like twist. Jumbo flat twists form quickly as you do not have to work in smaller subsections.

Once your jumbo flat twists are installed throughout your head, ensure the ends are secured by twisting the tips together. Sit under a hooded dryer to set the style initially.

Jumbo flat twists look great worn down and dangling around the shoulders. They also easily be pulled into a low ponytail or bun for a professional updo.

This versatile twist style frames the face beautifully while still looking tidy enough for the office.

Fulani-Inspired Side Braids

Give your twists an exotic look inspired by Fulani braids from West Africa. Fulanis involve vertical cornrows extending down from the temples while the rest of the hair hangs loose.

To adapt this into Senegalese twists, begin by cornrowing both sides of your hair from your temples down to behind the ears.

Make sure the cornrows lie flat to your head. Then, install your Senegalese twists as usual throughout the rest of your hair.

Once finished, group your twists into one larger braid on each side. Intertwine the Senegalese twists smoothly to form each jumbo side braid. Let the braids hang over your shoulders symmetrically. For extra embellishment, wrap gold cord cuffs around the ends of your braids or add decorative beads.

This Fulani twist style keeps your hair out of your face while adding beautiful African flair.

Half-Up, Half-Down Style

The half-up, half-down hairstyle lets you incorporate elements of an updo while still leaving some hair down.

It works great on medium length Senegalese twists that fall around the shoulders. Start by brushing all your twists back and gathering the top section.

Tie the top half into a ponytail or topknot, adjusting it higher or lower depending on your desired look. For a ponytail, brush it smoothly and tie at the crown with a hair tie matching your twist color.

For a topknot, tease the ponytail slightly and wrap the hair tie twice to form a neat bun shape on top.

Leave the rest of your twists down starting halfway down your head. The loose twists will frame your face femininely while the updo adds lift and elegance. This versatile half-updo suits both casual and dressy occasions.

Faux Locs

Achieve a bohemian faux locs look by installing Senegalese twists with a thicker, chunkier twisting technique. Faux locs imitate the appearance of sisterlocks or dreadlocks on your natural hair.

To get this style, part your hair into square sections about 1-2 inches wide each. Extend each section with a thicker kanekalon hair, preferably one with a wavy or crimped texture.

Use the crochet needle method to attach the extension hair for invisible knots. Then begin twisting each section downward without incorporating your natural hair into the twist itself.

This creates a chunky, loc-like shape. Install the twists in neat rows or a radiating pattern from your crown for fullness. Let the faux locs hang freely down your back or tie into a topknot bun. This low-maintenance style is perfect for a laidback vacation getaway.

Long Goddess Twists

Extra long twists cascading down your back create a beautiful, goddess-like look. Use a skinny Senegalese twisting hair like Sensationnel Goddess Braid hair to minimize bulk.

Part your natural hair into tiny 1/4 inch square sections.

Twist each tiny section smoothly incorporating the kanekalon hair.

Twist all the way down to the ends for defined twists that curl back from your roots rather than falling flat. Install the twists in a U-part pattern radiating out from your crown for a natural look.

Let the goddess twists hang freely down your back, reaching your waistline or even longer. Enhance the style with gold bead accents.

Long goddess twists make a breathtaking statement for tropical vacations, music festivals, or weddings.

Extra Large Knotless Twists

For a truly bold look, install some chunky knotless twists.

Knotless twists use a special installation technique to conceal any knots or loops where the extensions join.

Start by sectioning your hair into square parts about 1-2 inches wide each.

Extend the hair in each section with a very thick kanekalon hair, at least double the thickness of your natural hair. Then attach the extension hair using a crochet hook rather than conventional twisting.

Now begin twisting each section downward without looping any of your real hair into the twists. This creates large, knotless twists with massive volume and size.

Let these huge twists make a dramatic style statement, or pull them up into a topknot for an edgy updo. The knotless installation broadens your styling options.

Jumbo Flat Updo

Jumbo flat twists create the perfect base for a polished updo hairstyle. Get this elegant look by first installing neat flat twists all over your head as described earlier.

Make sure to define the parts starting at the top with a zigzag or curved shape. Next, brush all the twists smoothly back into a high ponytail.

Split the ponytail into two equal sections, then begin twisting the hair in place toward the nape of the neck. Pin and cross the ends of the twists into a twisted bun shape at your crown. Leave a few pieces down at the front to frame your face.

Finish this updo with rhinestone hairpins or a decorative clip for stylish accent. This chic style is ideal for homecoming, weddings, or co*cktail events.

Half-Cornrowed Style

Combine Senegalese twists with cornrows for an edgy half-and-half hairstyle. Start by parting your hair cleanly from temple to nape.

On the top half, braid your natural hair into straight-back cornrows stopping halfway down your head. Smooth any flyaways with gel.

Then install Senegalese twists as usual on the bottom half of your head. Let the cornrows and twists fall together for cool contrast.

You can transition from a sew-in weave to twists this way too. Simply remove your weave from the back while keeping your original cornrow base on top. The mixed textures are modern and eye-catching.

Fulani Braid Updo

Elevate your Fulani braids into a formal updo for your next special occasion. Start by cornrowing both sides of your hair into vertical Fulani braids.

Extend the braids longer with kanekalon hair to amp up the drama. Gather the remaining loose hair into 2-3 larger twists at the back.

Cross the twists over each other at the nape of your neck, then pin up and underneath to create a knotted effect. Fan the Fulani braids out at the front to frame your face beautifully. This unique updo is sure to turn heads at any formal event.

Dress it up further with gold hair jewelry that complements your outfit.

Burgundy Ombre Twists

Add an unexpected pop of color to your Senegalese twists with burgundy ombre extensions. Rather than use traditional black twisting hair, opt for a 1B/burgundy ombre kanekalon hair.

Twist your natural roots using the black portion of the extensions to blend seamlessly. Then incorporate the burgundy ends as you twist down the length of the hair.

This creates a striking faded ombre effect from black to reddish tones. Finish the look with marsala lipstick, blush, and eye shadow to complement the burgundy color.

Ombre twists give you a playful look perfect for summer concerts, vacations, or date nights.

Short Twisted Bob

Most Senegalese twists graze the shoulders or extend farther down the back. However, you can also rock them in a short bob cut.

Get this look by installing twists that curve under and stop above your shoulders. Use medium sized twists and brush the ends under rather than out to create the bob shape.

Part your hair deeply to one side and lightly brush over flyaways to finish smoothing the style. Let the short bob graze your jawline and frame your face flatteringly.

Twist the ends tightly together to create cute spirals. Short Senegalese twists are perfect for spring and summer months when you want an easy, carefree style.

High Twisted Topknot

A topknot bun accessorizes Senegalese twists beautifully for an updo. Part your hair cleanly down the middle and gather your twists into a very high ponytail atop your crown.

Smooth any bumps or flyaways. Then wrap the ponytail holder twice to form the hair into a neat topknot shape.

Fan pieces out at the front to soften the look.

For added embellishment, wrap pearl and jewel bobby pins horizontally around the base of the knot.

The high twisted topknot works well for second week hair when you need to change up your look. Dress up this ballerina bun for weddings, date nights, or nights out on the town.

Twist Out Curls

Redefine your straight Senegalese twists into bouncy curls with the twist out technique. Start by taking down a few of your twists after having them installed for at least 1-2 weeks.

Separate each twist into 2-4 thinner twists. Dampen the hair, then rub in a curl cream or twist butter to each section. Twist the sections back up tightly and sit under a hooded dryer to set the shape.

Take down the twists in the morning and separate your hair into defined, springy curls.

Twist outs add body and dimension to your hairstyle that resembles your natural curl pattern. Refresh the curls as needed by misting and re-twisting at night.

Senegalese twists offer gorgeous versatility whether you opt for jumbo flat twists, faux locs, Fulani braids, burgundy ombre color, or short curly bobs.

They provide a protective, low maintenance way to give your natural hair a break while still looking put-together.

With so manylengths, parting patterns, and styling options to choose from, you can customize a stunning Senegalese twist look suitable for any occasion.

If you are seeking inspiration for your next install, try out one of these trendy yet timeless Senegalese twist hairstyles.