Braided styles will always be a go-to for protective styling, but don't get it twisted (or maybe do) because the best twists hairstyles are just as fun, versatile, and attention-grabbing. They're the perfect go-to for anyone entering her lazy girl hair era.
"Braids and twists are similar in the way they can both be done as singles or flat against the scalp; they both are considered protective styles, and they both can be done with or without extensions," says Tukia Allen, educator coach at Aveda Arts & Sciences Institutes Atlanta. The two-strand cousin of the braid is a low-tension and oftentimes more laid-back option when thinking about protective styling that is also fashion-forward. From cascading Marley twists and voluminous top knots to trending colors like bronde and bedazzled strands, there is nothing a twist can't do.
One of the best parts about twists is that the styling doesn't end once they're taken down. They simply evolve into yet another hairstyle. "Two-strand twists, single twists, and braids can be worn in the first application of styling and then transition into different looks (twist-outs or braid-outs), which create more volume and a completely different look from the original style," says Allen.
Whether you need a break from everyday hair styling or just want to test run a new look, I've rounded up 30 of the coolest celebrity-approved twists hairstyles to pique your interest.
Side Swept Twists
Twists make an amazing protective style and can still bring a lot of fun and elegance to a look. Alicia Keys's side-swept twists are the ideal finishing touch to her ultra-glam look.
Ultra Long Twists
Twists, like braids, are super versatile and can work with any vibe. When going for ultra-long twists like Erykah Badu, keeping them on the smaller side will cause less tension on the scalp (and they will look amazing).
Intricately Twisted Updo
Molding twists into an intricate, retro-inspired updo is one of the most fun ways to wear this protective style. Solange totally nails it here. "I love twists because of their versatility factor and how neat, shiny, hydrated, and moisturized they can be," says Allen. "Plus, the longevity factor is a bonus." (They can last roughly up to four weeks.)
Loose Twisted Pigtails
Keeping it casual with twists is always an option. This take on twisted pigtails gives off a low-key vibe with its loose strands but keeps a bit of interest by having the twist start off flat and framing the face before going loose.
Twisted Sister Locs
Lupita Nyong'o is no stranger to experimenting with her hair on the red carpet. Here she's actually pulling off two styles by twisting her existing sister locs into into a structural high bun.
Sleek Twisted Bun
Finishing off a look with a twist is the perfect way to elevate a simpler style like a bun. I love that Quinta's slick back ends in a twisted bun to add a little something extra to her beauty look.
Multi-Colored Long Twists
Since the beginning of her career Brandy has been known for her protective styles, usually braids. Adding a fun pop of color or in this case colors makes these two strand twists instantly more playful.
Side-Swept Short Twists
Twists don't always have to showcase long-flowing strands. This shorter twisted style is perfect for anyone who doesn't want to deal with added length but still wants an effortless-looking style.
Low Twisted Bun
Re-styling twists doesn't mean taking them down. Kiki Layne's stunning twisted low bun proves just that. In fact, the twists add so much dimension to this look, turning a chignon into something more visually appetizing.
Long Senegalese Twists
Twists, like the ones Gabrielle Union is wearing, can be kept for a few weeks at a time, depending on prep. "Before getting twists, you should prep the hair with a clarifying shampoo and deep conditioning treatment to ensure it is well moisturized," says Allen. "Then detangle and blow-dry on medium heat, ensuring that the hair is completely dry before manipulating the hair into the twists."
Long Twisted Ponytail
A twist style can definitely bring the drama. Storm Reid's twisted ponytail is the perfect example of how something so simple can pull its weight and make a big splash.
Multi-Twist Pigtails
Easily elevate a regular set of pigtails by adding a few twists and pulling them together, similar to this style on Yara Shahidi.
Twisted Bun
There are so many ways to blend the beauty of twists and buns. Issa Rae's style starts off with her hair pulled back and finishes off with several twists being pulled into a bun. I love how something so simple can also be red carpet-ready.
Chunky Twisted Ponytail
Tracee Ellis Ross knows how to inject a dose of fun into her styling. Her single jumbo twisted ponytail expertly complements her "brat green" plaid dress.
Copper Twists
Hues of reds and coppers are big hair color trends right now, but that doesn't mean you have to make a permanent commitment. Adding a few strands of color to twists is the best way to test-run a new hair color.
Bejeweled Twists
Kerry Washington gives off modern fairytale energy with her cascading Senegalese twists. The gold bejeweled accessories add a touch of whimsy.
Half-Up-Half-Down Twists
"How long this style is worn has all to do with the texture and density of the hair and how well it is taken care of on a daily basis," says Allen. "If properly installed and cared for, this style can be worn for two to four weeks." With a style that can be worn that long, changing it up is important. This half-up-half-down look on Keke is an easy way to make twists feel slightly different.
Seashell Infused Twists
Shenseea brings the sea to land with these shell-embellished twists. It's the perfect beachy vibe for summer—or a winter beach getaway.
Matte Two-Strand Twists
"When looking at the hair's curl pattern and density, choosing the right products for the right curl type is important for ease of control while twisting and the desired finish, whether that be matte or shiny," says Allen. These matte-finish twists on Solange offer a more natural appearance to this go-to protective style.
Blended Twists
Tinashe's look has something for everyone. She blends twists, leave-out strands, braids, and bantu knots for the be-all and end-all of looks. Save this as inspo for all of the summer music festivals.
Twisted Top Knot
This twisted top knot is fit for a queen. Golda Rosheuvel stuns with her Queen Charlotte co-star, Martins Imhangbe, with this simple but elegant twisted hair style.
Twisted Roll
Manipulating twists into other styles like this high roll expertly showcases exactly how versatile twists are. To get the most out of them, Allen explains that "when you release [your hair] from the twists after wearing them for at least a week, you have a whole new style with a wavy look, and it is gorgeous!"
Blonde Jumbo Twists
Go blonde or go home. These shiny blonde jumbo twists are instantly eye-catching and a great way to turn heads while wearing this protective style.
Long Bob
The side part versus middle part divide continues. On Natasha Rothwell, the side part is a sure winner with her shoulder-length twisted bob.
Voluminous Twisted Updo
Arsema Thomas brings the Queen Charlotte hair vibes to the red carpet. Twisted styles are amazing for creating volume and building up an intricate style.
Twisted Bob
No matter what hair trends come and go, a bob is timeless. Experiment with length like Amanda Gorman with a chic twisted bob that barely grazes the shoulders. Need more inspo? Check out all the street style bobs MC spotted during NYFW.
Puffy Twists
Twists don't have to be super tight, sleek, and shiny. This puffy, twisted top knot on Yvonne Orji brings the volume.
Pink Twists
A pop of pink livens everything up. Amandla Stenberg's twists with pinky coily leave-out strands prove just that.
Bronde Twists
Hairstylists are calling bronde, a mix of blonde and brunette, one of 2025's biggest hair trends. Test it out by adding a mixture of those two colors to twists.
Flat and Loose Twist Blend
Combining two-strand flat twists extending out into two-strand single twists is one of Allen's favorite ways to wear this style. Tyla's look is in the same vein but instead uses single twists, which look just as great.
Why Trust Marie Claire
Jamie Wilson is a beauty editor and writer with nearly a decade of experience in the beauty industry. She has words in Harper's Bazaar, Glamour, Marie Claire, and more, focusing on print and digital features, trend stories, and shopping roundups. She spoke with one hair expert to compile this roundup of twist hair inspiration.
Marie Claire is also a leading beauty expert, having produced content about various hairstyles, cuts, and colors. We're constantly scanning and reviewing new hair launches and keeping a pulse on what's trending.
