How to Maintain Passion Twist Hairstyles

I’ve only ever had passion twists in once and the photo popped up on one of those photo memories and now I miss them. It sent me down a rabbit hole of some absolutely gorgeous passion twist hairstyles to try and now I have cleared my schedule next week to ensure I get them installed. My only decision now is what color to choose!

The first time I did them I used the crochet method. I got my natural hair braided down into cornrows and installed them myself. I ran out of hair and so left the side out and I thought it was so cute! What do you think? Would you rock a “shaved side” passion twist hairstyle like this?

If you’re new to passion twists, let’s cover some basics.

What is Passion Twist?

According to ChatGPT, passion twists are a trendy and stylish protective hairstyle for textured hair, primarily popular among people with African, Afro-Caribbean, or African-American hair types. AKA us black people with natural hair.

These twists are a variation of traditional Senegalese or Havana twists, but they have a unique and distinctive look that sets them apart. They are bouncy and shiny and I love them.

To create passion twists, the stylist typically uses a specific type of hair extension, such as the “Water Wave” or “Bohemian” hair. These extensions are usually made of synthetic or human hair and have a loose, wavy texture. The stylist then twists these extensions together with sections of the natural hair to achieve the desired look.

The name “passion twists” derives from the passion and creativity of creating this hairstyle. I dunno where GPT got that from but let’s rock with it. This protective hairstyle allows for versatility in length, thickness, and color, making it a highly customizable option. You can opt for long, flowing passion twists or shorter, bob-style twists, and you can also choose from a variety of colors to suit your preference.

One of the primary advantages of passion twists is that they are protective in nature. This means that they help to protect the natural hair from damage caused by environmental factors, styling, and manipulation. Additionally, passion twists require minimal day-to-day maintenance, making them a convenient choice for individuals with busy lifestyles.

Overall, passion twists are a beautiful and versatile hairstyle that celebrates natural texture while providing a protective and low-maintenance option for those looking to change up their look.

How Long Do Passion Twists Last?

Passion twists can last anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks or even longer, depending on various factors. Here are the key factors that influence how long passion twists will last:

Hair Type: The natural texture and condition of your hair play a significant role in how long passion twists can last. If you have a hair type that holds styles well, such as coarse or kinky hair, your passion twists are likely to last longer compared to someone with finer, straighter hair.

Installation Technique: The skill and technique of the stylist who installs your passion twists matter. The method they use also matters as there are several different ways to install passion twist hairstyles. A well-done installation ensures that the twists are secure and less likely to unravel prematurely.

Maintenance: Proper maintenance is crucial for extending the lifespan of your passion twists. This includes keeping your scalp clean and moisturized, avoiding excessive tension or pulling on the twists, and covering your hair with a satin or silk scarf or bonnet at night to reduce friction and prevent frizz.

Activity Level: Your lifestyle and daily activities can affect how long passion twists last. If you’re very active, engage in vigorous exercise, or expose your hair to elements like chlorine or saltwater frequently, your twists may not last as long.

Hair Growth: As your hair grows, the new growth at the roots can make the twists appear less neat and need touch-ups. Some people choose to redo the hairline to stretch the time but this depends on the method that was used to install the twists.

Hair Care Products: The products you use on your passion twists can impact their longevity. Using lightweight, non-greasy hair products designed for braided or twisted hairstyles can help prevent buildup and maintain the twists’ appearance.

Individual Factors: Every person’s hair behaves differently, so the duration of your passion twists may vary from someone else’s. Factors like your hair’s natural elasticity and how well it holds a twist will affect how long the style lasts.

In general, you can expect passion twists to look their best for the first 4 to 6 weeks. After that, you may notice some frizz or new growth at the roots, but with proper care and maintenance, they can still look presentable for several more weeks. If you want to keep the style longer, consider retwisting the roots or getting touch-ups as needed. Ultimately, the longevity of passion twists depends on how well you care for them and your individual hair characteristics.

What Hair for Passion Twists?

For passion twists, the type of hair used is crucial in achieving the desired look and ensuring the longevity of the style. Typically, synthetic hair extensions with a loose and textured wave pattern are used to create passion twists. Here’s more information on the type of hair that works best for passion twists:

Water Wave Hair: Water wave hair is one of the most popular choices for creating passion twists. It has a natural-looking wave pattern that closely resembles textured hair, making it an ideal choice for achieving a realistic and beachy look. This hair type blends seamlessly with many natural hair textures.

Bohemian Hair: Bohemian hair extensions also work well for passion twists. They have a slightly tighter curl pattern compared to water wave hair, which can result in a fuller and more voluminous twist. This type of hair gives your passion twists a bohemian or free-spirited appearance.

Marley Hair: Marley hair isn’t a good choice for passion twists, as it will give you a thicker and coarser texture. It mimics the texture of Afro-textured hair and will give your twists a more natural and voluminous look. Marley hair is often used for thicker, chunky twists which are still gorgeous but not what passion twists are. Here’s an example of natural hair twists using Marley hair.

Are Passion Twists Better than Braids?

Whether passion twists are better than braids depends on your personal preferences, hair type, and the specific benefits you’re looking for in a protective hairstyle. Both passion twists and braids offer their unique advantages, and the choice between them ultimately comes down to what suits you best. Here’s a comparison to help you decide:

Passion Twists:

Natural Texture: Passion twists are known for their textured and wavy appearance, which closely resembles natural hair. If you prefer a more natural and relaxed look, passion twists might be the better choice.

Versatility: Passion twists come in various lengths, sizes, and colors, allowing for a high degree of customization. You can experiment with different looks, from long and flowing twists to shorter bob-style twists.

Less Tension: Generally, passion twists are considered to be less tight and have lower tension on the scalp compared to some braiding styles. This can be beneficial for individuals with sensitive scalps or those concerned about hair damage.

Easy to Install: Passion twists are often quicker to install compared to some intricate braiding styles, which means less time spent in the salon chair.

Low Maintenance: They require relatively low maintenance, and you can wash and moisturize your scalp and twists easily without causing frizz.

Braids:

Longevity: Braids tend to last longer than passion twists. They can remain intact for up to 2 to 3 months with proper care, making them a lower-maintenance option in the long run.

Variety: Braids come in numerous styles, including box braids, cornrows, and feed-in braids, offering a wide range of styling options and versatility.

Sleek Appearance: Braids often have a neater and sleeker appearance compared to the textured look of passion twists. This can be preferable for formal or professional settings.

Protective Style: Both passion twists and braids are protective styles, but braids might provide slightly more protection as they fully encase the hair.

Ultimately, the choice between passion twists and braids depends on your personal style, the level of maintenance you’re comfortable with, your hair type, and the look you want to achieve. It’s a good idea to consult with a professional hairstylist who can assess your hair and help you decide which style is best for you. You can also try both styles at different times to see which one you prefer and how each suits your lifestyle and preferences.

How many bags of hair do I need for passion twists?

You’ll need 6-8 bags of hair, I’ve found. The number of bags of hair you need for passion twists depends on several factors, including the thickness of your natural hair, the size and length of the twists you desire, and the brand and type of hair extensions you choose.

It also depends on the installation method you’re using and how full you want your hairstyle. But regardless of all that, buy 8 packs of water wave hair and you should be good.

How to Install Passion Twist Hairstyles

There are different methods for installing passion twists, each with its own unique approach and benefits. The choice of method often depends on personal preference, the desired outcome, and the skill level of the person installing the twists. Here are three common methods for installing passion twists.

Rubber Band Method

The rubber band method of installing passion twists is perhaps the easiest and quickest. It’s beginner-friendly with very little tension on the hair if done correctly.

Braided Crochet Method

This method has even less tension as you’re braiding your hair first and then using a crotchet hook to install the crochet hair.

Crochet Twist Method

With this method, the creator braided her own hair down about an inch long, fed a pretwisted passion twist through the base of her braid and then twisted the two together. It’s a very quick and easy method of application.

Wrapping Method

The base of each twist is wrapped in this method, similar to faux loc installation.

Rubber Band Braid Down

In this method, the creator started with rubberbands at the front which connected to bigger braids in the back making it a quick and beginner-friendly method.

Cornrow Method

With this method, you hard is braided down first and then pretwisted twists are crotched onto the braids.

Passion Twist Maintenance: Keeping Your Twists Fresh and Healthy

Maintaining passion twists is essential to ensure that they remain neat, healthy, and long-lasting. Proper maintenance can help you enjoy your stylish look for weeks or even months. Here’s a guide to passion twist maintenance:

Scalp Care

Moisturize your scalp regularly with a lightweight, natural oil or a leave-in conditioner. Apply it to your scalp and massage it in gently to prevent dryness and itching.

Avoid overusing heavy oils or products that can cause buildup on your scalp. A little goes a long way when it comes to moisturizing.

Washing and Cleansing

You can wash your passion twists, but it’s essential to do so gently to avoid unraveling or frizz. Dilute sulfate-free shampoo with water in a spray bottle and apply it to your scalp. Then, rinse thoroughly.

Use a damp cloth or cotton pad to clean your scalp between washes. Be cautious not to disturb the twists.

Consider using a dry shampoo or cleansing spray to refresh your scalp between washes if needed.

Hydration

Keep your twists hydrated by applying a water-based leave-in conditioner or a moisturizing spray. Focus on the ends and the length of the twists.

Avoid products containing alcohol, as they can cause dryness.

Avoid Tension

Be gentle when styling your passion twists. Excessive tension or pulling can lead to breakage and discomfort.

If you notice any twists that feel too tight, consider loosening them slightly.

Protect at Night

To prevent frizz and maintain the integrity of your twists, wrap your head in a satin or silk scarf or use a satin or silk pillowcase when sleeping. If you have longer twists, you can also put your hair in loose twists or a loose bun before bed.

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