Tips and Tricks for Styling Your Hair into a French Twist

While perfect for a dressy occasion, a classic French twist is also good for when you are just having a bad hair day such as you need to color your hair, it is too humid to hold a style, or if you woke up too late to wash and style your hair. It is also a nice style to wear if you are having a leave in hair conditioner day, while your hair is not dirty, it is not quite shiny. The French twist is also a good idea for business meetings when you are just not sure how to wear your hair since it is feminine without being too flirty.

To get a good French twist, don't wash your hair that day so that your hair is not fly-away. Most stylists actually prefer to work with day old hair then freshly washed hair since it holds the style better. If you already washed your hair, apply a gel or spray and blow dry it out so it has some texture. If you have ever wondered what those "hair dirt" type of products were for, (such as the Jonathan line at Sephora) this is why: to make hair act like day old hair to it behaves when styled.

Gently back comb all your hair back with a paddle brush (one of those flat ones) or the least round brush you have. Smooth down the surface for fly-aways and smoothing any gaps or funny spots that are lumpy and hold your hair into a low pony tail.

Now lift the pony tail straight up and twist the hair at the same time in one hand. You will get a roll against the back of your head. Wrap your fingers of your other hand around the roll to hold it while you twist.

Tuck the ends of the ponytail that won't twist underneath the roll, using a pin if you have to. Some twists leave the ends out. This is dependent on preference, formality of the event, and if your ends are in good condition or not or have oxidized in color so much that they look too light compared to the rest of your hair. Secure with bobby pins or small combs, in the direction of the twist, doing small portions by hooking them to the side of the roll with the lower part of the pin, then turn the pin in the opposite direction and insert it deeply into the roll. You can also use large barrettes or hair sticks that look like chop sticks.

Barrettes need to be secured on top, with hair from both sides of the roll. Sticks can be placed anywhere in the roll, but look best snaked through a 1 inch section, then twist the roll and insert the stick the rest of the way, anchoring with the second stick. Don't pull so hard that you stress or pull out hair. With some practice, this style will only take a few minutes.