How to Make Retwist Last Longer? (Proven Hacks)
You should consider retwisting, a hair grooming technique, which helps to maintain and tighten the twist of dreadlocks or locs.
It is useful to maintain the desired shape definition and texture of the lock. Also, it makes the lock healthy, and freeze-free.
That being said, it is difficult to maintain retwist as it keeps unraveling due to various causes, which I will describe later. In this article, you will find tips on how to make retwist last longer, so keep reading.
Reasons why your retwist not lasting long
Before we talk about the solution to make retwist last longer, you need to know why your retwist does not last long.
Causes:
- Not applying enough pressure while retwisting
- Use of heavy styling product
- Frequently touching and moisturizing the lock
- Excessive sweating
- Here textures like kinky curly hair
- Frequently playing with lock
- Itchy scalp
How to make retwist last longer?
Now you know what causes your retwist to unravel, let’s find out how to make it last longer.
- As excess moisture and debris cause the unraveling of the lock faster, you need to cover your retwisted lock with a scarf, especially at night.
- Uses a shower cap while in a shower to prevent retwist from unraveling due to moisture and heat.
- Don’t pour water on the scalp directly. Instead, use a spray bottle or damp cloth to wet your locks. During rain, cover your head and protect your retwist from getting wet.
- You need to completely dry your hair after grooming as you already know moisture causes retwist to unravel fast.
- Use pipe cleaners to gently secure any loose locks and prevent unraveling.
- Two-strand twists can help preserve your locks and prevent them from unraveling.
- Shampoo less frequently and use a low-lather shampoo. Using shampoo too frequently makes hair dry and unravels your twist.
Read Also: How long does it take to twist hair?
How long should your retwist last?
It depends on various factors including hair texture hair type size of the locks and how you maintain them.
Generally, your retwist should typically last for 4-6 weeks.
To make a retwist last longer, it is important to maintain good hair care practices, such as protecting your lock from excessive moisture, harsh hair product, and excessive handling.
How frequently you should retwist?
There is no one size fits all answer to it. It depends upon various factors including
- Hair types and texture
- Size and direction of lock
- Handling and maintenance
- Rate of hair growth
- Personal preference
As I have said earlier, retwist usually last 4-6 weeks. You should consider retwisting after this time frame. However, some people might need retwisting earlier at 2 to 3 weeks.
The best way to find the answer to this question is to consult with a professional loctician and determine the right frequency of retwisting in your case.
Do retwist make dreads longer?
It is not true that retwisting can make your dreads longer. Retwisting is a maintenance technique used to keep dreadlocks neat, tight, and free of loose hair and debris.
It helps to speed up the process of lock formation and maintain the shape and texture of the dreadlocks but it does not physically make the dreads longer.
Can I retwist my dreads every 2 weeks?
Retwisting dreads every 2 weeks is not recommended for most people.
Although it may be tempting to keep your dreads looking neat and well-groomed, retwisting too often can lead to hair breakage, thinning, and a weakened dreadlock structure.
A general guideline is to retwist your dreads every 3-4 weeks, but individual needs may vary based on factors such as hair texture and the speed at which your hair grows.
Is it too soon to get a retwist after 2 weeks?
For most people, retwisting after just 2 weeks is too soon. Retwisting your dreads too often can put unnecessary stress on your hair, leading to breakage and potential hair loss.
It’s essential to find a balance between keeping your dreads neat and giving your hair enough time to rest and recover from the retwisting process.
Is 3 weeks long enough for a retwist?
Three weeks is generally an acceptable timeframe for retwisting dreads, but the ideal retwist schedule can vary depending on factors such as hair texture and growth rate.
Fine hair may require more frequent retwists, while coarse hair may benefit from longer intervals between retwists. It’s important to listen to your hair and adjust your retwist schedule as needed.
Is it bad to retwist too often?
Retwisting too often can be harmful to your dreads and your overall hair health. Over-retwisting can lead to hair breakage, thinning, and a weakened dreadlock structure.
To maintain healthy dreadlocks, it’s important to find a balance between keeping your dreads well-groomed and allowing your hair enough time to rest and recover.
How often should you retwist dreadlocks?
The ideal retwist frequency for dreadlocks is every 3-4 weeks. However, this can vary depending on factors such as hair texture, growth rate, and individual preferences.
Fine-textured hair may benefit from more frequent retwists, while coarse hair may benefit from less frequent retwists. Ultimately, it’s essential to listen to your hair and adjust your retwist schedule as needed.
How to know when to retwist locs
There are several signs that it’s time to retwist your locs:
- New growth: When you notice a significant amount of new growth at the roots of your dreads, it’s time for a retwist.
- Loose hairs: If you see loose hairs sticking out of your dreads or notice that your dreads are starting to look frizzy, it may be time for a retwist.
- Scalp discomfort: If your scalp feels itchy or uncomfortable due to the tension from new growth, it’s time to retwist your locs.
Which direction to retwist locs
The direction in which you retwist your locs is crucial for their overall appearance and health.
The general rule of thumb is to retwist locs in a clockwise direction. Retwisting in a clockwise direction ensures that the locs tighten uniformly and maintain a consistent pattern.
However, some people prefer retwisting their locs in a counterclockwise direction.
This is typically a personal preference and may not cause any issues as long as you maintain the same direction consistently.
How to retwist locs properly (Best practice)
Follow these best practices for retwisting your locs to ensure their health and longevity:
- Start with clean, damp hair: Wash your hair with a residue-free shampoo and gently towel-dry it.
- Apply a light, natural product: Use a light, natural product like aloe vera gel or a loc-specific product to help hold the twist.
- Twist the roots: Use your fingers or a comb to twist the roots of your locs in your chosen direction (clockwise or counterclockwise).
- Secure the twist: You can use a clip or a rubber band to hold the twist in place while it dries.
- Dry your locs: Allow your locs to air dry or use a hooded dryer on a low setting.
How to retwist your own starter locs
Retwisting your own starter locs is similar to retwisting mature locs. Follow these steps:
- Clean and dampen your hair: Wash your hair with a residue-free shampoo and gently towel-dry it.
- Apply a light, natural product: Use a light, natural product like aloe vera gel or a loc-specific product to help hold the twist.
- Section your hair: Use a rat-tail comb to section your hair into small, even squares or triangles, depending on your desired loc size.
- Twist each section: Twist each section of hair using your fingers or a comb in your chosen direction (clockwise or counterclockwise).
- Secure the twists: Use clips or rubber bands to hold the twists in place while they dry.
- Dry your locs: Allow your locs to air dry or use a hooded dryer on a low setting.
How to keep loc retwist from unraveling
To prevent your locs from unraveling after retwisting, follow these tips:
- Use the right product: Choose a light, natural product that provides hold without causing buildup.
- Secure the twists: Use clips or rubber bands to keep the twists in place while they dry.
- Avoid manipulation: Try not to touch or manipulate your locs excessively, as this can cause them to unravel.
- Sleep with a satin or silk head covering: This will reduce friction and help maintain your retwist.
Can you change the direction of your dreads
It is generally not recommended to change the direction of your dreads, as doing so can cause inconsistencies in the loc pattern and potential damage.
If you decide to change the direction, it’s best to do so early in the loc journey when the locs are not fully matured.
However, it’s essential to be consistent with the new direction to avoid further issues.
How Long to Wait to Wash After Retwist
While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, there are some general guidelines to follow.
If you’ve used hair products during the retwisting process, it’s essential to wash your hair as soon as possible to remove any product buildup.
This prevents your locs from growing with these products, which can be difficult to remove later on.
In most cases, waiting at least 24-48 hours after retwisting is ideal before washing your locs.
This allows enough time for the retwist to set and maintain its shape, reducing the risk of unraveling during the wash.
However, the exact waiting time may vary depending on your hair type and the products used.
How to Wash Dreads Without Messing Up Retwist
To avoid disturbing your freshly retwisted locs, follow these steps when washing your hair:
- Use a gentle, residue-free shampoo specifically designed for dreadlocks. This helps to avoid product buildup and keeps your locs clean and healthy.
- Wet your hair thoroughly, focusing on the roots and scalp.
- Apply the shampoo to your scalp and gently massage it in using your fingertips. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing your locs, as this can cause them to unravel.
- Rinse your hair thoroughly, allowing the water and shampoo to flow down through your locs, cleaning them without agitation.
- Gently squeeze out excess water from your locs, and then use a microfiber towel or an old t-shirt to pat them dry. Avoid rubbing or wringing out your locs, as this can also cause unraveling.
Can You Shower After Retwist
Yes, you can shower after a retwist, but it’s essential to take some precautions to avoid undoing your freshly retwisted locs.
When showering, it’s a good idea to wear a shower cap or a waterproof headwrap to keep your locs dry and protected.
If you must wet your hair in the shower, try to avoid direct water pressure on your locs and gently pat them dry afterward, as mentioned earlier.
Do You Have to Retwist After Wash Day
No, you don’t necessarily have to retwist your locs after every wash day. The frequency of retwisting depends on your personal preference, hair type, and the rate at which your hair grows.
Some people prefer to retwist their locs every 4-6 weeks, while others may wait longer between retwisting sessions.
It’s essential to find a routine that works best for your hair and lifestyle to ensure your locs remain healthy and well-maintained.
Over-retwisting can lead to thinning and weakening of the hair, so it’s important not to retwist too frequently.
Bottom Line
Regular retwisting helps to remove loose hair and debris that can accumulate in the locks, making them clean and healthy. It also helps to distribute natural oils throughout the locks, promoting moisture and shine.
To make your retwist last longer, don’t pour water on your twist directly, avoid excessive moisture, cover your head while in the shower, do not use harmful hair products on the hair, and convert hair with scarp at night.
