Twist Out VS Braid Out, What's The Difference?

Are you a natural girly looking for gorgeous low-manipulation protective hairstyles?

Every day, as women, we look out for protective hairstyles that make our hair grow better without hampering the looks. I bring to you the twist-out and braided hairstyles. These protective hairstyles fit that description and are worth trying as they give our hair the best deals (protection, volume, retaining moisture, and beauty).

You know you have a good deal if the hairstyle can offer you amazing style, retain moisture and volume, and leave your hair hydrated.

Both hairstyles- the twist out and braid out give you all these, making you contemplate the right choice. However, choosing the right one starts with your hair (if it's damaged or not) and preferences. These will help you know the right hairstyle to protect your hair.

Not to worry; you'll be left with the best hairstyle to rock among these two after reading this article. You can also learn about the twist out and braid out here to know which will suit your preference if you are starting your natural hair journey and are new to these hairstyles.

The article will offer an easy guide: from what the hairstyles are all about to their differences and how to style them to choosing what you and your hair prefer.

What Is A Twist Out?

The purpose of the twists out is to unify your hair texture and give it a beautiful curl pattern. This involves twisting your hair with two strands and leaving it to set for a day or as long as you choose before losing it. It's an easy process that takes less time and gives you the best results you can ever wish for. With it, your curls are tighter and gorgeous. No wonder it's one of the most tried protective hairstyles by women.

The twist-out hairstyle also allows you to opt for different methods. There's the single strand, the double strand earlier mentioned, three strand twist, or even flat twists. Each method gives you beautiful results. So, don't be afraid to choose whichever one you want.

You could visit a salon to style your twist out if you don't want to style yourself. You'll be expected to set it under a dryer for a few minutes and your hair will be fully dry and luscious.

What Are The Benefits of Twist Out?

There are several benefits we can mention. Some of them are:

1. Twists out allows you to style your hair in multiple ways. You can go for a bun style or half up, half down style.
2. If you want to transform your curl pattern, try the twist out. It works. 
3. The twist-out offers you low manipulation. What this means is you get to retain your hair as much as you can.
4. The twist out makes your hair appear voluminous and thick. You get to enjoy wearing some gorgeous curls without worrying if your hair is full or not.
5. Maintenance doesn't require lots of products or time. You can do little and slay big time!
6. It lasts longer than braid out.

Disadvantages of Twist Out

With a twist out, you won't get to see as many disadvantages as the benefits. That's because there are little to none. However, this is not to dispute there are no cons. There are but with precautions, you might experience only a few. Let's see some of them.

1. Your hair can become frizzy if the twists are not taken down properly.
2. You may experience hair shrinkage. But this depends on your hair texture.
3. If you don't take the necessary steps, you might lose the curl definition while sleeping.

How To Get Defined Twist Outs?

What Is A Braid Out?

The braid-out technique is created using the three-strand method before unraveling after it's set. This method might be easier for beginners since it involves using the regular braiding method everyone is familiar with.

While it's similar to the twist out, the result of the braid out is some gorgeous waves achieved through your curl pattern. With this, you can try different styles to fit your everyday life, knowing you'll get compliments no matter the occasion.

This hairstyle also gives you the advantage of rocking your natural hair without using any hot tool that can damage your tresses. It's another protective hairstyle that keeps your strands safe, promoting hair growth.

What Are The Benefits of Braid Out?

Some benefits of the braid out are:

1. The braid out can last between three to seven days. But it depends on how you care for it and the products you use.
2. It stretches your hair. This is without the need to use any hot tool.
3. The braid out offers you a better curl definition. You'll be surprised by its results.
4. It can enhance your hair texture evenly from its roots to the tips.
5. The braid-out hairstyle should be among your choices if you have relaxed hair and wish to go natural. The hairstyle is perfect for those who are tapering off.
6. It offers you versatile styles you can rock daily. The half-up, half-down, bun, and middle part are a few styles you can start with.
7. When styled on damp hair, you get to slay less frizzy hair.

Disadvantages of Braid Out

The braid out has a few disadvantages you might not like to deal with if you have a busy schedule. Some of these disadvantages are:

1. It's time-consuming. The braid-out takes more time to dry than the twist-out. This makes it a second option for those who want to style their hair sooner.
2. Since rushing is not an option to avoid getting frizzy hair, it takes a longer period to unravel too.
3. Avoid braiding it too tight. If you do, it can cause hair loss.
4. The braid out is much harder to style than twists out.

How To Do Braid Outs?

Preparing Your Hair for Braid Out or Twist Out

Before you think of styling braid-out or twist-out on your hair, you must prepare for the styling aspect. That's because your twist-out or braid-out hairstyle won’t turn out well if your hair is full of build-up.

So, wash and condition your hair first before moving to any further steps.

Once your hair is clean, moisturize your scalp to boost moisture and hydration. Remember, the foundation and preparation matter to these protective hairstyles.

Pro tips: Use a good moisturizer as your hair seals it once the braiding process begins and you start applying other styling products such as gel and curl cream.

In other words, do all you can to start with a clean, and well moisturized hair/scalp. It will ensure your style turns out beautiful with no mishaps along the way or looking bad after the entire process.

How To Style Your Twist Out And Braid Out?

The styling part comes last after your hair is properly dry and ready to unravel. Remember, for the braid-out; you'll be using the three-strands technique, and for the twist-out, the two-strand technique. If you want, you can use the flat twists method as we've earlier mentioned.

Once it's time to unravel, apply oil on your palms and rub it on your hair. Then, begin to undo the twist or braid gently. Although you will need more time to unravel braids than twists, you must learn to be patient and gentle with them. That way, you will avoid disrupting the curls.

What Is the Difference between Twist-outs and Braid-outs?

• First, twist-outs and braid-outs have distinct techniques used for them. While the twist out involves two strands, braid out involves using three strands braiding technology. This difference is quite clear and makes you distinguish them from each other.
• Another difference is with the curls. Twist-out curls are not tight but voluminous and bouncier. However, braid-outs are wavy, and defined.
• You also get to slay your hairstyle more quickly with twist-out than braid-out.

These differences are a few among many others. You can take a look at their benefits. There are notable differences with each.

Maintaining Your Braid Out or Twist Out

How you maintain your hairstyle determines how long it will stay in place. This includes moisturizing, hair care during nighttime, and revitalizing.

So, how do you care for your hair?

1. For moisture, use a good oil on your twist-outs to keep them alive. You could also mix hair care products, such as a lightweight oil and leave-in conditioner for more moisture and hydration. Keeping it moisturized helps freshen it up, making it last longer than expected.
2. Another thing is to keep your curls intact overnight. This can be managed by wearing a satin bonnet or silk scarf on your head while going to bed. You can also start using silk pillowcases. You'll avoid friction and frizziness and retain all the moisture in your hair.

Braid Out vs Twist Out: Which is Better?

Truthfully, the best protective hairstyle for you lies in what you want. Since both hairstyles offer the best style and benefits, decide based on your preference, hair type, and the curl type you want.

While you can opt for braid outs if you have a lot of time to style your hair, if you don't, go for the easier one (twist outs).

If you have a looser curls hair type, go for a braid out that can give your curls more definition, if you have a tighter curls hair type, go for a twist out that can give you a more obvious change in curl pattern.

So the choice is yours to make. Do you agree with us?

Let us know which one is the best option for you.