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A French Twist is like the little black dress - one of the classic elegant styles that suit any occasion that is never outdated. Contrary to popular belief they are also one of the most versatile styles which allow you to have the essential twist but vary it to create different looks and suit different hair types.

It is less versatile when doing it on your own hair but I will cover how to do it yourself and how to create a Frech Twist on someone else's hair.

So, how to do a French Twist on your own hair; ideally, your hair will be shoulder length or longer. The easiest way to achieve the twist is to gather your hair at back, at the base of your head as if you were about to tie a low ponytail. Then twist the entire hair as tightly as required and simply bring the twisted hair up. You can secure the twist with a big toothed clasped clip that will secure the whole thing quickly or, better for thinner hair, using kirby grips, secure the clips along the edges of the twist, pinning the twist to the hair underneath. The style is easier and neater if you do not have too many short layers.

To create a French Twist on somebody else's hair is a lot more versatile.

Initially, section the hair into 2 halves - the top half and the bottom half. To create volume and ensure that the twist stays for longer, start backcombing both halves. Backcomb the top section using sub sections of horizontal panels, starting from the forehead, working backwards.

Then split the bottom section into 2 halves and backcomb each half using vertical panels, working from the outside inwards.

Now that the hair is prepared, clip the top half out of the way and have some kirby grips at hand. Bring all the hair to the left (if you are left handed, apply the opposite sides to the instructions), lightly combing it to smoothen the surface without loosing the backcombing. Next, holding the hair tightly with your hand, position your thumb facing vertically downwards on the right hand area of the hair that you are holding - you only need one hand for this bit. Hold the hair in your palm.

Using your thumb to create the inner loop, twist the hair up, keeping hold of the hair just as you have it. Now, secure kirby grips along the sides and along the top until you feel it secured.

Now, bring the top half down, again, lightly combing just to smoothen the surface. Here is where the versatility lies as you can create any look here. You can curl the hair and have the curls sitting at the top of the twist, you can twist the hair into a loop following the bottom half to make it look like one big twist - anything you like.

Finally hairspray into place.

It is a difficult style to instruct verbally or through writing but I hope this gives you a good basis. The best thing would be to accompany these instructions with a visual instruction or demonstration.

Good luck!

Learn more about this author, Sumantha Dutta.
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