The Twist Hairstyle

Kate Beckinsale - Loosely wound partial twist hairstyle — Kate Beckinsale - Photos by PR Photos

It’s probably the most widely worn updo style among women with shoulder-length (and longer) hair. It comes in partial, full, and divided variants. It can be chic and sleek, wild and free, or soft and seductive.

I’m talking of course about the Twist hairstyle; that staple of the styling arsenal that is employed both when you want to make a classy statement and when you just don’t have time to do anything else with your hair.

Throughout every period in history, the twist has had a place among women’s hairstyles and has served as a base for many other, more complex styles. Yet, even in its simplest forms - unadorned - the twist has some basic variations.

Traditional: This twist – also called a French Twist – involves winding the main portion of the hair from around its mid-point, inward to the scalp, using the end lengths as “cushion” to fill out the twist.

Non-Vertical: This is a basic twist, but winds the hair in some direction other than left or right to create the style. This is usually used as a base for a more complex hairstyle.

Partial: The partial twist is most often used as a base or complement to a more complex hairstyle and generally involves around half of the head being used in the twist's creation. Pulling the hair from the sides, nape, and rear half of the crown into a twist and arranging the top and forward half of the crown into pin curls is a traditional up-do of 1950s Hollywood.

Kelly Rutherford - Conservative twist hairstyle — Kelly Rutherford - Photo by PR Photos

Divided: This twist style involves the creation of dual partial twists from the division of the hair into two separate sections. The hair is then wound into individual twists according to the plan of the overall style. The divisions can be equal, or can be literally any proportion, but should use all of the hair between the two twists.

Seen here, Hollywood actresses Kate Beckinsale and Kelly Rutherford sport twist hairstyles, yet their looks are very different. Kate’s twist is a loosely wound partial twist, with the top and forward portion of the crown section left loose to drape along the sides of the head. This creates a tousled and ravished look that is flattering and sexy.

Kelly, on the other hand, is presenting herself in a more conservative manner – her no-nonsense twist hugging close and tightly wound. It is a great look for a woman who wants to give a professional impression and focus on her face.

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