Box braids, Senegalese twists, and faux locs have reigned supreme as some of the most sought-after protective hairstyles get enough of: passion twists. To all my fellow naturalistas, this looser, wavy-er version of Senegalese twists will give you the look and feel of a mermaid, just in time for the warm, summer months.
If you’re looking for a new protective style for your dark brown hair this season, we’ve got you covered. We chatted with Dr. Kari Williams, a licensed trichologist, celebrity hairstylist, and owner of Mahogany Hair Revolution in Los Angeles, to get the scoop on everything you need to know about the passion twists protective style. Plus, keep reading for style inspo—we rounded up 15 passion twists styles for you to browse before heading to the salon.
Good hair day by @cocoastouch.
What Are Passion Twists?
Passion twists are a protective style that combines twists and curls. They’re very similar to the Senegalese and two-strand twists you’ve come to know and love, with one small difference: passion twists are installed with curly hair.
“Traditional twists are normally installed using a kinky or tight coiled hair type, which results in a rope-like twist,” Dr. Kari explains. “The hair used for passion twists has a looser curl pattern, either a wave or corkscrew type curl. The curlier hair creates a looser, puffier twist. The texture of hair used to create the twists is the only difference between passion twists and Senegalese twists.”
Like most long-lasting protective hairstyles, passion twists can be installed with human or synthetic hair. While both types of hair are perfectly acceptable, it’s important to note that you should never heat style synthetic hair. Opt for a human hair installation if you plan on heat styling your passion twists protective style with hot rollers, a curling iron, or a hooded dryer.
How Many Packs of Passion Twist Hair Do I Need?
The number of packs you'll need depends on your hair's density, length, and the style you want. We recommend consulting your stylist before your appointment to determine the exact amount required for your desired look.
How Should You Prep Your Hair Before Installing Passion Twists?
Before making an appointment with your local braider, it's important to properly prepare your hair for passion twists, which is a long-term protective style. Unless you're visiting a full-service salon where your stylist handles all the braid prep, you'll need to get your hair ready to ensure your passion twists last for several weeks.
Before visiting a local braiding salon that only installs the twists, Dr. Kari recommends prepping your hair by washing, conditioning, and thoroughly detangling your strands. We love the Mizani Moisture Fusion Gentle Clarifying Shampoo and Mizani Moisture Fusion Intense Moisturizing Mask. If you need a little help gently detangling your mane, let Mizani’s 25 Miracle Milk Leave-In Conditioner assist.
>Good hair day by @looksbyrey.
How Long Do Passion Twists Last?
Passion twists can last anywhere from four to six weeks, depending on the quality of the installation and how well you maintain them.
Can You Crochet Passion Twists?
If you're worried about the weight of long-term twist installations on your scalp and hair, consider crochet braid passion twists. Unlike traditional twist installations, where hair is wrapped around your loose locks, crochet braids are installed after cornrowing your natural hair. This method reduces the weight on your individual strands, leading to less discomfort and breakage.
How Should You Care for Passion Twists?
Caring for passion twists requires a slightly different approach than other protective styles, like box braids or Senegalese twists.
We always recommend washing your long-term protective styles about once a week. However, frequent shampooing may become an issue because the hair used to install passion twists has a looser curl pattern. “The hair is softer, and shampooing may cause it to frizz or twist out of the twists,” Dr. Kari explained.
That doesn’t mean you should skip washing your hair for long stretches; it means you’ll have to get a little creative. In between wash days, we recommend applying witch hazel to your scalp to help remove dirt and buildup and keeping your scalp healthy in between washes. Apply the astringent with cotton swabs to clean your scalp.
On wash day, be very gentle with your hair so as not to disturb your protective style. If you want to ensure your passion twists remain as flawless as possible, Dr. Kari recommends making an appointment with your stylist. They can help clean your hair while ensuring your style remains intact.
15 Ways to Wear Passion Twists
Soft water is the exact opposite of hard water in that it has a low concentration of minerals. Soft water can occur for several reasons: Either the water has not flowed through any rocks or wells (i.e., rainwater), the rocks the water did flow through had a very low concentration of soluble minerals, or the minerals have been filtered out.
1. Twisted top knot
Wearing your passion twists long and loose is definitely a look, but if you want to switch things up (or need a practical style for the gym or lounging), try a twisted top knot. For an elevated look, pull out two strands at the front of your face for a face-framing effect.
Wearing your passion twists long and loose is definitely a look, but if you want to switch things up (or simply have a practical style for the gym or lounging), try a twisted top knot. Pull out two strands at the front of your face to elevate the look for a face-framing effect.
2. Half-up, half-down
A half-up, half-down style is a favorite for how effortless and chic it looks. Simply take the front half portion of your passion twists and pull the strands back into a pony or high bun.
3. Twisted high pony
A high ponytail is perfect for when you don't want to wear your hair loose but still want to look chic. Pull your passion twists back into a high ponytail, and pull out two face-framing strands for an extra touch.
4. Short passion twists
If you're not looking to spend five or more hours in a salon chair and want something more manageable and long-lasting than the usual long, luscious twists, opt for a short set. Short passion twists can look natural and provide great volume when done with hair that matches your natural mane.
5. Embellished passion twists
Adding accessories to your passion twists is a fun and simple way to elevate any long-term protective style. Opt for shells to achieve a siren vibe or gold hair rings to feel like an Egyptian queen.
6. Small passion twists
In general, the larger the twists the less time they’ll last as large sections of braided hair are more prone to unraveling and frizz. If you want your passion twists to last a good four to six weeks with minimal wear and tear, opt for a smaller style.
7. Jumbo passion twists
Speaking of large passion twists, while the jumbo variety may not have a long shelf life, this chunky version of the classic passion twists protective style offers an effortless, bohemian style while they last.
8. Mermaid style twists
Take inspiration from the sea with mermaid-style twists. To achieve this look, ask your braider to weave wavy, curly strands of hair into your passion twists.
9. Ombré passion twists
Ombré hair is all the rage, so it’s no surprise that opting for a two-toned shade for a protective style is popular among naturalistas. Ombré hair adds a pop of color that can complement your natural hair color. A black and brown combo is flattering for all shades, especially for those with medium to darker skin tones.
10. Blonde passion twists
If you’ve been wanting to go blonde, but can’t commit to bleaching your strands, blonde passion twists are a great way to experiment with a lighter color. For a warmer look, opt for a honey blonde hue or stand out with a cooler shade like an icy white blonde.
11. Copper passion twists
The great thing about long-term protective styles like braids and twists is that they allow you to experiment with different colors, lengths, and textures. If you’ve been going back and forth about whether to hop on the copper hair color trend, here’s your chance to play, at least for a few weeks.
12. Shoulder-length passion twists
Shoulder-length passion twists offer a balanced look that's not too long and not too short. They provide the versatility to switch up your style with a ponytail or bun, while remaining manageable and comfortable to wear.
13. Passion twists money piece
A money piece is a great way to add a face-framing element to your locks. Achieve this style by asking your braider to install lighter hair color on the front strands of your passion twists.
14. Passion twists with curly ends
This style is exactly as it sounds: your classic passion twists, but with loose, curly ends for a more effortless, bohemian appearance. To achieve this look, ask your stylist to create a small knot with the hair extensions once they reach mid-length, then leave the ends of your passion twists loose.
15. Crochet passion twists
As mentioned, crochet passion twists are a great option to avoid putting extra weight on your scalp and strands, which can cause discomfort and breakage. Simply ask your stylist to cornrow your natural hair before installing the crocheted hair.
Next Up: How To Do Two-Strand Twists On Natural Hair In 6 Easy Steps
Header photo credits: @looksbyrey.
