Havana Twists

Havana Twists using Havana hair from Fingercomber.com

One of my favorite braiding hair for protective styling is the Marley braids and my preferred style is the infamous Havana Twists. Originally, Havana Twists were introduced by Fingercomber.com using Havana hair that was unique to her site. The hair does look awesome and have had many many rave reviews but for some, like myself living outside the USA, the price was too steep. Havana hair retails for US$12.99 per pack and the true chunky Havana twists takes about 5 – 7 packs; depending on the size of your head. It is important that I note that the hair is worth it’s bang. The hair is reusable meaning you are able to wash it and reuse for years to come. It is also said to be much much softer than Marley hair. So, in the long run – definitely worth it.

However, you know naturals have a substitute for everything so in stepped Marley braids 🙂

Marley hair is the easiest braiding hair to work with for DIYs as they come pre-separated as stands of hair and you choose the number of strands per twists.  The process of installing Havana twists using Marley braids is easy and once you get the hang of twisting your roots, the rest is a breeze!

How to Install Havana Twists

Before installing Havana twists or any other protective style be sure to start with clean, moisturized hair. I personally recommend cleansing your hair at least 2 days prior to installing and avoid any heavy product application, especially gel. Do use a moisturizer to keep your hair nice and soft.

Bear in mind that if your hair goes into your protective style dry, it will come out dry despite how often you may mist and oil your scalp. That I learnt from personal experience so do take my foolish advice please!

The Process:

For my more visual readers, here is an awesome Video tutorial.

 

 

Havana Twists I did for the first time on a friend 🙂

One brand of marley braids (very hard and dry)

I cut the hair in half, spray with water and comb out for fullness

Installing the twists

Beautiful chunky twists using 2# strands of marley hair

Curling the ends

Complete – Side view

Complete – Back View

 Tips:

– apply a light layer of moisturizer to each section of hair before twisting

– use a bit of gel or holding product on the ends of your hair to help keep your ends in the twists if you find that they are unruly

– spray and comb out your Marley hair for fullness and a smoother twist (tho this does take time)

 

Taking Care of Your Hair with Havana Twists

As often as your hair required moisture when not in a protective style, you should maintain that routine while wearing your twists.

Personally, I mist my hair every day and either oil my scalp or rub it with Shea butter. Do mist the entire length of your hair in the twist.

To protect your ‘do while you slumber, wrap your hair in a satin bonnet in a ponytail or sleep on a satin pillowcase.

When caring for your hair, don’t worry about the extensions; just focus on the scalp to ensure your natural hair is healthy. Use an apple cider vinegar and water rinse or a dry shampoo only when necessary, and apply it by rubbing it on your scalp with a cotton swab or ball.

Rub in hair oils and butters using the same technique as the cleanser to keep your scalp hydrated, strong, and healthy.

Havana twists I have done

If you are in Antigua then I do install for EC$50.00 for your first install and EC$60.00 after. Go on over and LIKE my Facebook page or follow me on Instagram.