Everything You Need to Know Before Getting Passion Twists

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Believe it or not, fall is here. And if you're anything like me, you probably can't believe the cold weather is already upon us. So if you have natural hair, it's time to start thinking about a protective style to keep your hair free of damage throughout the season.

Last year the trending protective style was box braids. And don't get me wrong, box braids are timeless, so you can certainly get away with wearing them this year, but if you're ready for something new, it's time to try out passion twists.

Passion twists were created by hairstylist Kailyn Rogers, also known as The Boho Babe. After receiving requests from her clients for a natural-looking, easy-to-maintain hairdo, the hairstylist attempted to create a new style, and passion twists were birthed. Rogers' creation has since gone viral, and in recent months it has gained even more popularity.

More and more people are opting for this interesting style that has a sculptured look. The twists resemble faux locs, to the point where it's pretty easy to mistake the two styles — I've certainly done it a few times.

The two-strand twists are created using Freetress Water Wave braiding hair and have a natural-looking texture that gives off an effortless boho vibe. If you've seen the popular hairstyle and you're wondering if you should give it a try, we're here to help you decide. We reached out to Wella Professionals North America Ambassador, Dereq Clark, to share everything you need to know about passion twists.

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How Are Passion Twists Installed?

There are a few different ways to install passion twists — they can be crocheted into cornrows and box braids or created from scratch by adding Freetress Water Wave braiding hair directly to your natural hair. The great thing about passion twists is that you can actually do them yourself. So yep, you're saving $250. A quick YouTube search and you'll see numerous tutorials on how to achieve the protective style. But be warned, it's going to take a bit of patience and probably a good part of your day — so, if you can't be bothered with the ordeal, your best bet is to go to a hairstylist.

How Long Does It Take to Install Passion Twists?

If you're planning on having your passion twists installed by a hairstylist, be prepared for it to take anywhere from four to eight hours, says Clark. "The amount of time it takes to install your passion twists really depends on the speed of the stylist and the desired length or thickness requested," he explains. If you want to try and install passion twists yourself, expect it to take up to eight hours, but don't be deterred, the results are worth it.

VIDEO: 6 Twisted Hairstyle Ideas for Anyone with Natural Hair

Why Are Passion Twists a Good Protective Style?

With any protective style, you want to make sure you can moisturize your natural hair, if the style prevents you from doing this, the whole objective of it being protective is a failure, and your hair is likely to suffer damage. "In the colder months, [natural] hair is typically more prone to breakage and extreme dryness," says Clark. "Passion twists are a very good way to ensure the hair is protected and healthy, and you can easily moisturize your scalp."

What's the Best Way to Prepare Your Hair For Passion Twists?

Before you install your passion twists, you'll want to ensure your hair is clean. Clark recommends using a sulfate shampoo to make sure the hair is completely free of any build-up. Following this, the hairstylist suggests applying a 30 minute deep conditioning treatment to hydrate the hair.

"After you've washed and conditioned your hair, blow-dry it on a warm setting till it's about 90% dry, then seal it lightly with oil," says Clark. "Finally, braid the hair in plaits to complete the drying process and keep the hair stretched before installing your passion twists."

What's the Best Way to Care For Your Passion Twists?

Although passion twists have an undone, effortless look, they do require maintenance, if you want them to last. "The best way to care for your passion twists is to oil your twists and scalp every other day," says Clark. "Then you want to apply a non-alcohol or silicone-based moose throughout the twists, and to the ends of the braiding hair."

Covering your head at night with a silk or satin bonnet will also help your passion twists stay in top shape. A mist of shine spray every morning won't hurt either, especially if the twists start to look dry.

How Often Can You Wash Passion Twists?

The more you wash your passion twists, the more prone they are to frizz, so you'll want to keep the wash days to a minimum. Once or twice a month is best.

How Long Do Passion Twists Last?

Passion twists can last anywhere from six to eight weeks, but this differs from person to person, and it really depends on how good you are at sticking to a maintenance regimen. Like anything, the better you care for your passion twists, the longer they'll last.

How Do You Know When It's Time to Remove Your Passion Twists?

Chances are you'll have a good idea when it's time to remove your passion twists as they start to loosen. If you leave them in too long, you might find that they start falling out on their own. To save yourself the embarrassment of a passion twist randomly falling out when you're at dinner, go with your gut and remove them when they start to look messy and become loose.

How Do You Remove Passion Twists?

To remove passion twists, Clark recommends gently pulling each twist apart with your fingers. "Unravel the twists until you get to your roots then place your finger under the knot and gently pull the twist out," says the hairstylist. "If a rubber band was used to install the twists, it should slide right out, if not, you may need to use scissors to cut the rubber band out, but be very careful!"

Are There Any Hair Types That Should Avoid Doing Passion Twists?

If you have damaged hair, it's best to wait till your hair is in a healthy condition before getting any type of installation. Also, depending on your hair type (i.e. kinky or curly), Clarks says it may be more of a challenge to install passion twists as you run the risk of tangling your hair, so make sure you consult a hairstylist first.

This is All Natural. From the kinkiest coils to loose waves, we're celebrating natural hair in its many forms by sharing expert tips for styling, maintenance, and haircare.