Braids VS Twists: What Are The Differences Between Them?

Last updated: braids · twists
When it comes to protective hairstyles, both braids and twists are popular choices among beauty enthusiasts, which can add volume and dimension to your appearance.
You may have heard of these two protective hairstyles before, but you don’t know the exact differences between them.
The following blog will explain the differences between braids and twists in detail, which can help you better distinguish them.
What’s more, you will also learn how to choose between them, and save money and energy.

1. What are Braids?

Braids refer to a kind of protective hairstyle that is achieved by weaving, which usually involves braiding three or more strands of hair together.
Generally speaking, braids require you to select one section of your natural hair, and then separate the hair into three even pieces. 
Afterwards, it is time for you to braid the three even pieces together, from root to tip of the hair.
To tell the truth, most of us have learn how to braid during childhood, which is of great convenience for us.
What’s more, braids can add depth, volume, and dimension to your appearance, elevating your overall look and embracing your beauty.
There is a wide range of braids for you to choose from, including box braids, cornrows, Goddess braids, and so on.
In recent time, knotless braids have become more and more popular, which causes less tension on your scalp, providing you with a sleek, flat, natural and seamless appearance.
In conclusion, if you want to switch up your look, braids is a suitable choice for you to choose, which can cater to your personal demands and individual preferences.
If you want to learn more about the differences among knotless braids, knot braids, and box braids, you can read this blog to get more information.
braids

2. The benefits of braids:

(1)Long lifespan.
First and foremost, braids are more durable than twists, having a longer lifespan.
Usually, braids can last up to 8 weeks.
That is to say, if you don’t want to spend too much time on hairstyles, braids is quite a suitable choice for you.
(2)Low maintenance.
Secondly, braids are low maintenance for you, which doesn’t require too much time to upkeep.
The reason why braids require less maintenance is that it has a formed and elaborate structure.
If you don’t have enough time to maintain your hairstyle, you can choose braids as a try.
(3)Versatility in styles.
Available in various kinds of options, braids are versatile in styles, which means you can restyle your hair according to your demands and preferences.
Just as it has been mentioned before, you can not only choose different types of braids but also direct your hair with pearls or beads.
(4)Suit all hair types.
Last but not least, braids can suit all hair types, providing you with a sleek, flat, natural, and seamless appearance.

3. The drawbacks of braids:

(1)Tension on the scalp.
As braids weave your natural hair together, it will cause extra tension or discomfort on your scalp, which will lead to traction alopecia and scalp inflammation.
(2)Time-consuming.
As braids involve weaving your natural hair together, it is time-consuming for you to finish your final hairstyle.

4. What are Twists?

Twists refer to a protective hairstyle that is also achieved by weaving, which only wraps two strands of your natural hair together.
Generally speaking, twists require you to select two strands of your hair, and then wrap them around one another, which is quite easy for you to learn.
Therefore, twists can also be called a two-strand twist.
Twists work well for all hair lengths and hair widths, allowing you to adjust your hairstyles based on your demands and preferences.
However, twists are tend to unravel easily, so you’d better wrap your natural hair tightly to avid breakage.
Compared to braids, it is easier and more convenient for you to twist your hair.
In conclusion, if you don’t have enough time to braid your hair, twists is a time-saving choice for you.
twists

5. The benefits of twists:

(1)Quick installation.
As we all know, it is easy and convenient for you to install twists.
Compared to braids, it takes you less time to install twists, making it suitable for people who don’t have enough time.
(2)Less tension on the scalp.
As it only wraps two strands of your hair, twists cause less tension on the scalp, making it a suitable choice for those with a sensitive scalp.
(3)Ideal for coily hair.
Last but not least, twists are ideal for coily hair.
Though twists will be unraveled on some hair types, it can stay intact on coily hair.

6. The drawbacks of twists:

(1)Short lifespan.
Usually, twists are easier to unravel, making it less durable than braids.
Compared to braids, twists has a shorter lifespan, which is prone to frizz and breakage.
(2)High-maintenance.
Just as it has been mentioned before, twists are prone to frizz and breakage, which require frequent upkeep to remain unraveling.

7. What are the differences between braids and twists?

(1)Technique.
First of all, the techniques between braids and twists are different.
Braids will divide one section of your hair into three even pieces and braid them together, while twists only wrap two strands of your natural hair together.
(2)Appearance.
Because of the different techniques, braids and twists have different appearances.
Braids have a more textured and interwoven appearance, while twists have a spiral-like and smoother appearance.
(3)Installation time.
Generally speaking, braids has a longer installation time than twists, which is time-consuming and inconvenient.
(4)Lifespan.
Fourthly, braids has a longer lifespan than twists, which is more durable and long-lasting.
(5)Maintenance.
Last but not least, the maintenance between braids and twists is also different.
As braids has a more formed and elaborate structure, it requires less time to maintain.
On the contrary, twists is high-maintenance, requiring a lot of time to upkeep.

8. How to choose between braids and twists?

(1)Price.
Usually, braids is more expensive than twists, for it is more complex and elaborate.
If you have a tight and limited budget, maybe braids is more suitable choice for you.
If you have a sufficient budget, you can choose either of them based on your own needs.
(2)Installation time.
Secondly, braids require a longer installation time than twists.
That is to say, if you don’t have enough time to install, maybe you’d better choose twists.
(3)Lifespan.
Braids has a longer lifespan than twists, making it a suitable choice for those who want a more durable and long-lasting style.
(4)Maintenance.
Fourthly, braids require more maintenance than twists.
If you don’t have enough time to maintain your hair, you can choose braids to save your time and energy.
(5)Your demands and preferences.
Last but not least, you should also take your personal demands and preferences into consideration, except for the factors above.

Conclusion:

After reading this blog, you must have a more comprehensive and systematic understanding of braids and twists, which can help you better distinguish them.
In conclusion, when you make a choice among them, you should not only consider the price, installation time, lifespan, and maintenance, but also take your demands and preferences into account.
It’s my pleasure if this blog can really address your concerns and problems about braids and twists.
If you have any questions about human hair wigs, please feel free to leave a comment, and I will respond to you as soon as possible.
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