Passion Twists Should be on Your Hair Mood Board

It's undeniable that braids are one of the premier protective styles. Whether you go the trendy route and opt for knotless or "bora bora" styles or prefer a more traditional box braid, nothing beats the ability to get up with your hair already done. Still, braids aren't the only protective style to keep in your repertoire. In fact, we have another look that is just as trendy as your favorite braided style: passion twists.

"The style became popular around 2018," Sophia Emmanuel tells PS. "It was created by Kailyn Rogers, a Miami-based hairstylist known as The Boho Babe." Twist hairstyles are known for their versatility — you can create everything from ponytails, half-up half-down styles — and buns, and then take down the style with much less effort than braids.

Ahead, Emmanuel explains everything you should know about the look.

Sophia Emmanuel is a trichologist, cosmetologist, and V&Co. Beauty brand ambassador.

Martika Cogdell is a New York-based hairstylist.

Since braids typically follow the traditional three-piece structure, think of twists as a two-strand version created in small boxed sections all over the head. "They tend to be more dense than your regular two-strand twist hairstyles because of the type of hair that's used," hairstylist Martika Cogdell says. Emmanual adds: "Water wave hair extensions are usually the go-to for this look." You can also opt out of extensions altogether because passion twists can be done on natural hair.

The style is particularly popular during the summer months but can be worn year-round. "People love passion twists because they are lightweight, apply less tension to the scalp, and have a more natural look than traditional two-strand twists with added hair," Emmanuel says.

Passions twists are fairly easy to DIY. Still, whether you do them yourself or go to a hair salon, there are a few rules that you should follow. "Before anything, your natural hair should be completely detangled and fully blown out to ensure smooth twists throughout the style," Cogdell says. Next, separate your extensions before the service to save time and ensure consistency in size for each twist."

When it comes to installation, your parting will depend on the look that you're going for. "Some people like regular square boxes as parts while others go for a messier look and just free part," Cogdell says. "When adding the extensions, your natural hair should be split down the middle of the part, the hair should be added in the middle, and then the twist should go all the way down the length of the extensions."

Ahead, see a few passion twist hairstyles to consider if you want to give the look a try for yourself.