Jumbo twists are a bold, voluminous protective style that has grown in popularity for their dramatic visual impact and relatively quick installation time. Unlike standard two-strand twists, which are done in small to medium sections for a more intricate look, jumbo twists use significantly larger sections of hair and more braiding hair per section to create thick, chunky twists with a statement-making presence. This guide walks you through everything you need to know to install and maintain jumbo twists at home.
What Are Jumbo Twists?
Jumbo twists are oversized two-strand twists that are created using large sections of natural hair combined with synthetic braiding hair extension for volume and length. The larger size of each twist means fewer twists are required to cover the entire head — typically between ten and twenty twists for a full installation, compared to the forty or more that a standard two-strand twist installation might require. The result is a striking, voluminous style with a strong visual impact.
What You Will Need
For jumbo twists, you will need four to six packs of braiding hair in your preferred texture — Marley hair, kinky Afro hair, and spring twist hair are all popular choices for jumbo twists. You will also need a rat tail comb, hair clips, a leave-in conditioner, edge control or gel, and a light oil. The type of braiding hair you choose significantly affects the finished look — Marley hair produces a textured, natural-looking finish, while smoother braiding hair produces a sleeker result.
Step 1 — Prepare Your Natural Hair
Begin with clean, moisturized, and stretched natural hair. The stretching step is particularly important for jumbo twists because the large sections of hair used are more difficult to control when heavily shrunken. Blow dry on a low heat setting or use the banding method to stretch the hair before starting. Apply a leave-in conditioner and a light oil to the hair before sectioning.
Step 2 — Section and Attach Extension Hair
Divide the hair into large square or rectangular sections using your rat tail comb. The size of each section determines the thickness of each jumbo twist — larger sections produce thicker twists. Take a generous piece of braiding hair and fold it in half. Loop it around the natural hair at the root so that you have two halves of the extension hair combined with your natural hair to create two thick strands ready for twisting.
Step 3 — Twist to the Ends
With your two thick strands, twist them around each other from root to tip, maintaining consistent tension throughout. The twist should be firm enough to hold its shape but not so tight that it causes tension at the scalp. Continue twisting all the way to the ends of the braiding hair and seal by dipping in hot water briefly or tucking the ends under the twist.
Maintenance and Longevity
Jumbo twists typically last between two and four weeks. Because the twists are larger, new growth at the roots and the natural weight of the braiding hair can cause the style to look looser more quickly than smaller twists. Moisturize the scalp every two to three days, protect at night with a large satin bonnet, and re-twist any sections that begin to loosen at the root.
Final Thoughts
Jumbo twists are a quick-to-install, visually impressive protective style that offers all the hair health benefits of a traditional twist style with a bold, dramatic aesthetic. They are particularly suited for people who want a statement-making protective style without spending many hours in the styling chair.