Barrel twists are characterized by their cylindrical shape, resembling small barrels. You typically create them with dreadlocks or locs, but you can also form them using regular braids or twists, especially when knotting their ends.
To achieve barrel twists, you’ll need some hair moisturizer or styling gel to smooth and define the twists, elastic bands to secure their ends, and hair accessories like cowries or cuffs, if desired. Start by dividing your locs into the desired sections and applying some hair moisturizer or styling gel to each section for extra hold and definition. Braid each section, tightly twisting it around itself in a cylindrical shape to create the barrel twists, then secure the ends with elastic bands to keep them in place.
This hairstyle suits individuals with different loc lengths, making it a good choice for both men and women looking for a low-maintenance loc style. Barrel twists can help protect the hair and prevent breakage, which may indirectly support healthy hair growth. To maintain them, moisturize the twists and scalp regularly to prevent dryness and breakage, and sleep with a satin or silk bonnet or pillowcase to preserve their shape and reduce frizz.
Barrel twists can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on your hair type and how well you maintain them. You can wear your barrel twists for as long as you desire. However, it’s recommended to take them out after a few weeks to prevent breakage. Creating barrel twists creates tension on the scalp, and carrying them for too long may cause your locs to thin out and even fall out. To take out barrel twists, simply unravel each twist carefully from the ends to the roots, using your fingers or a rat-tail comb to gently loosen any knots. Ensure to dampen the hair with water or hair conditioner to make it easier to detangle.
Whether you’re new to barrel twists or looking to refresh your skills, at the end of this guide, you’ll know the best styles and techniques for creating long-lasting, frizz-free barrel twists tailored to your hair type.
1. Two Barrel Twists
Two barrel twists, also referred to as double barrel twists, feature two sections of hair resembling cylindrical barrels. To achieve this hairstyle, first divide your locs into two vertical sections. Starting from the crown, take out two strands from the sides and wrap them across and under the bulk of locs, crossing the left strand to the right and the right strand to the left. Next, take 2 more strands and repeat the process with the first set in the middle together with the rest. Continue till you reach the nape of the neck and secure using elastic bands. This hairstyle is especially suitable for medium length to long locs and small to medium sized locs, as you need some length to be able to gather the locs in two barrel twists. If you like this style, check out more two-braid hairstyles here.
2. 3 Barrel Twists
3 barrel twists are also called triple-barrel twists. They feature three sections of locs, each twisted into a cylindrical, cornrow-like shape. To create this style, first divide your locs vertically into three sections. Beginning at the crown, twist each section into a barrel twist as you work toward the nape of the neck. Three barrel twists are simpler to create compared to styles with more sections, making them suitable for individuals seeking to wear the barrel twist look in an uncomplicated style.
3. 4 Barrel Twists
Also known as quadruple barrel twists, the 4 barrel twist hairstyle features four sections of locs, each twisted into a cylindrical, cornrow-like shape. To create this look, first divide your locs vertically into four sections. Beginning at the crown, twist each section into the barrel twist shape as you work your way towards the nape of the neck. The versatile 4 barrel twists can be worn half-up or fully twisted down to the neck. Hair accessories can also be incorporated for extra style. Check out these four braid hairstyles to find more styles like this.
4. 5 Barrel Twists
The 5 barrel twist hairstyle features locs divided vertically into five sections and twisted into barrels. To create this look, separate your locs into five parts from the crown of your head down to the nape of your neck. Twist each section into a barrel shape. This style works well with medium length to long locs, as well as shorter locs. The five twists can be arranged in various patterns along the scalp, such as to the side, in a bun, or ponytail.
5. 6 Barrel Twists
The 6 barrel twist style features locs divided into six sections, with each part twisted into a cylindrical shape. To create this look, separate locs into six parts and twist each into a barrel. What’s unique about the style shown in the picture is that it has a diamond part that creates a zig zag design between the sections. But you can create the six twists in any pattern you like. This style suits short, medium and long loc lengths. For added style, accessorize with hair bands, ruffles and cowries.
6. Barrel Twists With Starter Locs
Starter locs refer to the initial stage of dreadlocks formed by coiling sections of hair using palm rolling or twisting techniques. Although typically shorter and less defined than mature locs, starter locs around finger length can also be styled into barrel twists. Barrel twists give people with new locs a low-maintenance way to wear their developing hair. This moisturizing style prevents excessive manipulation, which is especially beneficial for starter locs. However, care should be taken not to apply excessive scalp pressure to avoid damaging the budding locs.
7. Short Barrel Twists
Shorter locs can also be styled into more compact, smaller barrel twists. To create barrel twists for short locs, use hair clips or ties to section off the hair, along with some styling gel for extra hold and to prevent unraveling. While shorter locs limit the barrel twist options, the styles can be adapted by choosing looks with more sections like 4 or 5 barrel twists and barrel twists to the back. Here are more braided hairstyles for short hair that will inspire you.
8. Ja Morant Barrel Twists
Ja Morant, the famous basketball player, often sports his signature 4 barrel twists hairstyle. His locs are sectioned vertically into four symmetrical parts running straight back from the crown of his head to the nape of his neck. You can recreate Ja Morant’s signature look by dividing your own locs into four sections and weaving evenly-spaced barrel twists down the length of your hair.
9. Barrel Twists with Ponytail
The barrel twists with a ponytail hairstyle combines barrel-twisted sections with a ponytail. This look is achieved by first creating barrel twists on the top, bottom, or around the head. The remaining hair is then gathered and secured into a ponytail using elastic bands. To create this style, divide the locs into sections and twist each into a barrel twist. Once finished, pull the untwisted hair into the ponytail. This ponytail hairstyle works best with lighter weight locs, as a heavy ponytail can pull on the roots.
10. Barrel Twists to the Side
Barrel twists styled to the side create an asymmetrical look. This side braid hairstyle is achieved by working barrel twists in a diagonal pattern from one side of the head to the other. The diagonal can go from one side at the crown across to the opposite side of the nape of the neck, or vice versa. As pictured, the diagonal goes from the nape on one side up to the crown on the other side. The rest of the hair can then be styled into a side bun or ponytail on the longer section for an eye-catching finish.
11. Half-Up Half-Down Barrel Twists
The half-up half-down barrel twist style features locs twisted into barrels on the top section while the remaining hair cascades freely past the shoulders. To create this half up half down look, make barrel twists on the top half of the head and leave the bottom section out. For added styling, the top section can be secured into a half-up ponytail or bun. This flattering look works well with medium to long loc lengths and can be accessorized for extra personality.
12. High Top Barrel Twists
As the name implies, high top barrel twists feature twists styled high on the crown of the head, creating a high top dreads look. To achieve this style, twist sections of locs into barrels, concentrating the twists on the top portion of the head. This allows the sides and lower back/nape area to be shaved or faded for an edgy finish. High top barrel twists are commonly worn by men seeking a bold loc style as the twists up top contrast stylishly with the short sides/back.
13. Individual Barrel Twists
Unlike other barrel twist styles with rows along the scalp, individual barrel twists feature single locs twisted around themselves. To create this look, tightly fold and wrap each individual loc from roots to ends to form a cylindrical shape. Secure the twists in place with elastic bands. This style works best with medium to long loc lengths. For personalization, hair accessories like cowrie shells can be added.
14. Barrel Twist Updo
The barrel twist updo combines the classic updo styling with barrel twisted locs for an elegant look. To create this style, twist sections of locs into the barrel twist shape and arrange them into a secure updo, fastened at the nape of the neck, crown, or mid-head using hairpins and elastics. The barrel twist updo has a refined, timeless vibe, making it ideal for formal events like weddings and proms or even the office. This hairstyle can also be accessorized with hairpins, headbands, flowers or colorful clips for a personalized touch.
15. Half Barrel Twist Half Two Strand Twist
This style combines barrel twists with two-strand twists. To create the look, first divide the locs horizontally into two sections, with the top for barrel twists and bottom for two-strand twists. Twist the top section into barrel twists and the bottom section into two-strand twists. Once complete, style as desired – for example, put barrel twists in a bun/ponytail with two-strand twists cascading over shoulders, or allow all locs to fall freely.
16. Barrel Twists To The Back
As the name suggests, barrel twists to the back feature twists styled from the crown of the head back to the nape of the neck. To create this straight-back look, twist sections of hair into barrel shapes, directing each twist toward the back as you work from top to bottom. The twists can be secured at the nape in a bun or with elastic bands. When styling, take care not to apply excessive pressure on the scalp in order to prevent breakage at the edges and keep locs secure. Barrel twists directed neatly to the back provide a cleanly finished, put-together loc style.
17. Pop Smoke Barrel Twists
The Pop Smoke braiding style features six or more braids starting from the center of the head. This signature look can be adapted into Pop Smoke barrel twists. To create it, divide your locs into sections starting from the middle of your head out toward the edges. Twist each section into flat barrel twists against the scalp, styling the twists to lay toward the front, sides and back of the head. This gives a dynamic, forward-facing appearance reminiscent of the rapper’s iconic braids. However, avoid wearing this tension-laden style for more than a few weeks at a time, as it can cause breakage along the hairline.
18. Braids With Barrel Twisted Ends
This style combines braids with barrel twists for a fusion loc look. To create it, first braid the hair into box braids, twist braids or cornrows as desired. After braiding, tightly wrap the lower section of each braid around itself to form a barrel twist. Twisting the ends helps seal braids to prevent unraveling. The barrel twists also add a stylish finish. This technique works with a variety of braiding patterns and provides decorative detailing. Braids with twisted ends achieve the best of both techniques for a visually appealing, secure loc style.
19. Barrel Twist Updo With Curls
This hairstyle combines barrel twists with curls for added texture and volume. First, twist sections of your hair into barrel twists. Then, arrange the barrel twists into an updo style, securing them with elastic bands. For the curls, you have two options. You can unravel the ends of your locs and use a curling iron to create curls. Alternatively, if you want to keep your locs intact, install curly hair extensions and incorporate them into the updo. Either way, the end result is a stylish updo with barrel twists accented by curls. See more braided hairstyles with curls if you like this curly style.
20. Barrel Twist Bob
The barrel twist bob is a stylish combination of the classic bob haircut and barrel twists. This hairstyle features locs twisted into individual cylindrical barrel shapes that fall just above the shoulders in a bob cut. To achieve this look, twist each loc into a uniform barrel twist, ensuring they are consistent in size, length, and shape. The resulting barrel twist bob frames the face beautifully, complementing various facial structures from round to oval and oblong. The soft, twisting texture adds movement and dimension to the regular bob braids style.
21. Barrel Twists With Box Braids
This hairstyle combines classic box braids with barrel twists. First, part your hair into sections and braid each section using the box braiding technique, incorporating hair extensions for added length and volume. Once all the box braids are complete, take the ends of each braid and tightly roll them into cylindrical barrel twist shapes. Ensure these barrel twists are uniform in size, length, and shape for a cohesive look. The result is a creative protective style that beautifully blends two popular braid styles. Check out these other box braids hairstyles you might like.
22. Barrel Twist Mohawk
The barrel twist Mohawk is an edgy hairstyle that combines the braided Mohawk with barrel twists. This look typically features shaved or faded sides with a strip of locs left in the center. These center locs are then tightly twisted into cylindrical barrel twists. Alternatively, if you have a full head of locs and want to achieve this style, you can slick the locs from the sides towards the center of your head, securing them with hairpins. Then, twist just the center locs into barrel twists. If needed, use additional hairpins or clips to keep the barrel twists securely in place.
23. Barrel Twists With Taper Fade Cut
This braids with fade hairstyle combines barrel twists on top with the clean lines of a taper fade on the sides and back. To achieve this look, the hair on the sides and back is gradually faded shorter toward the top, creating a smooth transition. The longer hair on top is then twisted into uniform barrel twists. When executed well, the contrast between the tightly twisted texture on top and the faded sides creates a bold, modern style. Ensure the taper fade is blended seamlessly into the longer barrel twist section for a sleek finish.
24. Barrel Twist Halo
The barrel twist halo is a unique-looking hairstyle featuring barrel twists arranged in a circular pattern around the head, creating a “halo” effect. To achieve this look, make a single continuous barrel twist, wrapping it around the crown of your head. Secure the twist in place using hairpins, being careful not to apply excessive pressure to avoid breakage or dislodging locs. The key is maintaining a gentle tension to keep the halo shape intact. Once styled, you may need to make occasional touchups to keep the barrel twist halo looking its best and preserve its circular integrity. This striking hairstyle is sure to turn heads with its unique shape and textured detail. Here are some more stunning halo braids looks to inspire you.
25. Heart-Shaped Barrel Twist
The heart-shaped barrel twist fits perfectly on special occasions. To create this heart braids look, part your locs into two sections. Starting at the center of your head, twist each section into barrel twists, shaping them to form the outline of a heart as you work toward the sides and down to the nape of the neck. Once the heart shape is formed, you can gather the ends into a bun or ponytail or allow them to cascade into curls. The heart-shaped barrel twist adds a touch of femininity and playfulness. This beautiful style is ideal for weddings, date nights, or any event where you want a cute-looking hairstyle.
