In recent years, protective hairstyles have become an essential part of Black culture and haircare. These styles serve not only as a way to safeguard the hair from damage but also as a means to promote hair growth by minimizing the need for unnecessary manipulation. 

One of these protective styles is barrel twist locs. Known for their versatility, elegant appearance and ease of maintenance, barrel twist locs are rapidly becoming a go-to choice for the girls in search of a chic protective look. Barrel twist locs offer a stunning, versatile style that blends the best elements of twists and locs. Here’s everything you need to know about them.

What Are Barrel Twist Locs?

Barrel twist locs are locs, where a loctician twists the hair into thick, uniform sections. These sections resemble the shape of a barrel. This style is a fusion of two classic looks: twists and locs. The result is a voluminous, spiral-like texture that mimics the appearance of traditional locs but with a softer, more flexible look. Unlike conventional locs, barrel twist locs are created by twisting the hair into sections that encourages the hair to clump together.

What makes barrel twist locs special is their ability to offer both a polished look and the freedom to experiment with length, thickness, and texture. They are ideal for people who want the loc style but aren’t ready to fully commit to permanent locs. Barrel twists can last for weeks, depending on your hair type and the maintenance involved. This makes them an excellent choice for those looking to protect their hair while serving an edge.

How to Do Barrel Twist Locs

While you can totally create barrel twist locs at home, it’s a process that requires some time and patience, especially if you’re aiming for a precise and neat look. 

Materials Needed

  • Wide-tooth comb or rat-tail comb: For sectioning the hair and creating neat parts.
  • Hair clips or bands: To keep sections of hair separate while working.
  • Twisting cream or gel: To provide hold and reduce frizz.
  • Light oil: To keep the scalp moisturized and reduce dryness.
  • Edge control: For smoothing out baby hairs for a polished finish.
  • Leave-in conditioner: For adding moisture and ensuring the hair stays hydrated during the process.

Barrel Twist Locs Tutorial

  1. Prep Your Hair: Start by washing and conditioning your hair. Moisturize your well-moisturized, as dry hair can lead to frizz and difficulty when twisting. Detangle your hair using a wide-tooth comb or fingers to ensure a smooth base for the twists.
  2. Section the Hair: Use a rat-tail comb to part your hair into sections. You can choose to go for small, medium, or large sections depending on the look you’re going for. For a tighter, more defined look, smaller sections work best, while larger sections will create a more voluminous appearance. Clip the sections you’re not working on to keep them out of the way.
  3. Start Twisting: Take a small section of hair and apply a generous amount of twisting gel to coat the hair. This will help reduce frizz and add hold. Begin twisting the section of hair by dividing it into two parts. Twist both strands around each other tightly. Make sure the twist is firm, but not too tight. As you twist, continue to add more hair from the sides (just like in a rope twist) to ensure a uniform look. The twist should start to form a “barrel” shape as the strands are wrapped around each other.
  4. Secure the Twist: Once you’ve twisted the entire section, secure the ends with a small rubber band or clip to hold it in place. You can also use a bit of gel or twisting cream to help the ends stay intact. Repeat this process for each section of hair until your entire head is twisted.
  5. Add Curls or Additional Styling: If you want a curly finish, you can wrap the ends of each barrel twist around foam rollers or flexi rods before allowing them to set. You can also use edge control to smooth down any baby hairs. Finish off the style with a light mist of oil for extra shine.
  6. Let It Dry: Allow your barrel twist locs to air dry completely. This may take several hours or overnight depending on the thickness of your hair and the amount of product used.