Passion twists

What it is

Passion twists are a distinctive hairstyle characterized by their soft, wavy texture and bohemian aesthetic. They consist of two-strand twists created by wrapping natural hair with lightweight, pre-curled synthetic extensions known as water wave hair. The result is a style that appears naturally curly and slightly frizzy, offering a carefree yet glamorous look. Unlike rigid box braids, these twists have a bouncy, fluid movement. The style typically falls between shoulder and mid-back length, though shorter and longer variations exist. It is primarily worn by women seeking a protective style that allows their natural hair to rest while providing a fashionable, low-tension finish.

Where it comes from

The style was invented in 2018 by Kailyn Rogers, a hairstylist based in Miami who operates under the name The Boho Babe. She developed the look to provide clients with something fresh, eye-catching, and durable that differed from existing options like box braids or Marley twists. Following its introduction, the style gained significant traction through social media and celebrity adoption. Figures such as Taraji P. Henson and Keke Palmer wore the style, which led to features in major publications like Elle and Essence. Its popularity spread rapidly, becoming a staple in urban centers like New York City and Los Angeles.

What it means

Passion twists serve as a popular protective style within the natural hair community, allowing wearers to maintain their hair health while enjoying a versatile aesthetic. The style embodies a bohemian identity, emphasizing a relaxed, effortless vibe that contrasts with more structured braiding techniques. By utilizing textured extensions that mimic natural curls, it celebrates black hair aesthetics without requiring heat styling. The style has become associated with individuality and modern fashion, particularly in cities like New York where it fits seamlessly into both casual and glam contexts.

How it is made

To install passion twists, a stylist begins with clean, deep-conditioned natural hair. They then use a crochet needle to pull loops of pre-stretched water wave synthetic hair through small sections of the natural hair at the roots. Each loop is folded and twisted around itself twice to form a two-strand twist. The process relies on the texture of the extension hair rather than complex knotting, making it faster than Senegalese twists. Installation typically takes four to six hours depending on the desired length and thickness. The twists are left loose at the root to minimize tension on the scalp.

Who and what it suits

This style works best on natural hair types that provide enough friction to hold the twist, such as type 3A and 3B hair. Hair that is too slippery may cause the twists to slip out sooner. The wavy texture of the extensions helps hide uneven handiwork, making it forgiving for beginners. It suits those who want a style that looks crisp initially but softens gracefully over time. It is not recommended for those who require a perfectly sharp, uniform look throughout the entire wear period, as the style is designed to age softly.

Versions

Variations include different lengths, from short styles to mid-back or longer versions. Color variants such as ombre and burgundy are available using dyed extension hair. The style differs from spring twists, which have a tighter bounce and less frizz, and kinky twists, which use kinkier hair for a more defined, tighter look. Some users refer to it as crochet passion twists due to the installation method. Alternatives to the standard water wave hair include Bohemian curl crochet braiding hair, provided the texture matches the desired wavy pattern.

In culture

The style has been featured in prominent fashion and beauty magazines, cementing its place in contemporary beauty culture. It is widely discussed in online communities and influencer circles, particularly in New York City and Los Angeles. The style represents a shift towards protective hairstyles that balance aesthetic appeal with hair health. It has become a common choice for everyday wear, weddings, and festivals, appealing to a broad demographic seeking low-maintenance yet stylish options. Its rise highlights the influence of independent stylists and social media in shaping modern hair trends.

Questions people ask about Passion twists

Good reading and sources

• curlcentric.comSource
• un-ruly.comSource
• thelist.comSource