4 brown hair color

20 STUNNING MEDIUM-LENGTH TWIST STYLES FOR NATURAL HAIR

Twists are a versatile and protective hairstyle that can be worn in various ways, from sleek and sophisticated to fun and funky. If you have medium-length natural hair, you’re in luck! There are countless stunning twist styles to choose from that will flatter your face shape and enhance your natural beauty. In this article, we’ll explore 20 of the most gorgeous medium-length twist styles for natural hair. Get ready to elevate your natural hair game with these fabulous twist styles!

Criss-Crossing Hair Twists

Natural hair offers endless styling possibilities, and twist hairstyles are a perfect way to protect your strands while showing off your unique look. Try creating criss-cross cornrows combined with sleek twists, and finish with a light-hold hairspray to keep everything in place and looking polished.

High Pony with Two Strand Twist Locs

This hairstyle features a voluminous, curly ponytail set high on the crown, with plenty of twisted strands adding texture and fullness. Loose tendrils fall gracefully to frame the face, giving it a soft and romantic feel. The twisted strands add a playful, dynamic look to the overall style, perfect for an effortlessly chic vibe.

Medium Twists Updo

Flat twists are an excellent lightweight option, making them ideal for those seeking a protective style without added weight. Have your stylist twist your hair close to the scalp, similar to cornrows, and secure them at the back, leaving a voluminous bun for a stylish finish.

Small 2 Strand Twist Hairstyle with Interlaced Design

In this style, petite twists with soft, curly ends are swept to one side, creating room for a beautifully intricate woven pattern on the other.

Captivating Twist Braid Hairstyle

Adding various shades to twisted hairstyles opens up endless options for customization and self-expression. For a softer, more feminine look, try incorporating warm caramel extensions that beautifully enhance and complement warm skin tones.

Fulani-Themed Two Strand Twist for Natural Hair

This style gets an extra touch of flair with a bold center braid paired with chunky twists, highlighting the beautiful, natural texture of type 4 hair.

Cornrows and Two Strand Twists

The blend of cornrows and short two-strand twists creates versatile and imaginative hairstyles that perfectly complement natural hair. Twist bangs add a playful touch, offering a fun contrast to the sleek, thin scalp braids.

Full-Size and Side-Parted Twists

We recommend side-parted two-strand twists for women looking to add volume to their hair while enhancing their facial features. This style provides a beautiful lift in the front, creating a balanced and flattering appearance.

Playful Half-Up Twists Style

For the best results, it’s ideal to create twists on your hair wash day when your hair is clean and detangled. After thoroughly moisturizing your hair, part it down the middle and divide it into equal sections before you begin twisting. Be sure to keep the twists loose enough to allow your scalp to breathe comfortably.

Side Cornrows and Honey Ombre

Here’s another stylish take on short two-strand twists—this version features a mix of cornrows and a stunning brown-to-honey-blonde color melt for added depth and dimension.

Voluminous Mini Twist Outs

A twist-out is an excellent styling option for natural hair, particularly for those with type 4 textures. By using smaller sections, you can create a more defined pattern that beautifully highlights your hair’s natural texture and volume.

Dip-Dye Hair with Chunky Locs

Here’s a fantastic example of voluminous two-strand twists for anyone looking to elevate their locs style with a vibrant pop of color.

Twist Braids with Heart Cornrows

Two-strand twists paired with heart-shaped scalp twists bring a touch of sophistication to your hairstyle while offering excellent protection for your hair. Whether you’re heading to a formal event or going about your daily activities, this style will help you radiate confidence and elegance.

Senegalese Twist Braids with Curly Ends

Goddess twists offer a bold and striking hairstyle that beautifully showcases the beauty of your natural hair. The playful, messy twists combined with a half bun give this look a dynamic flair, making it truly attention-grabbing.

Sweet Cinnamon Passion Twists

Twist hairstyles offer a fantastic way to express your creativity and individuality with a variety of styling options and color combinations. If intricate styles aren’t your preference, keep it simple by enhancing the visual appeal of your twists with a rich caramel hue for a striking effect.

Knotless Twists with Curly Ends

Extensions are a great way to add length and volume to thick natural hair, enabling more elaborate and creative hairstyles. When seamlessly blended with your locks, twists provide a range of styling options, including buns, ponytails, and half-updos, enhancing your overall look.

Cornrows and Twisted Ponytail

There are endless styling options to explore with twist hairstyles, and a classic ponytail paired with cornrow braids is a great place to start. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by how easy this style is to maintain, not to mention the compliments you’ll receive wherever you go!

Rich Mahogany Bob Twists

The contrast between burgundy and black hues creates a stunning gradient effect, giving your short passion twists a multi-dimensional look. This color combination adds visual interest to twist hairstyles, similar to how balayage enhances straight hair.

Glamorous Bouncy Twists

The blend of scalp braids and a bouncy twisted bob is the ultimate hairstyle, whether you’re working with your natural hair or adding extensions! The precise twists and mini cornrows make your natural curls more manageable and help reduce frizz. Just apply a moisturizer to your dry hair before twisting to hydrate and nourish your curls.

Short Spring Twist Braids

Whether worn loose or styled into an updo, kinky twists provide a convenient and fashionable option for women looking for a natural look with a touch of flair. For a more modern and funky vibe, consider wearing your twists half-up.

CONCLUSION

Medium-length natural hair offers a canvas for a myriad of stunning twist styles. From classic two-strand twists to intricate patterns and accessories, the possibilities are endless. By experimenting with different techniques and products, you can achieve a look that is both stylish and protective.

Remember, the key to maintaining healthy, beautiful twists is proper care. Keep your hair moisturized, avoid excessive heat styling, and protect your twists at night with a satin scarf or bonnet.

EFFECTIVE SOLUTIONS FOR ELIMINATING BROWN SPOTS

If you’re eager to eliminate those stubborn brown spots, the good news is that there are various solutions available. While brown spots are typically benign and pose no health risks, it’s crucial to monitor any that change in color, size, or texture and to visit your dermatologist regularly. Although treatment for benign spots isn’t necessary, their removal or fading can be both cosmetically and psychologically rewarding. After all, who wouldn’t want a clearer, more even skin tone?

What should I know about spots?

Brown spots, also known as age spots, liver spots, solar lentigines, or sun spots, are flat, oval areas of increased pigmentation that vary in size. Typically gray, tan, brown, or black, these spots appear on areas of the skin that have received the most sun exposure over the years, such as the face, backs of hands, tops of feet, forearms, shoulders, and upper back. They can affect anyone, regardless of sex or race; however, brown spots are more common in individuals with fair skin, a history of frequent sun exposure, regular tanning bed use, and those over 40 years of age.

What causes spots?

Brown spots are caused by overactive pigment cells known as melanocytes. Ultraviolet (UV) light accelerates the production of melanin, the skin pigment responsible for a tan or darker skin. After years of UV exposure, melanin can clump together or be produced in high concentrations, leading to the appearance of brown spots.

There are three main types of benign skin pigmentation resulting from overactive melanocytes: freckles, solar lentigines, and melasma.

FRECKLES

Freckles can be seen as a genetic gift from Mother Nature. These small, flat spots range in color from pale to dark brown and result from an overproduction of melanin in response to UV light exposure. Typically, real freckles are found on younger skin, especially in children, and are most common among individuals with red hair and fair skin that burns easily. They tend to be more noticeable in sun-exposed areas during the summer months and often fade during the winter season.

SOLAR LENTIGINES

Solar lentigines, commonly known as age spots, are dark patches that develop from prolonged sun exposure and are generally harmless. These flat, actinic keratosis lesions can appear yellowish, gray, or light brown, with clearly defined edges. Some may have a dry or slightly scaly texture. Unlike freckles, which are smaller and more diffuse, lentigines are larger and more distinct, typically found on areas such as the face, hands, and chest, accumulating over time due to sun exposure. Unlike freckles, they do not fade in winter and can occur anywhere on the body; they are usually benign.

On the other hand, actinic keratosis represents another form of sun damage that may have the potential to become cancerous. These spots are flat or slightly raised, reddish-brown, and have a more abrasive appearance, often with a scaly surface. Surprisingly, nearly 60 million Americans are affected by this type of sun damage to their skin.

A Woods Lamp (black light) evaluation allows us to detect cumulative skin damage before it becomes visible to the naked eye. It can be eye-opening to observe the extent of sun damage that has already occurred. Since there is always a chance that new lesions may develop in the future, the best preventive measures include avoiding sun exposure, using a broad-spectrum high-SPF sunscreen, and wearing protective clothing and hats.

MELASMA

If you have a Mediterranean-type olive complexion or are of Latin, Asian, or Middle Eastern descent, you are more likely to develop melasma. This condition manifests as large dark patches of pigmentation caused by overactive melanocytes, often appearing as mask-like areas on the cheeks, temples, above the upper lip, and/or forehead. Melasma is believed to be influenced by excessive or repeated sun exposure, as well as hormonal changes. It can develop during the use of birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy, or pregnancy, which is why it is sometimes referred to as a “pregnancy mask.” While melasma may be visually unappealing, it is not dangerous and does not cause any physical discomfort.

Another type of brown spot is known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), which occurs as a result of skin injury. PIH is more common in individuals with darker skin tones and appears as patches triggered by inflammation from conditions such as acne, eczema, or trauma. After the initial condition resolves, dark spots may remain, and their fading over time can vary from person to person.

Words of caution and when you should see a doctor

Another type of brown spot is known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), which occurs as a result of injury to the skin. PIH is more prevalent among individuals with darker skin tones and manifests as patches triggered by inflammation from conditions such as acne, eczema, or trauma. After the initial skin condition resolves, dark spots may remain, and their tendency to fade over time can vary from person to person.

What spots can be treated? 

Brown spots, including liver spots, freckles, solar lentigines, and other benign pigmented lesions that develop after years of sun exposure, can be removed or faded from almost any area of your body. Conditions such as melasma, sun-related brown spots, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can also be effectively treated. However, actinic keratoses and any abnormal-looking lesions should be evaluated and treated by a physician.

Types of spot treatments

Since the pigment is located at the base of the epidermis—the outermost layer of skin—any treatments aimed at lightening brown spots must penetrate this layer effectively.

Medications and prescription lightening creams containing hydroquinone or kojic acid (pigment-bleaching agents) can be used alone or in combination with retinoids (like tretinoin) and mild steroids to gradually fade spots over several months. However, these treatments may cause temporary side effects, including itching, redness, burning, or dryness. It’s essential to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 during treatment.

FotoFacial or IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) treatments emit a range of light waves that pass through the skin to target and destroy melanin, breaking up the spots without damaging the skin’s surface. Typically, two to three sessions are required, and after treatment, spots may appear like coffee ground speckles that flake off and gradually fade over several weeks or months. It’s crucial to avoid sun exposure for at least four weeks before treatment and to use sun protection liberally afterward to ensure optimal results.

Cryotherapy, or freezing, destroys the excess pigment by applying liquid nitrogen or another freezing agent to the spots. This treatment is quick but can be painful, and afterward, there may be some discomfort, blistering, or temporary redness and swelling. As the area heals, the skin may appear lighter. Cryotherapy is generally used for single brown spots or small groupings, but it carries a slight risk of permanent darkening of a spot (PIH), lightening of surrounding skin, or scarring.

Chemical peels involve applying an acid that removes the outer layer of skin to allow new skin to grow in its place. Several treatments may be necessary before seeing results, and strong sun protection is advised following the procedure. Temporary redness is common, with a slight risk of permanent changes in skin color.

Microdermabrasion is a less aggressive option that smooths the outer layers of skin using inert crystals to exfoliate. This treatment requires multiple sessions over several months to achieve desired results and is not recommended for those with rosacea or small red veins on the face. After microdermabrasion, mild redness may appear but typically resolves within a few hours, with flaky skin for three to four days. It can be effective, especially when combined with chemical peels.

Non-ablative laser spot removals destroy melanocytes without harming the skin’s surface. At YouBaby Skin Spa, we use a picosecond laser and PICO Genesis Spot treatments, which deliver light deep into the skin at a trillionth of a second. This breaks up melanocytes, allowing them to be eliminated by the body’s lymphatic system. The treated area may darken, resemble bruising, or form a crust for a few days, but fades over the following weeks, improving both the spots and the skin’s texture. Several treatments are recommended to build upon the results of previous sessions as the skin regenerates collagen and absorbs the debris.

Ablative laser resurfacing is a more aggressive treatment that removes sun-damaged cells to refresh the skin and fade spots. This method removes the outermost layer of skin, allowing new skin to grow back, but requires considerable recovery time and healing. One or two treatments can effectively address age spots quickly.

Prevention

To help prevent the reappearance of brown spots and the formation of new ones after treatment, follow these tips to limit your sun exposure:

  1. Avoid the Sun Between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
    The sun’s rays are most intense during this time, so try to schedule outdoor activities for earlier or later in the day.
  2. Use Sunscreen.
    Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays 15 to 30 minutes before going outdoors. Choose a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. Be sure to apply it generously and reapply every two hours, or more frequently if swimming or sweating.
  3. Cover Up.
    Wear tightly woven clothing that covers your arms and legs, along with a broad-brimmed hat, which offers better protection than a baseball cap or golf visor. Consider clothing specifically designed for sun protection, labeled with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of 40 to 50 for optimal safety.
  4. Never Use Tanning Beds.
    Avoid tanning beds, as they can contribute to skin damage and increase the risk of developing new brown spots.

CONCLUSION

Spot removal is not a new concept, and the type of treatment varies, offering different outcomes. In some cases, spots may never be completely eliminated but can fade significantly, becoming much lighter. Proper home care is essential after any removal treatment to maximize your results. Alongside sunscreen, common aftercare typically includes a tyrosinase inhibitor (which targets the enzyme responsible for melanin formation) and a lightening agent.

We design an individualized program tailored to your skin type, the specific spots you have, and the treatment administered. Share your goals with us, and we will guide you to the appropriate treatment options.