How to Do A Modern Take on the Classic French Twist

By Kenra Professional

December 2023

Completed modern French twist updo on a blonde woman, viewed from behind and slightly to the side, with soft tendrils framing the face

Ready for the holidays or an important event but not sure what to do with your hair? Stephanie Brinkerhoff, the creative mind behind @hairandmakeupbysteph, is thrilled to guide us through the creation of a stunning tousled high twist – a contemporary spin on the timeless French Twist. This versatile style can be adapted for various occasions, adding a touch of elegance to any look. Let's dive into the step-by-step process while following along with the video below on how to achieve this chic and modern hairstyle.

Step 1: Building Volume with Soft Curls

To lay the foundation for our tousled high twist, start by creating soft curls to add volume to the hair. Focus on loose curls at the ends, using a 1.25-inch iron to maintain consistency. Employ backcombing at the roots, followed by a mist of Kenra Volume Spray 25 for hold and Kenra Platinum Hot Spray 20 for the ends, loosely combing through to ensure proper saturation before curling. Repeat this process, working your way up the head, ensuring uniform curls in the same direction.

A stylist wraps a section of long blonde hair around a curling iron to add waves before assembling the French twist updo

Step 2: Shaping the Top Section

As you reach the top section, pay attention to the shape you're creating. Backcomb the crown, maintaining a rounded form. Consistency in curl direction ensures a soft, uniform wave that contributes to the cohesive look when the hair is twisted.

Stylist backcombing the crown of a blonde client's hair in preparation for a French twist updo

Step 3: Brushing and Pinning

Use a boar bristle brush to gently brush out the curls, creating a fluffy texture. Pin the crown section, leaving the sides loose for now. Add Kenra Volumizing Spray Clay 15 at the roots for additional bulk, ensuring a dry feel. Softly twist and pin the crown, maintaining a deconstructed appearance.

Stylist brushing the back of a blonde model's long wavy hair as part of a French twist styling tutorial

Step 4: Working with the Sides

Separate the sides from the ears up and blend with the crown using Volumizing Spray Clay 15. Deconstruct the sides slightly, ensuring a seamless blend with the crown. Repeat the process on both sides, paying attention to the overall shape.

Step showing hands gathering and twisting the top section of long blonde hair at the back of the head to begin a French twist updo

Step 5: Creating the Tousled High Twist

Apply more Volumizing Spray Clay 15 to the back for a fluffy feel. Gather the hair loosely, leaving out a few baby pieces. Twist the hair, ensuring smooth sides. Secure the twist tightly in the center and leave some ends out for an undone feel. Bobby pin the twist securely, adding a few extra pins for reinforcement.

Then, wrap the tail end of the twist loosely and leave some ends out for a relaxed finish. Secure with bobby pins, ensuring the twist sits at the center. Detail any loose pieces around the neck and finish with Kenra Volume Spray 25 for a polished look.

Stylist shaping a blonde French twist updo on a client, viewed from behind, with hands gathering and securing the hair at the crown

And there you have it! Experiment with this versatile hairstyle and feel free to share your results by tagging us @kenraprofessional on Instagram. Stay tuned for more styling tips, and don't forget to check out Stephanie’s other videos for additional inspiration.

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