What are silky passion twists?
Silky passion twists are two-strand twists made with soft, wavy braiding hair that has a smooth, shiny finish. Most people need 4 to 7 packs for a full head, depending on twist size and length.
Passion twists were created in 2018 by Miami stylist Kailyn Rogers, and they quickly became one of the most popular protective styles. The secret is the hair. Silky water wave hair gives the twists their loose, bouncy curl and soft shine, so they look effortlessly boho rather than tight and uniform.
In this guide, we’ll explain how silky passion twists differ from other twist styles, how many packs you need, and how to install, wash and maintain them so they look fresh for weeks.
Silky passion twists vs other twist styles
All of these are two-strand twists. However, the hair you use changes the finish, the feel and how long the style lasts.
Style | Hair used | Finish | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
Silky passion twists | Silky water wave hair | Soft, shiny, loose and bouncy | A polished boho look with shine |
Kinky passion twists | Kinky or afro-textured bulk hair | Matte and fluffy, closer to natural 4c hair | A natural, blended look |
Spring twists | Short, springy coiled hair | Tight, bouncy coils | Short, playful styles |
Senegalese twists | Regular pre-stretched braiding hair | Smooth, tight and compact | A neat, uniform look |
Which should you choose? If you want shine and movement, go silky. On the other hand, if you want your twists to blend with your natural texture, kinky hair is the better match.
How many packs of silky passion twist hair do I need?
This chart is for a full head of silky passion twists using NC4 hair. Save it or screenshot it for your next appointment.
Twist size | Bob (10–14 in) | Shoulder (16–18 in) | Mid-back (20–24 in) | Waist (26–30 in) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Jumbo | 2–3 packs | 3–4 packs | 4–5 packs | 5–6 packs |
Medium | 3–4 packs | 4–5 packs | 5–6 packs | 6–7 packs |
Small | 4–5 packs | 5–6 packs | 6–8 packs | 7–9 packs |
Mini | 5–6 packs | 6–7 packs | 7–9 packs | 8–10 packs |
Why other brands give different numbers. Many brands sell pre-looped packs of 15 to 22 strands, weighing 65 to 85 g, and say 5 to 7 packs makes a full head. NC4 packs are 60 to 130 g, so check the weight, not just the pack count, when you compare.
Not sure between two numbers? Buy the higher one. After all, a spare pack is handy for replacing a twist that frizzes.
What changes how many packs you need
Twist size. This is the biggest factor because smaller twists mean more parts. For example, small twists use parts about 0.5 to 2 cm wide, while jumbo twists use parts about 3 to 5 cm wide.
Length. Longer twists use more hair each. For this reason, choose the length you want to end with rather than buying long and cutting down.
Fullness. For a sleek, airy look, use less hair per twist. On the other hand, for big, fluffy twists, plan for 1 to 2 extra packs.
Boho or curly ends. Leaving extra curly pieces out along the twists adds volume. However, it also uses more hair, so add 1 to 2 packs.
Your head size and hair density. A larger head or thick natural hair means more parts to cover. Meanwhile, fine or thin hair may need fewer packs.
Mixing colours. Planning a highlight or ombré look? First, work out your total, then split it by colour. Also, buy one extra of your main shade.
10 silky passion twist styles to try
- Classic mid-back silky passion twists. The original soft, boho look, with extra shine.
- Sleek passion twists. Tighter, neater twists that show off the hair’s smooth, glossy finish.
- Short silky passion twists or a bob. Chin or shoulder length, lighter and quicker to install.
- Jumbo silky passion twists. Big, bold twists that install fast and use fewer packs.
- Mini silky passion twists. Tiny twists for a full look that lasts longer.
- Boho silky passion twists. Extra curly pieces left out along each twist for a soft, romantic finish.
- Knotless silky passion twists. Started with your own hair for a flat, natural root and less tension.
- Ombré or highlighted twists. Dark roots fading into honey blonde, copper or burgundy.
- Half-up, half-down or high bun. Perfect for events, workouts or hot days.
- Crochet silky passion twists. The same look installed in about half the time.
Tip: Save a photo of the style you want and bring it to your appointment. That way, your braider can tell you the exact size, length and number of packs.
How to install silky passion twists
You can braid silky passion twists in, or crochet them for a faster install. Either way, start with clean, moisturized, fully detangled hair.
What you’ll need
Silky passion twist hair, a rat-tail comb, braiding gel or edge control, hair clips, setting mousse, sharp scissors, a kettle of hot water and a satin scarf. For crochet, you’ll also need a latch hook.
Method 1: Braided passion twists (4 to 8 hours)
- Condition and prep your Passion Twists. Dip into in conditioning water or Conditioning spray to avoid tangles. Gently pull the pack apart into small, even pieces. Keep the curly ends together and handle them lightly so they don’t frizz.
- Prep your natural hair. Wash, condition and fully detangle. Blow-dry on low heat or stretch your hair so it’s smooth and easy to part. Apply a light leave-in or moisturizer.
- Section and part. Divide your hair into sections, then part each twist neatly, starting at the nape.
- Anchor the hair. Fold a piece of passion twist hair around your natural hair at the root, then braid 2 to 3 stitches to lock it in.
- Loosely Twist down. Split the hair into two strands. Loosely twist each strand in the same direction, then wrap them around each other the opposite way, so the twist doesn’t unravel but still keep the curl pattern
- Seal the ends. Dip the ends in hot (not boiling) water for a few seconds, then pat dry.
- Set. Apply setting mousse, lay your edges and tie a satin scarf down for 10 to 15 minutes.
Method 2: Crochet passion twists (2 to 4 hours)
- Cornrow your hair. Braid straight-back cornrows or to reflect your desired style pattern and tuck the ends.
- Hook the hair in. Push a latch hook under a cornrow with a crotchet hook, loop a piece of hair over it and pull it halfway through.
- Twist and seal. Twist the hair down as above, then dip the ends in hot water.
- Repeat, spacing pieces about half an inch apart and finishing at the hairline.
Tip: Silky hair is slippery, so twist with firm, even tension. However, don’t pull tightly at the root. Dermatologists warn that tight hairstyles can cause traction alopecia, so if it hurts, it’s too tight.
How long do silky passion twists last?
Silky passion twists usually last 4 to 8 weeks. Because the hair is wavy, the ends can frizz sooner than sleek styles. However, a good night routine and regular refreshing help them stay neat longer.
How long yours last depends on your twist size, how often you wash, and how well you protect them. Typically, smaller twists last longer than jumbo ones, and braided twists last longer than crochet.
Try not to keep them in past 8 weeks. Leaving twists in too long can cause buildup, matting at the roots and breakage in your natural hair. That’s why it’s worth taking a real break between installs to let your edges recover.
How to wash silky passion twists
In general, wash every 2 to 3 weeks, or sooner if your scalp feels itchy.
- Dilute your shampoo. Mix a sulfate-free shampoo with water in a spray or applicator bottle.
- Focus on your scalp. Apply it to your parts and massage gently. However, avoid scrubbing the twists, as this causes frizz.
- Rinse downward. Let the water run from roots to ends so the twists don’t tangle.
- Condition lightly. Spray a lightweight leave-in along the twists. Heavy products dull the shine.
- Squeeze, don’t rub. Blot with a microfibre towel or cotton T-shirt.
- Dry completely. Otherwise, damp twists can develop mildew and a musty smell.
How to keep silky passion twists shiny and fresh
- Sleep in a satin bonnet or on a satin pillowcase. For long twists, loosely pineapple them on top of your head first.
- Refresh with mousse every few days to calm frizz and bring back the shine.
- Keep your scalp moisturized with a light oil or scalp spray. Meanwhile, keep heavy oils off the twists, since they weigh them down and attract dust.
- Trim frizzy ends and reseal them with hot water.
- Retwist loose ends with your fingers to keep the style neat.
- Rinse after swimming, since chlorine and salt water dry out the hair.
Why choose NC4 silky passion twist hair
NC4 passion twist hair is part of our Silky Braiding Hair collection, made to feel soft and lightweight with a natural shine. Here’s what you get:
- 65 – 130 g packs, so you know exactly how much hair you’re getting.
- Lengths from 10 to 30 inches, so you can buy the exact length you want.
- Natural and ombré shades, including our T Ombre Passion Twist Braiding Hair.
- Fast shipping. In-stock packs ship in 2 to 3 business days, with delivery in 4 to 12 business days to Canada, the US, the UK, Europe and Australia.