How to Do Two Strand Twists on Natural Hair if You Have Seborrheic Dermatitis

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1Washing Hair & Scale Removal

2Making the Two Strand Twists

3Styling the Two Strand Twists

4Maintaining your Two Strand Twists with Seborrheic Dermatitis

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Things You'll Need

Tips and Warnings

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Seborrheic dermatitis, also known as scalp eczema, is a common condition that primarily affects the scalp, face (such as the eyebrow or smile lines), and other parts of the body that may rapidly produce sebum (such as under the armpits). This condition causes scaly patches in the affected areas. Seborrheic dermatitis can be found in the Black community. Some things that may trigger this condition include having a family history (genetically predisposed), Malassezia (a type of yeast), autoimmune disorders, and stress. A simple way to manage and promote the health of coily or curly hair when you have seborrheic dermatitis is to style your hair in two-strand twists. However, the way you complete this style with this condition is different than the way someone without this condition may complete this style.

Steps

Part 1

Part 1 of 4:

Washing Hair & Scale Removal

1. 
   1
   Put dry hair into sections and carefully detangle it. It is best to use water and an anti-fungal or anti-inflammatory oil, cream, or gel, such as aloe vera, to detangle your hair. In each section, use a wide tooth comb to gently comb the ends. Slowly work your way up your hair until you get to the roots of your hair. Once hair is detangled, gently remove any already lifted flakes or scales from the length of your hair and tie or clip hair away from the tangled hair.

   • If you are allergic to aloe vera or you do not have any aloe vera, you may use tea tree oil along with a carrier oil of your choice (be careful that the carrier oil does not further inflame the scalp and worsen the condition).
   • It is best to part hair into medium sections to ensure hair is properly and thoroughly detangled.
   • A hair sectioning clip is preferred to section off hair as opposed to hair ties as hair ties may become tangled in your hair. Also, satin hair ties may be an option, however, they may become damp from being in contact with your hair.
2. 
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   Wash hair with medicated, prescribed, anti-inflammatory, or anti-fungal shampoo. Focus the shampoo on your scalp as it may be particularly drying to the fragile strands of coily and curly hair. As you shampoo, gently take the pads of your fingers and massage your scalp in a circular motion. This further loosens any scales that may be left on your scalp. Rinse, and repeat if needed.

   • To cleanse the length of the hair, it is better to use an anti-inflammatory shampoo that also has moisturizing properties, such as a tea tree and olive oil shampoo.
   • The most common medicated shampoos used to manage the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis on the scalp contain zinc pyrithione, salicylic acid, ketoconazole, or selenium sulfide.
   • Natural anti-inflammatory shampoos that may be used to manage the symptoms of this condition include shampoos containing tea tree oil, honey, aloe vera, or olive oil.
   • Some shampoos require that you leave it on your scalp for a specified amount of time. If this occurs, make sure to moisturize your hair after.
   • You may also wash your hair in sections, using hair sectioning clips. Make sure to shampoo and gently massage the scalp in each section.
3. 
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   Condition hair with a medicated conditioner and/or a deep (moisturizing) conditioner. At this step, if you still have stubborn scales on your scalp, use a medicated conditioner aimed at treating your seborrhea. Focus this conditioner on your scalp. After this is rinsed out, continue with a moisturizing deep conditioner of your choice. Focus this conditioner on the length of your hair. Wait for about two minutes or the specified amount of time and rinse out.

   • Only focus the medicated conditioner on your scalp as this may still irritate your fragile coily or curly hair strands.
   • Do not focus the deep conditioner on your scalp as the oils may irritate the scalp, triggering your seborrheic dermatitis.
   • A regular conditioner may be used but it's not recommended to be concentrated on your scalp. Instead, apply this to the length of your hair.
4. 
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   Gently remove any scales in the hair. Take the scales out of your hair by gently pulling the scales in a downward motion. Rinse out any remaining scales from the hair.

   • For any stubborn scales, use a medicated cream that is designed for treating seborrhea of the scalp.
   • If the scales are still there after you have shampooed and conditioned your hair, visit a dermatologist or your primary care doctor for a prescription to treat your seborrheic dermatitis.
5. 
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   Moisturize your hair. Since seborrheic dermatitis on your scalp is caused by the overproduction of sebum, moisturizing your hair can be difficult since oil may trigger and/or worsen this condition. However, coily and curly hair needs to be stay moisturized or it may lead to breakage of the hair. Start with a liquid of your choice, such as water and aloe vera, or a leave-in conditioner, and apply it to the length of your hair. Then, choose a hair oil to moisturize your hair, while avoiding your scalp. Lastly, apply butter or cream to the length of your hair for maximum moisturization.

   • Apply the cream or butter second and the oil last depending on how thick (or fine) or porous your hair is.
   • Choose heavier or lighter butter, oils, and creams based on the porosity and thickness of your hair.
   • If you need to moisturize your scalp, try aloe vera. Avoid hair grease and most oils (on your scalp) as that can worsen seborrheic dermatitis.
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Part 2

Part 2 of 4:

Making the Two Strand Twists

1. 
   1
   Decide how you will part your hair. Start parting on damp to dry, stretched hair to minimize breakage. Make sure the parts are the same size as that will increase the longevity of this style. This will also ensure easy access to your scalp, which is important for those with seborrheic dermatitis. Take a rat-tail comb to part your hair in horizontal and vertical sections. Begin creating a square or rectangle-shaped boxes throughout these horizontal and vertical sections. If you want a more natural look, section the parts off with your hand by grabbing small, medium, or big half-circle portions of your hair and work on that portion of your hair.

   • If you are going to use a rat-tail comb, make sure you part your hair as you desire it all at once, as this may make it easier for you to twist your hair.
   • Freeform parting may provide less access to your scalp and may decrease the longevity of the hairstyle.
   • Do not apply oils or harsh gels to your scalp when parting your hair or your seborrhea may worsen.
2. 
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   Split the area you want your two-strand twists to be at in two equal subsections. Make sure the sections are proportionate, so the two-strand twist does not tangle and unravel. Untangle any knots to ensure that the twists will be smooth.

   • If twists are not even, hair may become knotted when twisting.
   • Uneven sections of hair may cause the twists to unravel.
3. 
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   Put the right strand of hair over the left strand and continue until you get to the end of the two-strand twists. Smooth the hair you are twisting as you go down. This reduces and minimizes frizz. You twist your hair in a counterclockwise direction to ensure the twists stay put. Twisting hair in the other direction may result in less defined twists. Twists may also be puffy and loose if twisted clockwise.

   • If you plan to take these twists down and wear the result of these twists as a twist out, twisting your hair counter-clockwise will give you the most defined twist-out out of these two methods.
4. 
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   Apply a styling product of your choice to the end of your two-strand twist and gently roll the end of the two-strand twist around your finger until secured. A coil or spiral shape should be made when this is done. Additionally, depending on your hair texture, the ends of your hair may shrivel into an s-like shape or coil into themselves. This will further protect your ends, which is good for retaining hair growth.

   • If your hair is oily and/or thick, apply a little hair butter or heavier oil to the ends of the two-strand twist.
   • If your hair is curly and/or fine, apply a light oil to the ends of the two-strand twist.
   • If the ends of your hair will not coil or shrivel, you may use a perm rod or alternative no-heat curling tool for the end of your hair. Wrap this tool around the ends of your hair and let it set.
5. 
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   Complete the twisting process until all strands of your hair are twisted. Twist firmly, but not tightly at the scalp. As you twist away from your scalp, twist tighter until you reach the ends. Rushing through the twisting process may cause you to leave strands of hair out. These left-out strands of hair may cause tangles.

   • Do not twist too tight at the scalp, as this may irritate your scalp and worsen your seborrheic dermatitis.
   • Twisting too tight may also cause hair loss.
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Part 3

Part 3 of 4:

Styling the Two Strand Twists

1. 
   1
   Divide twists into two sections and separately tie each section to create buns. The sections may be asymmetrical, side to side, or front to back. The buns may also be high on your head or low buns. The most uncomplicated way is to divide twists down the middle and tie off each section with different hair ties.

   • Depending on the look you want, some twists may be left out on the sides, front, and/or back of your head.
   • If your hair is too short to put into two different buns, you may use hair pins to help the twists stay in place.
2. 
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   Wear twists loose, hanging freely. To elongate twists, stretch them a few hours or a day before using satin or regular hair ties. Wrap the hair ties down the length of your head. You can also braid the twists or use a bobby pin to stretch the twists toward the back of your head. Stretch twists for about a day.

   • This is another great, classic style that you may wear anytime and anywhere.
   • If your hair reaches your shoulders, oil the ends to avoid the twists rubbing against your shirt.
3. 
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   Pull twists back into a low ponytail or wrap them into a low bun. Gently sweep twists on one side of your head back, using body pins to secure any twists hanging out in place. Temporarily tie this side in a low ponytail or bun. Gently sweep the twists on the other side of your head backward, securing any loose twists with bobby pins. Once the twists reach the back of your head, unsecure the other side and combine all the twists. Once the twists are gathered, secure the twists with a hair tie. Leave it loose if you want a low ponytail. Tuck the twists under its length and secure it with the hair tie once more if your want a low bun.

   • If your hair cannot fit in a low ponytail or low bun, try two low ponytails or low buns.
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Part 4

Part 4 of 4:

Maintaining your Two Strand Twists with Seborrheic Dermatitis

1. 
   1
   Apply an anti-inflammatory oil or cream of your choice to the length of hair (as needed). Lightly spritz your hair with water to dampen the hair if you are using oil. Take an appropriate amount of the anti-inflammatory cream or oil and apply it from the ends of your hair upwards. You can also refresh the twist with a mixture of aloe vera and water as needed. This is a way to keep hair oil in contact with your hair at a minimum. If you have a prescribed treatment for seborrheic dermatitis, keep doing your usual treatment as prescribed by your doctor.

   • You can apply regular hair oil or cream as well, but it is best to keep these oils away from the scalp.
   • Try to keep oils to a minimum, as this may irritate this condition.
   • Frequently check your scalp to see if the scales have resurfaced. If they have and it has been a week, it may be time to wash it again. If problems persist or worsen, see your doctor.
2. 
   2
   Apply a silk or satin scarf or bonnet to your hair to protect it. Fold the scarf in half, diagonally until it becomes a triangle-like shape. Apply this hair scarf to your head, making sure to include all your hair, and firmly tie this hair scarf. You may also apply a satin or silk pillowcase to your pillow for extra protection or if you do not want to wear a hair scarf or bonnet. Another great option is a satin-lined cap or beanie.

   • For maximum protection, use a satin or silk hair scarf as well as a satin or silk pillowcase.
   • Make sure the hair scarf or bonnet is not too tight.
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Things You'll Need

• Hair Ties or Hair Sectioning Clips
• Rat Tail Comb (Optional)
• Wide Tooth Comb
• Medicated, Anti-inflammatory, or Anti-Fungal Shampoo & Conditioner
• Deep Conditioner
• Spray Bottle (Optional)
• Oil
• Leave-In Conditioner (Optional)
• Gel or Twisting Cream (Optional)
• Aloe Vera (Optional)
• Satin or Silk Hair Bonnet, Scarf, or Pillowcase
• Hair Butter or Cream

Tips

• If flakes re-occur, gently wash the scalp (weekly, bi-weekly) to loosen flakes or take down style.
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• Take down twists within two weeks. Twists are prone to becoming tangled or locking after 2 weeks.
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• If your twists are prone to unraveling, use a little gel towards the end of the hair to assist in securing the twists.
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Warnings

• Confirm with a doctor that you have seborrheic dermatitis, as different conditions require different treatments.
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• Combing on soaking wet or dry hair may lead to breakage.
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• Do not scratch your scalp or any other affected areas.
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• Avoid picking the scaly patches from your scalp.
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• Some chemicals or alcohols found in hair products may worsen this condition.
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• Hair loss may occur when removing scaly patches from your scalp.
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• If the scalp is left wet too long, your scalp may become irritated which may worsen your seborrheic dermatitis.
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