While goddess braids and cornrows have become synonymous with the phrase “protective style,” twists have been relegated to an afterthought. Two-strand, Havana, and even flat twists have had their moments in recent years, but don't underestimate Marley twists as a year-round, easy-to-DIY option.
“Named after Bob Marley, this hairstyle gives off a natural, lived-in look similar to locs,” says hairstylist Marie Nino. “The style started trending in 2013 and has been a staple natural hairstyle since,” hairstylist Martika Cogdell, adds.
Like many of its predecessors, Marley twists are extremely versatile—you can tie them up, opt for jumbo twists, or pull them into a side pony. If you’re looking for inspiration to try the trend, we have you covered. Here, find 21 celebrity-inspired Marley twist ideas.
Marley Twist Ideas
Jumbo Marley Twists
In 2015, actress Teyonah Parris attended the Gotham Independent Film Awards wearing Marley twists. Her version of the look featured a half-up-half-down style, with the top portion pulled into a bun and the rest left to flow down her back.
Marley Twist Halo
With a combination of braids and twists, actress Jessica Williams created a halo hairstyle that proves the versatility of Marley twists and other protective styles. If you want to recreate this look, add hair accessories like charms or beads for an extra touch of personality.
Medium Marley Twists
Your Marley twists don't have to be extra large to make a statement. Actress Marinda Anderson wore medium-sized twists and added a hint of color for some extra visual intrigue.
Half-Up Half-Down Marley Twists
Wearing medium-sized Marley twists, actress Susan Kelechi Watson wore the protective style in a half-up half-down style. She kept her accessories simple, allowing the hair to be the star of the show.
Marley Twist Side Ponytail
Sometimes, it's best to look to the past for inspiration, and actress Yvette Nicole Brown did just that with her Marley twist-side ponytail. The protective style keeps her hair up and out of the way, and it's also a nod to the popular '90s hairstyle.
Marley Twist Side Part
Whether you prefer side or middle parts, Marley twists are easy enough to manipulate so that you don't have to sacrifice your preferred look. Here, actress Shahidah Omar, kept it simple, opting for a simple side part and jumbo Marley twists.
Extra-Long Marley Twists
The size of each twist isn't the only thing that can add some drama to your Marley twist hairstyle. Opt for an extra-long length that ends around the hips for added versatility and styling options.
Medium Length Marley Twists
If you prefer shorter hairstyles, opt for medium-length Marley twists that end just below the shoulders. Actress Ashley D. Kelley wore two colors in her version of the style, black and a warm auburn.
Blond Marley Twists
A protective style like Marley twists is the perfect way to experiment with bolder colors without fully committing to them. Actress Amanda Seales used bright blond extensions for her Marley twists, giving the style an intricate shadow-like effect.
Extra Large Marley Twists
If you want a loose, boho-chic Marley twist hairstyle, get an extra large version as seen here on signer Alicia Aylies. Each twist will look a bit more noticeable, but this is a style that almost anyone can do at home.
Marley Twists With Freeform Parts
Much like the style they mimic (Bob Marley's locs), Marley twists can also have freeform parts. To get the look, section your hair in different shapes as you go, but keep the thickness of each braid roughly the same for some uniformity.
Red Marley Twists
It's well-known that Halle Bailey has locs, so the fact that she can also wear Marley twists over them proves the style's versatility. She wore this version during her press run for The Little Mermaid, so it's only fitting that she chose a deep red hair color.
Marley Twists With Hair Charms
Sometimes, the accessories make the look, and Kerry Washington's Marley twists with hair charms are proof. She wore everything from hair rings to cuffs, contrasting against the light brown color of her extensions.
Braided Marley Twist Bang
Nicole Ari Parker styled her Marley twists into a braided bang back in 2015, and the look is still one of the most versatile ways to wear the style. You'll need quite a few bobby pins on hand should you decide to recreate this look, but it's perfect for more formal occasions like galas, weddings, or graduations.
Marley Twist Half-Updo
Brandy's version of the half-up, half-down style didn't feature a bun or regular ponytail—instead, it almost looked like a horizontal French twist with the ends left out.
Marley Twists With Braided Roots
Cogdell explains there are two ways to start a Marley twist (more on that below), but one of them involves braiding the root and then twisting the length of the hair. The result will be something akin to Gabrielle Union's version of the style with very defined roots.
Marley Twist With Shaved Sides
Jumbo Marley twists are an eye-catching hairstyle, but Keke Palmer added an extra bit of edge when she paired the look with shaved sides. Minimal makeup and a neutral-colored dress allowed her jet-black hair to look chic yet grungy.
Small Marley Twists
Regina King was spotted in small Marley twists back in 2017. She wore another variation of the half-up half-down look, but her version twisted the front portion of her hair, giving the illusion of cornrows or flat twists.
Boho Marley Twists
One of the best things about Marley twists is that they look better the longer you leave them in. Zoë Kravitz's hairstyle for the 2015 InStyle Awards is proof that you don't have to have every hair slicked down for the style to work.
Marley Half French Twist
Similar to Brandy's version of the look, Solange Knowles wore her jumbo Marley twists in a half-updo, with the tip styled in what looks to be a French twist.
Marley Twist Bun
Dancer Camille A. Brown wore her Marley twists in a high bun that resembled a beehive in 2016. Her red hair perfectly accented her green eyeshadow and dress.
What Is A Marley Twist?
As the name suggests, Marley twists differ from regular braided hairstyles because instead of using three strands of hair, they use two. “A specific type of hair called Marley hair is typically what is used in these styles,” says hairstylist and UNice brand ambassador, Dayonna Williams. “This is also what differentiates them from traditional twist hairstyles — this hair is much more kinky and mimics a natural, type four hair pattern.”
How Long do Marley Twists Last?
Like any protective style, Marley twists' longevity depends on how well you care for them. That care routine should include proper maintenance and washing of your hair. As for how long it’s recommended that you keep Marley twists installed, Williams recommends six to eight weeks.
How to Maintain Marley Twists
If you plan to get Marley twists, you should have a bonnet or silk pillowcase on hand, but the hairstyle is actually fairly low-maintenance.
“Tying your hair at night keeps your twists extremely neat,” Cogdell says. “You can also wash your hair with them still installed to remove any buildup. “You should also be oiling your scalp regularly,” Williams adds.
Because the texture of Marley hair typically mimics the look of natural type four hair, less manipulation is normally needed than with other protective styles, like sew-ins. It's a great hairstyle that allows you just to wake up and go.
What’s the Difference Between a Marley and Senegalese Twist?
Though Marley Twists are typically larger in size, they don’t always have to be jumbo to meet the criteria. Still, what differentiates them Senegalese twists is the extensions used to achieve them. Where Marley twists use Marley hair, Senegalese twists use Kanekalon, which is much more silky and reminiscent of relaxed hair.
How Are Marley Twists Done?
One of the best things about Marley Twists is how easy they are to do at home. “The process is similar to the traditional box braid styles,” Cogdell says. “You'll start by parting the hair either in boxes or freeform sections, depending on the client’s preference. Then, begin a Marley twist by splitting the section in two, adding the hair, and twisting both sides clockwise until you reach the ends. You can also start the root of the twist as if it’s a box braid. You’ll turn the hair three times, then split the rest of the length in two and twist the remainder of the way down to the ends.”
So, are you ready to try the style?
Meet the Experts
Martika Cogdell is a New York City-based editorial hairstylist. She has worked with people like Aoki Lee Simmons, the McClure Twins, and more.
Marie Nino is a New York-based hairstylist and colorist.
Dayonna Williams is a hairstylist and UNice Hair brand educator.
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