Marley Twists and Havana Twists: What’s the Difference

Marley Twists and Havana Twists: What’s the Difference

Marley Twists or Kinky Twists are two strand twists with extension hair known as Marley Braid Hair instead of the typical braiding hair. Marley Braid Hair very closely resembles natural hair textures. I know there is some confusion about the name. I like the sound of Marley Twists. So I call my hairstyle Marley Twists. That name has also become increasingly popular. But call it what you like. 🙂

See Also: 3 Things You Need To Know About Protective Styling With Marley Twists

Havana Twists are very similar to Marley Twists.  But Havana Twists are installed with special extension hair called Havana Twist Hair available only at FingerComber.com.  Both styles are installed using the invisible root method (see video below). Havana Twists can be installed with Marley Braid Hair.  Havana Twist Hair is $12.99 per pack vs. $4.99-$8.99 per pack of Marley Braid Hair.

The major difference between Marley Twists and Havana Twists is that each parted sections is larger in Havana Twists.  Havana Twists Hair requires 2+ pieces of Marley Braid Hair are twisted per section or one piece of Havana Twist Hair. Some people make the twist looser for a fuller or bigger twist. These differences account for the larger size in the Havana Twists.

SEE: Havana Twists Tutorial here

After tons of research which involved Youtube, talking to stylists, and reading other blogs I settled on Havana Twist. Havana Twist seemed like an easy style for beginners. I decided to do them myself because I’m cheap frugal. I could pay the $36 for hair and install myself or pay $36 + $200 for a stylist to do them. I rather keep some money in my pocket.

So wait, don’t you have Marley Twists

Yes, I installed 1 Havana Twists and decided I wanted smaller twist so I opted for Marley Twists. *Kanye shrug*

I installed Marley Twists for the first time about two weeks ago using the Invisible Twist Method (starting your with a twist instead of a braid). I have included a video below. By protective styling with Marley Twists I could give my hair a 2-4 week styling break. But still shampoo my scalp and moisturize daily as needed also. I wanted my hair to maintain its natural look and with the individual twist method I got exactly that.

My Marley Twists Install Process

I shampooed, detangled and deep conditioned my hair. After detangling, I used the tension method to blow dry my hair (Youtube Video Coming Soon for the Tension Method). I applied an olive-coconut oil mix to my ends to prevent them from drying out.  Starting with detangled blown out hair assisted in the parting and install process. I applied my DIY Shealoe Mix and gel to each section before twisting for a smoother twist. I did curl the ends with perm rods and dip in hot water to seal the ends.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What kind of hair did you use? Femi Collection Marley Braid Hair Color 4. (Picture below) I used this hair because it was available at my local beauty supply store.
•  How much did the hair cost? $6.99 a pack. Hair is washable and reusable.
• How many packs did you use? Approximately 3 and a half packs
• Did you rinse or soak the hair before installing? Yes, I soaked 4 packs of hair in water and apple cider vinegar to remove the alkaline base on the Marley Hair. This was to prevent any allergic reactions such a bumps around the hair line, irritations or itchiness. I rather be safe than sorry. My scalp has been less itchy than in the past with extension hair as a result. Read more about the process here.
• Did you wash them? Yes, I have dry scalp. Cleaning my scalp is a necessity for me. I use diluted shampoo or a Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse. With both cleansers I gently apply to the scalp only and rinse throughly. I wrapped the twist in a bun and tried not to get them too wet.
•  How long did it take? Approximately 8 hours not bad for my first time. I think the next time will be closer to 6 hours. I learned a lot about the process.
• What’s your nighttime routine? I usually spray my water, aloe vera juice, and glycerin mix on my scalp and then seal in the moisture with a mixture of olive and coconut oil. Then I pull the hair into a high bun and tie it up with a satin scarf.
• Were they tight? Nope.

The video below is so you can see a close up of the invisible twist method.

*Senegalese Twists are twist with braiding extension hair.

If you have a question not answered here, leave it in the comment section below.

Marley Twist vs. Havana Twist: What’s The Difference

Femi Collection Marley Braid Hair

My two favorite things: Marley Twist & Copper Lips

Invisible Roots; The Marley Hair is wrapped around my hair for seamless start at the roots.

Marley Twist or Havana Twist Are A Great Way To Protective Style