flat twist

1 of 2

noun

variants or less commonly flat-twist

ˈflat-ˌtwist 

plural flat twists also flat-twists

1

: a section of hair that is divided into two smaller equal sections that are then twisted together to lie flat against the scalp

I'm struggling to put this hair into just two flat twists. Next time I might really cut it …

—@souldeepzim, on X, formerly Twitter

Generally, flat twists are worn for a few days and then transition into an unraveled style that carries the impression of the twists.

—Del Sandeen

2

flat twists or less commonly flat-twists plural : a hairstyle featuring flat twists

… popular hairstyles for Afro-textured hair, like flat twists …

—Sierra Starks

Note: Usage of this term is common in African American English and among people in the African diaspora. This term is one of several used for hairstyles often worn by people with afro-textured hair and methods for styling such hair.

compare cornrow

flat twist

2 of 2

verb

variants or less commonly flat-twist

flat twisted also flat-twisted; flat twisting also flat-twisting; flat twists also flat-twists

transititve + intransitive verb

: to style hair by dividing a section of hair into two smaller equal sections and then twisting those together to lie flat against the scalp

When I get back, I unwind by watching trashy telly. I also set aside half an hour to flat twist my hair. Then I put a headscarf on and finally I can sleep.

—Charlene White

… why did I just randomly teach myself how to cornrow and flat twist on this random Tuesday night

—@_DopeLolo, on X, formerly Twitter

Before I attended a recent wedding in Greece, my own hair options felt endless: I could get a blowout; flat-twist and then unravel it; or wear an Afro. In the end, I chose cornrows …

—Alexis Okeowo

Note: Usage of this term is common in African American English and among people in the African diaspora. This term is one of several used for hairstyles often worn by people with afro-textured hair and methods for styling such hair.

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1983, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1999, in the meaning defined above