Two-strands are a very popular option amongst those with natural hair. This look can be achieved with at least 3 inches of hair. Two-strands are similar to braids except that two strands of hair are used instead of three, hence the name. This style can be done without the aid of a stylist and can last from 2-4 weeks; any longer and you will be encouraging the hair to loc.

For this look you will need a fine-tooth comb and non-alcoholic styling gel (optional) to keep the hair from unraveling. Two-strands can be done wet or dry. If you're beginning directly after conditioning your hair, be sure to towel dry to remove excess water.

Part the hair with a comb or your fingers (the comb will produce neater parts whereas sectioning the hair with your fingers will produce a more fuller look). The size of the parted sections can be as big or as small as you desire.

Take the parted section and add a small bit of gel to the hair (if desired). Separate the hairs into two strands.
 
Begin to plait the hair downward while pulling gently to ensure a tight formation. When done properly, the two-strands should resemble a rope.

To preserve the style, sleep with a satin scarf. If you find that your twists look flat after having slept on them, simply mist the hair with water and style as usual. If they occasionally look dry, using oil sheen/spray will help.

For more information on proper hair care and for a salon quality products for all hair types, textures and ethnicities, visit http://www.naani.com.

Two-Strand Twists Variations
Two-strand twists are one of the easiest natural Black hair styles to create and maintain.  They offer a variety of styling options.

One variation of the two-strand twists is to simply unravel them after they have had a chance to set. Once undone, your hair will take on a soft, wavy appearance.
 
To preserve this style, sleep with a satin scarf.

If your roots begin to look fuzzy after a few days, try using a decorative scarf as a head band and allowing the hair to flow freely atop your head.

You can achieve a similar style to the one represented in this first photo of Lauryn Hill by two strand twisting your hair in small section then setting it on perm rods.  You can either finger-part or use a comb to designate each strand section.  Finger-parting offers a more natural look while comb-parts will result in a more grid-like pattern.
 
Once set, some of the strands can be untwisted to give your hair a fuller look.  This style lasts a long time because even as the curls drop and become looser, you end up with a more natural look.
 
In this next photo, you can again use two-strands to mimic this style. This was my all-time favorite style when I had natural hair and I'm soooo upset I don't have any photos.  Not only did it last a long time, but it was a really cute look.  I usually started out with a style similar to the bottom.  At night, I'd wear a satin scarf to keep the rolled strands close and preserve the style.  Over time, the twist would begin to fall so I'd untwists some of them and get a fuller, curly look.  

This is an easy way to fool people into thinking your hair is naturally curly no matter what your texture.

Begin by shampooing and conditioning your hair. 

 
Two-strand twist as you normally would.  They don't have to be perfect and even because you're rolling them up anyway.  So you may want to finger part the sections for a more natural look.

You should aim for medium to medium-small strands.  Too big and it looks too gappy, too small and you've made more work for yourself.

Once you've completed your entire head, your hair will probably be dry at this point.  What I like to do is spritz them with a Moisturizing Spray before I begin to roll.  DO NOT SATURATE YOUR HAIR.  You just want to wet them a bit.  

Take two-three medium strands and set them on sponge rollers.  Be sure to roll the hair in the direction you wish the twists to lay.  This is mainly important for the front of your hair.

Move on to the next section and repeat. Once you have completed your entire head, sit under a hooded dryer until your twists are dry OR if you got the time, allow them to air dry or sleep on the rods overnight.  Remove the rods.

You can leave the twists intact or unravel them for a more fuller look. Sleep with a satin scarf to help the twists maintain their shape.  Use your hands to revive the curls in the morning if you chose to unravel them.  This style lasts approximately 2 weeks.

For more information on proper hair care and for a salon quality products for all hair types, textures and ethnicities, visit http://www.naani.com.

Photos courtesy of Sing365.com