London Daily

Focus on the big picture.
Saturday, Jul 04, 2026

Mesmerizing Marley Twists to Inspire Your Next Protective Style

Mesmerizing Marley Twists to Inspire Your Next Protective Style

Low-tension, low-maintenance-what's not to love?

When it comes to styling natural hair, the creative options are endless. From eye-catching braided looks to effortlessly chic twisted styles, there are so many bold looks that also serve as go-to protective styles for natural hair. A popular low-tension style beloved by naturalistas for its versatility and low-maintenance appeal is the Marley twist. These two-strand twists, reminiscent of faux locs or dreadlocks and named after reggae music legend Bob Marley, are created by intertwining your natural hair strands with kinky-textured Marley braiding hair extensions.

The installation process can take up to a few hours and can be achieved at home or in the hands of a professional hairstylist. The style itself lasts between six and eight weeks. From a classic high bun to an embellished two-toned, waist-length number, the styling options are endless. Keep scrolling for a round-up of the most mesmerizing Marley twist looks to try, stat.

1. Two-Toned Twists

Incorporating color into your protective style is the perfect temporary switch-up for your strands. These two-tone golden brown Marley twists are a pretty accent to a sun-kissed glow.

2. Twisted Pigtails

The beauty in Marley twists is the versatility. For a carefree look, pull your Rapunzel-like strands up into two playful pigtails.

3. Imperfectly Perfect Half-Up Half-Down Twist

Tessa Thompson stuns in a half-up, half-down chunky Marley twist style dreamed up by hairstylist Lacy Redway. To recreate this boho look, gather the front half of your twist into a topknot at your crown and leave a twist or two out in front to frame the face.

4. Embellished Twist

Don't be afraid to get a bit dramatic with your Marley twist. Try these tailbone grazing twists with gold cuffs for your next protective style.

5. Lived-In Marley Twists

Let's get out of the notion that our braided and twisted styles have to be sleek and perfect at all times. Live a little and embrace the frizz that comes after a few weeks of wear.

6. Side-Swept Twist

No need to choose between cornrows and twists with this side-swept look. Style out your Marley twists with a few braided cornrows along one side of your head, and round out the look with twists. Accessorize with a few hair cuffs or jewels for a fun accent.

7. Fuschia Twist High Ponytail

Get creative with your style and incorporate hues like burgundy, fuchsia, and violet for a stunning twisted look. Take it a step further and show off the mesmerizing color way by pulling your Marley twists atop of your head into a cascading high pony.

8. Honey Blonde Dipped Twist

Take your Marley twists up a notch by adding in a golden shade of blonde for a gradient ombré finish.

9. Marley Twists with Spiral Ends

Switch up the classic elongated Marley twist style by completing your look with spiraled ends. The process is pretty simple (and something I've done myself at home): Start by applying small curling rods to the ends of your twists, then carefully dip the rodded ends into hot water for 15-30 seconds. Allow them to air dry then remove the rods once set.

10. Decorated Ends

Accessorize the ends of your Marley twists with your choice of hair cuffs or beads, as seen in this waist-length style.

11. Jumbo Marley Twists

Cut your styling time in half with these jumbo twists. And don't worry about perfection when it comes to achieving this look, simply twist the hair just short of the ends and let them naturally unravel for an effortless-looking finish.

12. Blonde Marley Twists

Here's another example of how the incorporation of colored extensions can take your Marley twists to the next level. Switch things up and go blonde with your next protective style.

13. A Twisted Chignon

More proof that the versatility of Marley twists is unmatched. Pull your protective style back and off of your face into an elegant updo.

14. The Middle Part

Keep your look simple and easy by wearing your chunky twists down with a classic middle part.

15. A Twisted High Bun

Here's an old faithful that never seems to get tired. Pull your Marley twists into a ballerina bun at your crown for a bold and beautiful statement look.

16. Half-Up Half-Down Top Knot

Style your jumbo twists in this super easy, classic half-up, half-down look. For added glam, dress up your topknot with hair accessories like cuffs, hoops, and jewels.

17. A Marley Ponytail

Using Marley braiding hair, replace a classic cornrowed look with flat twists for a beautifully designed ponytail style.

18. Marley Twists with Baby Hair

Complement your Marley twist style with subtle swoops of baby hair or go all out and lay your edges into beautiful face framing loops.

19. Head Wrapped Twist

Instead of holding your high bun or ponytail in place with a typical hair tie, add a silk or satin head wrap to accessorize your look.

20. Bobbed Twist

Who says your Marley twists have to be long? Opt for this shoulder length twisted bob for your next style.

Newsletter

Related Articles

0:00
0:00
Close
Cornwall Van Dwellers Face Homelessness Risk as Council Tightens Enforcement
Police Investigate Stabbing of Iranian Journalist in London
Rare Copy of US Declaration of Independence Discovered in UK Archive
Department for Education Data Shows Persistent Literacy Gap Among Disadvantaged White Pupils
London Casino Faces Legal Action Over Alleged Tip Distribution Practices
England Records Hottest June on Record as Heatwave Disrupts Services Nationwide
UK Foreign Office Ends Overseas Education Programme for Women and Girls After Shortfall
UK Lawmakers Call for Urgent Action to Preserve Historic Outdoor Lidos
Police Criticise Extended Pub Opening Hours for England World Cup Fixture in Mexico
UK Safety Authorities Warn Parents Over AI-Generated Child Abuse Imagery Risks
Reform UK-Led Council Struggles to Attract Sponsors for Union Flag Promotion Scheme
OpenAI UK Investment Uncertainty Grows After Reported Setback on Stargate Data Centre Site
British Medical Association Warns of Severe Financial Crisis and Possible Staff Cuts
UK Devolution Debate Intensifies as Celtic Nations Prepare Breakup Contingency Plans
Starmer Signals Labour Transition as Burnham Emerges as Potential Successor
UK Government Consults International Partners on Maritime Trade Security and Energy Market Stability
Rare Revolutionary-Era Documents Discovered by UK Archives and Undergoing Authentication
UK Consumer Confidence Remains Deep in Negative Territory as Household Spending Stays Cautious
Transport for London Warns of Severe Disruption as Major Events Converge in Central London
NHS and Social Care Sectors Face Ongoing Recruitment Shortages Amid Persistent Workforce Gaps
Rising Energy Costs Drive Price Pressures Across UK Retail and Service Sectors
Competition and Markets Authority Expands Review of Artificial Intelligence Impact on UK Media Markets
UK Parliamentary Committees Intensify Scrutiny of National Security and Industrial Policy Legislation
Bank of England Faces Persistent Inflation Pressure as Rate Cut Expectations Fade
UK Public Finances Under Pressure as Borrowing Exceeds Forecast and Debt Nears 95% of GDP
Major Police Deployment Across Central London as Mass Demonstrations and Pride Parade Converge
Large-Scale Police Dispersal Powers Activated in Liverpool Ahead of Anti-Immigration Protests and Counter-Demonstrations
Luxury bags take over the World Cup: style, status symbol, or just showing off?
National Productivity Institute Highlights Weak Business Investment Outside Southern England
UK High Court Orders Reassessment of Environmental Impact in Major Highway Project
UK Cyber Security Centre Warns of Rising Threat From State-Sponsored Digital Espionage
UK Education Secretary Launches National Reform of Apprenticeships and Vocational Training
Financial Conduct Authority Tightens Climate Risk Disclosure Requirements for Listed Firms
Rail Union Suspends Planned Strike Action to Enter Formal Negotiations With Operators
Northern Ireland Businesses Seek Clarity Over Post-Brexit Trade Rules
Welsh Government Launches Regional Growth Plan Targeting Transport and Digital Infrastructure
North Sea Wind Sector Attracts £5 Billion Investment Amid Expansion of Offshore Capacity
Scotland and UK Governments Establish New Framework for Coordinated Investment in Energy and Infrastructure
UK Government Launches Major Immigration and Border Policy Overhaul Review
Bank of England Signals Interest Rates to Remain Elevated Despite Easing Inflation Pressures
National Health Service Warns of Severe Winter Capacity Strain Across Hospital Trusts
Chancellor Orders Urgent Treasury Review Amid Concerns Over Structural Public Finance Gap
Prime Minister Unveils Sweeping Legislative Programme Focused on Housing, Health Service Reform and State Energy Plan
UK Parliamentary Committee Launches Inquiry Into Falling Primary School Rolls and Public Service Impact
UK House of Lords Debates Electoral Commission Powers and Political Finance Reform
UK Parliament Considers Expanding Carbon Rules to International Aviation and Shipping Emissions
UK Traffic Commissioner Revokes Hampshire Haulage Operator Licence Over Regulatory Failures
UK Parliament Examines Risks in Public Contracts Awarded to Technology Firm Palantir
UK Competition Watchdog Moves Toward More Flexible Merger Rules to Support Efficiency and Growth
UK Government Seeks Approval for £1.15 Trillion Public Spending Plan Amid Scrutiny Over Department Budgets
×