London Daily

Focus on the big picture.
Sunday, Oct 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
UK Introduces Stricter Subcontractor Checks and Expanded Trade Union Access
Green Party Proposes Three-Year Emergency Freeze on Private Rent Increases
UK Treasury Committee Seeks Tax Clarification Over Manchester City Investigation
Royal Marines Deploy to Faroe Islands for Northern European Security Exercise
UK Business Confidence Weakens as High Costs Delay Investment
UK GDP Growth Revised Up to 0.5% in Second Quarter
Bank of England Warns of Financial Stability Risks From Autonomous AI
UK Expands Early Prisoner Release Scheme to Ease Overcrowding
UK Records Worst Bluetongue Outbreak on Record Across Livestock Farms
UK Government Faces Shrinking Fiscal Headroom Ahead of October 28 Budget
UK 30-Year Gilt Yield Reaches 6% as Energy Shock Drives Borrowing Costs Higher
Church of England to Apologize for Role in Historical Forced Adoptions
UK Defence Ministry Investigates Historical Use of RAF Bases by Jeffrey Epstein
Scottish Housing Completions Fall to 11-Year Low
Welsh First Minister Calls for Expanded Devolution Settlement
UK Pledges £50 Million to Expand Domestic Military Drone Capabilities
UK Opens First Commercial Geothermal Plant in Cornwall
Green Party Wins Gorton and Denton By-Election as Labour Falls to Third
Prime Minister Andy Burnham Opens Review of UK-EU Relationship
UK Inflation Rises to 3.1%, Adding Pressure on Household Finances
UK Removes VAT From Domestic Electricity Bills to Ease Winter Energy Costs
Counterterrorism Police Arrest Sixth Suspect Over RAF Fairford Incident
UK Councils to Receive Sweeping Planning Powers to Ban New Vape and Betting Shops
Chancellor John Healey Faces Tax and Pension Scrutiny Ahead of Autumn Budget
Metropolitan Police Apologise for Accidental Disclosure in High-Profile Investigation
UK Universities Report Record International Enrolment as Housing Pressure Grows
UK Logistics Firms Monitor Rhine Disruption as Low Water Threatens European Supply Chains
UK Food Industry Warns Inflation Could Approach 7%
UK Introduces Vaping Duty and Mandatory Retail Stamps
Scotland Raises Property Taxes and Expands Child Payment in Annual Budget
Greggs Plans Four Factory Closures With 740 Jobs at Risk
OECD Raises UK 2026 Growth Forecast to 1.1%
UK Inflation Rises to 3.1% as Bank of England Faces Rate Debate
Andy Burnham Criticises Brexit and Says Rejoining EU Single Market Remains an Option
UK Imposes New Sanctions on Russian Military Networks and Propagandists
UK Launches Nationwide Early-Release Prison Scheme
Andy Burnham Says Security Services See Signs of Iranian Involvement in RAF Fairford Incident
Manchester City Found Guilty on Premier League Financial Charges After Independent Investigation
Scottish Court to Rule on Bid to Force No-Confidence Vote Against Aberdeen Council Co-Leader
UK Bans Extra Charges for Seating Children Under 12 Beside Accompanying Adults
UK Introduces Vaping Duty and New Licensing Requirements
Greggs to Close Four UK Factories and Cut 740 Jobs
Hundreds of Prisoners Released Early as England and Wales Prisons Reach 98% Capacity
UK Unveils New Russia Sanctions Targeting War Funding and Shadow Fleet
Burnham Says There Are Strong Indications of Iranian Involvement in RAF Fairford Security Breach
Prime Minister Andy Burnham Raises Prospect of Reviewing Britain's Post-Brexit EU Relationship
Markets Price in Bank of England Rate Increases as Inflation Rises to 3.1%
UK Borrowing Costs Climb Toward 5.5% as Global Bond Sell-Off Intensifies
UK-France One-In-One-Out Migration Agreement Expires as London Seeks Alternative Measures
Southwest England Faces Flood Alerts After Heavy Autumn Storms
×