London Daily

Focus on the big picture.
Saturday, Jul 11, 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
Scottish Fishing Industry Calls for Emergency Support Amid Rising Costs
UK Supports Stronger European Response to Russian Actions in Ukraine
Devon and Cornwall Police Release Suspect in Ann Widdecombe Murder Investigation
Scottish MPs Demand More Government Support for Fishing Industry
UK Aviation Sector Faces New Rules as Parliament Reviews Passenger Protection Reforms
King’s College London Disciplines Students Over Pro-Palestine Campus Protests
Ministry of Defence Expands Military Capabilities Through New Precision Strike Investment
United Kingdom Condemns Russian Treatment of Ukrainian Children at International Security Forum
House of Lords Reviews Civil Aviation Bill to Strengthen Passenger Rights and UK Aviation Competitiveness
UK Aerospace and Defence Industries Contribute Nearly Forty-Seven Billion Pounds to Economy
UK Government Advances Consultation on Possible Social Media Ban for Children Under Sixteen
United Kingdom Ratifies Global High Seas Treaty to Protect Marine Biodiversity
United Kingdom Joins United States Precision Strike Missile Programme With One Hundred Ninety Million Pound Investment
UK Senior NHS Doctors Vote for Further Strike Action Over Pay and Contract Disputes
BBC Leadership Resigns After Donald Trump Launches Ten Billion Dollar Defamation Lawsuit
UK Fiscal Watchdog Warns Andy Burnham Government Faces One Hundred Billion Pound Budget Challenge
The AI Invoice Shock: Layoffs Didn't Save Managers Money — They Cost Them More
Concern: Sexually Transmitted Bacterium Among Men Develops Antibiotic Resistance
Following Massive Investor Demand: SK Hynix Raises 26.5 Billion Dollars on Nasdaq
Passenger Partially Pulled Out of Ryanair Jet After Cabin Window Fails Mid-Flight
After Four Years, and Under a Heavy Veil of Secrecy: King Charles Meets His Grandchildren, Harry and Meghan's Children
Cross-Party MPs Call for National Climate Emergency Broadcast
Bayeux Tapestry Arrives in the United Kingdom for Landmark Exhibition
United Kingdom Launches Modern Slavery Prevention Programme in Vietnam
Police Warn Against Misinformation Following Disorder in Glasgow
Pension Reform Takes Effect to Consolidate Workplace Savings Industry
Treasury and Bank of England Monitor Economy as Energy Price Pressures Ease
Government Orders Treasury Reform of Disciplinary Procedures Following Civil Servant's Death
Ofcom to Require Major Technology Platforms to Block Scam Advertisements
Labour Apologizes Over Gaza Position in Bid to Rebuild Support
High Court Rules UK-France Asylum Agreement Protection Cuts Were Unlawful
Metropolitan Police Open Murder Investigation Into Death of Former MP Ann Widdecombe
University College London Report Proposes Replacing Council Tax and Stamp Duty With National Property Tax
Treasury Places Amazon, Google, Microsoft and Oracle Under New UK Financial System Oversight Rules
Severe Heatwave Drives Dangerous Ground-Level Ozone Pollution Across Two Thirds of European Union
Westminster in Freefall as Farage's By-Election Gamble Triggers Broader Systemic Crises
Institutional Fractures and Political Volatility Reshape Britain's Domestic Landscape
Deadly Fire, Health Emergencies and Political Upheaval Shape a Volatile Global News Cycle
UK Energy Strategy Focuses on Storage and Offshore Wind to Support Renewable Transition
Regional Governments Gain Greater Role in Britain’s Infrastructure and Economic Strategy
Britain Strengthens Technology Sovereignty Through Tougher Artificial Intelligence Competition Rules
UK Government Expands Artificial Intelligence Use Across Public Services Despite Privacy Debate
UK Universities Warn of Financial Pressure After Sharp Fall in International Student Enrolment
Welsh Government Completes Rail Nationalisation With One Point Five Billion Pound Modernisation Plan
Northern Ireland Records Export Growth as Companies Benefit From Dual UK and EU Market Access
Greater Manchester Launches Two Billion Pound Plan to Convert Empty Commercial Sites Into Housing
National Grid Connects Europe’s Largest Battery Storage Facility in Yorkshire
UK Defence Ministry Plans Royal Navy Autonomous Fleet Deployment to Indo-Pacific
Scotland Approves Europe’s Largest Floating Offshore Wind Project Near Aberdeen
Competition and Markets Authority Blocks Forty Billion Pound Technology Deal Over AI Security Concerns
×