21 Gorgeous Marley Twist Styles for Natural Hair (2024)

We love a good protective style. Apart from keeping natural hair healthy and thriving, there's a plethora of styling options to pick from. There are cornrows, bantu knots, weaves, knotless braids, and way more, but we're here today to talk about the Marley twist. This hairstyle is characterized as a thick two-strand twist and is inspired by the reggae legend Bob Marley himself. To say they inspire good vibes would be putting it lightly.

To achieve the low-maintenance hairstyle, you can use your natural hair or add extensions for extra length and volume. Then, unlike other two-strand twists, you only have to wrap the strands around each other as opposed to locking one down with beeswax and wrapping the other around it. To really understand what Marley twists are and how to care for them though, we turned to New York-based stylist, Yetty Bames. Read on for the lowdown, plus plenty of Marley twist style inspiration.

Meet the Expert

YettyBames is a stylist at Sharon Dorram Color at Sally Hershberger Salon in New York City.

What are Marley Twists?

As briefly explained above, this style can be achieved with either your natural hair or synthetic extensions. "Marleytwist is considered a protective style, as the style is a two strand style twisted into the hair, which lessens the tension on the scalp in comparison to three strand extension braids, furthers Bames. "[They're] meant to mimic dreadlock hair and can be done long or short, and the twist can be small, medium, or large depending on preference." You can personalize your Marley twist as you see fit, with some people opting to add beads and other accessories to make their look more unique.

How Long do Marley Twists Last?

In general, they can last up to two months. "Extensions shouldn’t be kept in longer than that to prevent tension alopecia and hair breakage," she warns."Marleytwists with natural hair should be done bi-weekly to prevent the hair from sticking to getting forming dreads."

How to Maintain Marley Twists

Bames says they're a low maintenance hairstyle, but maintaining scalp health is first and foremost when wearing braids. To do so, she suggests cleansing the scalp with scalp cleaning oils/serums."I like theWash & Scrub Detox Shampooby Curlsmith ($28), which gently and thoroughly clarifies the scalp without drying out the hair. The scalp can also be moisturized with a scalp oil or supplement, like Curlsmith'sBonding Oil($30) or Virtue's Topical Scalp Supplement ($58), in order to prevent dry scalp while the braids are in.

Byrdie Tip

Before you begin to style your hair, first apply a leave-in and a cream or oil to lock in moisturize. Then, detangle your hair, select how big you want your Marley twists to be, and section off. Coat your strands with curl cream for definition and hold, then get to work.

If Marley twists have been on your list of protective styles, here are 21 different looks you can look toward for inspiration.

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Rapunzel Marley Twists

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If you have an affinity for fairytales or just want to feel like a goddess, you should try your hand at Rapunzel-length Marley twists. No fancy charms or dramatic colors are necessary since your hair will do all the talking with this look.

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Marley Mermaid

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Release your inner mermaid with vibrant Marley twists that show you're the queen of the sea. Multicolored thread woven into your twists takes the look up a few notches.

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Sleek Topknot

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Can’t decide whether you look better with your hair up or down? You can easily create a lusciously twisted topknot and let a few tendrils fall down for a beautifully streamlined 'do.

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Brunette Marley Twists

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We love Storm Reid's peek-a-boo light brown Marley twists that perfectly complement her naturally dark brunette hair.

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Braided Marley Twists

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Add a little spice to your Marley twists with a braided crown. The length of these twists make them a great low-maintenance 'do.

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Curly Ends

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Since Marley hair comes in a naturally curly texture, it offers a whole lot of body. You can employ this look at the bottom of your twists by leaving these sections a little undone.

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Flat Twist Bun

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Getting Marley twists done doesn’t mean you have to keep your hair down. Try flat twisting your hair into a double stand flat twist against your scalp and sweeping them back into an elegant bun.

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Faux Pony

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Want to have the experience of Marley twists without the commitment? Opt for a drawstring ponytail that uses Marley hair and twist it yourself for a temporary style. When it’s all ready, secure it around a sleek bun.

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Unraveled Marley Twists

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If your Marley twists are at the end of their life cycle, you can sport a whole new look by unraveling them. Or crocheting the loose Marley hair in to achieve any style. The end result? Defined waves with a whole lot of fullness.

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Beaded Twists

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Go for a boho twist by adorning your Marley twists with beads. Sticking with a subtle palette, like these gold beads and tiny pearls, is sure to highlight the beauty of your twists.

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Shoulder Length Twists

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Who said Marley twists have to be long? You can still show off your beautiful face with an unfussy shoulder-length style.

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Two-Toned Twists

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Alternative naturalistas can show off their style with two-toned Marley twists. Black and purple is one beautiful combination that unites edginess and convenience.

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Classic Twisted Updo

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Sometimes you can’t beat the classics—and that’s apparent with this gorgeous Marley twist updo. Sweep your locks up into a chic French twist and you’ll be ready for nearly any occasion.

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Ultra-Chunky Marley Twists

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If you’re a believer that bigger is better, you might want to apply this philosophy to your Marley twists. Just note that although you’ll be making a bold statement, larger twists are harder to maintain and usually don’t have the longevity medium- or small-sized twists do.

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Space Buns

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Whoever said space buns are for children definitely hasn't seen the style on Marley twists. Simply split your hair in half, create two buns at the top of your head, and secure them with big, clear elastic bands.

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Statement Bun

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Take your bun to the next level with chunky Marley twists that’ll create a large and stunning statement. You can also leave a single twist out to frame the face. On fancy nights, accessorize your tendril with gold yarn.

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Caramel Marley Twists

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If you’ve ever been told you’re an autumn, then a warm caramel brown should be on your list of hair colors to try. Opting for long strands in this color with Marley twists will give you an ethereal golden glow.

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Purple Majesty

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Is purple your favorite color? Show off that love with a monochromatic hairdo that features lavender Marley twists in the front and ultraviolet twists in the back.

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Blonde Ends

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For naturalistas that want a bold color, but don’t want to break the mold completely, opt for a bright blonde at your ends. Keep an eye out for Marley hair in the level nine region to recreate the look.

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Extra Long Marley Twists

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Create more volume at your crown by sweeping your Marley twists to the other side of your head à la Solange Knowles.

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Half-Up Bun Marley Twists

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This half-up look on Tessa Thompson elevates the style but is still casual enough for everyday wear. The piece de resistance: her perfectly laid edges, courtesy of celebrity hairstylist, Lacy Redway.