Two strand twists (or coils) for starter locs that cut daily upkeep
By Alice African braids and locs | July 17, 2026
When someone tells us, “Ms Alice brought my locs back to life!!!” that’s exactly why coils and two strand twists are such a strong starter-locs choice in Fayetteville. Yes, they’re practical. You get a low-manipulation, protective base that helps your hair start locking up evenly, without adding a bunch of morning styling time to your day. And for busy schedules around Fort Liberty, that matters.
Quick answer: Coils or two strand twists are a practical starter-locs option for people who want a low-touch, protective style that supports even matting and healthy growth. You trade a longer install and some early frizz for a routine that’s usually much easier day to day.
We’re based in the West Fayetteville and Cliffdale area near the Murchison Road and Skibo Road retail corridors, and we see a lot of military families and commuters who want a style that holds up to sweat, humidity, and real life. We serve Fayetteville, Hope Mills, Spring Lake, Fort Liberty, Eastover, and Stedman, and we can accommodate early and late bookings for families juggling shift work and changing schedules.
Coils vs. two strand twists: what we’re actually building for starter locs
Starter locs need a clean, consistent foundation. With two strand twists, we section your hair, twist each section evenly, and set it up so it can begin matting in a uniform way over time. Coils are similar in purpose, but the look and the way they “puff” or frizz early on can feel different, especially in our Fayetteville humidity.
A lot of people come to us thinking starter locs have to be high-tension to last. That’s not how we work. Our team focuses on neat parting, consistent sizing, and comfort at the scalp so you’re not leaving with a sore head. One first-time visitor mentioned we were attentive and made sure they were comfortable the whole time, and that’s the standard in our chair.
Service detail
Coils or two strand twist: 150 minutes | Starting at $150. If your hair is very short, we take our time to catch every strand so your starter set looks full and stays put.
The real benefits of two strand twists for starter locs (the stuff you’ll notice week 1)
The biggest benefit is time. When your starter locs are set with coils or twists, your mornings tend to get simpler because you’re not detangling, re-styling, or constantly manipulating your hair. That low day-to-day handling is a big part of keeping hair healthy while it locks.
You’ll also notice how well this holds up in the Fayetteville summer. Sweat and humidity can make loose natural styles swell, shrink, and frizz fast. Starter twists are meant to handle that. You’ll still see some early frizz, that’s normal, but your base is set so the locing process can keep moving forward.
- Neat, consistent sections: People regularly tell us their hair looks “very neat” and “exactly how I wanted it.” That neat foundation is what helps starter locs look intentional, not messy.
- Staying power even on short hair: A client with very short hair shared we “meticulously caught every strand, ” and their style lasted two months without a single one coming loose. Starter locs should feel secure, not fragile.
- Less breakage stress: One long-time client said they’ve been coming for about three years and never once had damage to their hair. We take that seriously, especially at the root.
- Compliments tend to start early: We hear a lot of “I get a lot of compliments on my hair” and “so many comments on how nice my hair looks.” Starter locs can still look fresh and polished while they mature.
“Ms Alice brought my locs back to life!!! I love it !!! 10/10 highly recommended!! Fayetteville Nc”
One of our clients
Is this the right starter-locs method for your schedule in Fayetteville?
Coils and two strand twists make a lot of sense if you want starter locs that don’t demand daily styling, especially if you’re working long shifts, doing PT, or managing kids and commutes around Fort Liberty. People who come in stressed about short hair or thin areas usually feel better once they see we’ll take our time and keep it neat.
Heads up: the tradeoffs are real. The install can take longer than a simple wash-and-go, you’ll see some early frizz, and you’ll need periodic maintenance to keep your parts clean and your base consistent.
If you’re still deciding on your starter-locs route, our starter locs services in Fayetteville guide breaks down other options so you can choose what fits your hair and your lifestyle.
Why people stick with our team for 7 years (and keep coming back)
We’ve been doing hair in Fayetteville for 9 years, and our regulars don’t stay for hype. They stay because the work is consistent. We hear the same words over and over: neat, comfortable, long-lasting. One person shared they’ve been coming to Alice African Braids and Locs for the past 7 years and “wouldn’t trust anyone else” with their hair. That’s earned one appointment at a time.
We also don’t rush you out the door. People notice when we take our time, when we communicate promptly, and when the vibe stays welcoming. And if you’re in the West Fayetteville and Cliffdale area near Murchison Road and Skibo Road, we’re close enough to make maintenance appointments realistic instead of a whole day plan.
Ready to start? Here’s the easiest next step
Call us and tell us two things: your current hair length and whether you’re leaning coils or two strand twists. If you’re coming from Hope Mills, Spring Lake, Fort Liberty, Eastover, or Stedman, let us know what days and times are realistic for you. We’ll help you pick a slot that fits your routine.
Phone: +19109777749 | Email: aliceafricanbraiding@gmail.com
Address: 6601 Carloway Drive, Fayetteville, NC 28304-2768
Coils or two strand twist FAQs we hear all the time
How long does it take for coils or two strand twists to start forming permanent locs?
Most people start seeing the beginnings of budding and matting in the first few months, but “permanent” is a longer game. Hair texture, how much you manipulate your hair, your wash routine, and how consistent your maintenance is all affect the timeline. We’ll talk through what your hair is doing at each maintenance visit so you don’t feel like you’re guessing.
Can I wash my hair after getting coils or two strand twists, and how often?
Yes. Clean scalp matters for starter locs. Early on, you usually want gentle washing and careful drying so you don’t unravel your fresh set. Many people do well washing every 1 to 2 weeks, especially if they’re working out a lot, but we’ll recommend a schedule based on your scalp and how your starter set is holding.
Will coils or two strand twists damage my hair or cause breakage?
They shouldn’t when they’re installed with clean parting, even tension, and the right size for your hair. Breakage usually comes from too much tension, twisting too tight at the roots, or skipping maintenance until the new growth starts tangling in a rough way. We keep the goal simple: neat work that’s comfortable, plus maintenance that protects your edges and your length.
How often do coils or two strand twists need maintenance or retwisting?
Most starter loc clients come in about every 4 to 6 weeks for maintenance. That timing keeps your parts from getting too fuzzy and helps the locs form evenly, especially around the hairline and crown where you tend to see more frizz and movement.
Are coils or two strand twists better than braids or palm-rolling for starter locs?
“Better” depends on your hair and the look you want during the starter phase. Two strand twists are popular because they’re secure, they can be easier to manage day to day, and they set you up for consistent locs. Coils can give a different pattern and can lock well too. Braids and palm-rolling are also valid starter methods, but they create a different base and a different look as your locs mature. If you’re torn, we’ll talk through your routine, your hair length, and how you want your starter set to look in photos and in real life.
