In this video I’m getting my hair prepped for a couple weeks in California, because I already know I’m going to be running around with my little nephew and I need a low-maintenance protective style. My go-to for trips like this is a set of tiny twists on dry, already-stretched hair (not soaking wet). I like the results way better that way—more control, less unraveling, and it just looks smoother and shinier for longer. To make it extra fun, I went full fall + Halloween vibes with my product choices: Sultanicals Afro Cider Twist Mist to lightly dampen, Uncle Funky’s Daughter Defunk to help neutralize that apple cider vinegar smell and keep my scalp feeling fresh, plus a pumpkin leave-in that is honestly magic. Then I infused oils into my gel for extra slip and shine, and focused hard on my technique—tons of smoothing, twisting as close to the root as possible, and gently separating the two strands upward to keep everything taut. It took me about 7 hours, but the payoff was worth it: shiny, cozy-smelling twists that I’m aiming to keep for 3 weeks (anything after that is a bonus).