Flat Twist Updo Take 1

I've been wanting to do a protective style for a while...one that I could do myself!  Last spring and summer I got twists and micro braids put in by a local braider.  I wanted a style that would give me a break from twisting my hair every night and protect my hair. I used these two videos as inspiration:

Beautiful, right?  I finally found the courage this weekend to give it a try!

After washing and conditioning my hair, I let it air dry about 80% in sections and then blow dried each section using the tension method.  I knew I didn't need my hair straight, just stretched out some, so I didn't use a comb or brush when blow drying to prevent breakage.  I then sectioned my hair into four sections- two sides, front and back.  I made sharp parts for each twist, and applied Shea Moisture Deep Treatment Mask to each section before twisting.  When I was done twisting, I pinned the twists on top of my head.

The whole process took me a little over an hour.  I was worried about the back, because I've never cornrowed or flat twisted up the back, but it wasn't as bad as I thought I would. I definitely need practice, though!

I'm hoping to keep this style for the remainder of the week, re-twisting a couple of twists if I need to.  Once I get some more growth in the front (c'mon bangs!), I know this style will really look nice.