Textured hair, with its curls, coils, and kinks, is beautifully unique. Whether your hair is naturally curly or coily, it brings a unique flair that deserves the right care and attention. However, styling textured hair can be tricky without the right techniques and products. In this guide, we’ll explore how to style your textured hair, share dos and don’ts for its maintenance, and answer some common questions to help you keep your hair looking fabulous and healthy.
Understanding Textured Hair
Textured hair refers to any hair type that has a natural curl, wave, or coil. Unlike straight hair, which lies flat against the scalp, textured hair has volume, shape, and body, creating a distinct look that is full of personality. The three main types of textured hair include:
- Coily Hair: Features tighter curls or zigzag patterns.
- Curly Hair: Defined by S-shaped or ringlet curls.
- Wavy Hair: Falls between straight and curly, with soft, loose waves.
Each texture has its unique set of needs when it comes to styling, maintenance, and care. The more you understand your hair type, the better you can manage it for a polished, well-styled look.
How to Style Textured Hair: A Step-by-Step Guide
Styling textured hair is all about finding the right techniques that suit your unique texture. Here’s how you can make your textured hair look fabulous.
- Prepping Your Hair
Before you dive into styling, it’s essential to start with clean, well-conditioned hair. Textured hair thrives on moisture, so using a deep conditioner or moisturizing shampoo is key. Always opt for sulfate-free products to avoid stripping your hair of its natural oils. After washing, apply a leave-in conditioner or moisturizing cream to keep your hair hydrated and manageable. - Styling Techniques for Different Textures
- Coily Hair: If you have coily hair, using a curl elongation cream can help prevent shrinkage. A twist-out or braid-out technique can give you beautiful, defined curls with minimal frizz. You can also use a curling iron with a large barrel to create soft waves.
- Curly Hair: To define curls, apply a curl cream or gel while your hair is still damp. Use a diffuser attachment on your blow dryer for volume, or air-dry your curls to achieve natural, bouncy ringlets. Finger-coiling can also help define the curls further.
- Wavy Hair: For wavy hair, avoid heavy products that weigh your hair down. Use a light mousse or sea salt spray to enhance texture and add volume without making it too stiff. You can also use a curling iron or flat iron to define the waves, but be sure to use a heat protectant to keep your strands safe.
Dos and Don’ts for Textured Hair
Maintaining the health and appearance of your textured hair doesn’t just depend on how you style it—it’s also about how you care for it. Here are some essential dos and don’ts for textured hair.
Do’s for Textured Hair
- Moisturize Regularly: Textured hair tends to be drier than straight hair, so regular moisturizing is essential. Use a rich conditioner or deep conditioning treatment once a week to keep your hair hydrated.
- Use Gentle Products: Opt for sulfate-free shampoos and products that are free from harsh chemicals. These will keep your hair’s natural oils intact and prevent it from drying out.
- Protect Your Hair at Night: Sleep on a satin pillowcase or wrap your hair in a satin scarf to prevent friction, which can lead to frizz and breakage.
Don’ts for Textured Hair
- Avoid Excessive Heat Styling: While it’s fine to occasionally use heat styling tools, frequent use can lead to heat damage, especially on textured hair. Try to air dry your hair or use a blow dryer with a diffuser to minimize heat exposure.
- Don’t Skip Trims: Keeping your hair healthy means trimming your ends regularly. Split ends can cause your hair to look frizzy and uneven, so a trim every 6-8 weeks is ideal.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Stay away from products that contain alcohol or other drying ingredients, which can sap moisture from your hair and make it more prone to breakage.
Common Textured Hair Questions Answered
- How Can I Make My Textured Hair Look Good?
The key to making textured hair look great is consistency and routine. Use the right products, keep your hair moisturized, and embrace the natural texture of your hair. Also, find styles that work with your hair type, whether it’s a wash-and-go look, defined curls, or a sleek updo. Create a hair routine- whether daily, bi-weekly, weekly (depending on the condition of your hair and it’s needs)- and start to love the process of doing your hair! - Is Texturizing Good for Natural Hair?
Texturizing, or chemically altering the natural curl pattern, can sometimes be damaging if done too often or improperly. For those with naturally coily or curly hair, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons before deciding to texturize. If you want to maintain your natural curl pattern, consider texturizing treatments that are less harsh on the hair. - How Do You Keep Textured Hair Healthy?
To keep textured hair healthy, focus on moisture and gentle handling. Avoid excessive heat, use protective styles, and nourish your hair with oils and treatments. A balanced diet and regular trims will also help promote hair health.
Conclusion:
Textured hair is a crown that many wear proudly. Whether you choose to flaunt your natural curls, waves, or coils, taking the time to understand and care for your hair is the key to keeping it healthy and looking its best. Embrace your texture, and with the right styling techniques and products, you’ll love your hair more every day.
