The Textured Hair Life

The exciting journey of transitioning to and caring for naturally curly and textured hair. Dive in to learn more about routines for stress-free hair care.

For many, hair is a symbol of beauty, self-expression, and even identity.

As society’s beauty standards continually evolve and with the growing wealth of knowledge available, more people are turning away from chemically straightened styles and embracing their natural, textured hair. Embarking on this journey, while empowering, can be filled with uncertainty and challenges. Whether you're rediscovering your curls or waves for the first time in a long time, or are a seasoned pro looking for some fresh tips, join us as we navigate the textured hair transition.

Understanding Your Hair Type:

Every curl has its unique type and pattern. Hair textures are usually characterized into 4 basic categories: Straight, Wavy, Curly and S or Z patterned. Many of us have several types of texture patterns on one head. Contrary to popular belief, hair pattern typing is not as important as understanding your hair's specific qualities and how it absorbs water and moisture. By understanding your hair in this way, you can better select products and techniques tailored to your hair's unique needs. It is not always one-size-suits-all when it comes to textured hair products, tools and techniques.

Patience is Key:

Transitioning to your natural texture is not an overnight journey. Depending on previous treatments, damage, and hair length, it could take months or even years to fully realize your natural pattern. Remember, it is a journey. Consistency and patience is going to make all the difference. You can do this!

Hydrate! Hydrate! Hydrate!

It can not be stressed enough the importance of hydrating your textured hair and drinking plenty of water on a regular basis. Due to its naturally dry nature for many, textured hair's best friend is water. Frizziness is a natural characteristic and behavior of many texture types. Your curls, kinks and waves are often seeking moisture and need to be hydrated. When you find your hair to be excessively frizzy, it means the hair cuticle is opened to varying degrees and moisture has been lost. Invest in a good 'ole spray bottle to pair with your leave-in products. The mist of hydrating water on your hair will aid with the absorption of the moisture and sealing ingredients of the leave-in conditioner. This will help to keep the hair less dry. For extremely dry hair, try soaking your hair and follow up with a great leave-in conditioner.

Deep Conditioning & Treatments:

Routine hydrating and moisturizing is essential for curly and textured hair because it is usually much more challenging to keep moisture balanced. The twists and turns of the hair strands tend to inhibit the natural movement downward of hair sebum throughout the length of the strands. This is one reason why highly textured hair can often seem very dry. Visit your local textured hair stylist for a variety of customized treatments or invest in a good deep conditioner to nourish and hydrate your hair regularly. This will keep your strands healthy and moisture-balanced, reduce breakage, and enhance your natural texture.

Optimally, a good deep treatment should be done every 2 weeks but if that does not fit your lifestyle, try once a month. 20 minutes is all it takes!

Take It Easy on the Heat:

We all love a great blow-out or silk press every now and then but - While the occasional use of straighteners or curling irons (if used correctly) may not cause irreparable damage, consistent use of high-heat tools can. High heat can, over time, permanently alter your hair’s texture and weaken hair strands. If you’re a textured hair person who doesn’t mind and mostly wears presses or blow outs then, no worries, DO YOU! But for the folks who have goals of growing and maintaining their natural texture, avoiding too much heat styling helps prevent damage and allows your natural pattern to flourish. If you must use direct, high heat, always use a heat protectant and see your hair stylist for bond repair and maintenance treatments. (Note: once hair has suffered severe heat damage, it no longer springs into its natural pattern when wet)

The Big Chop:

For some, cutting off the chemically treated or damaged parts of their hair first is an integral part of the journey. Known as the 'big chop,' this can be a transformative and liberating experience. I have had clients sit in my chair who haven’t seen their natural texture since childhood. It can be and often is, a very emotional part of this journey. However, it's a deeply personal decision for some and not everyone will feel it's necessary. If you choose to "Big Chop", consider cutting the hair into a shape that flatters your face frame - this will make you feel a lot more confident.

Find Your Go-To Products:

Textured hair often requires different products than straight hair. Look for sulfate-free shampoos, leave-in conditioners, and curl supporting creams and products that are gentle on your strands. Isopropyl Alcohol, as an example, is extremely drying and may cause your textured hair to look less than ideal. So, shop for products that are also alcohol free - like our handcrafted Leave-in Conditioning cream, MARSHMELLOW.

It takes some trial and error to find what really works for you, but discovering the perfect product for your hair type can be a game-changer.

MARSHMELLOW Leave-in Conditioning Cream

Celebrate Every Stage:

While it's easy to become fixated on the end goal, remember to celebrate each phase of your textured hair journey. Whether it's the first time you see a curl forming (a really exciting experience, by the way) or the day you achieve your dream hair length, every step is an achievement. Take the time to truly reconnect to your uniquely beautiful self.

Transitioning to your natural, textured hair is a journey of self-discovery, acceptance, and love. It's about embracing every strand, every curl, and every wave. As you journey, equip yourself with knowledge, a great hairstylist, surround yourself with supportive communities, and most importantly, enjoy every moment. Your textured hair is a testament to your unique beauty and strength. Dive in, have fun and let the world see you shine!