Many people do not know what textured hair is due to their frequent confusion about hair texture. You’re in the right place if this applies to you. You’ll learn more about it, as well as what it is and why it matters.
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What Does Textured Hair Really Mean?
The term “textured hair” refers to a variety of hair types and textures. For starters, straight hair is not regarded as textured hair. Despite the fact that each hair has a unique texture or “feel,” textured hair has a particular connotation.
Any hair with distinctively shaped strands is said to have texture. The term “curl pattern” is also used to describe this form. Kinky, coily, or curly hair makes the distinctive texture of textured hair stand out the most.
The terms “natural hair” and “textured hair” are frequently used interchangeably when referring to people with African heritage and their natural hair, respectively.
The only type of textured hair is this one, but there are others as well. Your natural hair should have a curl pattern in order to be recognized as having textured hair.
What Is A Curl Pattern?
Now that you know what textured hair is, you probably want to know what curl pattern means. If you have textured hair, your particular curl pattern is special to you. There are many different types of curl patterns. Of course, there are broad categories into which these patterns typically fit.
Your hair’s appearance following a wash depends on its curl pattern. Your hair’s condition after being cleansed of all products, dirt, and oil. Since your hair is free of products and other types of dirt, your natural hair can be seen.
What Does Hair That Is Textured Mean?
Possibly you are unsure of whether you have textured hair at this point. Although everyone has some sort of hair texture, textured hair is defined as having shape, particularly tight or kinky curls. Even though the two aren’t always the same, textured hair is frequently used interchangeably with natural Black hair. If your natural hair texture has a pattern of curls, you can recognize it as having textured strands. Speaking of which…
Types Of Textured Hair
Understanding your hair’s texture will help you better understand your curl pattern. They are Type 2 (or wavy), Type 3 (or curly), and Type 5 (or coily). There are three additional divisions made between the three types.
The loosest curls fall under subtypes A, B, and C, while the tightest curls fall under subtype C. The breakdown of each curl pattern and its subtypes is as follows:
1. Type 2 (wavy Hair)
The most straight-forward variety of textured hair is Type 2. With A having the loosest curls and C having the tightest curls, it is divided into three subtypes. The three varieties of wavy hair are as follows:
Type 2a
You likely fall under the category of people with textured hair with Type 2A hair if your hair has a fine texture and a light curl. The textured hair type that is closest to straight is type 2A. It has subtle curls and strands that are sleek. Even minimal effort is required to style 2A hair.
Natural languidness and frizz are characteristics of type 2A hair. From the area around your roots to eye level, your hair is straight; from eye level to the ends, it is loosely waved.
Type 2b
You have Type 2B hair if your hair strands start out straight from the roots and start to wave in the middle. With slightly more definition than Type 2A’s curls, Type 2B hair curls from the middle of your hair’s length to the end.
Type 2c
You likely have Type 2C hair if your waves or ringlets are more defined. Compared to the earlier types in its family, type 2C hair is a little bit more coarse in texture.
In the group of Type 2s, Type 2C has the most clearly defined curls. Usually beginning near the crown and moving downward, the curls. When the weather is damp, type 2C hair can become frizzy and thick.
Read Next: How to Get Rid of Frizzy Hair
2. Type 3 (curly Hair)
In comparison to type 2, type three hair has curls that are even more defined and springy. Here is a breakdown from type 3A to type 3C:
Type 3a
With its distinct, big, and bouncy curls, Type 3A stands out. Type 3A hair has loose loops of S-shaped curls. Compared to the larger end of a taper candle, Type 3A curls are a little bit wider around. Be careful not to overbrush your hair as this can cause frizz.
Type 3b
Your hair is less typically curly and more springy if it is type 3B. 3B hair is a level higher than 3A hair in terms of springiness. It gives your hair a fuller appearance because its strands are a little narrower than those of 3A.
The curls are about the size of a Sharpie’s barrel. The curls are quite full and begin at the roots. Maintaining moisture in your hair is important if you have type 3B hair.
Type 3c
You most likely have type 3C hair if your curls resemble tight corkscrews or springs. Of all the Type 3 hair, Type 3C has the densest strands and the tightest curls. The springiness of the curls in type 3C hair also gives it a lot of volume and bounce. The curls are so tightly curled that they can perfectly encircle a straw.
3. Type 4 (coily Hair)
The hair in type 4 curls into the tightest S-shape and is more coily than curly. Types 2 and 3 have a looser curl pattern.
Type 4a
In the Type 4 family, Type 4A hair has the most obvious curl patterns. It has tiny, tightly curled zigzags that are large enough to encircle a chopstick. From the hair’s roots to its ends, Type 4A coils form a zigzag pattern.
Type 4b
Compared to other textured hair, Type 4B coils have a unique shape. 4B hair has Z-shaped coils instead of the typical S-shaped coils. The care for type 4B hair is a little more difficult because it zigzags rather than curls.
Type 4c
Type 4C hair is the last but certainly not the least of the textured hair family. Of all the different hair textures, type 4C hair is the most coily and delicate. From thin to coarse, this hair type has a wide range of textures. They are more prone to breakage, loss of definition, and shrinkage than other hair types because of their extremely coily zigzags.
Is It Possible To Have More Than One Curl Type?
You may be curious about the possibility of having more than one curl type now that you are aware of the various hair textures. And without a doubt, the answer is yes! Actually, having multiple textures at once is quite typical for people with textured hair. Even though maintaining your mane can be a challenge, as long as you take the proper care of each texture, your strands will be in good condition.
How Do I Care For My Hair Texture?
Curly textures are not an exception; they too have specific products that work best for them, just like oily hair and damaged hair do. As for hair textures, various products will work for them. To make the most of your hair care routine, keep reading to find out which products work best for each type of curly hair.
TYPE 2: The trick is to use hair care products that won’t weigh your curls down because this texture boasts a gorgeous set of waves. Choose your potion below.
L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle CURVE IT Elastic Curl Mousse: Want to add some spice to your waves without having them feel bulky? This hair mousse will make it happen! All you have to do to finish the look is scrunch your strands thanks to a formula designed to give your waves definition and long-lasting hold.
Frizz-in-Oil Serum by L’Oréal Paris EverSleek: Maintaining frizz-free strands is essential if you want to rock gorgeous waves. You can certainly achieve it with the help of this hair serum. This product leaves your strands with a silky finish and works to control frizz and flyaways. What’s not to love?
TYPE 3: Lack of definition is one of the biggest concerns for women with curly hair! Therefore, your best bet is to use products that help to define your texture and offer unending hydration. To realize your hair dreams, try the products listed below.
Elvive Extraordinary Oil Curls Mask from L’Oréal Paris: Are you trying to combine hydration and definition? This hair mask could be your savior. With just one application, this choice can nourish and redefine curls while getting rid of dryness! Apply to damp hair and work through to the ends to use. After three to five minutes, rinse and style as desired.
Lotion from L’Oréal Paris EverStrong Break Proof: This leave-in does wonders to add extra moisture to your strands. This lotion, which is made with goji, adds the ideal amount of softness while supporting hair strength and damage prevention. A dime-sized amount should be applied to damp hair, and it should be distributed evenly from root to tip. As per usual, go through and style.
TYPE 4: Despite type 4 textures’ beauty, tangles and breakage are a common problem. You should include deeply moisturizing products in your routine if you want to stay competitive. Our recommendations below can help you maintain healthy strands.
L’Oréal Paris EverCurl Sculpt & Hold Cream-Gel: Love the concept of mixing your hair care products into a cocktail? With this hybrid discovery, consider it handled! This cream-gel hydrates, styles, and conditions your hair for long-lasting moisture, giving you the best of both worlds. In a nutshell, it’s a multitasker that can do everything!
Deep Nourishing Treatment Serum by L’Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Oil: This choice lives up to the hype. A hair serum is the best way to provide hydration and nourishment. This serum instantly revitalizes dry strands for a luminous and silky finish by infusing them with thin flower oils.
How Should Textured Hair Be Styled? What Tools Should You Employ?
The best tools you have are your hands, I always say. You should usually detangle your hair before styling because you can feel your way along and there is less chance that your hair will pull or break.
Start at the ends and work your way up to the roots. Stop where you sense a tangle and massage it out; a small amount of serum or moisture spray can help with this.
Three Ways To Style And Achieve Textured Hair
1.the Head Band Command
Best for… Short hair that’s wavy/curly
Difficulty rating: 4/5
How To Get The Look:
1) Use a shampoo without sulfates to cleanse, condition, and air-dry your hair. To help curls form and safeguard them from heat styling, mist with moisture spray.
2) Use a medium-heat tong to gently comb through and define the shape of each curl as you go.
3) Apply a small amount of AVEDA Brilliant anti-humectant pomade to any flyaways and blow dry hair using a warm round brush in a downward motion toward the nape of the neck.
4) To ensure that hair there is flat, center the head wrap on the crown of the head.
5) To style, use your fingertips, a dab of ORIBE moulding wax, and a few pumps of my light styling serum. Primp with a wide-tooth comb for shape.
2. The Hair Flick Trick
Best for… Mid to long curly/coily hair
Difficulty rating: 3/5
How To Get The Look:
1) My Leave-In Conditioner should be sprayed all over sectioned hair. Hair ought to be damp when it is first applied. If it’s not, spritz it with a little bit of my MIST Nourishing Water to get it ready.
2) Create chunky or thin finger twists on your entire head, turning the hair from the roots to the tips.
3) Let hair air dry naturally or use a diffuser to hasten the process a little. Move the diffuser up and down to encourage the formation of curls and coils while holding it at a 45-degree angle with its upward facing surface.
4) When the hair is completely dry, apply a few pumps of serum to your hands and fingertips before gently dividing each curl into two. If you’ve done chunky twists, you might want to separate out into more individual curls, such as three, four, or even more.
5) Repeat by flicking your hair completely to one side, then completely to the other. Lifting the roots and increasing volume are both excellent benefits of this method. Wear your hair in its natural place for a very carefree appearance. If your style needs reviving throughout the day, use the hair flick technique.
3. The Art Of The Part
Best for… any length kinky/coily/curly/wavy hair
Difficulty rating: 1/5
One of my favorite, easiest, and most effective ways to change your appearance is to rearrange the way your hair is parted.
Here are some ideas:
1) Swap sides and observe how your face is framed differently if you part your hair on the right instead of the left. If strands have lain in one direction for a while, you’ll probably notice that it appears that the hair has more volume. Additionally, no one’s features are perfectly symmetrical, so this can really update the way you look.
2) Alternate between a shallow and a deep parting to vary how far back the parting extends.
3) Go from a clean, precise line to one that is loosely separated with fingers, or the other way around. Use the end of a carbon tail comb to first define the line, then use a small amount of my PureFro Hold and Shine Serum to slick sharp partings into place.
4) For the majority of people, a middle part with a low bun or puff is attractive.
5) Sweep hair out of your face and secure it behind your ear using U pins.
6) It can look very dramatic to begin the part at the highest point of your brow’s arch.
When Styling Textured Hair, What Should You Avoid?
Avoid brushing textured hair when styling it, if you want to preserve the curl pattern, unless you’re deliberately going for an undefined look. Use a three-in-one style pick or your fingers as an alternative.
Additionally, try not to focus solely on one thing. You might need to modify your original plan of action if your hair is acting differently than you expected it to on any given day because of its texture! Be adaptable, patient, and give yourself enough time to avoid rushing. Hair styling ought to be enjoyable. I’ve discovered that some music is therapeutic!
Which Styling Products Are Best For Textured Hair?
My very own Styling Cream is my go-to styling product for all textured hair types, including kinky, coily, curly, and wavy hair. Mongongo oil, which has a reputation for providing sun protection, is one of the natural ingredients. Shea butter, which is very moisturizing, is another.
It imparts a soft hold that doesn’t flake, and hair is never stiff or crunchy. It feels incredibly rich and opulent. It’s crucial for neatly styling a ponytail as well as everything from finger waves to twists.
What Styling Tools Can Cause Issues With Textured Hair?
Due to the alcohol content, many conventional gels can make hair hard and crispy while also drying out the hair.
I used to mix a little gel with some serum and use a toothbrush to slick it around the hairline. I was motivated to develop my own remedy after realizing the problems with this, which is how PureFro Hold and Shine Serum was born. It’s great for laying the fine hairs around the hairline flat and giving all kinky and coily hairstyles a tidy finish. With a soft hold, it’s never hard, greasy, crispy, or flaky either.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Best Way To Maintain Healthy Hair?
People with textured hair need to take special precautions to keep their hair from drying out and breaking. Here are some methods for safeguarding your hair:
- Don’t add too many products to your hair
- Drink a lot of water
- Air-dry your hair as often as you can
- Keep your hair follicles clean
How Can I Determine My Curl Pattern?
Washing your hair is necessary to determine your natural curl pattern. Make sure your hair is not being altered by styling tools or products in order to better understand your curl pattern. After rinsing it, let your hair air dry naturally without using any products.
Once your hair has dried, examine the pattern of your curls and look for the characteristics listed above. Although you can have different curl patterns, one will probably predominate.
Additionally, you should be aware that heat styling or coloring your hair can change the way it curls. If you’ve been wearing your hair straight for a while, your new growth will show a more natural texture because heat-damaged strands might not recover their original curl type.
Your curl pattern can also be revived and given new life by using hair treatments. Once your hair is clean and dry, simply look at the shape of your strands in the mirror.
If your hair has a wavy texture, you have type 2 hair. Do you possess bouncy curls? Then you belong to the Type 3 group. Do you have curly, tightly wavy hair that zigzags? Your hair is Type 4!
So, What Is Textured Hair?
As you now know, textured hair refers to any hair type with a distinct and distinctive pattern of curls. Textured hair can result in some very distinctive hairstyles, but managing it can be challenging at times. Rock your curly hair right now by embracing it!
