Textured hair has a beauty of its own. It’s bold, soft, full of life, but caring for it can be tricky sometimes. You wash it too much and it feels dry. You skip a wash and it gets heavy. Then there are texturizers, relaxers, perms - and you wonder what really helps.
This guide is for anyone trying to understand their hair better. You’ll learn what textured hair actually is, what texturizers do, how often to use them, and how to build a simple care routine that really works. I’ll also mention a few gentle options from BeautyMarketOnline that fit right into textured-hair care.
By the end, you’ll know how to treat your hair kindly so it stays healthy, soft, and defined.
What Does Textured Hair Mean
Let’s start with the basics - what is textured hair? It’s any hair that isn’t naturally straight. It can be curly, wavy, coily, or a mix of all three. Some call it “hair with personality.”
Every strand has a pattern. It might twist, coil, or bend. That pattern is your texture.
Most stylists sort it into three main groups:
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Type 2: Wavy or loose curls
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Type 3: Curly, with more spring
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Type 4: Coily or kinky, with tighter loops
Some people have mixed textured hair, meaning your top layer might be looser while the bottom coils are tighter. There’s also something called textured straight hair, which happens when hair is naturally straight but has been texturized or styled in a way that gives it more body.
Knowing your texture helps a lot. Coily hair needs deep moisture, while wavy hair may prefer lighter products. When you learn that balance, caring for your hair stops feeling like a science experiment.
Texturizers, Relaxers & Perms - What They Do
If you’ve seen the words hair texturizer for women, hair texturizer men, or texturizer perm, they all refer to chemical treatments that soften your curl pattern.
A texturizer doesn’t straighten hair completely. It just loosens tight curls to make styling easier. So if you’re wondering - is a texturizer the same as a relaxer? - not exactly. A relaxer straightens fully, while a texturizer only softens the curl.
What do texturizers do to your hair? They slightly change the inner structure, swelling the hair shaft so the curl stretches. The result is smoother texture and easier detangling. But if you repeat it too soon, the strands can weaken.
Texturizing Afro hair is popular in many communities because it makes curls easier to handle while keeping their bounce. You might see phrases like texturizer black hair or before and after texturized hair when people show their transformations online.
As for timing - how often should you texturize your hair? or how often do you texturize your hair? - most stylists say every 8 to 12 weeks, depending on growth and condition. Never sooner. Always do a strand test first to see how your hair reacts.
Before and After Texturized Hair
When you look at before and after texturized hair results, you’ll notice softer curls, more shine, and easier styling. But don’t let the smoothness fool you - this hair still needs care. The structure has changed, which means it’s more fragile.
If your hair is mixed textured, the results may not be even. Some parts might loosen more than others. That’s normal.
For more science-based guidance, you can check the British Association of Dermatologists’ leaflet on caring for Afro-textured hair. It’s a simple read with good advice on moisture, scalp health, and gentle detangling.
How to Care for Textured Hair - Step by Step
Now let’s talk about real routines. Hair care for textured hair doesn’t have to be complicated. You just need patience, gentle hands, and the right rhythm.
1. Gentle Cleansing & Co-Washing
Textured hair doesn’t need daily washing. Too much shampoo steals the natural oils your scalp works hard to make. Try co-washing, which means washing with conditioner instead of shampoo. It keeps hair soft while cleansing lightly.
When you do shampoo, pick a sulfate-free formula that hydrates. Massage the scalp and let the suds slide down - no need to scrub the strands.
Washing once a week or once every two weeks is enough for most curly or coily textures.
The Keragen Smooth Sulfate-Free Shampoo from BMO is perfect here - it cleans without drying out your ends.
2. Deep Conditioning & Protein Balance
Moisture is what textured hair craves most. Because the natural oil can’t travel down all those curves, the ends dry out fast. That’s why deep conditioning is essential.
Use a rich conditioner or mask once a week. Let it sit for 20–30 minutes under a cap or warm towel. If your hair feels limp or too soft, that’s a sign it needs protein. Use a mild protein treatment every 4–6 weeks.
3. Leave-Ins and Oils
After rinsing your conditioner, apply a leave-in while your hair is damp. It keeps moisture locked in. Follow with a light oil like argan or jojoba, then add a soft cream for definition.
Many textured-hair lovers follow the LOC method - Liquid, Oil, Cream. It builds moisture in layers and helps curls stay hydrated longer.
The Sobe Luxe Hair Mask from BMO make a nice combo for this step.
4. Detangle Carefully
Detangle when the hair is wet and slippery with conditioner. Always start at the ends and move up slowly. A wide-tooth comb or your fingers work best.
Avoid brushing dry hair - that leads straight to breakage. Keep styles gentle. Twists, braids, or low buns protect the hair and keep knots away.
If you need extra hold, try a Curl Defining Cream for soft texture and shine.
5. Keep the Heat Low
Heat can ruin textured hair fast. If you like to blow-dry or straighten, always use a heat protectant first. Set your tools to low or medium heat, never high.
When you can, let your hair air-dry. Or try heatless styling like twist-outs, braid-outs, or rollers. It might take longer, but your hair will thank you later.
6. Protect Your Hair at Night
Sleeping on cotton can steal your moisture overnight. Use a satin bonnet or silk pillowcase instead. Loose braids or twists before bed help reduce tangles.
Small habits like this matter more than fancy products. Less friction means less breakage.
Caring for Hair After Texturizing
Once your hair has been texturized, your care routine should get softer - not stricter.
Here’s how to keep it balanced:
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Stick with gentle, moisturizing cleansers.
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Deep-condition often.
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Wait at least 8–12 weeks before another texturizer.
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Never apply chemicals on already treated sections.
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Keep heat tools on the shelf most days.
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Use protein occasionally to restore structure.
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Watch your ends for dryness.
Textured straight hair - that soft, smooth wave you get after a texturizer - still needs hydration and low manipulation. Treat it like delicate fabric, not a project.
Weekly Routine Example
| Step | What to Do | Why It Helps |
|---|---|---|
| Wash Day | Co-wash or mild shampoo | Cleans scalp gently |
| Deep condition for 20–30 min | Adds moisture | |
| Apply leave-in + oil | Locks in hydration | |
| Style with light cream | Defines curls | |
| Midweek | Mist with water + leave-in | Refreshes texture |
| Night | Wrap or bonnet | Prevents frizz |
| Every 4–6 weeks | Protein treatment | Adds strength |
| Every 8–12 weeks | Retouch texturizer (optional) | Maintains loosened curl |
Use this as a loose guide. Some hair needs more frequent conditioning, some less. The goal is to learn your hair’s language - it tells you when it’s happy or tired.
Natural Textured Hairstyles
Textured hair offers endless options once it’s healthy again. You can wear it curly, stretched, or tucked away in a protective style.
Try twist-outs, braid-outs, Bantu knots, or Afro puffs. Wash-and-go styles are great too. They let your natural pattern shine.
Keep your hands gentle when styling. Use clips or scrunchies without metal parts. A little patience goes a long way.
Conclusion
Caring for textured hair isn’t about perfection. It’s about rhythm - moisture, patience, and knowing when to stop. Whether you wear your hair natural or texturized, treat it kindly and it’ll respond with strength and shine.
Use good products, keep your scalp clean, avoid harsh chemicals, and protect your strands while you sleep. Over time, the routine becomes second nature.
Your hair has its own story. Let it move, grow, and shine the way it wants to.
FAQs
1. How often should you texturize your hair?
Every 8–12 weeks at most. Give your strands time to rest.
2. What is textured straight hair?
It’s hair that’s been texturized or slightly relaxed, leaving a soft wave or body.
3. Do I need to deep-condition even if my hair is texturized?
Yes. The treatment changes your hair bonds, so moisture is key to keeping it healthy.
4. What if I have mixed textured hair?
Treat each section based on its curl type. Some parts might need heavier cream, others just a light leave-in.
5. Is a texturizer the same as a relaxer?
No. A relaxer straightens completely, while a texturizer only loosens curls slightly. Both need careful aftercare.
