Caring for textured hair can be a beautiful, yet complex journey. We understand that textured hair comes with its own unique challenges and requires specific care to maintain its natural beauty.

Whether you’re just beginning to embrace your curls or have been a proud member of the curly community for years, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about caring for textured hair.

 

Let’s take it right back. To understand how to care for textured hair, it’s essential to first know what textured hair is and how it differs from other hair types.

 

What Does Textured Hair Mean?

 

Textured hair refers to any hair type that has a natural wave, curl, or coil pattern. Unlike straight hair, which lies flat, textured hair has more body and volume. It can range from loose waves to tight coils and the more texture your hair has, the more prone it is to dryness, flyaway and breakage. This is because the natural oils produced by your scalp have a harder time traveling down the hair shaft, making textured hair more prone to moisture loss.

 

What is Texturizing Hair?

 

Texturizing hair is a process often used to modify the natural pattern of the hair, making it easier to style. However, this process isn’t about changing the fundamental texture of your hair but rather enhancing its natural movement or reducing volume. Unlike chemical relaxers, which permanently straighten the hair, texturizing uses milder chemicals to loosen the curl pattern slightly. While this can make your hair more manageable, it’s essential to be cautious of over processing, which can lead to damage.

 

What Are the 4 Types of Textured Hair?

 

Using the commonly recognised hair classification, coined by Andre Walker hair falls into four main categories. Understanding your type will help you select the right products and care routine.

 

Type 1 – Straight Hair: While not classified as textured, it’s good to note that straight hair has no curl pattern.

Type 2 – Wavy Hair: Wavy hair forms loose S-shaped curls, with varying thickness and frizz depending on the subtype (2A, 2B, 2C).

Type 3 – Curly Hair: This type is characterised by more defined curls that range from loose to tight ringlets (3A, 3B, 3C).

Type 4 – Coily Hair: Coily hair is the most textured, with tight, zigzag curl patterns (4A, 4B, 4C). It tends to be more fragile and prone to shrinkage, making moisture retention crucial.

 

Whilst this is useful, it is by no means exhaustive, another clasisification is using the LOIS method. 

 

Pattern L – zigzag / O – ringlet / I – straight / S – wavy

Strand thickness

Sheen vs Shine

Hair Texture and Frizz

 

How to Care for Textured Hair

 

 

Moisturise Often: Textured hair is naturally dry, so regular deep conditioning treatments are a must. Look for products rich in natural oils, such as shea butter, argan oil, and coconut oil. Shedid & Parrish’s range of vegan hair care products is specifically formulated to hydrate and nourish textured hair.

 

Gentle Detangling: Curly and coily hair can easily tangle, especially when dry. Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to detangle your hair gently, starting from the ends and working your way up to the roots. Applying a leave-in conditioner can also help reduce friction and prevent breakage.

 

Protective Styles: Styles like braids, twists, and buns help to shield your hair from environmental damage and excessive manipulation. Just be mindful not to pull your hair too tightly, which can lead to breakage and traction alopecia.

 

Nighttime Care: Sleeping on a satin or bamboo pillowcase and using a bonnet or scarf can help preserve your curls overnight by reducing friction, which leads to frizz and breakage.

 

Natural Products: Sulphates, commonly found in shampoos, can strip your hair of its natural oils, making it more prone to dryness and breakage. We take it a step further by ensuring that all our products are free from silicones, parabens, sulphates, SLS, and harsh alcohols.

 

Textured Hair for Men

 

Textured hair care isn't just for women! Men with curly, wavy, or coily hair can benefit from following similar principles. Keeping your hair moisturised, using leave-in conditioners, and protecting it from harsh environmental factors are key. For men who prefer shorter hairstyles, regular trims can help manage your curls while maintaining healthy ends.

 

For longer hairstyles, men could use curl-defining creams like our Curl Styler to enhance their natural texture while reducing flyaways. Protective styles, such as twists or braids, can also be a great option for men with coily hair who want to grow their hair out while protecting it from daily wear and tear.

 

Textured hair is a beautiful expression of individuality, but it requires special attention and care. By understanding your hair type and tailoring your hair care routine to your unique needs, you can keep your curls, coils, and waves looking healthy and strong. At Shedid & Parrish, we’re passionate about empowering you to embrace your natural texture with confidence. Explore our range of natural, vegan products designed specifically for textured hair to nourish, protect, and enhance your natural beauty.