How to make the most of your hair texture

Whether it’s your hair texture or your skin type, you've got what you've got. Those with pin-straight hair usually want big barrelled-curls, while those with curly hair try to straighten them into submission. Sounds all too familiar? Fighting your hair texture can leave you with more damage, frizz and breakage, so embracing it is a better route, according to the pros. We got two celebrity hair experts to share their best hair care and styling tips to make the most of your hair texture, kinks and all.

What creates texture in hair?

Your ethnicity and genetics may determine the hair texture you’re born with, but multiple lifestyle-related factors go on to determine what it looks like over the years. “It is mainly your DNA that influences your hair texture,” says Adam Reed, a London-based hair expert with over three decades of styling experience and a clientele including the likes of Madonna and Ellie Goulding. “Then, the shape of your follicle will determine if you have straight, curly or wavy hair. Simply put a straight follicle means straight hair, a crescent-shaped follicle is wavy hair and a deep curve causes curly hair. Then these textures can change in certain weather due to the physical properties of the hair shaft, the cuticles of the hair, which have a positive and negative charge which when mixed with the positive and negative charges in water can make the hair frizzier, curlier or more unruly.” You may have also noticed your hair texture change every few years—what you consume and how and where you live may have something to do with that. Sonam Kapoor Ahuja’s trusted hairstylist Hiral Bhatia adds, “To an extent, your geographic location, weather and water, affect your hair texture. Also, your diet and how we take care of ourselves have an added effect in the long run.” As your texture changes, your haircare routine and styling choices should change course with it, just like your skincare routine changes depending on your skin’s many moods.

Is it important to embrace your natural hair texture?

Undoubtedly, owning your natural hair texture and looking after it is the best-case scenario for your hair. If not, you’ll find yourself constantly signing up for texture altering treatments like keratin infusions and rebonding, all of which have an expiry date—the upkeep alone can be tiresome. “I’ve always advocated embracing your natural hair texture,” says Mumbai-based Bhatia. “I believe if you embrace anything natural, it blossoms. The more you try to oppose it, it backfires in the long run. If you have curly hair and you try to brush it out or straighten it, you end up damaging your hair and it loses its elasticity, porosity, health and shine over time.” According to Reed, who is also the co-founder of much-loved haircare and styling brand Percy & Reed, “finding the right products and tools are key. Oils can be used on all hair types to smooth and seal the hair, and find a humidity fighting styler for longevity."

The best hair care and hairstyling tips based on your natural hair texture

“All hair types should be properly prepared, without fail, to give the hair a great finish and longevity of style,” says Reed. This includes using a shampoo and conditioner that suits your scalp and hair type, respectively. Of course, never skip using a leave-in serum or conditioner mist to keep your hair hydrated at all times.

If you have straight hair

Since straight hair is the easiest to manage, Bhatia suggests focusing on the haircare aspect of it. “Use a good shampoo and conditioner according to your hair and scalp type followed by a good leave-in conditioner—this is more than enough. Reed suggests opting for a classic blowout to enhance your naturally straight mane. A good blow-dry is essential; choose the right brush and hairdryer. Make sure that you have taken most of the moisture from your hair and take time to section the hair—ask your hairdresser for sectioning tips when you visit them. Press the hair after with an iron, I use the GHD Platinum Plus, this helps to seal the hair and give the most incredible finish. For perfectly straight hair start at the root, and to smooth the ends start from mid-length to ends.

If you have wavy hair

For a wavy mane, a few haircare and drying tips can easily help you achieve a well put together look every single day. “Wavy hair needs more hydration than straight hair. Using a good leave-in conditioner and a drop of argan oil will help retain the moisture,” says Bhatia. Once you’ve hydrated your hair and got frizz under control, you can choose to style it using hot tools or even without those if you’d like. “With wavy hair, you have an option of either letting it naturally dry or scrunching it as it takes both shapes well. Just make a bun when your hair is slightly damp (80 per cent dry) and open it once fully dry so it accentuates your waves.” Reed suggests taking the heated tools route for a defined hairstyle that lasts. “You can use a hair dryer with a diffuser attachment for a soft, natural wave or a tong to define and create a more modern beach wave. Like using a straightener for straight hair, what a tong will do is add definition and longevity. Choose the size of the barrel depending on the size of the desired wave. A great tip, if you are using a heated appliance, is just before you use the tool on the hair, spray it with hairspray."

If you have curly hair

Possibly the hardest hair type to maintain, it’s no doubt that women with curly hair tend to opt for hair straightening and smoothening treatments to make it more manageable, ruining their natural texture and quality in the process. “Curls have a tendency to lose moisture faster so using a slightly heavier leave-in conditioner helps,” says Bhatia. “Avoid brushing your hair when dry or else you’ll open your curls and your hair will appear frizzy. Scrunch it with a good curl cream. You can even add an argan oil for extra moisture.” For Reed, using the products is of prime importance when curly hair is in question. “I use the L’Oréal Professionnel Mythic Oil first followed by a mousse for a really modern finish or a wave spray for a beautifully defined natural curl. It is key that you allow the curls to form themselves, so using a wide-toothed comb, comb your chosen product through damp hair, allow the curl to form and gently lift the diffuser into the hair. Take your time, if you rush this stage you are highly likely to go wrong if you start to see frizz mist the hair with water and carry on.”

Also read:

How to brush your hair, according to your hair type

5 easy ways to get waves and curls in your hair without any heating tools

Why you need to consider your hair porosity before trying new products and treatments