A textured haircut adds depth, movement, and personality to any hairstyle. Whether the hair is short, medium, or long, texture creates a stylish, effortless look. Here are 12 ways to make the most of a textured haircut.
1. Use the Right Products
Texture thrives when paired with high-quality styling products that enhance the natural movement and definition of your haircut. It’s important to select products that suit both your hair type and desired finish. For those looking to add subtle definition without a greasy or overly stiff result, a light pomade is an excellent choice. Pomades provide a slight hold and a touch of shine, perfect for short to medium textured cuts. Simply warm a small amount between your palms, distributing it through your hair with your fingers to achieve a well-defined yet flexible look.
Another fantastic option is a texturizing spray. This product is particularly well-suited for individuals seeking a more relaxed, natural finish. It adds volume and creates a tousled effect that highlights the layers in your haircut. Simply spray evenly on damp or dry hair, scrunching with your hands to promote separation and movement. For those with wavy or curly hair, texturizing sprays can amplify natural waves without leaving a crunchy feel.
It’s also vital to avoid heavy gels, which can weigh your hair down and leave it looking flat or unnaturally stiff. Heavy gels clump strands together, which conflicts with the airy, voluminous feel that defines the appeal of textured haircuts. Instead, choose lightweight, flexible products that maintain softness and movement throughout the day. Experimenting with product options can be a game-changer for elevating the look and feel of your textured haircut.
2. Blow-Dry for Volume
Blow-drying is a powerful tool in amplifying volume and showcasing the intricacies of a textured haircut. When executed properly, it not only boosts the overall body but also enhances the definition of layers, ensuring your style looks polished yet effortlessly modern. The key to blow-drying textured hair lies in the combination of technique, Essential tools, and timing.
Start by towel-drying your hair gently to remove excess moisture—avoiding aggressive rubbing to reduce frizz and maintain the integrity of your hair. Apply a heat protectant spray or mousse that also provides a light hold. This will safeguard your strands from potential heat damage while giving the blow-dry process a lasting effect.
To increase lift at the roots, use a round brush during the blow-drying process. Position the brush at the roots of your hair and pull upward as you direct heat toward that section. This creates immediate volume at the base—a crucial aspect for medium-length hairstyles with texture that rely on lift for their structure. Continue working your way through sections of your hair, repeating the lift-and-dry technique to evenly distribute volume throughout.
For men and women with shorter textured cuts, swapping the round brush for your fingers or a vented brush can be equally effective. Use your hands to tousle and lift while directing heat to specific sections, creating a natural, carefree texture. Finishing the blow-drying process with a blast of cool air will lock in your style and add a touch of shine.
By mastering the art of blow-drying for textured hair, you can transform a classic haircut into an elevated, multidimensional style that makes an impactful statement. Remember, the combination of the right heat settings, brushes or your fingers, and pre-styling products can be the secret weapon to achieving the full potential of your textured haircut.
3. Try a Messy Look
A slightly messy hairstyle is a fantastic way to emphasize the natural texture of your haircut while maintaining an effortlessly stylish appearance. This look thrives on controlled chaos, blending structure with spontaneity to create that perfect “undone” vibe. The key to achieving the right amount of messiness starts with the products you use. Opt for a small amount of wax, clay, or pomade – products designed to add hold and definition without weighing down the hair. Take a pea-sized amount of your chosen product, warm it between your palms, and work it through your damp or dry hair. Begin at the roots for added volume, then move to the ends, using your fingers to scrunch and tousle as you go.
The beauty of a messy look lies in its versatility. You can make subtle adjustments based on your mood or occasion—keep it understated with just a hint of texture for casual outings, or go bold with pronounced tousled waves for a more rugged, statement-making style. This messy approach works exceptionally well for short-to-medium hair lengths but can also elevate longer haircuts. Adding a lightweight textured spray can amplify the effect further by enhancing separation and definition. Avoid overdoing it, however, as too much product can turn the look from perfectly messy to overly greasy. The final touch often comes down to your fingers—use them to mold and shape individual strands, ensuring the end result feels intentional yet spontaneous. With practice, this look can quickly become a go-to, embodying a laid-back and effortlessly cool aesthetic.
4. Keep It Tidy with Regular Trims
While textured cuts thrive on their relaxed, natural appearance, maintaining that sharp shape and healthy structure requires commitment. Scheduling regular trims every four to six weeks is essential to keep your haircut looking fresh and polished. These routine trims prevent split ends from forming, which can significantly affect the overall appearance and manageability of textured hair. Split ends not only lead to frizz and tangling but also obscure the defined layers that make textured cuts so distinctive.
Visiting a trusted barbershop in New York or in your local area, ensures your stylist can make minor adjustments to maintain the balance and proportion of the cut. For example, they might refine the weight distribution or reposition layers for a more updated look. Professionals can also expertly manage growth patterns, which might otherwise cause your haircut to lose its original appeal over time.
Beyond just maintaining the structure, regular trims also contribute to the health of your hair. Each trim provides an opportunity for your stylist to assess the condition of your hair and recommend tips or treatments to combat dryness, heat damage, or product buildup. Sculpting your haircut at regular intervals ensures that it remains not only stylish but also easy to manage. It’s a small but impactful habit with lasting rewards, allowing you to carry off a professional, well-groomed look while still enjoying the freedom and personality of a textured style.
5. Experiment with Different Partings
One of the simplest yet often overlooked ways to refresh a textured haircut is by switching up the parting. How you part your hair can significantly influence the overall mood of your look, making parting an excellent styling tool to express your personality or adapt to different occasions. For instance, a neatly defined side part instantly adds a refined, polished touch to your haircut—perfect for formal events or professional settings. This classic option works particularly well if you have a fade or short layers, as it highlights the structure and contrast within your cut. A small dollop of styling gel or cream can help keep the side part neat and secure throughout the day.
Alternatively, if you’re aiming for a more modern, edgy appearance, try a center part. Middle parts have gained popularity in recent years for their bold statement and youthful vibe, especially among those with medium to long textured hair. This straightforward adjustment can give your haircut a contemporary flair, framing the face symmetrically and creating a fresh, dynamic look. For a more casual take, pair the center part with slightly tousled hair and a touch of matte cream or wax for a natural, low-maintenance finish.
Don’t be afraid to step outside the ordinary—experimenting with unconventional zigzag or diagonal parts can add another layer of attitude and creative styling to a textured cut. This technique works particularly well for thinner hair, as it creates the illusion of added volume and depth. Whatever the style, changing your parting occasionally offers a simple yet transformative way to keep your haircut feeling fresh and exciting without committing to drastic changes.
6. Add Texture with Thinning Shears
For those with thick, unmanageable hair, thinning shears can be a game-changer. These specialized scissors are designed with one blade that features notches, allowing for the removal of bulk without compromising the length. The result is a more lightweight, balanced hairstyle that maintains its structure and movement. Thinning shears are particularly beneficial when working with dense, heavy locks that can otherwise look flat or lack definition. A skilled barber in New York, will understand how to use thinning shears strategically to enhance your haircut.
This process involves precisely cutting sections of hair to control thickness while leaving just enough weight to retain the hair’s natural shape and flow. Whether you’re going for a sleek, modern look or something more dynamic and textured, a talented stylist can customize the use of thinning shears to complement your hair type, face shape, and personal style. They may focus on areas prone to heaviness, such as the crown or mid-lengths, while leaving the ends soft and feathered for a polished finish. With the right technique, thinning shears can deliver a harmonious balance of volume and texture that elevates your haircut to the next level.
7. Use Sea Salt Spray
Sea salt spray is a must-have product for anyone looking to achieve effortless, beach-inspired waves with a touch of texture. This product works by replicating the slightly gritty, tousled effect that hair naturally gets after a day by the ocean. To use sea salt spray, start with damp, towel-dried hair, ensuring it’s just wet enough to allow the product to distribute evenly. Next, spritz the spray generously, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends, as these areas naturally form the best waves. You can also scrunch your hair with your hands to encourage natural curls or bends.
One of the great things about sea salt spray is its versatility. Whether your hair is fine and needs extra body or thick and requires some control, this product can adapt to enhance your style. It can add grit and hold to shorter cuts, amplify waves in mid-length hair, and define curls in longer styles. If you’re looking for a more polished beachy look, consider lightly blow-drying your hair with a diffuser attachment. Alternatively, for a carefree, natural texture, simply allow it to air-dry. Either way, sea salt spray is a simple, versatile tool to give your hair that “just came from the beach” vibe without needing to step foot in the sand.
8. Style with a Matte Finish
For those chasing a casual, rugged look with texture and depth, matte styling products, such as clays and pastes, are an excellent option. Unlike gels or pomades that add shine, matte products are designed to provide hold and structure without a glossy finish, offering a more understated, lived-in appearance. These products are especially effective for short to medium-length hairstyles, as they allow for a natural, touchable texture that won’t weigh your hair down.
When using matte styling products, it’s best to start with a small amount to avoid overloading your hair. Work the product between your palms to warm it up and ensure even application. Run your fingers through your hair, focusing on the roots and sculpting your style as you go. The beauty of matte products lies in their flexibility—whether you’re aiming for a neat, tousled aesthetic or something more textured and deliberately unkempt, they can adapt to your needs.
For added dimension, matte clays are perfect for achieving volume and lift at the crown, while pastes allow for better definition and control in shorter sections. These products are particularly forgiving, meaning you can easily rework your style throughout the day without needing to reapply. With their lightweight consistency and natural finish, matte products are an essential tool in creating hairstyles that look effortlessly cool and textured.
9. Layer Wisely
Layering is a critical technique for achieving textured hairstyles that exude dimension and movement. Shorter layers on top and longer ones underneath can create a perfect balance that elevates the overall look and feel of your hair. Shorter layers add volume and texture at the crown, while the longer layers underneath provide weight and flow, ensuring the style looks seamless and natural. This layering method works across various hair lengths, making it versatile enough for short pixie cuts, medium-length shags, or long, flowing styles.
A professional stylist plays an integral role in tailoring the layers to suit your unique facial structure. Faces with sharper angles, such as square or heart shapes, benefit from softer, feathered layers that soften the overall appearance. For oval or round faces, strategically placed layers can add definition and elongate the look of your features. A good stylist understands how to customize layers based on your hair type, whether it’s straight, wavy, curly, or coiled, ensuring that you get the best result possible. Additionally, layering helps enhance movement, especially in textured styles, by reducing bulk in areas where volume isn’t needed and creating lift in areas where dimension is desired.
10. Master the Finger Comb
When styling textured hair, the tools you use can significantly impact your final look. Instead of relying on traditional brushes or combs, which often smooth out the details and disrupt natural movement, consider using your fingers as your primary styling tool. Finger combing lets you shape your hairstyle while maintaining its relaxed, tousled appearance, which is ideal for textured looks.
By using your fingers, you have greater control over how your hair falls and moves. This method allows for better preservation of natural waves, curls, or layers without over-styling. To finger comb effectively, simply work a small amount of your chosen styling product, such as a matte clay or a styling cream, through your hands before raking it through your hair. This technique not only enhances texture but also gives a lived-in, effortless vibe to your hairstyle. Finger combing is particularly beneficial for those with thinner or softer hair, as it prevents excess tension that can flatten the look.
Pay attention to detailed sections as you go through strands, focusing on areas that require extra definition or volume. For instance, scrunching sections near the ends of your hair can accentuate natural waves or curls. Additionally, finger combing is a forgiving method—it allows you to rework your style throughout the day by tousling your hair for a refresh, keeping the look casual and dynamic. Over time, mastering this technique will give your textured styles a natural elegance that feels easy yet put-together.
11. Protect Hair from Heat
One of the most critical steps in maintaining the health and vibrancy of textured hair is protecting it from heat damage. Heat tools such as blow dryers, flat irons, and curling wands can break down the natural structure of your hair over time, leading to dryness, split ends, and a dull appearance. To mitigate this, always apply a heat protectant product before exposing your hair to any source of heat. Heat protectants form a barrier on your strands, minimizing direct damage by reducing the amount of heat absorbed by the hair shaft. These products often contain nourishing ingredients such as argan oil, keratin, or vitamins to further condition and hydrate your hair during styling.
When using heat tools, it is essential to ensure that the temperature settings align with your hair type. For more delicate, fine textures, keep the heat on the lower end of the scale—around 300°F to 350°F—to prevent burning or frying the strands. For coarser textures, you may use slightly higher heat settings, but it’s still crucial to avoid extremes over 450°F. Additionally, always ensure your hair is fully dry before applying a flat iron or curling wand, as applying direct heat to damp strands can cause bubbling and severe damage to the cuticle. Regular maintenance of your heat tools, such as cleaning off product residue and ensuring even heat distribution, also contributes to safer styling.
Remember that frequent use of heat tools can gradually degrade your hair’s natural texture and elasticity. To counteract this, incorporate heatless styling methods into your routine whenever possible, such as braiding, twisting, or using foam rollers to achieve desired waves or curls. To further protect and rejuvenate textured hair, deep conditioning treatments and hair masks should be used weekly to restore moisture and repair the loss caused by heat exposure. A proactive approach to heat protection not only preserves your hair’s health but also helps to maintain the vibrancy and integrity of your textured style.
12. Have the Right Tools
The foundation of impeccable textured hairstyles lies in having the right tools in your arsenal. First and foremost, a high-quality blow dryer with a diffuser attachment is essential. A diffuser helps to evenly distribute airflow throughout your hair, reducing frizz and enhancing your natural curl or wave pattern. For those who prefer a smoother and sleeker look, consider investing in a blow dryer with multiple heat and speed settings for precise control. Look for a ceramic or ionic blow dryer, as these are gentler on textured hair and help to seal the hair cuticle for a shiny finish.
A texturizing spray is another must-have tool for styling textured hair. This product can add volume, create definition, and offer a light, tousled hold, perfect for enhancing natural movement without making the hair feel sticky or stiff. Choose a texturizing spray that complements your hair type—some formulas are designed specifically for fine hair to give it a boost, while others cater to thicker strands by providing long-lasting grip and structure.
Additionally, a wide-tooth comb is indispensable when working with textured hair, especially for detangling. Unlike brushes, which can snag and create breakage, a wide-tooth comb gently separates strands while minimizing tension on the scalp and hair follicle. It is particularly useful for distributing conditioner or leave-in treatments evenly throughout your hair. Stocking your toolkit with versatile items like alligator clips, silk scrunchies, and microfiber towels can further enhance your styling process, as these non-damaging accessories help to preserve your hair’s texture and reduce frizz.
When it comes to cutting and maintaining textured hair, choosing the right stylist and haircut is equally critical. Textured haircuts are incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize your look for different occasions. Layering techniques often add dimension and movement, making it easier to style your hair in both casual and formal settings. For casual outings, you can simply let your waves or curls fall naturally with a touch of styling cream for a soft finish. For more formal events, tools like curling irons or sleek updo accessories can elevate your style effortlessly.
Ultimately, investing in quality tools and products tailored to textured hair not only simplifies your styling routine but also ensures that your hair remains healthy, vibrant, and ready to adapt to any occasion.
Final Thoughts
Textured haircuts are stylish, low-maintenance, and adaptable. By using the right products and techniques, anyone can keep their textured hair looking fresh and trendy. Experiment with different styles to find the perfect look.
