When your strands feel too sleek, soft, or flat, there’s a clear solution: adding texture to your hair. Whether you have fine hair that looks limp or super-straight tresses that won’t hold a curl, with a little texture boost, you can cultivate the movement, volume, and grip needed to level up your style. And, the good news is, you don’t need a salon appointment to achieve a more textured look. With the right products and some know-how, you can easily give your mane a tousled, touchable feel. Here, we’ll walk you through how to add texture to hair, answer related questions like “what is textured hair?”, and share our best tips for every hair type.
What Does “Texture” Mean in Hair?
Depending on context and who you ask, “texture” can have a few different definitions. Some people refer to your curl pattern—whether your hair is curly, wavy, or straight—as your hair texture. And this isn’t incorrect. Textured hair describes strands with a natural curl or shape, especially in discussions about hair types.
But when we talk about texture in a styling context, it’s more about the feel and behavior of your hair. Texture is the grit, body, and separation that gives your style shape and staying power. It’s something anyone can create with a texturizing routine and products, regardless of their hair type and curl pattern.
For this reason, “how to get textured hair” and “how to add texture to hair” (our focus in this guide) are actually two distinct questions. The first might refer to embracing your natural curl pattern, while the second is about enhancing hair with movement, volume, and hold using styling techniques. With this added texture, you can enjoy a number of benefits, including an undone, perfectly imperfect finish. The grit also helps updos hold, braids look fuller, and beach waves feel breezy rather than lanky. It adds visual interest and dimension, so you can make one-note looks a thing of the past.
Good hair day by @maneandtayl.
7 Easy Steps To Add Texture To Your Hair
Boosting texture can be as simple as spritzing with a beach wave spray or dousing your roots in dry shampoo. But for a truly textured style, try this complete routine.
1. Start with damp hair
Your hair tends to be at its most voluminous when it’s freshly cleaned and there isn’t any buildup weighing it down. Give your strands a good shampoo (focusing on your roots), then gently towel dry them to remove excess water. You want your hair to be damp but not dripping.
2. Use a volumizing mousse or root spray
To create a good foundation for your textured ‘do, use a volume-boosting mousse or root-lifting spray. We love the Redken Stay High Mousse because it infuses hair with 24-hour shape and lift memory. This texturizer for hair has a lightweight, bodifying formula that helps thicken hair for long-lasting, voluminous styles. Emulsify a dollop of mousse between your hands and work it through your roots, section by section. Next, comb through your hair, then grab your blow-dryer. Forgo the round brush and simply rough-dry your mane. Since your end goal isn’t a super sleek blowout, there’s no need to painstakingly smooth each strand.
3. Apply a texturizing spray or pomade
Once your hair is dry, you can add even more grit and body with a texturizing hair spray or pomade. The former is great for a beachy, matte texture and more movement. One of our favorite sprays is the Shu Uemura Art of Hair Wata Wave Texturizing Spray. It provides buildable texture and enhances definition. Simply spray through your hair and tousle, ruffle, or scrunch to your heart’s content.
Pomades, on the other hand, can help you add structure to perfect a piecey, tousled finish. Try the Matrix Over Achiever 3-in-1, which spreads like a cream, texturizes like a paste, and holds like a wax. All you need to do is work a small amount through your hair. The best part is, you can rework it throughout the day if you want—no need to start from scratch.
4. Use a curling wand or flat iron for soft waves
As we mentioned earlier, texture doesn’t necessarily equate to curls. You can add texture to straight hair, wavy hair, or curly hair. With that said, creating twists, bends, and curves in your tresses can beautifully complement the definition you’ve built up with your texturizing products. You especially can’t go wrong with some soft waves.
Use a curling wand or flat iron to create loose texture, starting each wave a few inches below your roots. Leave the ends of your hair untouched for a modern finish. You also want to alternate the direction of each wave to achieve a more blended, natural look.
5. Tease or backcomb lightly for volume
Pumping up the volume at your roots can truly transform your look. Lift the top layer of your hair and lightly tease the roots underneath to build body. From there, you can leave your hair as is, or tease additional layers to create a more structured style.
6. Finish with dry shampoo or texture powder
Your hair doesn’t need to be greasy before you use dry shampoo. One of its best uses is to add texture and volume to your hair, even when it’s clean. The Kérastase Fresh Start Dry Shampoo is a great pick that suits all hair types. Spray it evenly onto your roots and scalp, then brush through your hair.
You can also use a texture powder for a similar effect. Sprinkle it over your head and use your fingers to massage it in while simultaneously fluffing up your hair.
7. Scrunch or twist with your fingers
Textured hairstyles are all about imperfection. Break up any overly perfect curls or waves with your fingers to nail an undone finish. You can scrunch and twist to enhance the bends and curves as you see fit. There’s no strict ideal here, so it’s really up to you to find your desired final look.
Tools and Products That Help Create Texture
Best styling tools
- Curling wand (1.25 inches): With this size, you can create loose, voluminous waves that add instant texture without looking too “done.”
- Flat iron: Use a flat iron to form soft S-waves by bending the hair back and forth in a wave pattern as you slowly glide the iron down each section. (For a complete tutorial on flat iron waves, read our guide.)
- Diffuser: If you have wavy or curly hair, a diffuser attachment for your blow-dryer can help enhance your curl pattern and minimize frizz.
Must-have texture products
- Sea salt spray: Beach waves are one of the most popular textured hairstyles, and using a sea salt spray is one of the easiest ways to get the look. A few spritzes can add the perfect amount of grit and body for a windswept, tousled style.
- Dry texturizing spray: This type of hair texture spray is your secret weapon for lived-in volume and airy movement, without the stiffness you sometimes get from hairspray.
- Mousse: With mousse, you can enjoy lightweight structure and lift from root to tip. If your styling routine already includes blow-drying your hair, it’s a low-effort addition that can turn flat strands into hair with plenty of body and bounce.
- Texture paste or pomade: These hair texturizers add definition and separation to the ends of your hair. They’re particularly great for turning short styles and layered cuts into edgier looks.
Good hair day by @thatgirljacqq.
Texturizing Tips Based on Your Hair Type
How to add texture to hair isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s only right, as no two heads of hair are exactly the same. The key is knowing what techniques and products work for your hair type.
Fine hair
Texturizing products aren’t immune to weighing down fine hair. So, it’s important not to overdo it. Use a light hand when applying any products to your hair, and stick with lightweight formulas. You also want to focus on boosting volume and texture at your roots. The Shu Uemura Art of Hair Awa Volume Hair Mousse is a great option for fine hair. It provides maximum body and volume without crunchy residue.
Thick hair
With thick hair, the challenge is quite different from fine hair. You have natural volume, but it can lack definition or feel heavy. The key to adding texture to thick strands is layering lightweight products with strong-hold formulas, so you can create separation and control without adding excess weight. You can also rely on heat tools, like a curling wand, to further separate and define your strands.
Curly and wavy hair
If you have natural waves or curls, your goal should be to enhance the texture you already have. A curl cream, like the Mizani True Textures Perfect Coil Oil Curl Gel, can help you define and shape your natural texture while keeping your hair hydrated. We also recommend limiting how much you brush your hair, which can disrupt your curl pattern and smooth away texture. Instead, style your mane with your fingers.
Next Up: How to Embrace Your Natural Texture
Header image credit (left to right): @redken, @shuuemura_artofhair
In addition to careful styling, the right haircut can give your mane more texture. If you’re craving a whole new ‘do, use our salon locator to find a stylist near you.
