Texturizing natural hair is a popular process that many individuals with curly or coily hair types consider when looking to achieve a softer, more manageable texture. The process involves using mild chemical treatments to slightly loosen the natural curl pattern, without completely straightening the hair like relaxers do. This method has become a go-to for those who want to maintain some curl definition while reducing shrinkage and making their hair easier to style. However, like any chemical treatment, texturizing has its advantages and disadvantages that should be carefully considered before making a decision.
Texturizing offers a middle ground for individuals who want more control over their natural hair but don’t want to sacrifice their curls entirely. It can reduce the intensity of tight coils, making daily maintenance, detangling, and styling easier. Yet, the process is not without potential drawbacks. Hair can become more prone to damage, breakage, or inconsistent texture results, especially if not done correctly or maintained properly. In this article, we will explore 10 pros and 10 cons of texturizing natural hair, giving you an in-depth understanding of the benefits and risks involved.
Whether you’re considering texturizing to soften coarse hair, achieve more styling options, or reduce frizz, this guide will help you weigh the pros and cons. You’ll learn about the effects on hair health, maintenance needs, and how texturizing might impact your overall hair care routine. This comprehensive guide is designed to help you make an informed choice that aligns with your hair goals and lifestyle.
Pros Of Texturizing Natural Hair
1. Easier Styling And Manageability
One of the key advantages of texturizing natural hair is that it significantly reduces the time and effort needed for daily styling. By loosening tight curls, coils, or kinks, texturized hair becomes much easier to detangle, comb, and style. Those who struggle with their natural texture often find that texturizing helps manage shrinkage and reduces the amount of product needed to define curls or waves. For individuals who feel overwhelmed by the maintenance of their natural texture, texturizing offers a more manageable routine, especially for wash-and-go styles or twist-outs.
2. Retains Natural Curl Pattern
Unlike a relaxer, which straightens hair completely, a texturizer gently loosens the natural curl pattern without eliminating it altogether. This allows individuals to retain some of the unique characteristics of their curls, waves, or coils. You can still achieve curly looks, but with a softer, looser texture that’s easier to control and style. This makes texturizing appealing to those who don’t want to lose their curls but seek a less defined and more elongated texture.
3. Reduces Frizz
Frizz is a common issue for those with natural hair, especially in humid environments. Texturizing smooths the hair cuticle, reducing the amount of frizz and flyaways. This can lead to smoother styles that hold their shape better, whether you’re wearing your hair loose or in an updo. For those who often deal with frizz, texturizing can provide more control over their hair, resulting in a neater appearance with less need for anti-frizz products.
4. More Styling Versatility
Texturizing opens the door to a variety of new styling options. With a looser curl pattern, it becomes easier to achieve different styles like roller sets, twist-outs, or even blowouts, without relying on excessive heat or harsh techniques. The hair can hold different textures more effectively, whether you’re aiming for a defined curl or a looser wave. This flexibility allows individuals to switch up their looks more often and experiment with new styles.
5. Length Retention And Visible Length
Many people with natural hair experience shrinkage, which can make their hair appear shorter than it actually is. Texturizing reduces this shrinkage by loosening the curl pattern, allowing for more visible length. This makes it easier to retain and display the true length of your hair, particularly after washing or styling. For those looking to grow out their hair but frustrated by shrinkage, texturizing can be a way to showcase more length while still maintaining healthy hair growth.
6. Gentler On Hair Compared To Relaxers
Texturizers are less harsh than relaxers, as they don’t fully break down the hair’s natural curl pattern. The process of texturizing is designed to soften curls without causing as much structural damage as relaxers. For individuals who want to maintain healthier hair while still altering their texture, texturizing offers a compromise that’s gentler on the hair shaft. This can lead to less damage and fewer split ends over time, particularly if the hair is well cared for post-treatment.
7. Softens Coarse Hair Texture
For individuals with coarse or tightly coiled hair, texturizing offers a way to soften the texture, making it more pliable and easier to style. The smoother texture is often more comfortable to manage, especially for those who struggle with tangles or excessive dryness. The softer feel is also appealing for those who want to enjoy a smoother, silkier look without the need for constant heat styling or heavy moisturizing treatments.
8. Quicker Wash Days
Texturizing reduces the amount of time needed for wash days, particularly during detangling and styling phases. With looser curls or waves, it becomes much easier to work through the hair, apply products, and set styles. This is especially beneficial for individuals with thick, dense hair who spend hours detangling and moisturizing. A quicker routine means more time for other activities, without sacrificing the health and appearance of your hair.
9. Transitional Aid Between Natural And Relaxed Hair
For those transitioning from relaxed hair back to natural hair, texturizing can help blend the two textures, making the process smoother. The contrast between straightened hair and natural new growth can be jarring, leading to breakage and frustration. A texturizer offers a middle ground, loosening the new growth while maintaining some curl, which helps blend the two textures during the transition phase.
10. Maintains Hair Volume
One of the downsides of relaxing hair is that it can leave hair flat and without volume. Texturizing, on the other hand, helps retain much of the natural volume, allowing your hair to look fuller and more vibrant. This is ideal for individuals who want to keep body and bounce in their hair while still enjoying the benefits of a looser texture. The result is hair that looks healthy and full of life.
Cons Of Texturizing Natural Hair
1. Potential For Chemical Damage
Despite being less harsh than relaxers, texturizers are still a chemical treatment that can weaken the hair shaft. The use of chemicals can make hair more prone to damage, breakage, and split ends, especially if the hair isn’t properly maintained afterward. The chemical process can dry out the hair, making it more fragile, and over time, repeated use can lead to thinning or loss of elasticity in the hair.
2. Permanent Alteration Of Hair Texture
Once the texturizer is applied, the change to your curl pattern is permanent. The only way to return to your natural texture is to grow out the texturized hair and cut it off. This lack of reversibility can be a significant con for those who are unsure about permanently altering their hair. The commitment to maintaining the texturized look can also be challenging for those who may want to go back to their fully natural state.
3. Inconsistent Results
The outcome of a texturizer can be unpredictable, especially if it’s not applied correctly or left on for too long. Some individuals may experience uneven texture, with certain parts of their hair becoming straighter or looser than others. Additionally, hair that has multiple textures, such as finer or thicker sections, can react differently to the texturizer, leading to inconsistent results throughout the hair.
4. Frequent Maintenance Required
Texturizing requires regular touch-ups to maintain the desired texture, as new growth will revert to its natural curl pattern. This means that every 6-8 weeks, the texturizer will need to be reapplied to the roots to keep a uniform look. The ongoing maintenance can be time-consuming and expensive, especially if you prefer to have the process done professionally.
5. Not Suitable For All Hair Types
Texturizers may not work well on every hair type. For example, individuals with extremely tight or kinked curls may not achieve the desired loosened curl, while others may find that their hair becomes too straight. Additionally, people with fine or fragile hair may experience increased breakage due to the chemical process. This lack of compatibility with certain hair types can make texturizing a risky choice for some individuals.
6. Breakage And Shedding Risks
Chemical processes, including texturizing, can lead to increased breakage and shedding if the hair is not properly cared for. Over time, texturized hair may become dry and brittle, especially if moisture and protein treatments are not incorporated into the hair care routine. Breakage is particularly common at the line of demarcation between the texturized and natural hair, where the two textures meet.
7. Scalp Sensitivity And Irritation
Texturizing products can cause irritation, burning, or sensitivity on the scalp, especially if applied improperly. Individuals with sensitive skin or scalp conditions may find the chemicals used in texturizers too harsh, leading to discomfort or even scalp damage. It’s essential to perform a patch test before applying the product and to ensure that it is not left on for too long to avoid these issues.
8. Moisture Retention Challenges
Texturizing can affect the porosity of the hair, making it harder to retain moisture. Chemically treated hair tends to become more porous, meaning it absorbs moisture quickly but also loses it just as fast. This can result in dryness, requiring more frequent deep conditioning treatments and the use of moisturizing products to keep hair healthy and hydrated.
9. Limits Styling Options For Certain Looks
While texturizing offers more versatility for some styles, it can also limit your ability to achieve certain natural looks, like tight curls or coils. As the curl pattern becomes looser, it may not hold twist-outs, braids, or other protective styles as well as natural hair. Over time, the curls may lose definition, reducing the flexibility to switch between various natural hair looks.
10. Higher Costs For Long-Term Maintenance
The cost of maintaining texturized hair can add up over time, especially with the need for regular touch-ups and specialized products to keep the hair healthy. Investing in high-quality conditioners, moisturizers, and protein treatments is essential to prevent damage and breakage. Frequent salon visits for touch-ups can also become costly, making texturizing a more expensive long-term option compared to simply maintaining natural hair.
Conclusion
Texturizing natural hair offers a range of benefits, from easier styling and frizz reduction to a softer texture and more visible length. It provides a middle ground for those who want to loosen their curls without fully committing to straightened hair. However, it’s essential to understand the potential downsides, such as chemical damage, breakage, and the need for frequent maintenance.
For some, the benefits of texturizing, such as manageability and versatility, outweigh the risks. For others, the cons, including the permanent alteration of their natural texture and potential damage, may make it less appealing. Ultimately, the decision to texturize your hair depends on your personal hair goals, lifestyle, and willingness to commit to ongoing hair care. By carefully weighing the pros and cons, you can make an informed choice that aligns with your preferences and needs.
