What is Texturized Hair? How to Take Care of Texturized Hair.

If you are looking for more exciting things to do with your hair, then you may want to consider hair texturizing.

This is because, with hair texturizing, your curls become loose and you can retain them. But with relaxing, your hair becomes straight and sleek.

More so, relaxed hair is not the same as texturized hair. Although they have similarities, the results and processes are entirely different. Also, texturizing is a synthetic-based procedure and is a lot milder than straight-up relaxing.

Find out how to get texturized hair and what the process is all about as you read through this article.

What is Texturized Hair?

The term “texturized hair” is not a new concept. It has been around since the 90s and was mostly done by African-American women.

In texturized hair, the existing curl pattern is devolved into loose curls without completely straightening the hair. Thus, creating a more natural look.

Although texturizing is a chemical-based process, it is much milder than regular hair relaxing. Moreover, texturizers do not alter the natural curl pattern entirely, when compared to relaxing wherein the natural texture of your hair is completely transformed.

Hence, it’s safe to say that hair texturizing is a near step to general relaxing of hair.

What Are The Benefits of Texturized Hair?

A lot of babes prefer texturized hair to relaxed hair, and here’s why.

Texturizing adds volume to your hair.
Makes it easier to straighten your hair and try out new hairstyles.
Gives you lighter and more manageable curls.
Adds shine to your locks.
Makes it easier to comb and detangle your hair.
Growing out texturized hair is easier than growing out relaxed hair.
Reduces flyaways, frizz, and unruly hair.

NOTE: A texturizer includes chemicals that alter the PH balance of your scalp or hair. It may cause irritation or burns. Hence, it is advised to do a patch test before using a texturizer to know which one best suits your hair.

Also, texturizing may not really make an obvious difference, but it will give you the desired outcome. If you have type 4 (A, B, or C) hair, texturizing your hair may bring it down to type 3 curls with a softer texture. Remember that after texturizing, your hair will not be resistant to styling.

The Process of Texturizing

While texturizing, you should know that it contains chemicals that can alter the structure of your hair. The chemicals modify the proteins in your hair that gives it a definite structure.

Your hair is naturally made up of amino acids that aid its curliness. When a texturizer is applied, the hydrogen bonds in the amino acids are broken, which results in looser curls.

More so, there are two types of texturizers – One that contains Lye formula, while the other that does not. Lye formula is harmful to your hair and can burn your scalp if used rigorously.

Hence if you have S-shaped curls (light curls), you may see a drastic change. But if you have Z-shaped curls, the results can be predicted.

The sitting time for a texturizer is between 5 to 10 minutes. Use a neutralizer to wash the texturizer and terminate the chemical process. Keep in mind that a texturizer can be harmful to your hair if done on a regular basis.

Hence, it is advised to use herbal conditioners or protein treatments to protect your hair from damage.

Pros and Cons of Texturizing

While texturizing may seem to be a better option than relaxing, it’s still important that you weigh your options properly.

Below are the advantages and disadvantages of texturizing.

Pros

You don’t need to visit expensive parlors for texturizing. This process can be carried out at home.
You can get silky, soft, and manageable hair instantly.
Texturizing provides long-lasting results.

Cons

The results may not be the same for every hair type.
Texturizers contain harmful chemicals.

Texturizers vs Relaxers

Both texturizing and relaxing work to give your hair a softer texture and make it easier to style. However, while one just steps down the curls on your hair, the other completely transforms the state of your hair.

Hence, the difference between a texturizer and a relaxer lies in the time actor. The main aim of texturizing is to loosen some curls to an extent but not straighten them.

Texturizers lose the tight curls into waves and make it easier to comb your hair. Hence, making your hair not resistant to styling.

A relaxer on the other hand will straighten your hair completely. Relaxers contain sodium hydroxide that alters the pH of your hair, making it sleek and straight.

Furthermore, the damage caused by a relaxer is much higher than one caused by a texturizer.

A texturizer contains botanical ingredients that are smeared on your hair for 5 to 10 minutes. Relaxers on the other hand are left on your hair for 15 to 20minutes and usually need to be accompanied by a neutralizer and conditioner.

Due to the heavily loaded chemicals in a relaxer, you may lose your curls if you apply them regularly.

The results from both texturizing and relaxing vary greatly. A texturizer works best on short S-shaped curls, while relaxers work best on S-shaped and Z-shaped curls.

How to Take Care of Texturized Hair

Since hair texturizing is a chemical treatment, you need to take proper care of your hair to avoid having permanent damage.

Below are some tips to help you take care of your texturized hair.

Don’t use heat styling products. Reduce the usage of gels and serums.
Protect your hair. Sleep with a bonnet or silk scarf wrapped around your head. This reduces frizz.
Use products that suit your hair after texturizing. Ensure you consult a professional stylist or your hairdresser before buying the product.
Don’t use brushes on texturized hair. Go for a wide-toothed comb.
Go for a professional touch if you notice any tight curls. While texturizing at home may seem to be effective, it doesn’t make up for a professional touch.
Wet your hair daily. This helps in restructuring your hair and removing frizziness and tangles.
Use a shampoo and conditioner recommended by a stylist at least four times a week. Regular conditioning is necessary to maintain the softness of your hair.