texturizer for natural hair: good idea or not (2024)

Are you someone with natural hair who is looking for a way to make your curls more manageable? If so, you may have come across the term “texturizer for natural hair.” But what exactly is a texturizer, and is it a good idea for your hair?

A texturizer is a chemical product that is used to make curly hair less curly and more manageable. It is often used by individuals with thick, textured hair who want to loosen their curls without completely straightening their hair. By breaking the keratin bonds in the hair strands, a texturizer is able to effectively loosen the curl pattern.

While texturizers can provide benefits such as easier maintenance and reduced styling time, it is important to consider the potential risks and drawbacks. Texturizers contain chemicals that can potentially damage the hair, especially if used frequently or improperly. They can make the hair more fragile and prone to breakage, thinning, and dryness.

It is also important to note that texturizers are considered to be a permanent hair alteration. Once applied, a texturizer will last until new hair grows out or the hair is cut. Maintenance is required every 8-12 weeks to touch up the new curls that grow out.

So, is a texturizer a good idea for your natural hair? The decision ultimately depends on your individual preferences and goals for your hair. It is important to weigh the benefits against the risks and consider the best practices for curly and coarse hair types. If you do choose to use a texturizer, it is crucial to provide proper care and hydration to maintain healthy texturized hair.

What is a Natural Hair Texturizer?

A natural hair texturizer is a chemical product that is used to make curly hair more manageable. It is a milder alternative to relaxers, as it loosens the curl pattern without completely straightening the hair. Texturizers work by altering the protein structure of the hair, breaking down the keratin bonds to create a looser curl pattern.

Texturizers are typically applied to clean, dry hair and left on for a specific amount of time, depending on the desired level of curl loosening. After the recommended processing time, the product is rinsed out, and the hair is conditioned to restore moisture and maintain elasticity.

One popular natural hair texturizer brand is Eden BodyWorks Revolution. Their product is formulated with natural ingredients like shea butter and coconut oil, providing hydration and nourishment to the hair while giving it a more manageable texture.

With regular use of a natural hair texturizer, individuals can achieve a more defined yet still curly look, making it easier to style and maintain their hair. It is particularly beneficial for those with tightly coiled or dense curls who struggle with frizz and tangling.

Try this popular natural hair texturizer that women with thick hair love.

The Benefits of Using a Natural Hair Texturizer

Using a natural hair texturizer offers several advantages:

• Manageability: Texturizers make curly hair more manageable, reducing tangles and knots.
• Less Styling Time: With the curl pattern loosened, styling becomes easier and quicker.
• Enhanced Definition: A texturizer can help define curls and reduce frizz, resulting in more defined and polished hairstyles.
• Versatility: Texturized hair can be styled in various ways, from wearing it down to creating updos or braided hairstyles.

It’s important to note that natural hair texturizers are not permanent and will gradually wear off over time. Reapplication is typically required every 8-10 weeks to maintain the desired level of curl loosening.

Before using a natural hair texturizer, it is recommended to consult with a professional stylist who specializes in natural hair. They can assess your hair’s condition and provide guidance on the best texturizer and process for your hair type.

How is a Natural Hair Texturizer Different from a Relaxer?

While natural hair texturizers and relaxers share common chemical components and are both used to alter the hair’s structure, there are important distinctions between the two. A natural hair texturizer is a milder version of a relaxer and is specifically formulated to loosen the curl pattern rather than fully straighten the hair. This allows for more manageable and versatile styling options without completely altering the natural texture of the hair.

Unlike relaxers, which straighten the hair by breaking down the protein structure and permanently altering the curl pattern, texturizers are designed to gently modify the hair’s natural shape and create a softer, looser curl pattern.

One significant difference between texturizers and relaxers is the duration of product application. Texturizers are typically left on the hair for a shorter period compared to relaxers. The results achieved with a texturizer depend on how long the product is applied. Leaving the texturizer on for a shorter duration will result in a subtler change, while a longer application time will lead to a more pronounced loosening of the curl pattern.

It is essential to note that neither texturized hair nor relaxed hair can be considered “natural” since both processes involve the use of chemicals to alter the hair’s natural state. However, texturizers offer a more moderate and less permanent alteration, providing individuals with the option to transition between straighter and curlier looks.

Key Differences between Natural Hair Texturizers and Relaxers

By understanding the differences between natural hair texturizers and relaxers, you can make an informed decision about which option best suits your hair goals and preferences. Whether you choose a natural hair texturizer or a relaxer, it is crucial to prioritize proper hair care and maintenance to keep your strands healthy and vibrant.

Do Texturizers Damage Your Hair?

Texturizers are chemical products that can potentially cause damage to your hair, especially if not used properly or excessively. While the main purpose of texturizers is to slightly loosen the curl pattern without fully straightening your hair, the harsh chemicals involved can make your hair more fragile, leading to breakage, thinning, and dryness.

It is crucial to provide your texturized hair with the care and hydration it needs to minimize the risk of damage. By using hydrating conditioners and leave-in treatments, you can keep your hair moisturized and healthy. It’s also important to handle your hair with gentleness and avoid excessive heat styling or chemical treatments that can further contribute to hair damage.

Emphasizing protective hairstyles and incorporating additional moisturizing and strengthening products into your hair care routine can help mitigate the potential damage caused by texturizers. In addition, regular deep conditioning treatments can nourish your hair and restore moisture, promoting healthier and more resilient strands.

Common Types of Damage Caused by Texturizers

Texturizers can have various negative effects on your hair, including:

• Fragile Hair: Texturizers can weaken the hair’s structure, making it more prone to breakage and damage.
• Thinning: Excessive or improper use of texturizers can lead to thinning of the hair, causing a loss of volume.
• Dryness: Harsh chemicals in texturizers can strip the hair of its natural moisture, resulting in dryness and brittleness.
• Breakage: Weakened hair strands are more likely to break, leading to noticeable hair loss.

Understanding the potential damage caused by texturizers can help you make informed decisions about whether or not to use them. It’s important to consider the condition of your hair and consult with a professional stylist before applying any chemical treatment. They can assess your hair’s health and recommend the best course of action to achieve your desired look while minimizing the risk of damage.

How Long Do Texturizers Last?

Texturizers are a popular choice for individuals looking to alter their natural curl pattern and make their hair more manageable. But how long can you expect the results to last? Let’s find out.

Texturizers are considered to be a permanent hair alteration. Once applied, the texturizer will last until new hair grows out or the hair is cut. Unlike some other hair treatments, texturizers do not wash out over time. This means that the new curl pattern created by the texturizer will remain until it is naturally replaced by new hair growth.

However, it’s important to note that while the texturizer is permanent, maintenance is required to keep your curls looking their best. Touch-up appointments are typically needed every 8-12 weeks to address the new curls that grow out. The frequency of touch-ups may vary depending on individual preferences and the rate of hair growth.

During a touch-up appointment, the stylist will apply the texturizer to the new growth to ensure that the entire head of hair has a consistent curl pattern. This helps to maintain the desired look and keep the hair manageable.

It’s crucial to understand that texturizers cannot be reversed to return the hair to its natural curl pattern. If you decide that you no longer want the texturized look, the only way to remove the texturizer is to cut off the texturized hair and allow new growth to come in. This is an important consideration to keep in mind when deciding to get a texturizer.

Now that we’ve discussed how long texturizers last, let’s take a look at some best practices for maintaining your texturized hair.

Best Practices for Maintaining Texturized Hair

1. Moisturize regularly: Texturized hair can be prone to dryness, so be sure to moisturize your hair regularly. Use hydrating shampoos, conditioners, and leave-in treatments to keep your curls hydrated and healthy.
2. Avoid excessive heat: Heat styling tools can cause damage to any hair type, including texturized hair. Minimize the use of heat on your hair and always use a heat protectant when heat styling.
3. Protect your hair at night: Invest in a satin or silk bonnet or pillowcase to minimize friction and protect your curls while you sleep.
4. Trim regularly: Regular trims help to keep your hair healthy and prevent split ends, which can make your texturized hair look frizzy.
5. Consult a professional stylist: If you’re considering getting a texturizer or need advice on how to maintain your texturized hair, it’s always best to consult a professional stylist. They can provide personalized recommendations based on your hair type and goals.

By following these best practices, you can maintain healthy and vibrant texturized hair throughout the duration of the texturizer.

Next, let’s explore the pros and cons of texturizing natural hair to help you make an informed decision.

Pros and Cons of Texturizing Natural Hair

Texturizing natural hair can have both benefits and drawbacks. It is important to consider the pros and cons before deciding whether to texturize your hair.

Pros of Texturizing Natural Hair

1. Manageability: Texturizing can make your hair more manageable by loosening the curl pattern and making it easier to style and maintain.
2. Maintaining Original Texture: Texturizers allow you to maintain the original texture of your natural hair, giving you a more natural look.
3. Reduced Shrinkage: Particularly beneficial for those with 4C hair, texturizing can help reduce shrinkage, allowing you to showcase more length.
4. Less Styling Time: With a looser curl pattern, texturized hair requires less time and effort to style, making it a time-saving option.
5. More Volume: Texturizing can add volume to your hair, giving it a fuller and more voluminous appearance.
6. Reduced Frizz: Texturizers can help reduce frizz, resulting in smoother and more defined curls.

Cons of Texturizing Natural Hair

1. Potential for Hair Damage: Texturizers contain chemicals that can potentially cause damage to your hair, including breakage and dryness.
2. Slight Changes in Hair Color: Some texturizers may lead to slight changes in hair color due to the chemical process involved.
3. Inability to Reverse the Texturizer: Once you texturize your hair, it is not possible to reverse the process. The only way to remove a texturizer is to cut off the texturized hair and allow new growth to come in.
4. Possibility of Non-Uniform Curl Patterns: Texturized hair may result in non-uniform curl patterns, as the outcome can vary based on individual factors and application technique.

It’s important to carefully consider both the pros and cons of texturizing natural hair. While texturizers can offer manageability, reduced shrinkage, and enhanced volume, they also come with potential risks such as hair damage and non-uniform results. It’s recommended to consult with a professional hairstylist and conduct thorough research before making a decision.

Conclusion

When it comes to making the decision of whether to use a texturizer for your natural hair, it’s important to consider the benefits and risks that come along with it, as well as the best practices for curly and coarse hair types.

Texturizers can provide numerous benefits, such as easier manageability and reduced styling time. For those with curly and coarse hair, texturizers can help to loosen the curl pattern, resulting in more manageable and versatile hair. However, it is essential to be aware of the potential risks, such as hair damage and non-uniform results, that can come with the use of chemical texturizers.

Understanding the effects of chemicals on the hair and implementing proper care and hydration techniques are crucial in maintaining healthy texturized hair. It’s advised to use quality hair products specifically designed for texturized hair, including hydrating conditioners and leave-ins, to minimize the risk of damage and dryness.

Ultimately, the decision to use a texturizer is a personal one. Consider your individual preferences and goals for your natural hair and weigh them against the potential benefits and risks. With the right knowledge, care, and maintenance, texturizers can be a valuable tool in achieving the desired look and manageability for your curly and coarse hair.

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