Managing Different Hair Textures: A Guide for Professional Stylists

Hair textures come in a wide variety, and understanding these differences is key to delivering exceptional results. Each texture requires unique care and styling techniques to bring out its best features.

Straight Hair

Straight hair is known for its natural shine and smooth texture, making it easy to grow long. However, it can quickly become greasy, often requiring more frequent washing to maintain its fresh appearance. 

Managing Tips

• Washing: Advise clients to wash their hair more frequently (3- 4 times a week) but avoid over-washing to prevent stripping natural oils. Use gentle shampoos and advise them to consider dry shampoo between washes.
• Conditioning: Focus on conditioning the ends with lightweight or leave-in conditioners to avoid greasy roots.
• Avoid Heavy Products: Stick to lightweight gels or mousses to prevent weighing down the hair.

Haircut Tips

Adding layers to the hairstyle introduces movement and dimension, transforming a simple cut into something dynamic and lively. For those looking to create the illusion of thicker, fuller hair, a blunt cut is the perfect choice. The sharp, clean lines of a blunt cut enhance volume.

Recommended Products 

Revlon Equave Hydro Nutritive Detangling Leave-In Conditioner		Its formulated for dry and damaged hair, providing instant detangling and nourishment. Its lightweight bi-phase formula makes it ideal for straight hair, which benefits from hydration without being weighed down. The conditioner repairs hair structure helping maintain the natural shine and smooth texture of straight hair without contributing to greasiness.
Fanola Frequent Shampoo 350ml		Fanola Frequent Shampoo gently cleanses and nourishes all hair types, including straight hair, for daily use. It removes impurities while preserving natural oils, promoting healthier, shinier hair without over-stripping.

Wavy Hair

The main problem with wavy hair is frizz, the key to caring for wavy hair is to tame frizz without weighing down the natural curl, the main concerns are adding moisture and volume without losing the wave

Managing Tips

• Use a Sulphate-Free Shampoo: Sulphates can strip natural oils and exacerbate frizz. Opt for a sulphate-free shampoo to cleanse the hair without removing essential moisture.
• Conditioning: Regular conditioning with lightweight formulas helps retain waves without adding weight.
• Avoid Over-Washing: Washing the hair too frequently can lead to dryness and frizz. Advise your clients to wash their hair 2-3 times a week.
• Use a Leave-In Conditioner: A good leave-in conditioner can help manage frizz and define the hair’s waves. Apply it to damp hair to help lock in moisture and support the natural texture.
• Apply Hair Oil or Serum: Light hair oils or serums can help smooth frizz and add shine. Apply a small amount to the ends of the hair to avoid weighing down the waves.

Haircut Tips

Length plays a key role in how the hair looks and feels. Shorter cuts can make wavy hair appear curlier, giving it a bouncy, lively texture. On the other hand, longer hair tends to offer more relaxed waves, as the added weight naturally smooths and softens the curls.

Recommended Products

FarmaVita Argan Sublime Elixir 100ml		The FarmaVita Argan Sublime Elixir is ideal for wavy hair due to its frizz-control properties and lightweight, non-greasy formula. It nourishes and smooths hair without weighing it down, helping to maintain natural waves while adding shine and protecting against damage. This makes it perfect for enhancing moisture and volume without losing the wave pattern.
FarmaVita HD Life Style Hyaluronic Leave-in Conditioner 240ml		The FarmaVita HD Life Style Hyaluronic Leave-in Conditioner hydrates wavy hair, reduces frizz, and adds shine without weighing it down. Its lightweight formula makes hair manageable and smooth, ideal for enhancing natural waves.

Curly Hair

Curly hair boasts impressive volume and bounce but can be prone to dryness and frizz. It generally requires less frequent washing to maintain natural oils and prevent stripping moisture. With the right hydrating products and minimal washing, curls can stay defined and healthy while showcasing their natural beauty.

Managing tips

• Washing Frequency: Advise clients to wash their hair less frequently (every 3-7 days) to retain natural oils.

• Sulphate-Free Shampoos: Opt for sulphate-free shampoos, as sulphates can strip natural oils and exacerbate dryness.
• Co-Washing: Consider using a cleansing conditioner or co-washing (washing with conditioner) for a gentler cleanse.

• Hydrating Conditioners: Use a rich, hydrating conditioner to nourish the curls. 
• Deep Conditioning: Advise clients to Incorporate a deep conditioning treatment or hair mask into their routine once a week or as needed for extra moisture and repair.

Haircut Tips

For perfect curls, dry cutting is key, as it accounts for shrinkage and gives a more accurate shape. Adding uneven layers boosts volume and creates beautiful definition. Keep in mind, the shorter the hair, the curlier it will look since there’s less weight to pull the curls down. Experts also recommend cutting curls at an angle to achieve soft, natural edges that enhance the overall look and flow of the hairstyle.

Recommended Products

Look for products with ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, or glycerin

Fanola Keraterm Mask 300ml		The Fanola Keraterm Anti-Frizz Disciplining Mask is ideal for curly hair, enriched with shea butter to deeply hydrate, control frizz, and add shine without weighing hair down. It nourishes and repairs, making curls smoother, more defined, and easier to manage.
Fanola Wonder Curl Curly Hair Shampoo Softness And Definition 350ml		The Fanola Wonder Curl Curly Hair Shampoo is perfect for curly hair, delivering intensive hydration and superior frizz control. It deeply nourishes and defines curls, leaving them soft, bouncy, and shiny. Enriched with Desert Date Oil, it protects each curl while enhancing its natural shine, making it ideal for all curl types.

Coily Hair

Coily hair features tight, spiral curls that are highly elastic, making them less prone to breakage. However, this texture is more susceptible to frizz and knots, which can be challenging to manage. Despite these issues, coily hair can achieve a vibrant, well-defined look with the right care and moisture.

Managing tips

• Cleansing: Cleanse every 5-10 days (to avoid stripping natural oils from the hair) with sulphate-free shampoos to avoid drying out the hair or co-washing methods to fight frizz
• Conditioning: Use rich conditioners (for moisturising and detangling the curls) and deep conditioning treatments regularly (for extra hydration and strengthening the hair)
• Moisturising: Apply leave-in conditioners and seal with natural oils or butters this will help manage frizz, seal in moisture and enhance shine
• Detangling: Detangle while damp with a wide-tooth comb or fingers this minimises damage and maintains a curl pattern
  

Haircut Tips

Short hair tends to look curlier and adds an instant boost to volume, making your curls appear fuller and more defined. Experts recommend cutting curls at an angle to create soft, natural edges that enhance the overall shape. For tighter curls, uneven layering works best, adding dimension and structure for a beautifully balanced look.

Recommended Products

FarmaVita Argan Sublime Shampoo 1000ml		FarmaVita Argan Sublime Shampoo is ideal for coily hair due to its deep hydration and repair properties from Argan oil, which combats dryness and frizz while sealing the cuticles. Making it perfect for maintaining well-defined, healthy curls.
Fanola Wonder Curl Leave-in Conditioner Curly Hair Softness And Definition 1000ml		Fanola Wonder Curl Leave-In Conditioner is ideal for coily hair, providing intensive nourishment, frizz control, and enhanced detangling without weighing down curls. It hydrates and defines all curl types while repairing damage and reducing breakage.

Low Porosity

Low porosity hair has a cuticle layer that lies very flat. This makes the hair more resistant to absorbing water and other substances. It also means that once moisture does penetrate the surface, the hair retains it for longer.

Managing tips

• Clarify Regularly: Advise your clients to use a clarifying shampoo once a month to remove product build-up and allow moisture to penetrate more easily. 
• Use Heat to Help Absorption: Apply deep conditioners or leave-in treatments with heat. This will help the product absorb more effectively.
• Choose Lightweight Products: Heavy oils and butters tend to sit on the surface of low-porosity hair so opt for lightweight products like leave-in conditioners, milks, light oils and sprays.
• Limit Protein Treatments: Low-porosity hair already has a strong cuticle layer, so too much protein can cause it to become stiff and brittle
• Rinse with Warm Water: Warm water helps to slightly lift the cuticle, allowing moisture and products to penetrate the hair shaft more effectively.

Haircut Tips

Low porosity hair is more prone to breakage and split ends, so regular trims every 6–8 weeks are essential to keep it healthy and strong. 

Recommended Products

FarmaVita Back Bar Nourishing Shampoo No.02 - Argan and Honey 1000ml		Discover FarmaVita Back Bar Nourishing Shampoo No.02, perfect for dry, dull hair. Infused with Argan oil and Honey, it delivers deep hydration and shine without heaviness. Ideal for low-porosity hair, it gently cleanses while Honey attracts moisture for added hydration.
Fanola Nourishing Bi-Phase Restructuring Leave-in Conditioner 200ml		Fanola Nourishing Bi-Phase Restructuring Leave-in Conditioner is ideal for low-porosity hair. Its dual-phase formula detangles and softens, while deeply nourishing and repairing. It helps moisture penetrate and protect your hair effectively.

High Porosity

High porosity hair has an open cuticle structure that allows moisture to enter easily but also escapes just as quickly. This hair type often feels dry, frizzy, and is prone to breakage because it struggles to retain hydration. It absorbs water rapidly but may require extra care, such as moisturising treatments and gentle handling, to maintain its health and manageability.

Managing tips

• Cleansing: Opt for sulphate-free shampoos (Sulphates can be too harsh stripping away natural oils and making the hair drier.) and co-washing (washing with conditioner) to maintain moisture without drying out the hair.
• Conditioning: Advise your clients to use a deep conditioner or hair mask weekly to infuse moisture. 
• Protein Treatments: High porosity hair often benefits from occasional protein treatments to strengthen and repair the hair shaft. Advise clients to use a protein treatment once a month, balancing it with moisture treatments to avoid overloading on protein.

• Moisturising: Apply a leave-in conditioner to lock in moisture. Look for products that provide hydration and contain humectants to draw moisture into the hair.

• Sealing: Seal the moisture in with heavier oils (like castor oil or avocado oil) or butters (such as shea butter). Sealing helps prevent moisture from escaping too quickly.

• Detangle Carefully: Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to gently detangle your hair when it's wet and saturated with conditioner. High porosity hair can be prone to breakage, so be gentle to avoid damage.

Haircut Tips

High porosity hair benefits from regular trims to prevent frayed ends from splitting further up the hair shaft, keeping it healthy and manageable.

Recommended Products

FarmaVita Amethyste Hydrate Velvet Mask 1000ml		The FarmaVita Amethyste Hydrate Velvet Mask is a deeply nourishing treatment that revitalises dry, sensitised hair. Infused with Farmavita Amethyst and the Nutri-Cashmere Complex, it delivers intense hydration, enhances shine, and improves texture. Ideal for high porosity hair, it restores moisture balance, detangles easily, and leaves hair soft, smooth, and radiant.
FarmaVita Argan Sublime Shampoo 1000ml		The FarmaVita Argan Sublime Shampoo, enriched with Argan oil, is perfect for high-porosity hair. It provides deep hydration, repairs damage, and enhances shine while offering gentle, sulphate-free cleansing and protection from frizz and heat.

Fine Hair

Fine hair is naturally silky, smooth and responds well to heat styling, making it easy to achieve sleek looks. However, it tends to be flat and can lack volume, requiring extra care and styling techniques to create fullness and body.

Managing tips

• Shampoos and Conditioners: Opt for volumizing or lightweight shampoos and conditioners specifically formulated for fine hair. 
• Gentle Cleansing: Fine hair can get oily faster, so advise clients to wash their hair regularly with a gentle shampoo. Look for sulphate-free options to avoid stripping your the hair off its natural oils.
• Volumizing Mousse or Spray: Use a volumizing mousse or root-lifting spray on damp hair before blow-drying. These products help add fullness without making the hair feel heavy.
• Dry Shampoo: Dry shampoo not only helps absorb excess oil but also adds texture and volume to fine hair.

• Blow-Drying Techniques: Blow-dry upside down (focus airflow on the roots) and use a round brush for added volume (use it to lift the roots and roll the ends for a bouncy finish).

Haircut Tips

Layered cuts are perfect for fine hair, adding movement and volume, while blunt cuts create the illusion of thicker strands. Regular trims every 6-8 weeks are essential to prevent split ends and keep fine hair looking healthy and full.

Recommended Products

Onely The Dry Shampoo 150ml		Onely The Dry Shampoo revitalises fine hair by absorbing oil and adding volume without water. Its botanical extracts nourish and refresh, while the residue-free formula ensures a clean, natural look. Ideal for enhancing fullness and texture, it’s perfect for quick, on-the-go hair refreshment.
Fanola Volumising Shampoo & Conditioner for Fine Hair Twin Pack 2 x 1000ml		Fanola Volumising Shampoo & Conditioner, enriched with Panthenol, is perfect for fine hair. This duo cleanses and detangles while adding volume without weight. It enhances elasticity and vitality, leaving hair full and manageable, and creates a protective film that supports hair health and longevity.

Thick Hair

Thick hair boasts plenty of volume and shape due to its dense strands. However, it can be prone to tangling, dryness, and frizz, as natural oils struggle to reach all the hair. Despite these issues, its fullness offers great styling potential and helps maintain hairstyles well.

Managing tips

• Use Moisturising Products: Choose a moisturising or hydrating shampoo to help combat dryness. Use a conditioner to help detangle and nourish your hair. Consider leave-in conditioners or deep conditioning treatments for extra hydration.
• Detangle Gently: Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to detangle the hair while it's still wet and conditioned. Start from the ends and work your way up to minimise breakage. Apply a detangling spray to make the process easier and reduce tangling.
• Avoid Over-Washing: Advise your clients to not Wash their hair too often as this can strip it of its natural oils. Aim for 2-3 times a week.
• Incorporate Oil Treatments: Use products containing natural oils like argan oil, coconut oil, or olive oil to add moisture and shine. Apply a small amount to the ends of the hair to combat dryness and frizz.
• Choose the Right Tools: Use brushes with natural bristles or those designed specifically for thick hair to reduce breakage and distribute natural oils evenly.

Haircut Tips 

Adding layers to thick hair not only makes it more manageable but also adds beautiful movement. However, it's best to avoid heavy blunt cuts, as they can make thick hair appear bulky.

Recommended Products 

STR Rose Gold Thinning Scissors 5.5"		Thinning scissors are best to use for thick hair as they reduce bulk without altering the overall length this can help with volume control and make hair easier to style
Osmo Deep Moisture Conditioner 1000ml		The Osmo Deep Moisture Conditioner is perfect for thick hair, offering deep hydration and frizz control with ingredients like Pataua Oil, Panthenol, and Keratin. It helps manage dryness and tangling, making hair healthier and more manageable.

Low Elasticity

Hair with low elasticity can be brittle, dry, and prone to breakage. It often lacks moisture, making it more susceptible to frizz and split ends. This type of hair may struggle to bounce back after being stretched, leading to damage when handled too roughly. Proper care, including hydration and gentle treatment, is essential to maintain its health.

Managing tips

• Deep Conditioning: Use deep conditioning treatments or hair masks that are rich in moisture these help to replenish lost moisture and improve elasticity over time.
• Leave-In Conditioner: Apply a leave-in conditioner to keep the hair hydrated throughout the day. This provides ongoing moisture and protection.
• Detangle Carefully: Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to detangle the hair when it’s wet, starting from the ends and working your way up to the roots. Avoid harsh brushing or combing, especially when the hair is dry and fragile.
• Sulphate-Free Shampoos: Choose sulphate-free shampoos to avoid stripping the hair of its natural oils. These shampoos are less harsh and help maintain moisture balance in the hair.
• Reduce Heat Usage: Minimise the use of heat-styling tools such as blow dryers, flat irons, and curling irons. Excessive heat can further damage low-elasticity hair and make it more prone to breakage.

Haircut Tips

When cutting the hair, be gentle and avoid putting too much tension on it, as excessive pulling can lead to breakage and damage.

Recommended Products

FarmaVita Argan Sublime Mask 250ml		The FarmaVita Argan Sublime Mask is perfect for brittle, low-elasticity hair. It deeply hydrates and strengthens with Argan oil, improving resilience, managing frizz, sealing in moisture and enhancing softness.
Fanola Nourishing Restructuring Split Ends Cream 100ml		Fanola’s Nourishing Restructuring Split Ends Cream is perfect for hair with low elasticity. Enriched with milk proteins, it deeply repairs and strengthens hair, reducing split ends and enhancing overall vitality.

High Elasticity

High elasticity hair is shiny and bouncy, with a strong resilience that makes it less likely to break under tension. However, it can sometimes lack moisture, leading to dryness that may strip the hair of essential proteins, affecting its overall health and manageability. Maintaining moisture balance is key to keeping this type of hair strong and vibrant.

Managing tips

• Deep Conditioning: Advise clients to use deep conditioners or moisturising masks once a week to ensure their hair stays hydrated. 

• Leave-In Conditioners: Apply leave-in conditioners or serums that provide moisture throughout the day without weighing down the hair.

• Avoid Over washing: Washing the hair too frequently can strip it of natural oils, leading to dryness. Advise clients to wash their hair 2-3 times per week

• Use Protein Treatments Sparingly: High elasticity hair is resilient but may become dry and brittle if it lacks moisture. While protein treatments can help strengthen hair, overuse can lead to stiffness and breakage.

Haircut Tips

When cutting the hair, hold it with minimal tension. Highly elastic hair can stretch up to twice its length before breaking, so too much tension might lead you to cut off more than you planned.

Recommended Products

Osmo Deep Moisture Dual Action Miracle Repair 250ml		The Osmo Deep Moisture Dual Action Miracle Repair is ideal for high elasticity hair because its Keratin Complex and Brazilian Pataua Oil deeply hydrate and nourish, addressing dryness while maintaining resilience and shine. This leave-in treatment strengthens and smooths the hair, ensuring it remains bouncy and manageable without being weighed down.
Revlon Pro You The Moisturizer Mask 500ml		Revlon Pro You The Moisturizer Hydrating Mask is perfect for high elasticity  hair types, offering intense moisture to revitalize and enhance shine. Its professional-grade formula softens hair, improves overall health, and makes it more manageable.

By mastering the art of working with different hair textures, you'll not only elevate your skills as a stylist but also build lasting relationships with clients who trust you with their unique hair needs. Ready to enhance your expertise? Explore our curated product recommendations and take your styling game to the next level.