Did you know that 60-70% of the world’s population has textured hair?
Every single hair type is beautiful, and seeing such immense variety is a reflection of God’s creativity. It’s something to be embraced and loved in a healthy way.
So why has textured haircare been overlooked for so long until more recent years? There’s a deep history across many people groups and cultures—far too much to cover here—but as someone with very textured hair, I wanted to share some helpful tips I’ve learned along the way. These apply to wavy, curly, and coily hair. Keep in mind, haircare is not one-size-fits-all. I encourage you to explore each idea, tweak what works, and leave what doesn’t.
Tip 1: Potentially Shorter Wash Days & Length Retention
It’s common for many with curly hair to stretch wash days far apart. I’ve been guilty of this too! But I’ve noticed a big difference when I wash my hair more often—about every three days or less.
My wash days are shorter, detangling is easier, and styling is less stressful when I practice this and the opposite when I don’t. Some naturals have also shared that washing more frequently helped with length retention and even seemed to support faster growth. I personally believe that I have experienced this too. While research on this is limited, if you struggle with long (1+ hour) wash days, excessive tangles, and frustrating styling times, trying more frequent wash days might be worth it.
Tip 2: Technique Matters
You may have heard the saying, “It’s not just the product, but the technique.” That’s true. Even the best product can give poor results if applied incorrectly.
For most curly hair products, starting on soaking wet hair gives the best outcome. Make sure your hair is freshly washed and detangled before applying your styler. Work in sections so every strand gets coverage, then either air dry or diffuse on a cool-to-warm setting.
We don’t recommend high heat—it can create frizz, weaken product hold, dry out your strands, and eventually lead to brittle hair, split ends, and damage.
Our advice? Always read the instructions, but also experiment with different methods to see what your hair loves most.
Tip 3: In-Between Moisture Refills
If your hair dries out quickly—common in high-porosity hair—you may need a moisture refresh between wash days. A light mist of leave-in spray and a gentle retouch of frizzing curls can extend the life of your style and protect against breakage, promoting length retention.
For straighter styles like blowouts, avoid leaving your hair stretched for too long without rehydration, as it can eventually cause dryness and damage.
Tip 4: Understanding Porosity
Porosity is one of the most important things you can learn about your hair. It determines how well your strands absorb and retain moisture:
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High Porosity Hair: The cuticles are raised, allowing moisture to enter easily but also escape quickly. This often means your hair may feel dry soon after washing. To help, layer in moisture with leave-ins and creams, then seal with a slightly heavier oil or butter. This locks hydration in longer.
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Low Porosity Hair: The cuticles are tightly closed, making it harder for moisture to penetrate. Your hair may resist water at first and take longer to absorb products. Lightweight, water-based products and light oils (like argan or jojoba) usually work best. Using gentle heat (like a warm towel wrap) can also help products sink in better.
How to Test Porosity:
On freshly washed, product-free hair, place a clean strand into a clear glass of water.
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If it sinks quickly, your hair is likely high porosity.
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If it floats for a long time, it’s low porosity.
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If it stays in the middle, it’s medium/normal porosity.
Embracing the Hair God Gave You
Wavy, curly, coily, or straight—every strand is a gift. God created us each with unique features, and hair is part of that beauty. Taking care of our hair doesn’t have to be about vanity, but about stewardship and caring for what God gave us.
"But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows."
— Luke 12:7 (ESV)
Let’s embrace our God-given hair with love, patience, and gratitude.