Learn How to Add Texture to Hair for Voluminous Styles that Move

By Laura Bissessar

Who doesn’t love a full-looking hairstyle with lots of soft movement and a hint of sexiness? That may sound like a tall order, especially if you’re thinking, “my hair does none of these things.” But it may be because it simply doesn’t have the right products to get there. Not everyone gets to naturally win the hair lottery; so, whether your hair is long or short, straight or curly, fine or otherwise, if you’re looking to get more life out of your ‘do, consider adding a texturizing product to the mix. And keep reading to learn how to add texture to hair for more definition, volume, and control over your strands.  

Why and How to Add Texture to Hair?

When it comes to hair texture, the term refers to the thickness of the strands versus the density of the whole head. Therefore, when adding texture to hair, we add a certain amount of body and structure to the strands to make it fuller and easier to style, amongst other benefits.

To clear things up, here’s what a texturizing styling product is not. It’s not the same as the chemical treatment, in which a texturizer is used to gently relax natural curls for a looser curl pattern. That’s a more permanent treatment performed in a salon or can be attempted with an at-home kit.

We’re talking about a group of hair products that add volume from roots to ends, control frizz, and help hair hold onto hairstyles for dear life until the next shampoo. What’s even better is that these products are incredibly versatile and come in various gels, mousse, sprays, and creams. This means that there’s something for everyone to get the hairstyle of their dreams. Here’s how:

For Short Hair – Learning how to add texture to hair that probably doesn’t move all that much is worth the lesson. Creamier texturizing products can add fullness, separation, hold, and shine for an intentionally undone coif that’s also soft and manageable.

For a strong hold that nourishes your hair, get the Surface Texture Paste Sculpt Control Hold. This creamy paste gives you the control you want to get a pieced-out look with flexibility and shine. Surface also uses a wealth of vegan and paraben-free ingredients, like aloe vera and castor oil, to keep hair healthy and moisturized. How often do you get to style your hair and take care of it at the same time?

For a lighter hold that adds fullness to hair, Surface also makes its Whip Styling Taffy, a multi-tasking texture cream that uses vegan fibers to create boundless texture to each strand. This high-quality formula contains antioxidants that protect hair from environmental stressors and hydrating oils to keep hair soft and flexible. Make sure to work this delicious-sounding product through your hands first (as always) to get even distribution of the fibers throughout damp or dry hair.

Whip Styling Taffy is so versatile that it’s also great for long and wavy to curly hair. So if you’re unsure about how to add texture to hair of any length or curl pattern, give this one a try.

Also, For Long Hair – For hair that’s thick and weighty, use a dry shampoo to add lift to your roots or add wave and body to your hard-earned inches with wet or dry product application. Sexy Hair Style Sexy Hair Slept In Texture Crème is excellent for getting hair to look more “I woke up like this” than Slept In.

This medium-hold moisturizing crème keeps strands flexible and not stiff, and it contains keratin proteins and plant extracts to keep hair strong and protected. Apply the desired amount evenly throughout damp hair to use as a lightweight blow-dry crème, or work it through dry hair to create more texture and body while also controlling pesky flyaway pieces.

Styling options are endless, but if your hair is more on the thinner end, keep reading.

For Fine to Medium Hair – Lightweight formulas are your friend to get maximum styling benefits that won’t weigh hair down. Look for texture products that address how to add texture to hair that’s fine or thin. Then get more body, lift, and hold out of hair that typically tends not to hold a curl very well.

A little goes a long way with a product like Aquage Transforming Paste Lite. This workable cream acts like a light, texturizing spray that adds life to fine to medium textured hair, whether wet or dry. And get all the vitamin and mineral-rich benefits from Aquage’s addition of algae extracts to all their products! Read this article on how to add texture to fine hair if you want more information specific to fine hair.

For Anyone with Curls – Want defined, bouncy curls or sexy, tousled beach waves? Stick to using gels and salt sprays. Remember, texture only refers to the thickness of hairs, so even curly-haired folks can use a texturizing product that will beautifully enhance what your mama gave you.

For those with wavy or loose curls, a criminally underused salt spray, like TIGI Bed Head Salty Not Sorry Epic Texturizing Salt Spray, will match how glorious hair looks after a dip in the ocean. Bed Head’s wonderfully scented spray includes ingredients like castor oil and glycerin to help hair retain moisture from salt exposure, making it a better option than diving into the sea. Use this spray on damp hair as a styling product for light hold, or spritz through dry hair to get the carefree waves you’ve always craved.

Are you wondering how to add texture to hair with tighter curls? Textured curls call for something a little stronger, like the Aveda Flax Seed Aloe Sculpt Gel. This true gel provides maximum hold and the ability to get lively, multi-dimensional curls. Use this gel on wet hair before styling or allowing it to air dry. The water-based formula hydrates hair and doesn’t leave it with that dreaded hair gel crunch. Instead, get voluminous definition and frizz-free hold from this classic Aveda mainstay.  

Surprised at how versatile the best texturing hair products can be? It’s impressive that so many different hair types can benefit from adding a little oomph to their mane. And showing how to add texture to hair is just one of the reasons why we’re here! LaLaDaisy wants you to make the best decisions for your hair, skin, and beauty needs, so visit our Beauty Resource Center if you have more questions that you’d like to see answered.