How to Add Texture to Hair: Your Guide to Effortless, Lived-In Style
If you’ve ever envied that perfectly tousled, “I-woke-up-like-this” hair, then you’re probably wondering how to add texture to your own strands.
Texture can bring flat or fine hair to life, add grip to slippery strands, and give short hair that coveted messy, undone look. But with so many techniques and products out there, how do you know where to start?
In this guide, we’ll dive into what adding texture to hair means, why it’s so popular, and exactly how to get that textured look.
What Does It Mean to ‘Add Texture to Hair’?
Textured hair is all about movement, definition, and dimension. Instead of lying flat or looking overly polished, textured hair has a natural, lived-in quality. Think beachy waves, piecey curls, or a tousled bob with a little bit of grit.
Texture adds interest to any style and makes hair easier to style. If you’re aiming for volume, a bit of texture can help hair hold its shape, while for shorter cuts, texture adds that modern, slightly edgy vibe.
Texturizing vs. Adding Texture to Hair: What’s the Difference?
While "texturizing" and "adding texture" sound similar, they refer to slightly different concepts in hairstyling.
Texturizing typically refers to a cutting technique that stylists use to remove weight, create movement, and shape the hair. This is done with tools like thinning shears, razors, or point-cutting scissors to make the ends of the hair lighter and more dynamic.
A texturizing haircut helps hair lay more naturally and makes it easier to style, especially for those looking for an effortless, tousled finish.
Adding Texture, on the other hand, is about styling techniques or products used to give hair more definition, movement, or grip.
This can be achieved using tools (like curling irons or scrunching), techniques (like braiding or twisting), or styling products (like Color Wow Style on Steroids Texturizing Spray) to achieve that lived-in, touchable look.
How to Create Texture in Hair: 6 Top Tips
1. Start with a Textured Cut
Before you dive into styling, a haircut designed for texture can make the whole process easier and longer-lasting. Ask your stylist for layers or choppy ends to help add natural movement and create that effortless, lived-in vibe.
Short styles like a layered bob or shag work wonders for texture, while long hair benefits from face-framing layers that build body.
2. Rough-Dry Your Hair for Natural Volume
To build a voluminous, textured base, skip the brush and use your hands to rough-dry your hair. By drying hair with your fingers and lifting at the roots, you create natural movement and volume that will help hold your texture all day.
If you’re working with fine hair, use a blow-dryer with a diffuser attachment to enhance natural waves or curls.
3. Use “Twist and Release” for Easy Waves
Take small sections of slightly damp hair, twist each section, and then let it air dry. Once dry, release the twists, shake out your hair, and you’ll have a soft, natural wave with tons of texture.
4. Tease at the Roots for Lift
For those with finer hair, backcombing or teasing at the roots can add immediate volume and texture. Use a fine-tooth comb and gently tease small sections at the crown, then smooth over with your fingers for an effortless lift that stays in place.
Color Wow Raise the Root is also an incredible root lifter that can be used on wet or dry hair to add instant lift and texture.
5. Add Soft Waves with a Curling Iron (Optional)
If you’re going for a wavy, beachy look, use a curling iron or wand to wrap small sections of hair, alternating the direction of each curl. This creates an effortless, tousled effect.
6. Braid Overnight for No-Heat Waves
For heat-free texture, braid damp hair loosely before bed. In the morning, undo the braids and finger-comb for natural, beachy waves that have a soft, tousled texture. Check out our guide to heatless curls techniques for more inspiration.
What’s the Best Product to Add Texture to Hair?
We know we’re biased, but our top recommendation is Color Wow Style on Steroids! This unique texturizing spray is specially formulated to add instant lift, volume, and separation to all hair types.
Unlike many texture sprays, it’s lightweight and residue-free, meaning it won’t weigh your hair down or leave behind sticky, stiff coatings.
Style on Steroids is also heat-friendly, so it’s perfect for pairing with hot tools like curling irons to lock in waves and curls while enhancing that piecey, tousled finish.
Whether you’re creating soft beach waves, a messy short crop, or just want a bit of grip for braids or updos, this spray delivers a natural, touchable texture that stays put without feeling heavy.
Plus, it’s safe for color-treated hair, making it the ultimate versatile product for anyone looking to elevate their styling routine!
“As a stylist, I need to create volume really fast - so I always use Style on Steroids. It’s a bit like backcombing in a bottle.
It literally feels like scaffolding in the hair, it holds the hair up and expands the diameter of the hair in a few seconds,” says celebrity stylist Chris Appleton.
“It’s the absolute secret to my hair lasting all day and night! [...] It’s the best texturizing spray I’ve ever tried on my hair!” says Connie, our Social Media Manager.
FAQs: Adding Texture to Hair
How Can I Add Texture to Short Hair?
Spritz Color Wow Style on Steroids onto dry hair, then use your fingers to twist and separate sections for a tousled, messy look. You can also read more about adding volume to short hair in our guide.
Does Salt Water Add Texture to Hair?
Yes, salt water adds grit and roughness, creating a beachy texture—but it can also dry out hair over time.
What Product Adds Texture to Hair?
Color Wow Style on Steroids is a lightweight texturizing spray that adds definition, separation, and volume without stickiness.
Do You Put Texture Spray Before or After Curling?
Before curling! Spritz Style on Steroids on dry hair pre-curling to enhance texture and lock in a natural, tousled look. Plus, it offers heat protection so you can safely curl without the damage!
For added texture and volume, spritz some more post-curling!
Adding texture to your hair is the secret to creating effortlessly stylish looks that feel modern and versatile. Whether you’re aiming for soft waves, a messy, choppy finish, or just more grip and volume, the right techniques, tools and texturizing hair care formulas make all the difference.
With a product like Color Wow Style on Steroids, you can achieve instant, touchable texture without weighing your hair down or leaving it sticky.
Not sure where to start on your Color Wow hair journey? Take our 60-second hair quiz to discover the perfect personalized routine for your hair type.
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Read more about creating voluminous, textured, thicker-looking hair on the Color Wow Blog:
