The beauty world is always changing. Naturally, if you’re studying cosmetology, you have to keep up with industry demands. That being said, there’s one skill you absolutely can’t ignore: working with textured hair. You need to understand how to work with natural curls, coils and waves. In this blog post we are going to explore the key reasons why cosmetology students should learn how to style textured hair.
There’s Real Demand Out There
Walk into any salon today and you’ll see the difference. The natural hair movement has completely shifted what clients want. People are embracing their texture instead of fighting it, which means they need stylists who actually get it. The problem? Most cosmetology schools are still teaching like it’s 1995, focusing mainly on straight hair techniques.
Walk into any salon today and you’ll see the difference. The natural hair movement has completely shifted what clients want. More than ever, people are embracing their texture instead of fighting it, which means they need stylists who actually know what they’re doing.
The problem? Many cosmetology schools are still teaching like it’s 1995, focusing mainly on straight hair techniques. At Cosmetology & Spa Academy we understand the importance of providing our students with thorough knowledge on a variety of hair textures.
That’s why our cosmetology program offers comprehensive lessons on styling textured hair. This creates a huge opportunity for students who take the time to learn and who want to expand their skills.
When you can confidently work with all hair textures, you’re not just expanding your potential client base. You’re actually filling a real gap in the market.
It’s Not Just About Curl Patterns
The truth of the matter is that textured hair isn’t more difficult than straight hair. It’s just different. Because of this, you need to understand porosity (how much moisture the hair absorbs), density (how much hair is actually there) and of course, curl patterns too.
However, once you get these basics down, you start seeing each client’s hair as you normally would: a unique puzzle to solve. As with every kind of hair, the real quest is determining what hairstyle or treatment best fits your client’s unique hair.
The biggest mindset shift happens when you stop seeing texture as something to “fix” or “manage” and start seeing it as creative potential.
The Techniques That Actually Matter
One of the key elements that separate good textured hair stylists from the rest is mastering sectioning. Textured hair is often denser, so if you try to rush through sections, you will end up with patchy results. Your clients will notice and they won’t be back.
Moisture is everything. Textured hair is usually thirstier than straight hair, but there’s a fine line between hydrated and weighed down. Learning to read the hair as you work and feeling when it needs more product or when it’s had enough takes practice, but that’s what separates the pros from everyone else.
Also, heat styling textured hair is a whole different game too. Lower temperatures, different angles, proper heat protection are requirements if you want to keep your client’s hair healthy while getting the look they want.
Product Knowledge Can Make or Break You
The product aisle for textured hair can be overwhelming at first, even for professionals. A client wants luscious curls? You need to know which leave-in conditioner to use. You want to learn how to style slayed edges? You need to know which gels work best. Shampoos, curl creams, gels and serums. There are hundreds of options available and your clients expect you to know which ones work.
More importantly, they expect you to know how to layer them without creating a sticky mess. We’ve seen stylists fail because they grabbed whatever was closest instead of really understanding their products.
It’s important to understand that some formulations work beautifully together, while others will leave your hair feeling crunchy or greasy. It’s worth spending time learning your products inside and out.
Also, it’s crucial that you understand the difference between texturizing hair styling products and chemical texturizer hair styles. Your clients trust you with their hair’s health and knowing when to work with natural texture versus when to recommend chemical processing is essential.
The Creative Side Is Amazing
Once you get comfortable and you’ve learned the foundations on how to style texturized hair, the creative possibilities are endless. Your clients might want sleek silk presses one week and super voluminous wash-and-go styles the next.
They may ask for wists-outs or braid-outs, so you should know how to braid african hair. They may ask for rod sets and protective styles – each technique opens up new service opportunities.
Moreover, keep in mind that protective styling for textured hair has become huge. Clients are willing to sit for hours for quality braiding or twisting work and they will pay well for it. Plus, these services often lead to regular maintenance appointments, which is great for your booking schedule.
It’s Good Business Sense
So, let’s talk numbers for a minute. Once you’ve been in this line of work you soon understand that clients with textured hair tend to be incredibly loyal once they find a hairstylist who understands their needs.
They book regular appointments, refer their friends and often pay premium prices for quality work.
Also, the time investment pays off too. While textured hair services might take longer, they often command higher prices. And clients understand that they’re paying for specialized skill and time, so they’re usually happy to do it when they get great results.
We fully understand that styling textured hair can feel intimidating if you haven’t worked with it much. Most students feel nervous about it, but the thing is, everyone starts somewhere. With the right training and an adequate amount of practice hours, you’ll be able to gradually perfect your skills and gain confidence.
Moreover, don’t forget that you can practice on friends and family who are patient with you while you learn. Most people are happy to let you experiment if it means free hair services.
Don’t rely only on your training either. Continuous education is key. Seek out workshops, watch YouTube tutorials from established professionals and find a mentor if possible. The learning curve is shorter than you think when you’re getting good instruction.
Where the Industry Is Heading
It is worth mentioning that social media has had a significant impact on the way people think about their natural hair. Instagram and TikTok are full of gorgeous inspiration, showcasing a variety of textured hair styles for women and men, and that’s not going away anytime soon.
If anything, the trend towards embracing natural texture is getting stronger.
Naturally, salons are paying attention to these trends. They’re actively seeking hairstylists who can work with diverse hair styles because they want a diverse clientele. Therefore, having these skills under your belt as a professional cosmetologist opens doors to high-end salons, editorial work and specialized textured hair salons.
If you’re just getting started on your cosmetology training or you’re looking for a way to further specialize your skill set, this is your moment. The demand is already there and getting specialized training early gives you a competitive edge that will last and benefit you throughout your entire career.
Contact us if you want to learn more about our cosmetology programs. Our team is always readily available to answer all your questions!
