How To Ask For Texture In Your Hair (The Right Way)

You may have the perfect hairstyle in mind for yourself but no idea how to actually make it happen. “Texture” is one of those words that many people use without really knowing what it is or how to achieve it. 

So, how exactly do you ask for textured hair?

Ask a stylist for a layered haircut when you want textured hair. You need to make sure you’ve got enough length to achieve this first (usually at least 1 to 2 inches). Showing a photograph of the textured haircut you want will make it a lot easier for you. 

Although that’s the short answer, there’s more to it. 

You’re about to read a step-by-step process to use when asking for textured hair. 

Let’s get to it. 

How To Ask For Textured Hair (6 Steps)

Being at least a little prepared is the first step to getting what you want from a haircut. The next step is properly communicating exactly what you’re looking to achieve. 

1. Know Exactly What “Texture” Really Is

One of the main problems that arise when asking for texture is that many clients don’t really know what texture really is. 

This often leads to misunderstandings between barbers and their clients.

Textured hair is hair that appears to lie in clusters with the strands appearing separate from each other. 

It’s usually achieved through layering; the hair is cut to different lengths so that it doesn’t just lie flat. 

The clusters of different lengths lie on top of each other instead. In addition, they prop each other up. This is why layered haircuts are also generally easier to build volume with. 

We’ll talk more about layering later on. 

But the bottom line here is that you should be sure that a textured hairstyle is really what you want before asking for it. 

Although the hair will grow back, it’s clearly not possible to undo layering once it’s done. 

2. Make Sure You Have Enough Length First

At the end of the day, if you don’t have enough length to work with, it’s not going to be possible to produce texture. 

The shorter the hair, the less likely it is that you’ll be able to produce layers because layering is dependent on the ability to vary the lengths of the hair. 

In addition, short hair tends to spike upward instead of falling into clusters. 

The exact length of hair you’d need really does depend on your hair thickness. But aiming for at least an inch of hair would be a good place to start, but ideally you should have closer to two inches. 

The longer the hair, the more opportunity you have for building layering and subsequently texture. 

3. Go To A Stylist

In general, it’s best to go to a stylist instead of a barber when you’re looking for a textured haircut. 

This isn’t a rule, by any means. However, it’s often the best way to go. 

While barbers are usually incredibly skilled with a pair of clippers, they aren’t quite as good as stylists when it comes to producing layered haircuts. 

It all comes down to the training they get. 

You’d be much better off going to a barber when you’re hoping for an impeccable skin fade. 

But when you’ve got longer hair and you’re looking for layering and texture, a stylist at a salon would be more likely to get you the look you’ve got in mind. 

4. Show Them A Photograph

Showing the stylist a photograph of the textured look you’re hoping to achieve is incredibly useful for everyone involved. 

It’ll take some of the pressure off of you and will let the photograph do the talking. 

A picture is worth a thousand words. 

A good stylist will take a proper look at the photograph and then analyze your hair to see whether it’s even possible. 

They should then truthfully let you know if it is or it isn’t. 

For example, the hair may simply be too short for the style you’re hoping to end up with or it may just be difficult to lay it in the direction you want it. 

5. Ask For A Layered Haircut

If you don’t have a photograph to hand, ask for a layered haircut. 

In fact, even if you do show them a photograph, let them know that what you want is a layered haircut that’ll make it easy for you to build texture. 

Remember, layering simply refers to cutting the hair into different lengths. 

But doing so also usually removes weight. It makes the hair lighter and airier. 

This makes it more responsive and easier to build volume with. 

There are an endless number of “textured” hairstyles you could ask for, so you’ll have to be more specific. 

Let them know what you want to do with the top. For example, do you want a textured quiff, a small pompadour, or a textured comb-over? 

In addition, let them know how short you want the sides and back. Do you want them scissor-cut or clipped? 

It’s another reason why showing a photograph of what you want makes it so much easier. 

But ultimately, it’s the layering that would make any of these hairstyles look more textured. 

6. Ask What Product Would Be Best

Once your haircut is done, it’s worth asking the stylist what type of hair product would be best for building texture with your specific hair type. 

The main ones they’re like to recommend are: 

• Hair clay
• Hair paste
• Hair cream

These products are usually best because they’re low shine/matte. This works well when you’re looking to produce texture and volume. 

On the other hand, pomades, waxes, and gels are better for producing shine, gloss, and definition. 

Hair clay would be a good option if you’re looking for a strong hold and don’t mind the characteristic grit of clay. 

Pastes and creams generally feel lighter but often don’t have quite as strong of a hold. That may not matter, however, if all you’re looking to do is produce some texture. 

But asking a stylist is useful because they’ll take your hair type into consideration when making the recommendation. 

For example, if you’ve got especially thick hair, the strength of hair clay may well be better for you than paste or cream. 

On the other hand, if you’ve got thin hair, a clay may weigh it down a little too much. A paste or cream may be a better alternative. They’re easy to work through the hair and feel light when applied as well. 

Conclusion 

There you have it. The process of asking for texture should hopefully be easier for you now. 

As you’ve probably realized, a lot of the work happens before you attend the hair appointment. 

Find a photograph of the look you want, make sure you have enough length for layering, and be sure to go to a good stylist. 

Enjoy.