How to Add Texture to Your Hair

Co-authored by Frankie Sanderson

Last Updated: July 10, 2024 References

Shattered bobs and beachy waves are all the rage, but learning how to add texture to hair can sometimes feel like a hassle. Like fashion, hair trends change at the speed of light and maybe you feel like you just mastered the art of creating smooth waves. Fortunately, adding texture can be as simple as roughing up those waves with sea-salt spray and piecing the ends out with pomade.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Volumizing Straight Hair

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1
Braid your hair for lasting texture. For lasting texture and beachy waves, braid your hair while it’s damp and let it dry. Alternatively, you can set the braids with your flat iron if your hair is dry. Clamp and iron braids down while working through sections the same width as your iron. Loosen the braids, then toss and lift your roots to work hairspray underneath.
- Braid your hair into several sections to create even waves. If you use only 1 braid, the hair around your crown and hairline won’t be wavy. Instead, place 1 braid on each side starting above your ears and 1 in the back starting at your nape.^{[1]
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2
Give your roots a boost with Velcro rollers. Velcro rollers work by giving you soft lift off your scalp. Start with a section the same width as your roller in your crown area. Use 3 rollers back to back and roll 1 to 2 more perpendicularly on each side. Continue this pattern all the way to your front hairline if you want maximum volume.
- Make sure you roll each section directly off and perpendicular to your scalp.
- Add extra volume by over-directing the roller at a 45 degree angle from your head.
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3
Use a curl wand on second-day hair. Your natural oils will give you the grip and texture you need for a tousled look using a curl wand. Hold the wand with the small end pointing down and wrap 1 inch (2.5 cm) sections away from your face.
- Swap your wand for a regular 1 inch (2.5 cm) curling iron and make sure you point the top down.^{[2]
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Make your curls look effortless and lived-in instead of perfectly placed by spraying dry shampoo and piecing them out with pomade. Curl your hair with a 1 inch (2.5 cm) curling iron, spray and scrunch dry shampoo through the mid-lengths, ends and roots of your hair. Rub a fingernail-sized amount of pomade through your palms. Then, twist 1 inch (2.5 cm) sections of your curls while you run the pomade through 3 to 4 inches (7.6 to 10.2 cm) of your ends.^{[3]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Scrunching With Sea-Salt Spray

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1
Spritz sea-salt spray on damp hair. Even if you thought you didn’t have enough waves to rock them naturally, you will after you use sea-salt spray. Towel dry your hair thoroughly and let your locks air dry, until they’re just slightly damp. Spritz sea-salt spray about 6 inches (15 cm) away from your hair through your mid-lengths and ends, while you hand-scrunch the ends.
- Continue to let your hair air dry or use a diffuser to enhance your waves and add more texture.^{[4]
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Sea-salt spray is great at adding texture to curls made with an iron. Use a 1.25 in (3.2 cm) iron to curl hair and spray 3 to 4 squirts on each side and the back, while you scrunch the ends with your fingers and palms. Spray more of your favorite brand if you like, because sea-salt spray has a light to medium hold.
3
Make your own sea-salt spray. Sea-salt spray can be made at home with sea-salt, gel, leave-in conditioner and argan oil. Fill an empty spray bottle three-quarters full with warm, filtered water. Add 2 teaspoons (10 g) of sea salt, 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of leave-in conditioner, a squirt of gel and a ¹⁄₂ teaspoon (2.5 ml) of argan oil. Shake until the mixture is dissolved and let it cool before using it in your hair.
- Substitute coconut oil for argan oil if your hair is dry.
Create a rockstar, just rolled out of bed, look by spritzing sea-salt spray throughout straight hair. Spritz sea-salt spray throughout dry hair using 3 to 4 squirts on each side and the back. Scrunch the mid-lengths and ends while you rub 2 in (5.1 cm) pieces with your fingertips.^{[5]
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Whether you’re pulling hair into a bun, braid or ponytail, sea-salt spray can give the texture you need to hold them in place. Spritz all over damp hair and lift roots with your fingers while you blow dry. Continue drying by raking your fingers throughout the lengths.^{[6]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Fluffing Up Your Existing Look

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Dry shampoo can be a life saver on no wash days and when you want to add texture. Sprinkle or spray your favorite dry shampoo by tilting your head to one side and lifting roots with your fingertips. Lightly rub the product into your scalp for an extra lived-in look, but make sure you don’t brush your hard work out.^{[7]
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Short hair needs texture sometimes more than longer styles. Piece out the ends of a short cut with pomade. Scoop out a fingernail sized amount, rub it between your hands and piece out the ends with your fingertips and your palms by rubbing them on 1 inch (2.5 cm) sections of hair. Use a light pomade for fine hair and a heavier one for thick hair.^{[8]
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Texturizing spray is great for all hair types, because it adds weightless volume and light hold. You can layer many of them for added hold too, so spray it a little more on buns, braids and curls. Tilt your hair over to the side, flip your roots up with your fingers and spray away for body in medium to long lengths.^{[9]
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4
Volumize your roots with texture powder. Texture powder, sometimes referred to as teasing powder, will give your style serious lasting power. Sprinkle texture powder onto your roots and rub it in with your fingertips for volume in any style.^{[10]
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- Prevent your style from falling flat by not combing or brushing the powder out.

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Question

What does it mean to add texture to hair?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Usually, when stylists say this they are referring to techniques used to remove bulk from the ends of the hair. When hair is cut using scissors it creates blunt lines that may feel too heavy on some hair types.

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How do I get volume in my hair?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Asking your stylist to remove bulk from your hair with a razor or thinning shears can help add volume. Layers can also be an effective way of volumizing.

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Question

What is the texture of the hair?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Texture can refer to the thickness of individual strands—whether the hair is fine or coarse. It can also refer to the curl pattern or to certain cutting techniques.

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Tips

If you have really fine hair, coloring it with permanent color or perming it can make it a little dry, which can help give it some texture.

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