Textured hair is a versatile and timeless style that can give men a bold, modern look while adding volume and depth. Whether you have short, medium, or long hair, textured styles work for virtually every hair type and length. Achieving that effortlessly cool, tousled look doesn’t require a trip to the salon or an expert stylist — with the right tools, techniques, and products, you can texture your hair like a pro right at home.
In this article, we’ll guide you through easy techniques for adding texture to your hair, from simple styling methods to advanced techniques for creating definition and volume. Let's dive into the world of textured hair for men and discover how to get a fresh, professional-looking style with minimal effort.
What is Textured Hair?
Textured hair refers to a style that enhances the natural layers and volume of your hair, often achieved through techniques that create separation between the strands. The key to texturing is giving your hair movement, dimension, and a “lived-in” look that’s relaxed yet stylish. Depending on your hair type, this may involve cutting techniques, using specific styling products, or employing heat tools to create lift and body.
Why Texture Is Important for Men’s Hairstyles
Adding texture to your hair can transform a basic cut into something with more personality and style. Here are a few reasons why textured hair is a go-to look for many men:
Volume Boost: Texturizing adds height and lift to your hair, making it look fuller, especially for men with fine or thinning hair.
Versatility: Textured styles work well with different types of haircuts, whether you prefer a quiff, pompadour, undercut, or messy, tousled look. It can also work with both short and long hair.
Low Maintenance: Textured hair doesn’t require meticulous styling. It allows for a natural, effortless look that’s easy to maintain throughout the day.
Tools You’ll Need to Texture Your Hair
Before you begin texturing, you’ll need the right tools to get professional-looking results. Here’s a list of the essential tools to have in your kit:
Texturizing Shears: Specially designed scissors with notched blades that remove small sections of hair to add layers and texture.
Hair Clipper or Trimmer: Used for shorter haircuts to add texture around the sides and back. The clipper can be used with different guard lengths for different results.
Blow Dryer: A blow dryer helps add volume and can be used with a round brush to lift and separate strands for a textured look.
Sea Salt Spray or Texturizing Spray: These products help create beachy, tousled waves and enhance the texture of your hair. They give a natural, matte finish.
Pomade, Wax, or Cream: Styling products like pomade or wax help shape and define the texture, providing a strong hold without making the hair stiff.
Wide-tooth Comb: A wide-tooth comb is ideal for separating your hair and adding subtle definition without causing frizz.
Simple Techniques to Add Texture to Men’s Hair
1. The Right Cut: Layering for Texture
The first step in creating textured hair is choosing the right haircut. A layered cut is essential for adding volume and movement to your hair. Textured layers can be achieved with a variety of cuts, such as:
- Textured Crop: A short, choppy crop with layers for volume and movement.
- Undercut with Textured Top: The sides are kept short while the top is longer and texturized.
- Messy Quiff: A quiff with natural texture, using layers to give it volume without being too sleek.
When getting your haircut, ask your stylist for texturizing with shears or a razor. This will remove weight from your hair, adding a softer, more natural look. Layers help create a fuller appearance and allow for more movement.
2. Blow Dry with Texture
If you want to add instant texture, blow-drying is one of the easiest and most effective techniques. Here's how you can blow-dry your hair to add volume and separation:
- Step 1: Start with damp hair, towel dry to remove excess moisture.
- Step 2: Apply a volumizing mousse or texturizing spray to add grip to your hair.
- Step 3: Use a blow dryer with a nozzle attachment and set it to a medium heat setting.
- Step 4: As you dry your hair, use your fingers or a round brush to lift sections of your hair at the roots. This will create more volume and texture.
- Step 5: For more definition, flip your hair forward and dry it in that direction, then flip it back for added texture.
For a more tousled, natural look, skip the brush entirely and use your fingers to lift and scrunch your hair while blow-drying.
3. Use Sea Salt Spray for a Beachy Look
For men with medium or longer hair, using sea salt spray is an excellent way to create a natural, beachy texture without any heavy styling. Sea salt spray works by adding volume and a matte finish that mimics the way your hair looks after a day at the beach.
- Step 1: After washing your hair, towel dry it gently to remove excess water.
- Step 2: Apply sea salt spray evenly to your damp hair, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends.
- Step 3: Scrunch your hair with your hands to encourage natural waves.
- Step 4: Allow your hair to air-dry, or use a blow dryer with a diffuser to enhance the texture further.
Sea salt spray works best for creating a carefree, messy look, and it’s especially effective for men with wavy or curly hair.
4. Add Texture with a Razor
Using a razor cutting technique can add a lot of texture and movement to the hair. This method is typically used on the top and crown areas of the head to create soft, blended layers that enhance the hair’s natural flow. A razor can remove weight from your hair without making it look too blunt or harsh.
If you’re interested in this technique, it’s best to visit a professional stylist who is skilled with a razor. A well-done razor cut can make your hair look fuller, lighter, and more dynamic.
Step-by-Step Breakdown of the Dominican Blowout
5. Texture with Styling Products
Styling products are essential for setting and enhancing the texture you've created. Here’s how you can use them:
Pomade or Wax: A lightweight pomade or wax adds a bit of shine and hold while creating separation between the strands. Work a small amount through your damp or dry hair and then style with your fingers for a natural look.
Texturizing Cream: Texturizing cream adds a soft hold while enhancing natural waves and curls. It’s great for a more flexible style that looks natural and doesn’t feel stiff.
Mousse or Volumizing Spray: For guys with fine or flat hair, mousse or volumizing spray is a great way to boost texture. Apply to damp hair and then blow-dry to lift the roots and create fullness.
6. The Messy, Tousled Look
One of the most popular textured looks is the messy, tousled style, which combines a lived-in feel with a touch of sophistication. Here's how to achieve this effortlessly:
- Step 1: After drying your hair, apply a lightweight styling cream or matte paste.
- Step 2: Use your fingers to work the product through your hair, focusing on the ends and mid-lengths.
- Step 3: Gently tousle your hair by lifting sections of it with your fingers. Avoid using a comb, as this will remove the natural texture you’ve created.
- Step 4: Finish by running your fingers through your hair to loosen any sections that may look too defined, giving it a more natural, carefree look.
This style works best for medium-length hair, and it’s perfect for a casual, everyday look.
Tips for Maintaining Textured Hair
Don’t Overdo It with Products: Using too many styling products can weigh down your hair and ruin the natural texture. Start with a small amount of product and build it up if needed.
Avoid Over-Washing: Washing your hair too often can strip it of natural oils, making it harder to achieve a textured look. Aim to wash your hair every 2-3 days to maintain texture and volume.
Get Regular Trims: Textured styles look best when your hair is kept in shape. Make sure to get regular trims to prevent split ends and keep your texture fresh.
Conclusion
Texturing your hair is an easy way to add dimension, volume, and movement to your hairstyle. With the right techniques and products, you can create a look that’s stylish, modern, and easy to maintain. Whether you're using a blow dryer, sea salt spray, or a razor cut, the key is to find the methods that work best for your hair type and personal style. By following these tips and tricks, you can easily master the art of texturing your hair like a pro!