When I first decided I’d try a texturizer, I was in the usual stage of confused, forced transition. I was coming off of three months of kinky twist braids to avoid the summer humidity’s affect on my hair. Once back in Chicago, braids out, my sturdy Nigerian hair (NAIJA!) had grown immensely and I didn’t know whether I wanted to keep up a straightening relaxer or go au natural. But I had also been thinking about texturizers too. I had seen the artificial lustrous curls of black women on the outside of Pink Shortlooks boxes and as a person who prefers cropped hair, loved the look. So I went to the shop and sacrificed my locks (cause I’m trying to put less importance on my strands) and by the time I left, texturizer leaving my hair in waves, I hated it.
The beautician had literally put a razor to my head (which I doubt was necessary to make the curls hold best) and I had less hair than my dad. But as its grown over the months, I’ve grown to love it. Coming form someone who’s actually done it and not just talking about it, it’s easy to do, taking about 10 minutes each morning, as all you really need are moisturizers and some water. And people might say it leaves your hair dry–not true. If you condition it well and keep your locks well oiled (not greasy) you’ll be surprised how soft it can be. While I know texturizers aren’t for everyone and you should always do what works best for your own head, texturizers, dope for both sexes, are ways to play with the texture of short and long hair, perfect during cold and hot weather. But here’s what you should know first.
It’s Not Natural.
A lot of texturizer boxes might try and make you believe they are naturally made, but the truth is, they are made up of some of the same chemicals as relaxers. That is, they have things like sodium hydroxide which is very strong, or calcium hydroxide (no lye). A texturizer is a mild relaxer, and by mild, it means the chemical doesn’t need to be in your hair for very long. So supposedly, the process is not as damaging. Plus, you are essentially working with the curls that came with your head, but they are chemically being loosened.
Photo courtesy of 55 Secret Street
Re-Application Depends on Your Head of Hair.
While many women who put relaxers in their heads try and update them every six weeks (hopefully not earlier), with a texturizer, re-application depends on the texture of your hair as it grows. Some might choose to update their texturizers every three to five months, but some sources on the treatment say re-application is needed only two to three times a year. I second that opinion, because I received a texturizer at the beginning of September and near the end of February, it’s still going strong and growing. And I probably won’t go in for a new one for another month or so–if I choose to keep it for the long term.
Do NOT Put Texturizer on Already Texturized Hair.
That’s a big no no. While it should be applied to the newly grown natural hair, you should totally avoid re-applying a texturizer to hair that’s already been touched by the chemical. If so, the hair will most likely go straight and when mixed with newly coiled hair, you’ll have an awkward looking, uneven texture on your head. Many sources say when trying to do re-application, it’s best to have a beautician do the work. We all know there are a lot of texturizer’s sold in the beauty supply stores and at Wal-Mart that give the impression you should do it at home. But if you’re new to the game, please consult a professional.
It’s Good for Short and Longer Hair.
Whether your hair is close to your scalp, or down past your shoulders, it’s said that texturizers can be used on a variety of lengths. While a textuizer on short hair should most likely stay curled with a funky S-pattern, with longer hair, you can choose to wear your hair with long curls or blow dry/flat iron your curls for a straight look. By washing your hair soon after, the curls come back bouncy and as good as before, giving you options.
A Great Wash-N-Go Option.
For most women (and men), texturizers can offer better manageability when you have minimal time on your hands. Texturizers are the ultimate wash-n-go stye, as you don’t have to do anything to it at night but cover your hair in a silky bonnet or wrap. And in the morning, add a few sprits of water and moisturizer (try Africa’s Best Organics “Texture My Way” or SoftSheen-Carson Care Free Curl) over your hair and you’re on your way. And for women who spend hours working with their hair post wash, all a texturizer needs is a conditioner and conditioning cap, which you can wear to sleep to keep hair healthy and soft. Texturizers greatly reduce frizziness of hair that happens during the smoking hot summer time, and if it gets rained on, there aren’t any “run-for-the-hills” effects.
In the end, a texturizer is still a chemical process that your hair is undergoing. Like a perm, if left on too long, it can have adverse effects on your hair, and the results are different for the many textures of black hair out there. Plus, it needs constant conditioning to stay healthy. But if done correctly, your hair can remain soft and full of volume. You can style it in a multitude of ways depending on length and you don’t have to worry when you work out or find yourself in strong heat or heavy rain. And while this was written to give you some insight into the hair treatment, if you’re truly looking into it, consult a professional stylist before you make the leap. But this has been just another option in the never-ending quest of “what to do with my hair?” Stay tuned for more options to come!
