11 Best Texturizers For Natural Hair To Make Them Bouncy (2024)
Let your natural hair down in all its glory with the right hair care products for your hair type.
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Experience: 4 yearsMonomita has a graduate degree in mass communication and video production from St. Anthony's College, Shillong, and a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication from the Royal Global University, Guwahati. She is also a certified skincare coach with a keen interest in skin, hair, tattoos, nail art, and lifestyle trends.
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With the vast number of haircare products on the market, you may find it challenging to find the best texturizer for natural hair that you need. Natural hair, especially if you are blessed with naturally curly hair, can be a little demanding. You need to wash it and condition it well. But that’s not all. If you have very tight curls that seem to cling to each other, you may find that using a texturizer can make it more manageable and bouncy! It is important to distinguish between relaxers and texturizers though as with the wide array of similar products, it may be easy to get confused. Relaxers can completely loosen the tension in curls and straighten them out. Texturizers, on the other hand, are like mild relaxers that simply reduce the tension in tight curls and make them bouncy.
Texturizers are nothing new to women with afro-textured hair. These texturizers are mild relaxers that have been formulated to help loosen the natural curl or wave pattern. Texturized hair is a milder version of relaxed hair. One of the biggest misconceptions about texturizers is that they straighten curly hair. However, this is not true. While relaxers completely straighten out hair, texturizers release the tension from the tight curls, making them bouncy and manageable. Therefore choosing the right one is essential. We hope our list of the 11 best texturizers for natural hair will help you make your decision easier.
In This Article
11 Best Texturizers For Natural Hair Of 2024
1. Best Cream-Based Formula:Kenra Platinum Texturizing Taffy 13
Kenra Platinum Texturizing Taffy 13 is a go-to hair product with a superbly pleasant fragrance. This cream-based texturizing relaxer helps style your hair to lend flexibility sans stiffness. It holds onto your hair all day and is best suited for wavy or curly hair. Suitable for all hair lengths, be it long or short, this styling gel cream gives your hair a soft-textured feel without any greasiness. This high-end formula comes in excellent packaging, creating an impressive look. The finished product is made from the latest tried and tested ingredients and technology.
Pros
- Cream-based formula
- Lends a grease-free look
- Delivers a smooth and shiny finish
- Can be applied on damp or dry hair
- Very little product is required for styling
- Not tested on animals
Cons
- The scent might be too sweet for some.
Pro Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received 8,547 reviews on Amazon and is a popular choice among shoppers.
2. Best Non-Sticky Formula:Garnier Fructis Style Texture Tease Dry Touch Finishing Spray
Garnier Fructis Style Texture Tease Dry Touch Finishing Spray creates the appearance of fullness and provides texture for a simple, effortless style. This dry-touch volumizing spray offers lift to very flat and lifeless strands as though imparting your hair with a second life. It has the ability to stay for long to keep your preferred hairstyle intact. And rest assured, this texturizing spray won’t make your hair greasy or weigh it down.
Pros
- Non-sticky formula
- Gives a perfect body to dry hair
- Adds volume and texture to lifeless hair
- Creates beachy waves when used on damp hair
Cons
- May have an unpleasant smell
Pro TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has garnered over 962 positive reviews on Amazon, and the number continues to grow.
3. Best Cruelty-Free:Living Proof amp2 Texture Volumizer
Living Proof amp2 Texture Volumizer is a cream/gel hair styling product that creates an amplifiable volume to your hair. The formula is unique due to the patented blend of thickening molecules and lightweight holding polymers. In addition to lending a sweet citrus fragrance, it provides a light hold with long-lasting revivability and a natural-looking finish. The thickening molecule present in this creamy texturizer adds fullness to your hair that lasts 5 times longer. A small amount of this non-stiff gel that comes as a no-mix formula is enough to provide fluffiness to your hair without causing any greasiness, making your crowning glory look enviable. This volumizer goes a long way in improving hair texture and can last for quite a few days.
Pros
- Cruelty-free product
- Provides instant volume
- Free from silicones, phthalates, and parabens
- Safe to use on color and chemically-treated hair
Cons
- Slightly expensive
Quick TipKenra Platinum Texturizing Taffy 13 Best Cream-Based Formula | Garnier Fructis Style Texture Tease Dry Touch Finishing Spray Best Non-Sticky Formula | Living Proof amp2 Texture Volumizer Best Cruelty-Free | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hair Type | All | Dry | Dry |
| Dimensions | 2.5 x 2.75 x 2 inches | 1.77 x 1.77 x 7.24 inches | 4 x 5 x 4 inches |
| Weight | 6.4 Ounces | 0.01 Ounces | 1.9 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 8,547 | 962 | 2,830 |
| Price | $19.19 | $19.9 | $27.0 |
4. Best For Short Hair:Calista Embellish Texturizing Definer
The Embellish Texturizing Definer by Calista is a best friend for fine or thin hair. It lends plenty of volume to your hair while giving it a long-lasting hold. Although recommended for short hair, it works equally well on medium-length hair too. This texturizer uses its proprietary ProElement technology to give your hair a boost of antioxidants, aloe, zinc, manganese, and copper, along with minerals and vitamins A, C, and E. This blend goes deep into your hair shaft to boost hair health and give you shiny healthy-looking locks.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Non-greasy
- Adds volume
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Free from animal testing
- Color safe
Cons
- Expensive
"I've been using this texturizer for so long for my straight, fine hair. It is perfect for adding that much-needed lift and volume. It makes my hair appear fuller. A little goes a long way with this one so it's pretty long-lasting."
5. Best Salon-Like Finish:Davines This Is A Dry Texturizer Spray
Davines texturizing spray is a light texturizing spray that adds texture and depth, especially to fine hair. This dry texturizing spray gives your hair a beautiful salon-like finish that lasts all day long. It also provides your hair with an instant full-bodied, unkempt out of bed, and slightly messy look. It is very light on the hair and rinses off upon wash without any trouble. This finishing spray gives your hair a casual and beachy appearance upon use. It can be used to refresh and add thickness to unwashed hair. Watch this reviewer’s experience video to get a better idea about the product and its features.
Pros
- Makes hair soft
- Does not weigh hair down
- Paraben, silicone, and phthalate-free
- Made from the highest-quality ingredients
- Not tested on animals
Cons
- May make the scalp greasy
"This Davines body-building spray has such a beautiful scent, it feels like a tropical escape in a bottle. The product also performs well and has excellent texture enhancing qualities. Every time I use it, my hair feels more voluminous and soft to touch. They hold my curls without a greasy look."
6. Best Nourishing Formula:African Pride Curls & Coils Texturizer
The deep conditioning formula of the African Pride Curls & Coils Texturizer defines, styles, and softens all hair types and textures. It is enriched with nourishing ingredients like extra virgin olive oil, shea butter, and herbal oil extracts that deeply hydrate to maintain healthy hair. This moisturizing texturizer is perfect for those with naturally curly or coily hair who are looking to add definition and texture. With this product, you’ll be able to enjoy the look and feel of your curls and coils with definition and texture that lasts all day.
Pros
- Adds a lift
- Gives strong definition
- Tames frizz
- Softens hair
Cons
- None
"This texturizer gently enhances my curls without causing damage or any irritation. It loosens and elongates natural curls and leaves my hair soft and easy to manage. It also reduces frizz to a certain extent."
7. Best Volumizing:OGX Moroccan Sea Salt Spray
If you are a fan of beach waves, then the Moroccan Sea Salt Spray by OGX is exactly what you need to create the perfect style. This lightweight leave-in treatment mist helps provide definition to your natural waves and curls. This curl-enhancing spray uses sea kelp for hydration, sea salt for adding volume and shine, and Moroccan argan oil for natural hair lift. In addition, the combination of woody, citrusy, and floral scents provides a refreshing aroma.
Pros
- Softens hair
- Adds volume
- Pleasant fragrance
- Lightweight
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
Cons
- Doesn’t provide any hold
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The extensive 901 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are vouching for this product.
8. Best For Curly Hair:Maple Holistics Sea Salt Spray
The Maple Holistics Sea Salt Spray is a must-have styling product for those looking to create beachy, textured waves. It is formulated with natural Dead Sea salt as the active ingredient and is packed with essential minerals that help to nourish and keep the hair hydrated while enhancing curl definition. The spray also works to protect your hair from the elements and keep it looking healthy and full of life. With a light, ocean-like scent, it will transport you to the beach and leave your hair looking and smelling fabulous. You can easily spray this into the strands to add volume and texture to fine, limp hair.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Tames flyaways
- Pleasant fragrance
- Lightweight
- Value for money
- Phthalate-free
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Silicone-free
- Triclosan-free
- Gluten-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Petroleum-free
- Alcohol-free
- Formaldehyde-free
- No synthetic fragrance
- No synthetic colors
- Free from animal testing
Cons
- Can be drying for your hair
9. Best Fragrance-Free:Neuma NeuStyling Texturizer
Neuma NeuStyling Texturizer is a great styler and a controller for frizz. This gentle product adds texture and softness for more healthy-looking hair. When applied on damp hair, you can scrunch your hair for the waves to stay intact all day long. This texturizer has a good fragrance and does not leave the hair feeling greasy and helps in texture management. It allows the separation of each strand and leaves your hair with a natural shine to style your tresses the way you want. This flexible fiber formula molds and holds your style while leaving your hair with an adaptable movement.
Pros
- Resists humidity
- Makes hair easy to restyle
- Suitable for both damp and dry hair
- Free from synthetic fragrance, phthalates, and parabens
Cons
- May feel slightly heavy on hair
"This styling product is perfect for my fine and short hair. It adds good volume without creating stiffness or greasiness. I apply a small amount of the product to enhance curls and control frizz."
10. Best Moisturizing:Ors Olive Oil Curl Stretching Texturizer Kit
Ors Olive Oil Curl Stretching Texturizer Kit is a recently launched liquid product that is designed for creating a defined texture on natural curly hair and adds bounce to your loose curls. This texturizer gently elongates the natural curls, enhancing the styling process. This hair softener has a unique formula including Mediterranian olive oil, Brazilian pequi oil, African shea oil, and Egyptian black seed oil that moisturizes and softens your hair and rejuvenates dry and brittle strands. Besides, it also adds strength to the roots and gently elongates those priceless curls.
Pros
- Suitable for naturally curly hair
- Improves manageability of tight curls
- Helps rearrange the curls easily
- Can be used as a texturizing treatment
Cons
- May not work well on color-treated hair
"The hair texturizer is perfect for loosening my coils and making my hair easy to manage. I love how it does not feel greasy or stiff and it maintains my hair softness throughout the process."
11. Best Versatile: Innersense Inner Peace Whipped Creme Texturizer
The Innersense Inner Peace Whipped Creme Texturizer is a styling cream designed to texturize, define, and provide a soft hold to your locks without making them greasy. This volumizing hair product uses a blend of soothing anti-inflammatory shea butter and honey to moisturize and condition your hair while preventing water loss. The texturing cream soothes your hair and prevents hair breakage. The orange flower oil brings it all together with its refreshing natural aroma as the top note.
Pros
- Controls frizz
- Moisturizes hair
- Imparts volume
- Non-greasy
- Mild fragrance
- Cruelty-free
- Gluten-free
Cons
- Not for oily hair
"This styling cream adds life and definition to my curls without leaving my mixed 3A and 3C hair feeling greasy or stiff. It even adds a hint of moisture to my dry, coarse strands. The scent is one of my favorites."
If you have gorgeous natural hair, you probably need a texturizer to style it. These are considered a type of hair treatment that enhances the natural hair texture and helps in hair transformation and curl retention while providing protection from heat styling. If you are planning to get a texturizer for your tresses, we got you. Here is a list of guidelines you should keep in mind before buying one.
Things To Keep In Mind Before Buying A Texturizer For Natural Hair
Ingredients
While adding a product to your hair care routine, we should try to keep it as natural and chemical-free as possible. Choose nourishing ingredients that you are not allergic to. Always try to go for products that are free of silicones, phthalates, and parabens. These ingredients can cause hair damage over time.
Formula
If you have extremely curly, wavy, dry, or frizzy hair, especially if you have a sensitive scalp, it’s important to make informed choices. For individuals with these hair types, it is advisable to opt for a cream-based formula that has been expert-recommended and clinically-tested. Such formulas not only perform their intended job effectively but also add much-needed moisture to your hair. If your hair is unruly, look for products that have proven efficacy in providing a slight hold while still allowing it to remain flexible and maintain a natural-looking appearance.
Fragrance
If you love sweet-smelling hair, go for products with added fragrance in it. However, this pretty much means unnecessary added chemicals that may dry out your hair over time. If you only use a texturizer occasionally or on special occasions, you can go for a perfumed one. But if you have extremely dry, frizzy hair, or use a texturizer every time you style your hair, go for fragrance-free products.
Color-Treated Hair
Opt for a texturizer that will add volume to your tresses without making them too greasy and heavy. However, colored hair needs special TLC. So, if you have colored tresses, opt for a texturizer especially formulated for those who require color protection. In addition, it will also moisturize your hair.
Usage
Some hair texturizers cause hair fall if left in for too long. It is important to either choose a product suitable for leaving in or wash it off after your requirement is over. Those who use hair texturizers often need to use a clarifying shampoo once a week and deep condition their hair twice a week, especially if they have dry or damaged hair.
If you need to keep your product in for a long time, go for ones that promise a long-lasting hold. Otherwise, halfway through the day, your hair will lose its body and appear lanky or greasy.
Price
We don’t believe that expensive means better quality! However, if you get products from reliable brands, you can be sure of the quality. Simply choose one that fits your budget and requirements and it may turn out to be the perfect fit for you!
Whatever your hair type may be, you will find something that suits you in our list of the best texturizers for natural hair. Texturizers help by giving weight and shape to your hair to create that perfectly styled hair each and every time. Choosing a texturizer is not easy, and one has to be careful while selecting it. Here a few points to consider.
Benefits Of Using A Texturizer On Natural Hair
The following pointers will help you select the one that is just right for your hair type.
- Texturizers, when used with a neutralizing shampoo, protects from damage caused due to chemicals right after one washes away the texturizer.
- Enriching emollients or liquid cum cream texturizers keep the porosity of your hair in check and help in hair maintenance.
- Texturizers for natural coarse hair makes hair soft and manageable.
- They provide definition and shape to your curls.
- Makes it easier to style your hair the way you want.
- Helps in handling damaged or tangled hair.
How To Apply Texturizer On Natural Hair
Follow these steps to get perfectly styled hair with the help of a texturizer:
Step 1: Shampoo and condition your hair to remove any unwanted particles that may be present.
Step 2: Dry your hair with a lint-free towel to remove excess moisture. You can also use a texturizer after air-drying or blow-drying your hair. And then detangle your hair gently using a wide-tooth comb.
Step 3: Using a clip, separate hair into 3 or 4 sections. This allows the texturizer to saturate the hair completely.
Step 4: Apply a coating of petroleum jelly on the hairline and scalp. This will prevent the chemicals from seeping into the scalp to prevent chemical burns.
Step 5: Starting from the back, pick up about a half-inch wide section and apply the texturizer with the applicator.
Step 6: Continue from the back and move towards the front, ensuring to cover the entire area. Then allow the texturizer to stay on the hair for a few minutes. Comb gently through the strands for a refined look.
Step 7: After 20 minutes, wash the hair with lukewarm water and towel-dry. Now, apply the neutralizer, making sure to coat every hair strand. Leave the neutralizer on for about 10 minutes.
Step 8: Wash off the neutralizer to remove any traces of both the neutralizer and the texturizer.
Apply conditioner to replenish the lost moisture from the process.
Step 9: Lastly towel-dry your hair and get ready to start the styling process.
Infographic: Tips And Tricks To Take Care Of Texturized Hair
Using texturizers on natural hair makes it appear beautiful and bouncy. However, it requires a lot of care and effort to let your hair stay lush after using texturizers. Check out this infographic to learn some tips and tricks to take care of texturized hair. Scroll down. Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Natural hair requires specially formulated hair care products to keep the texture intact. These products are not similar to relaxers. The best texturizers for natural hair help define and shape the curls, maintain the hair bounce, and make the hair manageable. These products tighten the hair curls and provide a long-lasting hold. The high-quality texturing products add volume and shine to your curls. If you want non-greasy curls that last all day long, try the Kenra Platinum Texturizing Taffy 13. The Davines This Is A Dry Texturizer Spray helps you create that out-of-bed look perfectly, while the Garnier Fructis Style Texture Tease Dry Touch Finishing Spray gives you the beachy curls of your dreams. These products are easy to use, paraben-free, and time-saving. However, these texturizers are not suitable for color-treated hair or weigh down the strands and it is always wise to avoid such formulas. It is advisable to perform a patch test before using the product to avoid any potential allergic reactions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do natural texturizers work?
Natural texturizers work quite well. They maintain the natural curl, only slightly loosening the curl pattern instead of making them completely straight. And natural texturizers without chemicals are an excellent choice.
Do texturizers damage natural hair?
If used excessively, texturizers may cause damage to natural hair as they contain a lot of chemicals that can cause irritation.
How long do texturizers last?
If the results are good enough to one’s liking, then accordingly the touch-up needs to be every 8 to 10 weeks at the hair salon.
Difference between hair texturizers and relaxers?
There is a slight difference between texturizers and relaxers. Texturizers relieve some of the tension in your curls. On the other hand, hair relaxers break down the natural keratin protein that is held together by disulfide bonds, leaving one with sleek and bone-straight hair.
Are hair texturizers better than relaxers?
A texturizer has comparatively less amount of harsh chemicals as compared to relaxers and hence is more preferable.
What does a texturizer do to natural African-American hair?
African-American hair is naturally curly and a texturizing creme helps by loosening out the curls without straightening it.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Kirtana Divakar, the author of this article, is a hair care enthusiast and loves experimenting with various hair care products. She provides research-backed articles for her readers. Besides her thorough research, she went through user feedback and product specifications to provide you with the best texturizers for natural hair. These texturizers help you to make your hair manageable and bouncy.
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