What does an afro hair texturizer do? This is a question that comes up a lot in the natural hair community. While most black women understand some of the benefits of using texturizing products, there are still some things that can be confusing. For instance, what exactly is a texturizer? And how does it work differently from other products, like curl activator creams or softening creams, on the market?
1. What is an Afro Texturizer?
An afro texturizer is a styling cream that you add to your hair after it’s been washed and is still wet. It’s designed to help your hair stay in place for longer and to give it some volume.
HOW AFRO TEXTURIZERS WORK
This product is a definite must-have when trying to keep hair in place. It helps your hair stay put more firmly by spreading the natural oils in your hair toward the roots, keeping the end of your hair tangle-free. With texturizing products, you want to use much finer, lower-algent powders, rinse your hair, and then use a lot of heat to fully smooth out and densify your product. So, if you’re aspiring to wear afro wigs, there are only a few things you really need to know about texturizing and how to use it the right way:
These products contain sulfates and/or sulfides that can damage the skin, so you should be especially wary if you have sensitive skin. Sulfates and sulfides are what you need to be wary of, especially in products labelled sulfate-free or sulfides-free.
There are two main types of sulfates — sodium and magnesium sulfate — as well as two main types of magnesium sulfate. Sodium and magnesium sulfates are what’s added to natural hair products, and these two are what’s added to texturizing products.
Your hair may need more drying time with a sulfate-based product than with a sulfide-based product (so the longer you use sulfates, the longer your hair will take to dry). This drying time is a pretty major consideration if you have long, curly, or heavy hair because this helps the sulfates stick to your hair better.
Most sulfates, including magnesium sulfate, are absorbed into the skin with direct skin exposure, so you should ideally use these products on a wash day so you don’t expose your sensitive skin to them.
Now, here’s some additional information about texturizing as a hair care product.
2. How Do Texturizers Work?
The main ingredient in texturizers is calcium hydroxylapatite, which is a type of calcium salt that is derived from the bones and teeth of cows and other animals. One of the main benefits of using texturizers is that they can help your hair look thicker than it is. According to Derma team:
“Another really great benefit of texturizers is the texture they bring to your hair! They’re great at adding texture and giving hair a nice hold as well, especially with cuticle pain.”
Since natural hair care products are more expensive than their curly hair counterpart, it’s important to determine the differences between curly and natural hair care products. These products are supposed to have the same benefit, but curly hair products tend to cost a bit more. In many cases, the price is reasonable because they provide good results.
The main differences you should pay attention to is the type of nutrients that curly hair products contain and the ingredients that natural hair care products may contain. This article from Cosmopolitan goes into great detail on the differences between curly and natural hair care products.
According to a study published by Investech In 2020, out of the specific natural hair care products analyzed, iron oxides were the most commonly found ingredients. Iron oxides are highly absorbable elements that promote healthy skin and hair from absorbing environmental pollutants. These are necessary for the maintenance of healthy skin and hair. Elemental iron losses its absorbability, which leads to skin redness. Iron oxides can be found in common household items such as hair conditioners, ironing boards, deodorants, and shower gels.
Curly or kinky hair is known for its lack of absorbability to heavy metals and absorbable iron is needed for healthy hair and skin. If you are searching for Afro Hair Texturizer, then Cosmetize is here to help with their best Hair Relaxers and Texturizers.
3. When is it Time to Use a Texturizer?
The main time to use a texturizer is when you’re going for a beachy, undone look. This look is popular during the summer months because it’s easy to achieve and looks great with a tan. The key to achieving this look is by using a texturizer on the ends of your hair.
When we talk about natural hair texturizers, we are referring to products that contain only natural ingredients, no sulfates or silicones. While these products can be applied to most hair types, curly or braided, they are most popular in terms of being used on African hair but have become significant in the texturizer market for other hair types, too.
Curl activator creams and chemical relaxers are what most people think of when they think of natural hair texturizers, but there are a variety of companies across the natural hair and curl communities that make different texturizers and products.
Texturizers come in many different forms. Some contain sulfates and silicones that cut natural hair and is what most people think of when they think about natural hair products. Usually, these products are applied when wet and left on the hair for a minute or two, so the skin comes out moisturized. This is one instance where “going commando” may be a good idea, as the products can be drying, especially for those who are prone to dry skin.
Sulfates and silicones give these products an overall natural smell that some find comforting, but others find offensive. This is why some people choose not to use them.
4. Texturizers Are Different From Curl Activator Creams and Softening Creams on the Market.
A texturizer is not a curl activator cream and it’s not a softening cream. A texturizer is a product that’s used to enhance your natural texture. You can use a texturizer as a base product to give your hair a little more grit, or as a finishing, product to give your hair a little more shine. Texturizers are generally safe and effective methods for enhancing natural hair and texture. Some texturizers may be drying, so they can be used on dry hair in some instances.
The food I typically eat before going to bed is oatmeal, but oatmeal has lots of ingredients that hydrate the hair, so sometimes I take oatmeal to bed at night. I put oatmeal in a separate bowl and either massage it in or brush my hair with my hands after I finish my oatmeal. I could also use a steamer basket with hot water and a tablespoon or so of oatmeal in it for about 30 minutes before I put my trusty hair curler in place. Some people also add oil, sugar, and a little baking soda into their oatmeal before applying it and hoping for the best.
I usually try to wash my hair in the morning before I start my day, but I might not have the time in the morning to shampoo, condition, and really give my hair a good soak. If I’m trying to avoid products, shampooing, relaxing, or detangling my hair can all work. If I’m looking to really hydrate my hair, a good leave-in conditioner can do the job. I’d add oil to my conditioner if it’s a leave-in like I used with my hair curler. The conditioner should not be drying and it should not be giving my hair shine.
I also have never really used a different food long-term for my natural hair, but if I were to do that now, I’d probably get used to it fast and use products more frequently. Along the same lines, a lot of different foods work for me differently.
