The natural and textured haircare industry is growing fast and is showing no signs of slowing. More and more women with naturally curly, wavy, kinky, and coily hair types are letting their natural textures take center stage. This means that salons and stylists have to be prepared to service these customers, or potentially lose out on revenue. Styling textured hair not only requires experienced hairstylists, but it also requires equipment and tools that are compatible with natural hair. “Naturals” are men and women who choose to forego chemically processing their hair with perms, relaxers, and texturizers. They look for products that are very moisturizing, and they’re very careful with heat tools. In addition to the equipment you already have for styling straight hair, here are a couple of items that are natural hair friendly: Flat iron– but not just any flat iron. You’ll need to have a 100% ceramic flat iron, with adjustable heat settings. The ability to adjust the heat is important. Typically, textured hair should not be flat ironed at temperatures above 350 F°. Curly, wavy, kinky, and especially coily hair is very sensitive to heat and is very prone to heat damage.
Hair steamer– moisture is key when it comes to styling naturally curly hair. A hair steamer is a great tool for moisturizing the hair. It also opens the hair cuticles to allow for deep penetration of products. When doing deep conditioning treatments, place the conditioner on the clients freshly washed hair, cover with a plastic cap, and set the client under the steamer. If you are using a handheld steamer, then no cap is required.
Maximize your salon’s potential by being prepared to service diverse hair types. The more educated you are about the many different types of products and equipment that is available to you, the more prepared you’ll be to start offering services to the rainbow of potential clients out there.