Texture Q&A: 
The Best Products for Textured Hair

By: Diane Da Costa, textured hair expert

Every month, textured hair expert Diane Da Costa will share tips and advice on all things texture, from selecting the right products to expanding your business to attract textured-hair clients. This month, Diane shares tips on relaxers, styling products, shear selection and more.

Q: What's the best product to use for enhancing curly to tightly coiled hair?
A: There are so many great products on the market today, however I highly recommend Jane Carter Solutions Curl Defining Cream. It is all-natural and made with shea butter and other essentials oils.  This curly cream provides a great shine, excellent hold and no buildup or flaking. If you haven’t done so already, consider adding a curl-enhancing system to your line of retail products. It’s the best way to help build that part of your business.
 
Q: I want to soften my client’s naturally curly hair without removing all the curls. How can I do this?
A: Curly hair comes in all textures, from coily to spiral to S-curl formations. There are several relaxer systems you can use to soften or texturize the hair, which are techniques meant to elongate the curl pattern. Depending on how you use the relaxer, you can leave most of the curl, some of the curl or create a completely smooth look. You must know the client’s distinct curl pattern in order to achieve the best results. If the client does not have a distinct curl pattern, the relaxer system or texturizing technique will not correctly soften the curl. I recommend you try PhytoSpecific Beauty Relaxer, a non-chemical relaxer system made from soy, egg extract and mushroom crystal. Here’s a step-by-step on how to use this system. Another great system is Mizani Butter Blend Rhelaxer, made with shea butter, cocoa butter and honey. Here’s a how-to for this system.

Q: What shears do you recommend for precision-cutting natural curly hair?
A: Hikari is one of the best shears I’ve used. I’ve used Hikari shears for over 20 years and they’re great for precision-cutting on textured hair. Curly hair is much thicker and denser than other textures, so I recommend 5 ½-inch shears.
 
Q: I have a difficult time employing great assistants who are dedicated and passionate about learning the business. Where do you suggest I look for new assistants?                                          
A: I am a firm believer in mentoring young new stylists. I have an internship program that trains young stylists in high school and beauty schools, and they work with me for four weeks once or twice a week.  Developing a program ensures you always meet new stylists, and if they fit in with your salon program you can then offer then an apprenticeship to directly train them to join the salon upon graduation. 
 
Join Diane Da Costa every month and she'll answer all your beauty, technical and salon business questions. Have a question? Send it to angiem@behindthechair.com or post it below!

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