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Top Tips for Making Textured Hair Stand Out: What the Best Barbers Should Know

Yep, you read that right–textured hair is back in. And you know what? It’s back with a vengeance. This trend to embrace natural textures isn’t new, but we’re glad to finally see it resurfacing after some time. 

More often than not, people (especially men) opt to let their natural textures shine in their styles and cuts. And we’re glad to see it. But there’s a secret to making textures really stand out–in fact; there are several secrets to making textured hair pop. 

What are they? We’re glad you asked. This blog is all about dropping hot knowledge for barbers like you so you can start taking your clients' textured hair to totally new heights.

Here’s a quick pro tip before we even start. The texture tips are all about making texture complement angles, cuts, and styles–never work against your client's natural texture if they’re trying to embrace a style. Trust us, with enough technique, your client’s texture can work with their cut in almost every case. 


The Top 3 Cuts for Barbers to Create Stand Out Textured Hair

If you’ve got clients with texture, it’s all about giving them the right cut to make their particular look stand out. Not sure where to start? Here are three unique cuts that are all about putting texture first. 

Make it French–Go for the French Crop 

Tight lines and low maintenance are the defining features of this closely-cropped look. What do we love about a French Crop? It’s a highlight for great texture on the top. The sides are closely shaved in, leaving plenty of length on the top punctuated by sharp lines. What does this do? It accentuates that texture and draws the eye toward the top. Use a reliable holding clay to lock this look in place. Want to add a little more texture as you style? Use that clay to shape, twist, and direct in different directions for a more casual cropped look. 

Curly Hair Fades are All the Rage 

If you’ve got a client with to-die-for natural texture (we’re talkin’ waves and curls on top), we highly recommend talking them into a cut like the curly hair fade. Like other fades, this cut offers a gradual cut leaving plenty on the top and a slow fade down to the skin on the bottom. There’s nothing harsh about this cut–it’s nice and smooth and, of course, gradual (a rule all fades should follow). 

We love this look because it gives your client’s texture the limelight without being overly dramatic. This is a perfect texture-first look for folks who don’t want anything drastic but definitely want to highlight their natural texture. 

Create more texture on the top of your client’s head with low-hold clay that’s worked into their curls. 

Quiff it Up 

High volume, tons of attitude, and plenty of “I woke up like this” style, the Quiff is a pompadour for the casual. A perfect cut for folks with medium-length hair (because you’ll need a little on the top to create that epic volume), a quiff is a must-try look for people with both straight and wavy locks. Lock that casual but curated style into place with a solid molding cream, and don’t try to start the look with dry locks. Get your quiff going with damp hair, then shape into place as it dries as you gradually add molding cream. 

Got a few texture tips of your own? Let’s hear ‘em. Drop your top tips in the comment section below to share with your fellow barbering community. 

Trust us; they’ll be glad you dropped your knowledge. And make sure you check back on this blog in a few weeks to see what other advice barbering pros like you have left in the comments, too.


Looking for more than just barbering tips? At the National Association of Barbers, we’re all about offering up the latest and greatest career-boosting insight you need to make your barbering biz better than ever. The best thing you can do? Invest in yourself, your future, and your career with barbering liability insurance. Want to know more? We’ve got you. Check out our site here and now to see how we can support you and your barbering biz. 

And make sure you subscribe to NAOB’s regularly updated blog for more insight, advice, tips, and tricks to benefit your barbering career.