We recently chatted with Kathy Kafka, the regional sales and education manager for Zotos International and asked about tips, techniques, and trends for today’s textured hair. Here’s what this texture expert had to say:
How are hairstyle trends evolving when it comes to curly or wavy hair?
Kathy Kafka: It is definitely "All About Texture!" Everyone is looking for easy-to-care-for styles. Women and men are trending towards much softer, undone, and effortless styles. Think tousled texture that is giving versatility for styling.
When it comes to texture, it’s also time to shine. I see soft curls and waves with ultimate shine. To get the look, use a few drops of Bain de Terre Recovery Complex Shine Serum, a weightless, alcohol-free reparative serum, on damp or dry hair to eliminate frizz and create instant luster.
Have more men been embracing curl and wave? If so, how?
Kathy Kafka: Absolutely! We are seeing the comeback of shoulder-length hair for men; worn sleeked back or with soft body for control. Think shorter sides with length on top for a messy, less labored look, or a quick towel-dry look. A texture wave, using Texture EFX with less than ten benders can achieve the desired, body, support, and volume necessary.
How does care for curls differ from other types of hair?
Kathy Kafka: Curls need moisture to maintain bounce and spring. Use moisturizing color-safe shampoos and conditioner and go for weekly treatments using a deep moisturizer such as Luxe Majestic Oil Hydrating Repair Masque by Naturelle. It contains a Moroccan argan oil blend plus keratin protein to help make hair stronger, softer and curls smoother.
For those with natural texture, what styling tips can you offer?
Kathy Kafka: Here are some of my suggestions:
• Use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner and rinse with cool water to close the cuticle.
• Work fingers through hair rather than combing.
• Gently towel-blot hair to avoid roughing it up. Use a terrycloth towel followed by a paper towel to remove even more moisture. Hair should be damp, not soaking wet before styling.
• I like to start all my styling with 180 Pro Miracle Damage Eliminator leave in treatment. It is a pro-peptide complex that helps to reverse up to two years of damage.
• Use a light hold, thermal protecting styling cream such as Biotera Ultra Moisturizing defining curl creme-gel for soft curl. There are also hypoallergenic gels for sensitive scalps or those seeking gluten-free, vegan products for more defined curls.
• While styling, do not finger through the hair, as this will cause hair to frizz.
• For loose curls, use the dryer on a low heat and low air pressure setting with a diffuser that has teeth. Coil the hair into the diffuser and lift towards scalp switching the dryer to cool to set the curl. Finish with a light shine serum and hairspray.
• To add in defined curls, twist curl some sections, then use a curling iron to soften curls. Some ends can be left straighter to give a looser texture-on-texture appearance.
• To add volume at the scalp, after diffusing, tip head upside down and gently direct hair forward, shake and spray with hairspray.
• To maintain moisture, avoid shampooing every day. Use a dry shampoo to refresh hair and scalp between regular shampoos.
What options are there for people who do not have natural curl but desire a textured finish?
Kathy Kafka: Look into receiving a professional texture service using soft benders and a process using Zotos’ Texture EFX or Bain de Terre’s Natural Texture.
How are today’s texture services (AKA perms) evolving?
Kathy Kafka: Within the last few years technology has advanced, so we now have the ability to chemically texturize hair with high porosity, achieving bouncy curls and waves. This new technology offers thio-free and ammonia-free options that add strength to the hair as it’s processing.
Do you have any quick techniques for adding texture?
Kathy Kafka: Spray dry hair with thermal protector starting at the nape and working up, braid sections approximately one-inch square. Use a flat iron on the braided sections to seal in the wave and let cool before undoing the braids and fingering through the hair.
