Creating head-turning textured hair

When it comes to hair, 'texture' is one of the key words this spring and adding a touch of texture to your clients’ tresses can transform the look and feel of their hair, adding volume, bounce or an edgy structure. Draw inspiration from these stunning textured styles on very different hair types:

Short Hair

"I applied styling fluid to wet hair for shine and volume and combed it into a low side parting. Next I blow-dried the hair using a large round heat-retaining brush, letting the hair cool while the brush was still in the hair. "Once dry, I covered the hair lightly with a flexible hairspray and then, starting underneath, I backcombed firmly on the roots and lightly on the mid-lengths, working on the areas where I wanted volume and texture. Using a bristle brush I gently smoothed over the top layers and the front and then I pinched the ends and mid-lengths with wax for definition. "My model had bob-length hair and didn’t want it cut. So, to create the impression of this short look I combed some of the excess longer hair behind the ears then pinned it back into the nape of the neck." Sharon Peake, Ethos, Manchester

Curls and Waves

"I wanted to achieve a strong image, using curl and texture to create a very full shape. The hair was prepped first with volumising mousse to take off any softness and help support the curl. Then small, half-inch square sections were taken and hair was tonged throughout. Each section was misted with control spray. "Finally, a large brush was used to brush out all tonged sections to create a more natural, fuller feel. Definition was then given to the hair by randomly defining the curls using wax. "The inspiration for the collection from which this shot is taken, was about creating strong shapes and silhouettes with a minimalist edge, but retaining a soft and feminine feel." Robert Eaton, Russell Eaton salon, Barnsley, South Yorkshire

Afro Hair

"I wanted this image to represent a simple, everyday style that looks great and is easily wearable for natural Afro hair. "Showing the versatility in Afro hair was my aim here. After colouring the hair with a coppery gold shade to add warmth, I twisted small sections of hair with strong hold gel and left it overnight to create this desirable, extremely texturised structure. I later smoothed out random twists with my fingertips to conclude the unique and fashionable finish. "Spritzing on a little shine spray gave an instant healthy glow to this funky style." Kim Johnson, Hype Coiffure, Battersea, London

Long Hair

"With this sensual look, the texture is very much through the mid-lengths to the ends of the hair, but still with volume at the roots. To create this look, the hair should have long layers to encourage natural movement. "I prepared the hair with a curl shampoo and conditioner to boost bounce and texture. Next I spritzed the hair with a curl activator, and diffused it to create big, wavy, moveable curls and add volume to the root area. Using a large-barrelled tong, I took sections of the dried hair and created soft, texturised tumbling curls, before finishing with shaping spray." Martin Hillier, The Lounge Hair Studio, Vancouver, Canada

Men's Hair

"This very commercial, zero-maintenance style is now a staple in any barber shop in the UK. I used a dry, matte-finish product that has zero shine and zero wet look. I worked the product through the model’s dry hair, applying it right down to the roots to help the style defy gravity all day long. "I literally messed the hair up in several different directions to achieve a ‘just-got-out-of-bed’ look. Don’t worry too much about getting it absolutely perfect. You don’t want a textured look like this to look too contrived. Think Brad Pitt in Fight Club." Phil Reader, Jason Shankey Male Grooming, Fulham, London