According to a recent study, 65 percent of consumers have textured hair. That means, apart from the 35 percent of women who have naturally straight locks, everyone else has likely tried everything under the sun in order to achieve a sleeker look. The good news? While there’s nothing wrong with craving a change every once in a while, women no longer have to feel pressured to transform their natural texture on a daily basis. Here, four reasons why you should embrace your texture in 2020. 

 

Reason #1: Textured hair is finally acceptable for the workplace

In the past, one of the biggest reasons why many women straightened or relaxed their hair was to fit into their corporate environment. Sleek hair has often been thought of as synonymous with a professional look, causing many women to smooth their strands on a regular basis. Thankfully, times have changed, and with states such as New Jersey, Tennessee, Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, California and more proposing legislation that bans race-based hair discrimination, women no longer have to feel self-conscious about sporting their natural texture. Natural hairstyles such as braids and locs have become normalized, meaning that hair no longer is considered a determining factor in someone’s professional success. 

 

Reason #2: Caring for textured hair has never been easier

Top brands are now dedicating their efforts toward educating salon professionals on how to care and style textured strands. Case in point? Redken, the leader in color, has teamed up with Mizani, the leader in textured haircare, to provide salon professionals with the tools and techniques they need to work on natural hair. Thanks to the educational program, colorists can now feel confident in lightening textured hair without compromising their clients’ natural curl pattern. 

 

Reason #3: Rocking your natural hair is easy 

It’s always better to go with the flow, especially when it comes to your hair. If you have texture, then you know the struggle of straightening your hair on a rainy, humid day—within a matter of hours (or minutes for some of us), your sleek locks grow poufy, frizzy and unmanageable. Finding ways to perfect your natural texture means you’re ultimately doing less work. Some easy ways to tame your texture? Opt for a distinct cut that highlights your natural curls rather than one that weighs them down, perfect your protective styling techniques to make your hair more manageable and avoid relaxers and heat styling as much as possible to prevent hair damage. 

 

Reason #4: It’s 2020 and inclusivity is the new normal

It’s a new decade and society is finally realizing that there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to hair. Curls, textures, waves, fros and every other style under the sun is now celebrated, with everyone from A-list celebs on the red carpet to top designers at Fashion Week drawing inspiration from different cultures. So, for the rest of 2020 and all of the years to come, we encourage you to embrace your texture and show your hair the love and appreciation it so deserves!