natural hair: texture trend

What is the natural hair texture trend?

Not long ago, most people felt they needed to change their hair to fit certain beauty standards, often straightening it for hours or using curling irons to get perfect results. But things are starting to change. The natural hair texture trend is a widespread movement encouraging people to stop using so much heat and harsh chemicals and instead appreciate and work with the way their hair naturally grows. The idea is to let your hair do what it does best instead of forcing it into a different style.

This shift isn't only about looks; it comes from a desire for honesty, health, and simplicity. It recognises that everyone's hair is different, and that's something to be happy about. It's not about looking perfectly styled, but about enjoying the real waves, curls, or straightness that make your hair unique.

How has the trend emerged in Australia and around the world?

The natural hair texture trend has been growing globally for a while, but it gained real strength, especially in fashion and beauty, around spring and summer 2024. Runways, a big indicator of trends, started showing models wearing their natural hair. At London Fashion Week for spring and summer 2024, for example, many looks featured air-dried curls, wavy "bed-head" styles, and hair with natural kinks at shows like Simone Rocha, JW Anderson, and Tove. This wasn't a mistake-it was a clear choice, showing that the season was all about letting hair be itself. These looks quickly spread as stylists, brands, and everyday people picked them up all over the world, including in Australia.

In Australia, this trend fits well because people here value a relaxed and real lifestyle. Though we’re far from European fashion centres, social media and local influencers help spread global beauty trends quickly. Going natural also fits with a growing interest in easy, low-effort hair routines and healthier lifestyles, making it the right match for Australians. It’s become more than a temporary style; it represents a bigger change toward accepting yourself as you are.

Why is natural hair texture gaining popularity?

There are a few main reasons behind the popularity of this trend. One, there’s a cultural change happening. People are moving away from strict, often European-based beauty rules that said straight hair was best. Now, there’s a strong focus on being more accepting of differences, and hair type is a big part of that. More people see their hair types represented and celebrated in media, which encourages them to feel proud of their hair.

Another reason is hair health. Years of heavy heat styling, perming, relaxing, and colouring can leave hair dry, damaged, and weak. Many people find that embracing their natural texture leads to using gentler products and routines, resulting in healthier hair. This focus on keeping hair healthy, with less heat and less effort, is both easier and better for your hair.

Lastly, there's a big push in 2024 for honesty and being yourself. In a world full of filters and edited photos, people want to be real. Wearing your natural hair becomes a unique way to show confidence and celebrate what makes you different. It’s a way of saying, "This is who I am, and my hair is great just as it is."

What are the different natural hair textures?

Natural hair texture refers to the shape and pattern of your hair as it grows from your scalp. This is decided by your hair follicle shape. Hair comes in a wide range of types, but it’s usually grouped into four main categories, each with smaller groups to show how tight the pattern is.

Straight, wavy, curly and coily: Definitions and differences

The four main types are:

Straight (Type 1): This hair doesn’t have any natural curls or waves. The strands are flat from the roots to the ends. Straight hair can be fine or thick, but it often gets oily and doesn’t hold a curl well.
Wavy (Type 2): Wavy hair has a loose S-shape and sits between straight and curly. Type 2A has soft, easy-to-straighten waves. Type 2B is more clearly shaped from the roots. Type 2C is wavier, sometimes with a few loose curls, and often gets frizzy.
Curly (Type 3): Curly hair forms loops or spirals. Type 3A has large, loose curls. Type 3B is tighter, like the size of a marker. Type 3C features tight, corkscrew curls the width of a pencil or straw. Curly hair is usually drier and needs special care to keep its shape and stop frizz.
Coily (Type 4): Coily or kinky hair is very tightly curled or zig-zagged. Type 4A has small s-shaped coils. Type 4B has sharp z-shaped bends, and Type 4C has the tightest pattern, often not easily seen, leading to very dense hair. Coily hair breaks more easily and needs a lot of moisture.

Identifying your natural hair type

Finding your hair type is easy if you know what to look for. The best way to check is after washing your hair and letting it air dry, without any styling products. Use a gentle shampoo and conditioner, then dry your hair with a microfiber towel or soft old t-shirt to reduce frizz, and let it dry completely without touching it.

If your hair dries completely straight with no waves or curls, it's likely Type 1. If it forms loose or defined S-shaped waves, it's probably Type 2. If you see spiral loops, it's Type 3. Tight small curls or zig-zags from the scalp mean you are Type 4.

It’s common to have more than one texture on your head. You might have wavy hair underneath and curls on top, or mixed areas. Knowing your main type and how it varies helps you pick the right products and styling tricks for your hair.

Why are Australians embracing natural hair texture?

Australians have taken to the natural hair texture trend in a big way, and not just because it’s popular worldwide. There are a few reasons why this movement feels just right in Australia.

Cultural shifts and changing beauty standards

Like many Western countries, Australia used to be influenced by beauty ideas that favoured straight hair. Recently, however, there’s been an ongoing cultural change towards accepting and celebrating all kinds of hair. Growing conversations about inclusivity have led to wider acceptance for diverse hair types, including Indigenous and multicultural Australians who’ve often felt pressure to straighten their hair. By wearing their natural texture, people here are saying "no" to a single beauty standard and "yes" to showing real Australian diversity.

The easy-going Australian lifestyle also fits well with this approach. People here spend a lot of time outdoors at the beach or dealing with humid days, making complicated hair routines hard to keep up. Natural texture, once you know how to care for it, usually means less work each morning and suits the relaxed Aussie way of living.

The influence of social media and local icons

Social media is a big reason why the natural hair texture trend has grown so much here. Instagram and TikTok are full of people sharing pictures and advice about their natural hair. Seeing so many different textures helps everyone feel more comfortable showing their real hair and gives useful tips too.

Australian celebrities and influencers showing off their natural curls or waves make the trend feel possible for everyone. When well-known Aussies go natural, it sends a strong message. This helps change old ideas about "perfect hair" and builds a sense of community for people learning to care for their own texture. Both global and local influences have made this trend personal for many Australians.

Benefits of embracing your natural hair texture

Wearing your hair naturally isn’t only stylish- it also brings real improvements to your hair and well-being.

Promotes scalp and hair health

One of the biggest benefits is better scalp and hair health. Too much heat, chemicals, or pulling can hurt the hair and the roots. By cutting back on these habits, your scalp gets a break and your hair keeps more of its natural moisture and strength. Looking after your scalp, washing and using gentle, nourishing products makes it easier for hair to grow healthy. "Health first" is a major part of 2024’s hair trends, and caring for your hair in this way supports that goal.

Reduces need for heat styling and harsh chemicals

This is a clear benefit. Avoiding hot tools and chemical treatments reduces the risk of heat damage, breakage, or dryness. Many of the easy natural looks shown on runways can be done quickly and with less heat than old styles, saving both your hair and your time each day.

Supports individuality and confidence

In a world where we often feel pushed to fit in, wearing your hair how it grows shows self-acceptance. It lets you highlight what’s special about you. Learning how to look after and style your texture may take time, but loving your hair as it is can give you a real confidence boost. The trend is all about finding a look that feels right for you, using your own hair texture and colour.

Popular natural hair texture styles in Australia

The best part of this trend is that it doesn’t force you into one look. Instead, it helps you make the most of your own natural hair. Here are some common styles in Australia:

The bed head look

This style looks relaxed, as if you’ve just got out of bed, but still put together. It works well for people with wavy or slightly textured hair. You don’t need much product-just let your hair air dry with some light cream or spray to help it move naturally and give a bit of volume without looking stiff.

Cascading curls and waves

If you have wavy or curly hair, letting your hair fall naturally is popular. This style shows off your hair's pattern, needing good moisture and products that help curls hold their shape but stay soft. Air drying or using a diffuser on low heat can keep curls bouncy, and a bit of oil can add shine. The goal is soft, healthy-looking curls or waves that aren’t heavy or stiff.

Textured pixie cut

Short pixie cuts are a classic, but they look especially interesting with natural texture. For wavy, curly, or coily hair, a pixie will highlight the pattern of your hair. Using wax or cream, you can give your hair movement and shape, celebrating what makes your texture special.

Weathered updo and undone buns

Updos in the natural hair trend are loose and simple. Instead of slick, tight buns, hair is pulled back gently, letting some pieces fall around the face and showing off waves or curls. You can use thickening spray for volume, tease a few strands, and use wax and hairspray for gentle hold without stiffness. The result is a style that looks relaxed but still neat.

Modern mullet and wolf cut

The mullet and wolf cut are back, and they work well with natural texture. The wolf cut, which is like a mix of a shag and mullet, uses layers that frame the face and get longer in the back. This cut relies on texture for its look. The shape works even for tighter curls, and extensions or wigs let you play around with the style. These cuts focus on volume and motion.

Braids, twists and sculptural styles

Textured hair is great for braids and twists. The pattern helps these styles stay in place better and gives them more body. Braided styles inspired by late 80s, 90s, and early 2000s fashion are coming back, as well as new sculpted looks. Even adding small braids to natural hair adds detail and can make a big impact.

Brushed blowout and lived-in volume

The trend doesn’t say no to all heat, but the brushed blowout is done differently now. Instead of aiming for stick-straight hair, people use round brushes or rollers to keep volume and a soft wave, leaving some of the hair’s own movement. This way, hair looks full and natural, not stiff or flat.

How does the natural hair texture trend affect hair care routines?

Choosing to wear your natural hair isn’t just about a new style-it changes how you look after it. The main idea is to stop fighting your hair and start caring for it.

Focus on health over too much styling

The main part of a natural hair routine is putting hair and scalp health first. That means cutting down on actions that cause damage. Instead of shaping your hair with heat or chemicals, you build new habits that help your hair stay strong and healthy. This health-first focus has become one of the biggest hair trends of 2024 and looks set to stay for 2025.

Using nourishing and simple products

This trend prefers products that help hair keep its pattern, rather than changing it. That means using hydrating shampoos and conditioners, plus leave-in conditioners, creams, gels, or oils made for your hair type. Many people find it’s best to keep things simple-maybe even using multi-use products-to give hair what it needs without weighing it down. Air drying with a styling cream or light foam helps curls stay soft and defined, not crunchy.

Tips for going natural

If you’re moving from straightened or chemically treated hair back to your natural texture, patience is important. Start by trimming off damaged ends, then pick up moisturising products for your growing natural hair. Begin with gentle washing, deep conditioning, and take care of your scalp. Scalp scrubs or cleansing washes can help give you a fresh start. Use satin pillowcases or bonnets to protect your hair at night, and try to avoid hot tools during this time. Learn new ways to style, like braiding or wearing protective styles, while you grow out your natural hair. A hairdresser who understands texture can also help with advice and the right cut for this change.

Misconceptions and challenges with natural hair texture

While going natural is usually positive, some wrong ideas and problems can get in the way, especially for those starting out.

Common myths debunked

Many believe natural hair, especially curly or coily types, is always "messy" or not suitable for work. This isn’t true- with the right care and styles, all hair types can look neat and stylish. Some also say natural hair is too hard to manage, but that’s often because they haven’t learned the right routine or products. Once you know how to care for your hair type, it’s often easier and faster than using heat tools all the time.

Another myth is that going natural means you do nothing with your hair. Actually, you still need a routine- just one focused on keeping your hair hydrated and healthy, and using products that bring out your hair’s own look. It’s about smart care, not neglect.

Common challenges for different hair types

Going natural feels freeing, but some hair types face special problems. Straight hair can get oily and may lack volume, so you have to be careful with heavy products. Wavy hair can frizz easily and may need certain products to keep the waves defined. Curly and coily hair is drier and breaks easily, so it needs a lot of moisture and gentle handling. Detangling can be tricky for tight curls, but using conditioner and a gentle comb or fingers helps. Finding the right balance for moisture, hold, and protein takes time, but with patience and some trial and error, most people find what works best for them.

Tips for making the most of your natural hair texture

Ready to enjoy your hair’s natural pattern? Here are some simple ways to help your hair look its best:

Products for different hair types

Choosing the right product matters. For everyone, gentle, sulfate-free shampoo and a good conditioner is a strong first step. Wavy hair likes light mousses or creams to boost the wave and control frizz. Curly hair benefits from lots of moisture, so use curl-friendly shampoos, conditioners, creams, and gels that give shape without making hair stiff. Oil adds shine at the end. Coily hair usually needs rich leave-in conditioners, heavier creams or oils to lock in moisture. Ingredients like oat milk are good for curly hair. Getting advice from a stylist can also help you pick the best products for your texture.

Styling for shape and pattern

How you style your hair after washing makes a big difference. Air drying helps your texture settle, but to avoid frizz, start with a cream or foam while damp. For curly and coily types, a diffuser on low heat keeps curls bouncy, while "scrunching" holds waves and curls as they dry. Braiding wavy hair while damp makes clearer waves. Some with tight curls use "finger coiling" or "shingling" to help each curl show up clearly. Feel free to try new things and see what you like!

Protecting your hair from damage

Keeping your natural texture healthy means protecting it. Try to use less heat very often. If you do use hot tools, always use a heat protectant first. Stay away from harsh chemicals. Be gentle when you comb your hair-start from the ends, use conditioner or spray, and pick a wide-tooth comb or your fingers. Sleep on a satin pillowcase or use a satin bonnet to avoid friction. Regular haircuts help stop split ends from getting worse. Deep conditioning once in a while also keeps your hair soft and strong.

What’s next for the natural hair texture trend in Australia?

The natural hair texture trend doesn’t seem to be fading. As 2025 comes, we’ll likely see even more styles and changes based on natural texture.

Future styles and changes we might see

Based on what’s been popular lately, we’ll probably see more bold styles that show off texture. Uneven cuts and bangs may appear again, using texture to make each cut special. Braided styles and updos that add volume and shape will still be popular. The "fox color" or reverse ombré look-light roots fading to darker ends-will stick around, especially when paired with natural hair patterns. Even close shaves or bald looks could become regular choices for a clean start. Soft, brushed-out looks and the wolf cut will keep showing off how natural movement makes hair look fuller and fresher.

The importance of inclusion and showing all types

Going forward, the natural hair texture trend will keep getting stronger with more attention on showing all kinds of hair in media and culture. As more hair types show up in ads and social posts, more people will feel confident to wear their own hair naturally. The main focus will be on finding what works for you, using the texture and colour you already have, rather than trying to completely change your look. This drive for health and self-care, and the joy of being unique, means the natural texture trend is more than a phase- it’s a new, lasting way of thinking about hair.