...
Jack Hollingsworth/Digital Vision/Getty Images

Texturizers are a hair process typically used by African Americans and others with an unusually tight curl pattern. Texturizers are similar to permanent relaxers, but unlike relaxers, texturizers don't leave your hair straight. They merely relax the curl pattern to make your hair more manageable. Texturizers are comprised of strong chemicals and should be applied by a hair professional. If you choose to do the process yourself, home kits are available for purchase at beauty supply stores and drug stores. Following the directions carefully will afford you the best results possible.

Purchase the products you'll need. Consult a professional stylist about which products will best keep your hair shiny, curly and moisturized. There are several different companies that make texturizers and the accompanying maintenance products. Ask your stylist whether you can mix and match, or if you should purchase everything from the same brand line.

Sleep with your head covered. The purpose of texturizers is to loosen your curl pattern to reduce frizz and increase manageability. Sleep with a silk scarf on your head to keep your hair from becoming dried out and to maximize the benefits of the texturizer.

Wet your hair daily. This helps to re-define your curl pattern. Add moisturizing product to your hair while it is still wet. Comb your hair before it dries to keep it from getting tangled and frizzy. If you must keep styling your hair after it dries, comb it with your fingers. Remember that using a comb on dry texturized hair will frizz the curl pattern.

Wash your hair as often as you normally would. Use the type of shampoo and conditioner recommended by your stylist to ensure your curls are protected. While in the shower, comb your hair from root to tip to eliminate tangles. Shake your hair while you're in the shower to loosen your curls. Tie a towel around your hair and allow the towel to soak up the water from your hair rather than rubbing the towel vigorously across your hair.

Get a touch up texturizer as needed, whenever you notice your curl pattern isn't as relaxed as you'd like it to be. Make an appointment with your stylist; although there are at-home texturizer kits, don't risk applying it incorrectly. You don't need to get a touch up every six to eight weeks like a relaxer. Since both the texturized hair and the un-texturized hair are both curly, it will be hard to tell where your natural hair ends and the relaxed hair begins.

Tip

Take care, if you over texturize your hair you will damage it.