WHEN WE SIT DOWN next to stylists at continuing education classes on textured hair or chat with them about curls at events or in the salon, we sometimes hear them express intimidation about working with various hair textures. They’re not clear on the best, up-to-date terms to describe different curl patterns and are often in search of solutions to curly concerns. Some are not sure if the wide world of hair texture is within their reach, comfort zone or skills.

What we continue to learn and share in the pages of texture! is that the options available to curl specialists are as diverse as each head of hair. The common thread for stylists looking to grow texture business is simply a passion for clients being able to wear their hair however they choose.

Texture is all about the opportunities available to every client. Clients with hair types ranging from the slightest wave to the tightest coil have the option of minimizing or maximizing their curl. Those with straight hair can tease out texture with perms and other styling methods. You can work with clients to either embrace their natural beauty or reinvent their style to make a statement.

Kate Oechsle-Truesdale, Mizani director of education and co-host of a texture education class during the recent America’s Beauty Show, credits social media with this shift.

“People are just becoming more comfortable with natural textures and experimenting with texture,” Oechsle-Truesdale says. “Today, we see trends happening in real time by scrolling through Instagram. We see people are wanting more texture rather than trying to stay away from it.”

This annual texture! guidebook, presented by MODERN SALON Media and TextureMedia, is designed to be a resource to all stylists looking to broaden their knowledge of the curly market. For those with limited texture education or experience you will fi nd the terms you need to understand your clients, the common challenges they face and the solutions you can offer to build their trust and confidence.

If you already consider yourself a curl specialist, then you will be well-aware that the texture business is growing and becoming more inclusive than ever. Inside, read about the key trends shaping curl patterns of business in 2016 and learn from texture professionals and social media influencers who are tapped into the needs and attitudes of clients. As always, the texture conversation continues for stylists and salon owners on modernsalon.com/texture, and for clients at naturallycurly.com. Plus, watch for a new texture! blog feature and texture! e-letter to keep you current with the latest curl news and views.

To success with every texture!

—The texture! editors