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If you’ve ever wished for fuller, more voluminous hair without the hassle of heavy products, texture hair powder might just be your new go-to. This lightweight, oil-absorbing powder is designed to add instant lift, body, and grip to your hair. It’s especially helpful for fine or thin hair that needs extra volume or for adding grip to updos and braids. No sticky residue, no crunch, and just natural, touchable texture.
What makes texture hair powder even better is that it’s often packed with hair-friendly ingredients like silica, rice starch, or kaolin clay, which absorb oil and add structure without weighing your hair down. Some even include sea salt for extra grit or essential oils for a fresh scent. We’ll guide you step-by-step to make your own DIY texture hair powder that’s affordable and effective!
What is hair texturizing powder made of
Hair texturizing powder might seem like magic in a bottle, but it’s actually made from a few simple ingredients that work together to give your hair that lift and grip. One of the main ingredients is silica, a lightweight mineral that soaks up excess oil and adds volume without making your hair feel heavy.
Then there’s rice starch or cornstarch, which are natural powders that absorb grease at the roots and create that soft, matte texture we all love. Some formulas also include kaolin clay, a gentle clay that not only controls oil but also adds a bit of thickness to each strand for fuller-looking hair.
To give the powder some grip and hold, many products contain a bit of sea salt for that slightly gritty texture that helps braids and updos stay in place. You might also find lightweight conditioning agents or essential oils mixed in to keep your hair smelling fresh and feeling soft.
Do you put texturizing powder on wet or dry hair
If you’re reaching for texturizing powder to give your hair that extra oomph, here’s the golden rule: always apply it to dry hair. This product is all about absorbing oil and adding volume, and it simply can’t do its job on damp or wet strands. When your hair is dry, the powder can easily cling to your roots and individual strands. Applying it to wet hair, on the other hand, can turn it into a sticky mess like clumping in all the wrong places and leaving your hair looking anything but voluminous. So, if you want that effortless, full-bodied look, dry hair is definitely the way to go.
How to make your own texture powder for hair at home
Why spend money on expensive hair products when you can make your very own texture powder right at home? It’s super easy, completely natural, and works just as well. Ready to mix things up? Let’s dive in!
What you’ll need:
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2 tablespoons cornstarch (absorbs oil and adds volume)
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1 tablespoon rice flour or arrowroot powder (for extra texture)
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1 teaspoon kaolin clay or bentonite clay (optional, for grip and thickness)
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A few drops of essential oil (lavender, peppermint, or tea tree for a fresh scent)
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An empty salt shaker or spice jar (for easy application)
Step-by-step guide:
Step 1. Mix the base ingredients
In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and rice flour (or arrowroot powder). These two will work together to soak up any oil and give your hair that soft, voluminous lift.
Step 2. Add the clay (Optional but awesome!)
If you’re looking for extra grip, you can add in the kaolin or bentonite clay. This step gives your hair more structure without making it feel heavy.
Step 3. Add a fresh scent
Drop in 2-3 drops of your favorite essential oil. Not only will your hair smell amazing, but oils like tea tree can also help keep your scalp healthy. Give it a good stir so the scent blends evenly.
Step 4. Transfer to a shaker
Pour your mixture into an empty salt shaker or spice jar for easy, mess-free application. You can also use an old makeup brush to dust it onto your roots if you prefer.
Step 5. Apply and style!
Lightly sprinkle the powder onto your roots or wherever you need some volume. Gently massage it in with your fingertips and watch your hair transform! Need more texture for styling? Dust a little on your lengths too.
What is a good substitute for hair texture powder
Ran out of your favorite hair texture powder? No worries! You’d be surprised at how many everyday items can step in and give your hair that same lift, volume, and texture.
1. Dry shampoo (Powder or spray)
If you have dry shampoo lying around, it’s the closest thing to texture powder. It absorbs oil, adds volume, and gives your hair a bit of grip. Just spray or sprinkle it at your roots, massage it in, and you’re good to go!
2. Baby powder
Good old baby powder is a classic substitute. You can soak up oil and add some lift to flat roots. Just be careful not to use too much, especially if you have dark hair!
3. Cornstarch or arrowroot powder
Yep, the same stuff you use for cooking can work wonders for your hair. These powders absorb oil and create a soft, matte texture. You can even mix in a little cocoa powder if you have dark hair to blend it better.
4. Sea salt spray
If you’re looking for more texture than volume, sea salt spray is your best bet. It gives your hair that beachy, tousled look with a bit of grit. Just spritz it onto dry hair and scrunch for effortless waves.
5. Talc-free body powder
A lightweight, talc-free body powder can double as a texture powder. It’s gentle on the scalp and adds subtle volume without buildup. It often smells amazing!
6. Texturizing spray or volumizing mousse
If you’re aiming for more structured volume, a texturizing spray or mousse can do the trick. Mousse gives body and hold, while texturizing sprays offer light grip for braids and messy styles.
Sea salt spray VS texture powder: What’s different
When it comes to adding texture and volume to your hair, sea salt spray and texture powder are two popular go-to products, but they’re definitely not the same! If you’ve ever wondered which one is right for your hair goals, you’re in the right place. Both products can give your hair that extra boost, but they work in totally different ways.
Feature |
Sea salt spray |
Texture powder |
Texture & finish |
Gives soft, beachy waves with a slightly gritty feel |
Creates a dry, matte finish with instant volume |
Volume |
Adds light to medium volume for a tousled look |
Provides strong, root-lifting volume instantly |
Hold |
Light, flexible hold for loose styles |
Stronger hold. Secure updos and braids |
Application |
Spray on damp or dry hair and scrunch in |
Sprinkle on dry roots and massage in |
Best for hair types |
Wavy, curly, or fine hair craving texture |
Fine, flat, or straight hair needing volume |
Oil control |
Minimal oil absorption |
Great at absorbing oil and refreshing roots |
Styling grip |
Light grip for soft, undone styles |
Strong grip for structured styles like buns or braids |
Moisture impact |
Can dry out hair if overused due to salt |
Doesn’t dry out hair but can feel chalky if overused |
Shine level |
Natural, slightly shiny finish |
Matte, no-shine finish |
Portability |
Bulkier spray bottle, not as travel-friendly |
Compact for on-the-go touch-ups |
Drawbacks |
Can cause dryness with frequent use |
Can feel powdery if too much is applied |