How-To: Introduce Texture Services at Your Salon

Photography: Courtesy of Migiani Piciato/@migi.pics and Rebecca Smeyne/@rebeccasmeyne

Adding texture services to your salon’s menu isn’t just a smart business move—it’s a meaningful way to show up for your community and promote inclusivity within the beauty industry. By offering a range of texture services, your salon can help drive meaningful change in the industry and foster an inclusive environment where no one walks into a salon only to be turned away. Texture services also offer endless opportunities to expand your customer base, boost client retention, and grow your salon revenue. 

Here, we spoke with industry leaders Tim “Bo” Mack (@timboplease) and Steve Wren (@mrwrencuts) for their expert advice on how to successfully introduce texture services at your salon or suite. 

Photography: Courtesy of Tippi Shorter/@tippishorter

How To Successfully Introduce Texture Services 



Step 1: Set Your Intention 

Before diving into texture-focused services, salon owners and stylists should take a moment to consider their intention and commitment to inclusivity. Taking this step ensures that your approach is authentic and will resonate genuinely with your clients.  

Step 2: Introduce New Services Gradually 

SalonCentric #ItTakesAPro Team Artist, stylist, and Pravana Global Artistic Mentor Tim “Bo” Mack recommends introducing texture services gradually. “Salon owners can take their time when introducing texture-focused services into their salon,” he says. “Keep it simple at first and then build from there.”  

Step 3: Keep Education at the Forefront 

“Education is empowering and a great way to get your team excited about these new services,” explains Mack. Engaging in hands-on training with experts can help build confidence while inclusivity trainings can promote understanding and appreciation for the importance of these services. Barber, educator, and mentor Steve Wren agrees, stating that ongoing education is the best way to ensure that all of your stylists are comfortable working with textured hair. 

Pro Tip: When selecting educational opportunities, try looking for courses led by professionals who specialize in the texture services you want to introduce. 

Step 4: Immerse Yourself in the Textured Hair Community 

When introducing texture services, meaningful community engagement is also a must. Immersing yourself in the texture community is a great way to show clients your willingness to learn and grow. Attending texture-focused events and interacting with professionals and clients in this space can help build trust and credibility for your salon. 

Step 5: Focus On Hands-On Experience 

Practical, hands-on experience is crucial when adding texture services to your salon menu. Work with your team regularly using mannequins and models to help them refine their skills and feel confident performing texture services. 

Texture Services: Educational Areas To Explore 

To successfully introduce texture services, focus on a well-rounded education plan for your salon that covers the basics—don't limit yourself only to new techniques. Here are a few key education areas to consider: 

• Textured hair product knowledge 
• Personal development 
• Textured hair 101 
• The culture and history of textured hair 
• Cutting techniques for various curl patterns 
• Blow-dry styling and thermal styling for textured hair 
• Braiding essentials 
• Barbering basics for textured hair (including fades) 
• Blonding, balayage, and vivids on textured hair 
• Wash-and-go techniques for textured hair 
• Texture services master class 

15 Texture Services To Add to Your Service Menu 

Wren believes the best texture service to start with is the one you feel most comfortable with. However, with the right education, there’s no limit to the amount of texture services you can incorporate into your salon menu. Here are a few popular options to consider: 

• Textured hair consultations 
• Bantu knots 
• Cornrows 
• Silk press 
• Twist outs 
• Extensions for textured hair 
• Wash-and-go styling 
• Box braids (including boho box braids and jumbo box braids) 
• Fulani braids 
• Blowouts 
• Custom curly haircuts 
• Faux locs 
• Blonding and custom color for textured hair 
• Senegalese twists 
• Barbering services (like fades, high tops, and razor lines) 

Photography: Courtesy of Tim "Bo" Mack/@timboplease

Texture Services: Q&A With Tim “Bo” Mack 

SalonCentric: What has been the biggest impact of texture services at your salon? 

Tim “Bo” Mack: The biggest impact has been the ability to customize texture services while maintaining the health and integrity of our clients’ hair. Focusing on blonding and vivid color for textured hair has not only elevated the client experience, but also set us apart in the industry. By proving that textured hair can achieve bold transformations without compromising curls, we’ve built trust and a loyal clientele. These services have created a ripple effect of word-of-mouth referrals and solidified our reputation for innovation and care. 

SC: What are your education recommendations for salons introducing texture services for the first time? 

TBM: Education is key to mastering texture services and creating stunning results. For salons starting out, I recommend the following education: 

• Texture-Specific Foundations: Classes that break down curl types (wavy, curly, coily) and techniques for cutting, styling, and caring for each type. 
• Chemical Services for Texture: Training on relaxers, perms, and smoothing treatments with a focus on preserving curl health. 
• Color for Textured Hair: Hands-on workshops that address the nuances of blonding, vivid color, and correcting color for textured hair types. This ensures stylists are confident in achieving vibrant results while maintaining the elasticity and strength of curls. 
• Client Communication: Training on conducting thorough consultations, especially for textured hair. Understanding the client’s history, goals, and maintenance routine is vital. 
  

SC: What are some texture services that salons should consider adding to their menu? 

TBM: Expanding a salon’s menu to include texture services can attract a diverse clientele. Here are a few services that salons can consider adding to their menu: 

• Curl Restoration Treatments: Services like deep hydration and protein treatments to revive curls damaged by chemical or heat styling. 
• Customized Curl Shaping: Techniques to sculpt and define curls while tailoring the cut to enhance each curl pattern. 
• Texture-Specific Extension Services: Offering extensions specifically designed for textured hair types to seamlessly add volume and length. 
• Blended Blonding for Textured Hair: Modern techniques, like braid-based lightening, that maintain natural curl patterns while creating dimensional blondes. 
  

SC: Do you have any tips for pricing new texture services? 

TBM: Pricing should reflect the expertise, time, and specialized products required for texture services. Here are some tips that stylists and salon owners should keep in mind: 

• Charge by Time and Complexity: Texture services often take longer and require a higher skill level. It’s important to structure your pricing to reflect this, using hourly rates as a baseline. 
• Highlight the Value of Your Services: Showcase what’s included in the service (e.g., custom consultation, bond-building treatments, or take-home care). Guests are more willing to invest when they see the value of the service upfront. 
• Offer Tiers: Create tiered packages based on service levels, such as hydration add-ons or extra styling time, to accommodate varying budgets and needs. 
• Educate Guests on Maintenance: Bundle services with at-home products or maintenance plans to ensure long-term results and build client loyalty. 

By focusing on education, customization, and transparency, salons can successfully introduce texture services that not only meet but exceed their clients’ expectations. 

Next, head to this article for more pro tips and education: How To Charge for Corrective Color