Everything You Need To Know About Filipino Hair Textures

From identifying curl patterns to transitioning from chemically straightened hair, here are some tips for managing textured Filipino hair.

Filipino hair is anything but one-dimensional. While many may assume straight strands are the norm, many Filipinos also naturally have wavy, curly, or even coily textures, each with its own set of needs and challenges. 

Below, Jazz Baker, a professional stylist and Cutz and Curlz by Jazz’s founder, shares her advice and tips for embracing your natural hair texture with confidence.

Understand your hair type and curl pattern

According to Baker, approximately 70 to 80 percent of Filipinos have wavy to curly hair, while coily textures are rarer and often associated with mixed heritage. She assesses each client in person, identifying their hair texture and common challenges, such as mixed curl patterns, which refer to having different curl shapes and sizes within the same head of hair.

Moisture is everything

Textured hair is naturally more prone to dryness. For this, Baker emphasizes two key treatments: moisturizing and repairing. A moisturizing treatment is ideal for dry or “virgin” hair that needs hydration. In contrast, the repairing treatment is necessary for those transitioning from chemically processed styles or for colored and heat-damaged hair.

Products that combat frizz in a humid climate

Frizz is another problem for people with textured hair. “The humidity in the Philippines is no joke,” Baker notes, so products that lock in moisture and hold shape are essential. For fine to medium textures, she suggests lightweight products like mousse, foam, or leave-in conditioners. For medium to thick strands, she advises going for rich curl creams followed by strong-hold gels to seal in moisture and definition.

There are four steps to an ideal textured hair wash routine

The routine begins with a clarifying shampoo, especially after exposure to pollution or sweat. Next, moisturizing or hydrating conditioner is essential, but skip strengthening ones unless specifically needed. Then, a hair mask needs to be left on for 20 minutes. And lastly, after towel drying, apply a lightweight product followed by a moisturizing gel or cream, depending on your strand thickness.

Straightening is okay, but always use protection

“If you’re going to use heat tools, always prep with a heat protectant,” Baker says. She adds that hair must also be in good condition. Heat styling is not recommended if the hair has been bleached or damaged. Choose tools with adjustable temperatures and never skip the protective layer.

Transitioning from chemically straightened hair to your natural texture takes time

“Patience is key,” Baker says. For those who are growing out rebonded hair, she suggests two methods: either to cut off all the chemically treated hair in one go or a gradual trim every three months until only natural hair remains.

Treatments and products are needed for breakage and thinning

Breakage is usually caused by past coloring, rebonding, or tight styling. For this, Baker recommends investing in repairing treatments (whether at home or in-salon), looking for products labeled “repair,” strengthen,” or “deep conditioning,” and avoiding harsh or frequent tension styles that pull at the roots.

Hair styles can protect your hair and embrace your texture

The hair care routine doesn’t end with leaving products on. At night, protective hairstyles can help preserve your curls. Baker suggests using a sating bonnet, scarf, or pillowcase to reduce friction, and tying your hair in a loose bun or braid secured with a satin scrunchie.

During the day, minimal routines are suited for those with busy lifestyles. For low-maintenance styling that still shows off your natural textures, Baker recommends picking just one styling product (a mousse, gel, curl cream, or leave-in conditioner), and letting your hair air dry for a natural finish with a subtle definition. “You can embrace your curls without needing a whole shelf of products,” she adds.

The one non-negotiable product

“No matter what, never skip conditioner,” Baker insists. Curly and wavy hair craves moisture, and conditioner is the first step to keeping it frizz-free and nourished. “You can skip shampoo, but never skip conditioner.”