Walk into Kennaland on any given day, and you’ll hear the same word floating through conversations between stylists and clients: texture. Whether someone’s asking for tousled waves, a choppy fringe, or that effortless “I-woke-up-like-this” finish, texture is at the heart of nearly every modern hairstyle.
As Britt Lower’s husband, Kenna Kennor, puts it, “Texture is what makes hair feel alive. Without it, even the best haircut can fall flat. With it, you can create emotion, personality, and movement.”
So what exactly does texture mean in the world of hair, and why is it so important today?
What Texture Really Means
In hair styling, “texture” refers to both the natural qualities of your hair, whether it’s straight, wavy, curly, or coily, and the way your stylist enhances or refines those qualities through cutting and finishing techniques. According to Kenna Kennor, texture is “the intersection of shape, motion, and individuality.” He explains that two people can have nearly identical cuts, but the one with carefully crafted texture will always look more dynamic.
Texture adds visual interest and dimension. It helps light bounce differently off the strands, it brings subtle movement when you turn your head, and it allows your style to feel uniquely yours. From a professional’s perspective, it’s what separates a standard haircut from a transformative one.
The Evolution of Modern Texture
For decades, precision and symmetry defined beauty trends. Hair was styled into immaculate shapes that rarely moved, like glossy bobs and perfectly smooth blowouts. But today’s aesthetic has shifted toward a more natural, lived-in look.
“Clients want to look polished, but not too polished,” says Kenna Kennor. “There’s a craving for authenticity: hair that looks beautiful because it moves, not because it’s frozen in place.”
This shift has changed the way stylists approach cutting. Instead of blunt uniform lines, they now use techniques like point-cutting, slicing, and razor work to remove bulk and build soft transitions. These subtle variations create a visual rhythm in the hair, allowing it to settle naturally into its best shape.
Texture also plays a key role in color. Highlights and lowlights appear more natural when the cut has movement, and the interplay of light and shadow becomes more noticeable on textured surfaces. “Color and texture go hand in hand,” Kennor explains. “They speak the same visual language.”
How to Find the Right Texture for You
Not every type of texture suits every person, and that’s part of the artistry. The ideal level of texture depends on your natural hair type, lifestyle, and styling habits. For example, those with fine hair might benefit from strategic texturizing to add volume and lift. Coarse or thick hair, on the other hand, often needs weight removal to prevent puffiness and achieve balance. Kennor emphasizes that this is where a good consultation makes all the difference.
“I never use a one-size-fits-all approach,” he says. “Texture should enhance what’s already there. If you have waves, we’ll accentuate them. If your hair is sleek and straight, we’ll find ways to add movement without forcing it.”
He also advises clients to think about maintenance. Highly textured looks may require a bit more styling effort at home, while subtle layering can give you a natural finish with minimal work. “The best cut is the one you can live in comfortably,” Kennor adds.
Styling Techniques That Celebrate Texture
Texture doesn’t stop at the cut. It’s also about how you finish and style your hair. Even a simple blow-dry can take on new life when approached with intention.
Kenna Kennor often teaches his clients to “style with your fingers, not against them.” By using touch rather than tension, you can enhance your hair’s natural movement instead of flattening it. He also recommends lightweight products that define without weighing down, such as things like sea-salt sprays, soft pomades, or dry texture mists.
“Don’t overthink it,” Kennor says. “The point is to create air in the hair. You want to see it move.”
For clients who want longer-lasting texture, heat styling tools can help. A large-barrel curling iron can add gentle bends to straight hair, while a diffuser can bring out definition in waves or curls. The key is restraint, as your texture should look intentional yet effortless, not overly styled.
Confidence in Imperfection
One of the biggest reasons texture has become so important is that it embraces imperfection. It allows for individuality and celebrates the quirks that make each person’s hair different.
Kennor believes this philosophy resonates with people on a deeper level. “Hair used to be about control,” he explains. “Now it’s about expression. Texture gives people permission to let go — to look like themselves instead of chasing a mold.”
He often reminds clients that hair doesn’t need to be perfect to be beautiful. “Sometimes the most striking look is one piece out of place. That’s where the life is.”
In the end, texture isn’t just a technical concept: it’s a creative one. It’s the difference between hair that’s simply styled and hair that feels alive. And for Kenna Kennor and the team at Kennaland, that’s the essence of modern beauty: movement, character, and authenticity in every strand.
