Short Cuts

Shorter cuts are easier. Warrior cuts, french crops, and fades are the gold standard for straight hair. They are easy to maintain, can be done by any competent hair stylist, and require less product. When product is needed, something off the shelf and non-specalized is more likely to work. Consider a bentonite based hair clay for the warrior cut, and a standard clay or gel pomade for fades and crops depending on desired shine and hold.

Long Cuts

For longer cuts such as the middlepart or flow, styling can be extremely challenging but is still possible. Specialized product will be necessary to prevent the dreaded coconut head / bieber bowl. Look for a specialized bentonite based hair clay. DO NOT DO NOT DO NOT waste money on sea salt spray. Sea salt spray acts as a multiplier for natural curls. The trouble is that you have zero curl. The multiplicative of a number times zero is still zero. Sodium will not work.

A good hair stylist who understands texturization techniques, graduation, and layering is critical. Be prepared to pay more for haircuts and actively seek out an artist who is detail oriented and obsessive. Do not wear any product when getting your hair cut.

Be prepared to purchase a hair dryer. This hair dryer should have a diffuser attachment that physically clips on and attaches to the dryer. This is necessary to activate most products needed for these cuts and can be used to force some wave into the hair in conjunction with the right product.

Wash your hair only when truly dirty and avoid conditioners.