How is it Best to Cut Curly Hair?

Cutting curly hair effectively requires a different approach than cutting straight hair. The best method prioritizes cutting the hair dry to accurately assess its natural shape and shrinkage.

It's crucial to cut curly hair when it's completely dry and in its natural, unmanipulated state. This allows for an accurate assessment of the curl's pattern, shrinkage, and overall texture. Cutting wet curly hair can lead to unexpected results because wet curls appear longer and stretch out, resulting in a shorter final length than anticipated once dried. [Source: Multiple sources confirm this, including Byrdie and American Salon articles and Reddit discussions within the r/curlyhair community.]

Communicating with Your Stylist

Clearly communicating your desired haircut to your stylist is essential. Use precise language to describe the length, shape, and style you envision. Simple tips can aid this communication process and help ensure the stylist understands your preferences. [Source: CurlMaven.ie]

Techniques for Cutting Curly Hair

• Angled cuts: Most curl types benefit from cuts made at an angle. [Source: Ouidad]
• Uneven layering: For tighter curls, uneven layering often works best to create texture and volume. [Source: Ouidad]
• Avoid flattening the crown: The haircut should not flatten the crown area, preserving the natural lift and volume of curly hair. [Source: Ouidad]

Home Cuts vs. Professional Cuts

While some individuals successfully trim their own curly hair at home [Source: Reddit r/curlyhair], achieving a precise and stylish cut often requires the expertise of a professional stylist experienced in working with curly hair. Many stylists who specialize in curly hair have developed unique techniques for cutting and styling. [Source: American Salon] Finding a stylist who understands curly hair is important, especially for those who want a more complex cut. [Source: Reddit discussions within r/madisonwi and r/curlyhair].

Tools and Products

Some individuals use tools and products like heat protectant sprays, curl creams, and flaxseed gel to style their hair after a cut. [Source: Reddit r/curlyhair]. However, these are styling elements and don't directly impact the cutting process.