Yes, while often advised to cut wavy or curly hair dry to see the true length and shape, there is an exception: loosely wavy hair can often be cut more effectively when wet.
Cutting Wavy Hair: Wet vs. Dry
The general recommendation for cutting curly or wavy hair is often to do so when it's dry. This allows the stylist to see how the hair naturally falls and curls, accounting for shrinkage (the "spring factor") and ensuring the cut complements the hair's natural texture. Cutting dry helps avoid unexpected lengths once the hair dries.
However, this isn't a universal rule, and the type of wave pattern significantly influences the best approach.
The Exception: Loosely Wavy Hair
According to hair experts, an exception to the rule is when the hair is loosely wavy. In this specific case, it is often more effective to cut the hair when it is wet.
Why Cut Loosely Wavy Hair Wet?
The primary reason for this exception lies in the hair's spring factor.
- Loosely Wavy Hair: This type of wave has a very small spring factor. This means the difference in length between wet and dry hair is minimal compared to tighter curls. Cutting wet allows for more precision in creating clean lines and even lengths before the slight wave pattern emerges upon drying.
- Tighter Waves/Curls: These patterns have a much larger spring factor, making dry cutting crucial to predict the final length accurately.
Benefits of Wet Cutting for Loose Waves
Cutting loosely wavy hair while wet can offer benefits such as:
- Precision: Easier to achieve straight, precise lines.
- Manageability: Wet hair is often easier to section and control.
- Evenness: Easier to ensure all sections are the same length before drying.
Considerations
Even when cutting loosely wavy hair wet, it's still important for the stylist to understand how the specific hair type will behave when dry. Some stylists may use a combination approach, starting wet for the basic shape and then refining the cut dry.
In summary, while dry cutting is common for textured hair, cutting loosely wavy hair wet is a recognized and often preferred technique due to its minimal shrinkage.
