The Best Haircut for Curly Hair
Here’s my top tips and advice for how to get the best haircut for curly hair. This is something I get asked about all the time! So whether your hair is long or short, curly or wavy. These simple tips will help you communicate with your hairdresser the exact cut, length, shape and style you want.
Dry Cut vs Wet Cut for Curly Hair
The biggest thing many curly girls get caught up on is whether they need to get a dry cut, by a curl specialist who will cut their hair curl by curl. Or if it’s okay to go to a regular hair stylist who will cut their wavy and curly hair when it’s wet. Here’s the thing: the looser your curl pattern, the less important it is to have a dry, curl by curl cut. If you’ve got type 2 wavy hair, or looser curl pattern such as 3a. Even curl specialists are going to cut your hair wet. The upside of that, or any good hair cut, is that your hair will look just as good if you decide to occasionally get a blow it out or straighten it.
It’s only when the curl pattern and texture gets tighter, from 3b curls to type 4 that a dry, that a curl by curl cut becomes important. Because those tighter curl types have a lot of shrinkage and bounce from wet to dry. So when their hair dries, the shape and the length will look completely different to when it’s wet. This hair type and dry cut doesn’t always look even or as good when blown out straight though. Not always, but it’s something to keep in mind. Check out this post for more information on curl types.
How to get the Best Haircut for Curly Hair
This works whether you’re giving yourself a DIY cut, or you’re in the salon with a stylist. Wear your hair down, and however you would normally style and part your wavy or curly hair. Avoid tying your hair up or clipping it back on the day of your cut. If you’re having a dry cut, avoid using too much product in your hair, as it will make it more difficult for the stylist when working with your hair. If you’re having a wet cut, use as much styling products as you would normally, as it’s going to be washed out before cutting anyway. Read this post on what to do if you’re getting highlights or colour.
Face the mirror straight on, and using your left arm, reach over your head and pull up the top section of your hair to create the shape and layers you want on your right side. Use your left arm to show how much hair you want taken off the length. Depending on your hair density, the top third or quarter of your hair is where all the shape and volume will come from. The rest is where you retain the length and blend it together.
What to Ask For & Avoid
When you go into a salon, especially if you’re getting your hair cut by a regular, non-curly specialist here’s what to ask for and what to avoid. Firstly, ask if you can bring your own products and avoid letting them use products that contain sulfates, silicones, waxes and oils on your hair. Bring your own shampoo, conditioner and styling products. Your curl towel, I recommend these ones from Aquis — CURLMAVEN for 20% off. And your diffuser — just in case. My favourite is the Universal XXL Diffuser from Diva Pro Styling.
Ask for layers, but avoid razors, thinning scissors or sliding scissors. UNLESS you’re looking for a textured, choppy look. Or your going for a shag cut, which is very on trend for 2021. And only ask for bangs, aka a fringe, if you’re absolutely 100% sure you want them! Don’t be afraid to ask your stylist if you can style your hair yourself after it’s been cut, if you’d prefer to do it yourself. Watch the video below as I go through everything there. Please subscribe to my YouTube channel if you haven’t already!
