Cutting curly hair can feel like a high-stakes puzzle. What looks perfect wet can shrink and spring up into a completely different shape when dry. This unique characteristic is why a standard haircut often falls flat for curly textures. But when you work with your curls’ natural pattern, you can achieve a shape that is full of life, definition, and health.
Embracing a curl-specific approach is the key to success. It’s less about forcing a style and more about guiding the curls into their best possible form. With the right techniques and a little patience, you can learn to trim and shape your curls at home or better communicate with your stylist for a gorgeous result.
Why a Dry Cut Makes All the Difference
One of the most important principles for cutting curly hair is to start with it dry and styled as you normally wear it. When your curls are dry, you can see their true length, shape, and how they naturally fall. This allows you to cut each curl individually, following its unique pattern. Cutting hair while it’s wet often leads to surprises and uneven lengths once it dries, as different curl types shrink at different rates. A dry cut ensures you are sculpting the final shape from the very first snip.
Mastering the Basic Techniques
There are a few foundational methods that work beautifully for curls. Point cutting is a game-changer. Instead of cutting straight across, you snip into the ends of the hair with the tips of your shears at an angle. This creates a soft, textured edge that blends seamlessly and prevents a harsh, helmet-like line. Another excellent technique is twist cutting, where you take small sections, twist them gently, and snip into the ends that poke out. This is a safe way to remove bulk and add movement without losing length.
Trimming for Health and Shape
Your primary goal with any curly cut should be to maintain health and enhance your natural shape. Regular trims are essential to prevent split ends from traveling up the hair shaft and causing frizz. When trimming, focus on removing only the damaged ends—usually just a quarter or half an inch is enough to make a big difference. Always use sharp hairdressing shears, as dull scissors can crush the hair and lead to more damage. Remember, you can always take more off, but you can’t put it back, so proceed with a light hand.
Working With Your Stylist
If you’re heading to a salon, do your research to find a stylist who specializes in or is confident with curly hair. Come to your appointment with your hair dry and in its natural state so they can properly assess your curl pattern. Bring photos of haircuts you like on people with a similar curl type and density. A good curly hair stylist will be a partner in helping you achieve a shape that works for your lifestyle and enhances what you already have.
Cutting curly hair is a skill that celebrates individuality. By respecting your hair’s natural texture and using the right methods, you can achieve a haircut that looks fantastic and is easy to manage. It’s all about enhancing the beautiful shape that’s already there.