The key to a good curly cut is for the stylist to understand your curl pattern. They should also cut your hair when it is dry and in its natural state, so they can account for shrinkage.

Stylists who do not understand how to cut curly hair will often produce unflattering results such as heavy shelves in the hair. This occurs when thinning shears are used in traditional layering. Contact Curly Hair Salon San Francisco for specialized services.

A haircut for curly hair isn’t one specific style like a bob or pixie cut, but rather a cutting technique that incorporates layers to flatter your face shape and create a shape that works with your natural curl pattern. A good stylist will use a combination of dry and wet cutting techniques to create the desired shape for your curls, always keeping in mind what affects their shape (dryness/moistness, humidity, etc.).

Most stylists recommend using a cutting method that’s designed for curly hair, such as the Deva Cut, CC1 Curl Cutting Technique, or the Rezo Cut. All these cutting methods are used on dry hair and follow the natural curl pattern, which allows for a more even cut without disrupting the shape of each individual curl. This is a critical factor in creating the best possible cut for curly hair, as it avoids the triangular effect that is common with traditional blunt cuts.

The CC1 Curl Cutting Technique is the most popular and versatile curly hair cutting technique, according to Massey, as it can be cut wet or dry and works for all curl types. This method focuses on the overall shape of the head and the layering placement, but it also pays attention to the curls’ natural movement to create a light and airy result that looks great when worn curly or straight.

Another popular method is the Scott Risk Curl Method, which is a precision cutting technique that results in an even, balanced look that is curly-specific and symmetrically cohesive. This method is used on wet hair and is both technically precise and intuitive, allowing for artistic flexibility while ensuring the best possible results for clients with curly or wavy hair.

Lastly, the Rezo Cut is a cutting technique that uses a system of four parts to provide an evenly shaped haircut for clients with curly or wavy locks. It utilizes a system of measuring tools and an in-depth interview to understand each client’s needs, which allows the stylist to customize each cut to fit that person’s unique curl pattern.

Wet or Dry?

As more and more people embrace their curly hair, stylists have developed a range of cutting techniques to better address the unique challenges that come with curls. Many of these methods are designed to cut the hair while it’s dry, rather than when it is wet. This can allow the stylist to follow your natural curl pattern and avoid the heavy shelf effect that sometimes occurs when layers are added to curly hair.

The choice to cut your curls wet or dry really comes down to what you and your stylist are aiming for. If you want to wear your curls wavy or straight, then you’ll likely prefer a wet cut so that your layers will hold their shape when the hair is styled. However, if you’re trying to achieve a more natural look, then a dry cut may be the best option. This will allow your stylist to work with your curls’ natural texture and help them to define your silhouette.

In addition to the method you choose, your stylist should also be familiar with curly haircuts, as they will have a better understanding of how to properly handle your curls and how to best layer them. Stylists should know about different cuts for curly hair, such as the Rezo Cut, DevaCut or Ouidad Carve and Slice technique, which all focus on maximizing volume while maintaining length.

One of the biggest mistakes that can be made when cutting curly hair is over-texturizing it with too much shampoo, which can leave your curls frizzy and prone to breakage. Instead, a hairstylist should use a gentle cleansing conditioner to remove dirt and product build-up from the hair before cutting it.

Another thing that can be helpful to do before getting your curls cut is to get a good quality pair of scissors and a wide-tooth comb, as well as some section clips. Finally, be sure to have a large mirror and a plain wall to ensure you have the perfect set-up for your cut. This will allow you to be able to clearly see your curls and ensure that they are being cut correctly.

Layering Techniques

Many people with curly hair have a natural curl pattern that can be enhanced with layers. These layers can also reduce the bulk of long curly hair, which can make it feel heavy, and create a flattering shape and balanced silhouette.

When cut correctly by a curl professional, layers can enhance the natural texture of the hair and add movement to a style. However, this is a technique that should be tailored to each client and can easily be overdone if not cut with an eye for the curl’s unique behaviour.

There are a variety of layering techniques for curly hair, including channel cutting, brick cutting and the Deva Cut (created by Lorraine Massey – the founder of the Curly Girl Method). For the best results, a stylist should cut the client’s hair dry rather than wet. When a client’s hair is wet, it can be difficult for the stylist to see the curl pattern and determine where the layers should be placed, particularly as a wet cut will stretch out the length. The Deva Cut involves cutting the hair in sections and separating each section by its curls to ensure that each curl is highlighted and the structure of their hair is enhanced.

Layering can also be a great way to reduce frizz by removing weight from the ends of the hair, which can often become more prone to flyaway and frizzy when weighed down with excess product. When paired with a regular conditioning routine using a nourishing shampoo and conditioner for curly hair, this can help keep the layers in place and looking healthy and shiny.

Some clients worry that adding layers will make their curls look too voluminous or “poofy”. However, this is not a problem if the layering has been designed to work with the hair’s natural texture and curl pattern. If you are concerned about a voluminous or puffy appearance, try styling your hair in loose waves with the use of volumising products to give the hair more body and definition.

A layered haircut can be very versatile, allowing the client to choose from a range of different styles depending on their mood and the season. Whether you want a beachy wave, tight bouncy ringlets or shaggy long curls, a layered haircut can be the perfect way to embrace your natural curly texture and breath new life into your look.

Cutting Curly Hair

Curly hair behaves differently than straight hair and needs to be cut with techniques that address this unique behavior. There are dozens of curl cutting methods that range from dry to wet cutting, helping to enhance the shape and volume of curls, assisting with bulk management and even adding beautiful definition. The key is to find a salon that specializes in curls and a stylist who knows the specifics of each technique.

One of the most popular curly haircuts is the Deva Cut, which was developed by Lorraine Massey and founder of the first Devachan salon in New York City. This dry cutting method focuses on ensuring that your curls frame your face instead of covering it, and avoids thinning or texturizing your hair. It works well for most curly hair types, but is especially effective for wavy or kinky hair.

Another great curly hair cutting technique is the Cado cut, which was developed by Reema Jaber. It’s a four-part system that can be used to meet the specific needs of each client, depending on their curly hair type, length and desired style. You can see this cutting method in action on Reema’s Instagram reels, where she extensively questions clients to assess their individual needs.

Other curly cutting methods include the Tunnel cut, which was developed by Ricky Pennisi, and is effective on all curly hair types, thicknesses and lengths. This cut is great for reducing the bulk of thick curls, and can help to eliminate the dreaded pyramid shape that so many voluminous curl-heads fear.

Another good curly hair cutting technique is the Curl-by-Curl Technique, which is also a dry cutting method. It involves cutting the hair curl by curl, which helps to ensure that the curls are shaped properly and avoids disrupting the natural pattern of your curls. Whether it’s a Deva cut, a Tunnel cut or the Curl-by-Curl technique, these cutting methods will help you look your best while keeping your curls healthy.