If there’s anything I’ve learned as a hairstylist in the past few years, cutting textured hair can be really rewarding. Textured hair requires a specific care routine to keep it soft, healthy, and bouncy, and haircuts are definitely part of that care. From wavy to tight coils, there is no “one cut fits all” approach to cutting curly hair.
Luckily for you, I love working on beautifully textured hair! I’ve mastered different techniques for cutting and styling curly hair (just ask my clients!), so I’m excited to share with you what I know. Ahead, I’ve listed some do’s and don’ts for cutting curly and textured hair.
Do: Skip the Shampoo
Starting with a nice wash is one red flag you need to watch out for. But let me be clear: There’s nothing wrong with a bit of shampoo before haircuts—it’s just not the way to go with textured or curly hair. Shampoo fluffs up the curls, making cutting more difficult since the hair’s natural shape is gone. Remember to ask for a dry cut so that your curls are relaxed. So no shampoo but you might try conditioning the hair instead, which nourishes the curls.
Depending on how tight the curl is, sometimes I will fluff out the hair completely to see the shape to determine the cut I’ll give, the condition of the hair at the bowl, and then I style. In other words, when it comes to curls, cutting and caring for the hair is not a one size fits all method.
Don’t: Add tension when cutting
Doing so obscures the curl pattern, resulting in a shorter, possibly unflattering cut. Pay attention to how the stylist holds your curls when cutting. Less tension means your curls will not bounce too close to the head once released. There shouldn’t be a lot of finger tension and comb tension either.
Do: Mind the length
Length matters when cutting curly hair because it naturally shrinks up when dry. Talk to your stylist about how much length you want to be removed. When in doubt, always err on the side of caution and go for the “less is more” route. You can also consult this with your hairstylist. After all, they should know what’s best for your hair.
Don’t: Use any hair products beforehand
This is pretty self-explanatory. Hair products can weigh down your curls and make it difficult to see what the hair naturally wants to do, so it’s best to go au naturel when you visit your hairstylist. It’s always best to work with your textured hair in its most natural state. Save your styling products after getting your haircut.
Do: Schedule a consultation first
I’ve discussed how important it is to choose the right hairstylist for you in a previous blog post. Once you’ve found the one, the next step is to set an appointment to discuss the ideal cut for your hair type. A good stylist always considers hair density, growth patterns, and different curl types on various sections of your head. You should also keep a few questions in mind so that your stylist has all the information they need before working their magic on your hair.
It’s time to embrace your hair’s natural texture
Consider yourself blessed and unique if you’re part of the curly-haired tribe. Whatever your curl type is, there’s a perfect cut for you, so don’t be afraid to try new styles that let your natural texture stand out.
Photos by Lookstudio and Vitae London on Unsplash