“Should You Cut Curly Hair Wet or Dry? Here’s the Truth!”

When it comes to cutting curly hair, the big question is: wet or dry? Having curly and coarser hair myself, I can tell you it’s not as simple as just grabbing some scissors like you would with straight hair. Curly hair has a life of its own—bounce, volume, and a bit of unpredictability. So, it demands a different kind of attention.

Some people prefer cutting it when it’s dry, mainly because you can see the natural shape and how the curls fall. Curly hair experts often recommend dry cutting to keep that bounce and volume intact, plus it helps avoid breakage. 

I’ve found that cutting curly hair wet can seem like an easier option, but it’s not always the best. The thing is, curly hair doesn’t always behave the same way once it’s dry. That’s why paying attention to the special needs of curly hair, especially when you cut it, is a must.

Should You Cut Curly Hair Wet or Dry? The Quick Answer

Before diving more into the actual debate, let’s find out about wet and dry haircuts and their benefit to your hair…

What is a Dry Hair Cut?

Why Dry Haircutting Is Good?

• When it comes to curly hair, dry cutting offers some unique advantages. Its precision is ideal for achieving a precise cut, especially around tricky areas like bangs or when you need to perfect the length and shape of your ‘do.
• It allows the stylist to see the hair as it naturally falls, ensuring they can cut accurately and shape the hair as needed.
• For textured hair or type 4 (very curly) hair, dry cutting can highlight the coil differences and layers, giving a more accurate result.
• With dry techniques, it’s easier to manage the texture and avoid mistakes, especially for more complex cuts like feathered haircuts or layered styles that require attention to levels.
• The best part? You can see the final result during the process, not just after a blowout, so there are no surprises. However, it’s important to note that this method is often for those with a bit more experience, as it can be challenging for those with lesser-skilled hands.

What is Wet Hair Cutting?

Why Wet Cutting Is Good?

• Wet haircut is great for getting clean lines without the worry of natural movement affecting your cut. It’s easier than dry cutting, which is why it’s the popular method for many stylists.
• Wet cutting restricts movement, allowing for more control and straight lines. When cutting wet hair, you can avoid issues like shattered curls, which can happen with dry cutting, and achieve a more consistent shape.
• It also helps reduce frizz and ensures your curls fall in a way that looks good.
• Plus, wet cutting allows you to remove a small amount of hair with more precision.
• However, wet hair is fragile, so you need to be careful when manipulating it, or you risk causing unintentional damage. Always be gentle when handling strands of damp hair to avoid unnecessary breakage.

Which Technique Works Better for Your Hair?

When deciding whether to cut your hair wet or dry, it’s essential to consider your hair texture, the desired haircut, and how you plan to style your hair. If you’re a first-time DIY cutter, sticking to wet cutting is often easier. It gives you exact lines without the need for clips or clamps to hold everything in place.

On the other hand, dry cutting allows you to see how your curls fall in their natural state, which might be a better technique for curly hair that changes or stretches when wet.

As a stylist, I’ve noticed that while wet cuts can sometimes lead to surprises, especially with curls, they offer a good starting point. However, if you have curls or any other texture that alters when wet, dry cutting could give you a more predictable outcome.

After all, hair can look drastically different when it dries. So, understanding your hair and what works best for it is a key part of the cutting process—whether you’re at the salon or trying it at home.

So, What Is the Best Strategy to Cut Curly Hair?

When it comes to cutting curly hair, especially if it’s on the coily end of the spectrum, the best strategy is to go for a dry haircut. As a stylist, at Twisty Treasure I can tell you that dry cuts work better because they let you see the natural texture and pattern of the curls, allowing you to define their shape and enhance them.

This is particularly important when aiming for uneven cuts like a trendy asymmetrical bob or a shag, as dry cutting helps you distribute the length and texture in a way that ensures a perfectly imperfect do.

Wet hair tends to become condensed, which makes it hard to gauge the amount of hair you’re cutting and can lead to issues like shrinkage.

Also, trimming your hair a second or third day after washing gives it time to fully settle into its natural state, allowing each strand to react, contract, and expand as it would naturally. Remember, always avoid cutting after using heat tools like straighteners or curlers, as that doesn’t reflect how the hair behaves when curly.

What Are the Key Points You Should Remember While Cutting Curly Hair at Home?

Cutting curly hair at home is no easy task, especially if it’s your first time. So, here are a few tips to ensure you get the best outcome:

1. Tools Matter: You need the right scissors for cutting curly hair. Kitchen scissors won’t do the job – invest in professional hair tools for a smoother, cleaner cut.
2. Section Your Hair: To avoid uneven lengths, always divide your curls into sections before cutting. This gives you better control and ensures you don’t miss any areas.
3. Lighting Is Key: The right lighting makes all the difference. Make sure you have good lighting that highlights the silhouette of your curls. This will help you remove any stray curls and get a more accurate frame.
4. Work Slowly: Don’t rush the process. Take your time, especially if you’re going for a more conservative cut. It’s better to remove a little at a time than to cut too much in one go.
5. Use the Mirror: Keep a mirror in front of you and one behind to get a clear view of how your hair looks from all angles. This is important when cutting curls that naturally fall in different directions.
6. Stay Calm: Cutting curly hair can sometimes feel like an end-of-the-world situation, but with the right approach, you can achieve a great result. Just keep your head steady and follow your natural curls!

Final words

When it comes to cutting curly hair, you have two options: wet or dry. Both cutting techniques have their own benefits, and choosing one depends on your preference. If you’re looking for a salon that understands curly hair, Twisty Treasure welcomes every curly girl. We offer both wet and dry cutting methods, ensuring you get the best look. It’s all about the right fit for you. So, trust our expert hair stylist to use the right techniques that make you feel confident and happy with your new cut!

FAQs

Is it Better to Wet Cut or Dry Cut Curly Hair?

When cutting curly hair, dry cutting is generally best because it allows you to see the unique spring factor of each curl. The distance each curl will spring up after being stretched can’t be accurately ascertained when the hair is wet, leading to unexpected results.

What is the Best Way to Cut Curly Hair?

The best way to cut curly hair is by cutting at an angle. For tight curls, uneven layering works best to avoid a flat top and flattening the crown. Adding a short layer under a longer layer helps pump up the volume and enhances the natural bounce.

Is There a Wrong Way to Cut Curly Hair?

The wrong way to cut curly hair is by removing weight from the ends. This can disturb the curl pattern and cause frizz. Heavy ends are needed for the curls to hold their shape and prevent them from losing their natural bounce.

Is it Better to Cut Natural Hair Wet or Dry?

Cutting wet hair may seem like the normal approach, but it can cause frayed ends. Think of two pieces of paper, one damp and the other dry—the damp one tears more easily, just like hair can when it’s cut wet. It’s best to trim curly hair when it’s dry to avoid these issues.

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Dive into the world of curls with Farah, a celebrated curly hair expert whose passion and expertise have transformed her into a beacon for those seeking to embrace their natural hair texture. With a vibrant career spanning over a decade, Farah has dedicated herself to the science and art of curly hair, making her an authoritative voice in this niche. Her deep understanding of curly hair’s unique needs and challenges allows her to craft personalized care routines and styles that not only enhance the natural beauty of curls but also promote hair health.