“Thinning Curly Hair? Yes, It’s Possible!”

Having thick, dense curly hair often means you’ve likely been asked by a hair stylist if you want to thin your hair. Many stylists, not entirely familiar with textured curly hair, might suggest using thinning shears as the fastest and easiest solution. However, curly and wavy hair doesn’t respond to thinning in the same way that straight hair does.

Before you consider thinning your curly hair, it’s important to know that the technique and approach must be different. Cutting and styling curly hair requires a complete and totally opposing mindset compared to handling straight hair.

This is because curly hair is always changing; its style can look quite different each hour, and what worked one day may not look the same the other day. When considering a cut, it’s important to use a technique you know works with curly hair.

Cutting your hair when it’s straight might straighten the curls if done properly—but attempting to wear your twisty treasure after it’s been cut in a straight style can lead to numerous issues you’ll need to work through.

Can You Thin Curly Hair? The Answer

 Thinning curly hair is possible with caution. Hairstylists might use thinning shears to blend cuts and reduce bulk, preserving the natural structure of curls. However, improper use can cause issues, so it’s important to discuss your goals with your stylist to achieve a seamless look. 

Why It Is Needed to Thin Curly Hair?

• Thinning curly hair might be needed when you find your hair feeling unmanageable, heavy, or as if your curls are buried or being weighed down by excess bulk.
• When hair becomes too heavy, it can lose its natural shape and vitality, leading to a less desirable appearance and feel.
• When curly hair suffers from lice or there is a hectic routine in which no proper time to manage heavy curly hair if curly hair is long,
• In such cases, a curly hair stylist might suggest introducing carefully placed layers to enhance the shape of your curls or propose an undercut to reduce the weight discreetly.

Addressing this need involves more than just cutting; it’s about blending the hair into a style that maintains both structure and aesthetics.

Thinning scissors are often used at the end of the haircut to soften the overall look, ensuring that the change does not disrupt the natural pattern of your curls but instead enhances it. 

Is It Possible to Thin Your Curly Hair?

Yes, it is indeed possible to thin your curly hair, but the approach needs to be careful and appropriate. When you go to a hairstylist for this, they might use thinning shears which have teeth designed to remove excess weight from the hair and help blend the demarcation lines left by cutting scissors.

This technique does not create visible texture or volume but instead helps to soften and remove any bluntness from your haircut.

Thinning your curls can be a common quick fix for removing bulk from curls, but care must be taken as improper use can lead to more issues. The purpose of thinning should be carefully used as part of the hair-cutting procedure, sometimes after the stylist asks the client about their desire to modify their hair’s volume.

Thinning should be used not just to cut the extra volume but to ensure the cut and uncut hair blends seamlessly. This way, you can maintain your curls’ natural beauty without compromising their structure.

Why Thinning Shears May Not Be Ideal for Curly Hair?

Using thinning shears on curly hair is often not considered a good option due to several inherent risks associated with the method. Thinning shears can create uneven, jagged ends that disrupt the natural curl pattern, making the hair appear frizzy or unkempt.

This type of cut alters the way curls fall and can significantly damage the hair’s structure. Curly hair, known for its delicate strands, is more prone to damage and breakage, and thinning can exacerbate these issues by removing too much of the hair’s thickness.

Moreover, over-thinning can lead to a loss of volume and body, crucial elements of a vibrant curly hairstyle. Removing too much hair can leave your style looking flat and lifeless, and often, curls that are cut too short will spring up in an uncontrolled manner.

This makes the hairstyle difficult to style and maintain, leading to a hairstyle that appears unbalanced. Therefore, it’s generally best for those with curly hair to avoid using thinning shears and explore other styling and cutting techniques that preserve the curls’ integrity and beauty.

What are the Alternative Techniques for Thinning Curly Hair?

When reducing bulk and weight in curly hair, thinning shears might not always be the best option due to their tendency to fuzz out the curls. Instead, exploring other methods that preserve the hair’s natural texture and shape is crucial.

A skilled stylist may opt for blunt, slicing, or point-cutting techniques. These techniques are designed to remove weight systematically while maintaining the hair’s curl pattern and integrity.

Slicing, carving, and notching are excellent alternatives that allow curly hair to retain its form without the adverse effects of thinning shears.

These techniques help preserve the curls’ natural texture and can be adapted depending on the need and individual hair characteristics. Such customized approaches ensure that the hair remains manageable and vibrant, aligning with the desired styling outcomes without compromising the hair’s health.

Now What You Need to Do?

If you are considering thinning your curly hair, it’s crucial to approach this decision with care. First, search for a professional stylist who specializes in curly hair and is knowledgeable about different techniques that suit various hair textures and curl patterns.

It’s best to choose someone who can use more refined methods like carving for stronger textures with bigger waves or slicing for curly hair that’s weighing itself down. These methods can help remove unwanted weight without causing the heartbreak of damaged curls.

Avoid the pitfalls of thinning shears, which can often lead to a disaster by making the hair frizzy and unmanageable. Instead, opt for layered cuts that maintain the integrity and natural beauty of your curls.

This strategic approach ensures that you achieve the desired result without compromising the health and appearance of your curls. Always communicate your needs clearly to your stylist and be wary if a stylist comes at you with thinning shears—in such cases, it might be best to politely decline and run!

How to Recover From Thinning Shears Damages?

Recovering from the damages caused by thinning shears on curly hair requires both strategic measures and patience. If you’ve experienced a bad haircut due to thinning shears, the first step is to find a hair stylist who specializes in curly hair.

It’s essential to arrange a consultation to discuss the best course of action. Your stylist might recommend another cut to remove split ends and frizziness, helping to restore the natural shape and health of your curls.

In cases where the hair isn’t too short, you might decide to use a nourishing product while scrunching your hair to help the curls return, especially if only a few sections of hair have been impacted by the bad cut.

Sometimes, a good dose of patience is needed to wait for your hair to grow out of the bad haircut. Remember, based on experience, combining hair and thinning shears is often a bad combination—a lesson many learn the hard way.

FAQs

Can Curly Hair Get Thinned?

Yes, curly hair can be thinned, but it should be approached cautiously due to various factors like age, changing hormone levels, and stress that might cause hair breakage. If you notice your hair becoming thin and it’s a new development, know that you’re not alone; it’s something many experience.

How Do You Thin Curly Hair Without Making It Frizzy?

To thin curly hair without causing frizz, opt for lightweight, volumizing shampoos and conditioners that don’t weigh the hair down. Additionally, using a wide-tooth comb or your fingers instead of a brush can help prevent breakage and minimize frizz. For styling, choose curl-enhancing creams or mousses that maintain definition without sacrificing volume.

Can Curly Hair Be Weighed Down?

Yes, curly hair can be weighed down to help tame and keep it in place, especially if it is thick and coarse. However, this might feel intimidating as many products are ineffective on extremely curly hair. Using the right techniques and products is crucial for achieving the desired effect without overburdening the curls.

Does Cutting Curly Hair Make It Thicker?

Cutting curly hair does not alter the density of your hair nor does it make it grow thicker. However, removing split or dead ends can make the hair appear thicker and healthier. The actual thickness of your hair strands is determined by genetics, environment, age, and health.