By Curls are unique, bold, and beautiful—but they can also be tricky to maintain without the right haircut. Enter the curly cut, a technique designed specifically for naturally curly hair types. Unlike traditional cuts, curly cuts honor the curl pattern, reduce frizz, and bring shape and definition to your hair. If you’ve been struggling with uneven layers, lack of bounce, or simply want to embrace your curls to the fullest, this guide is for you.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know about curly cuts—from what they are to how they can transform your natural curls.
What Is a Curly Cut?
A curly cut is a haircut specifically designed for people with naturally curly, coily, or wavy hair. Unlike traditional haircuts, which are usually done on wet, straightened hair, curly cuts are performed on dry hair in its natural, curly state. This allows the stylist to see how each curl behaves, falls, and interacts with other curls.
This technique is about tailoring the haircut to your natural curl pattern, rather than forcing your hair into a shape it doesn’t want to maintain. The goal is to enhance the natural bounce and body of your curls while reducing bulk, eliminating triangle shapes, and providing more volume or control as needed.
Why Traditional Haircuts Don’t Work for Curls
If you’ve ever left a salon with a haircut that looked great wet but was a disaster dry, you’re not alone. Traditional haircuts tend to treat all hair the same, typically cutting hair straight across when it’s wet. This doesn’t work well for curls because:
- Curls shrink when they dry.
- Not all curls are uniform in length or pattern.
- Wet cuts can create uneven results once the hair dries.
- They ignore your hair’s natural volume and direction.
This often leads to misshaped styles and uneven curls. A curly cut prevents that by working with the curls as they naturally form.
Popular Curly Cut Techniques
Several professional curly cut techniques have become popular in salons around the world. Here are a few:
DevaCut
Created by the DevaCurl brand, the DevaCut is one of the most widely known curly cutting methods. Stylists cut the hair dry, curl by curl, creating a customized shape that suits your texture and face.
Rezo Cut
The Rezo Cut is similar to the DevaCut but focuses more on maintaining volume and length. Ideal for curlies who want maximum volume and a round shape, the Rezo Cut doesn’t compromise curl integrity.
Ouidad Carve and Slice
This technique uses a wet cutting method but still considers curl pattern. It’s great for curlies who want to remove bulk from thicker curls without losing shape.
Each method has its pros and may suit different curl types, goals, or preferences. A trained curly hair specialist can help determine which is best for you.
Benefits of Getting a Curly Cut
Getting a professional curly cut can completely change how you feel about your natural hair. Here are some of the biggest benefits:
- Enhanced Curl Definition: Each curl is allowed to form naturally, which boosts definition.
- Better Shape and Balance: Prevents the dreaded pyramid shape or flat crown with bulky ends.
- Less Frizz: A properly cut curl lies more naturally, reducing frizz.
- More Volume or Control: Your stylist can shape your hair for more volume or tame it for a sleeker look.
- Longer-Lasting Results: Because the cut is customized to your curls, it tends to grow out better and last longer.
Most importantly, it encourages you to embrace your natural hair, rather than fight it.
What to Expect During a Curly Cut Appointment
Your first curly cut appointment will be different from any haircut you’ve had before. Here’s what you can expect:
Come With Clean, Dry, Styled Curls
You’ll need to arrive with your hair in its natural curly state—clean, dry, and detangled with minimal product. This helps your stylist assess your true curl pattern.
Dry Cutting
The stylist will work curl by curl, cutting each coil individually to shape your hair. They’ll often stop to check how your hair is falling to ensure symmetry and flow.
Wash and Style
After the initial cut, your stylist may cleanse, hydrate, and style your curls to define them further. Some stylists do a second round of cutting once the hair is wet and styled to fine-tune the shape.
Is a Curly Cut Right for Every Curl Type?
The beauty of curly cuts is that they work for all curl types—from 2A waves to 4C coils. However, the technique used might differ depending on your hair’s:
- Density (thin, medium, thick)
- Porosity (how well your hair absorbs and retains moisture)
- Curl pattern (wavy, curly, coily)
- Shrinkage level
The key is to find a curl specialist who understands your unique hair type. Look for stylists certified in DevaCurl, Rezo, or other curl-specific techniques, and read reviews or look at their portfolio before booking.
How to Maintain a Curly Cut at Home
A great curly cut will set the foundation, but daily care is just as important. Here’s how to maintain your look between appointments:
Use Curl-Friendly Products
Invest in sulfate-free shampoos, rich conditioners, and curl creams or gels that suit your texture. Avoid ingredients like silicones, drying alcohols, and heavy waxes.
Hydration is Key
Curly hair is naturally drier, so use a leave-in conditioner and deep-condition regularly.
Refresh Between Washes
On non-wash days, refresh your curls with water, a leave-in mist, or curl spray to revive definition and reduce frizz.
Protect Your Hair
Use a satin or silk bonnet or pillowcase to reduce friction and retain moisture while sleeping.
Trim Regularly
Even with a perfect cut, curls can get dry or split. Schedule trims every 3–4 months to keep ends healthy and shape intact.
Conclusion
Your curls are not a problem to be solved—they’re a gift to be celebrated. A curly cut is more than a haircut—it’s a strategy, a movement, and a way of caring for your natural texture that brings out the best in your hair.
Whether you’re dealing with frizz, flatness, or frustration, a curly cut could be the game-changer your hair has been waiting for. With the right cut, products, and a little curl love, your natural hair can thrive in ways you never imagined.
FAQs
1. How often should I get a curly cut?
It depends on your hair growth and health, but most curlies benefit from a cut every 3 to 4 months to keep their shape and remove split ends.
2. Can I get a curly cut if I sometimes straighten my hair?
Yes, but discuss it with your stylist. Some curly cut techniques shape the hair specifically for when it’s curly. If you wear your hair straight often, the cut might appear uneven.
3. Is a curly cut expensive?
Prices vary based on your location and the stylist’s expertise. Curly cuts typically cost more than traditional cuts, ranging from $75 to $200+, but the results and longevity make it worth the investment.
4. What curl types benefit the most from a curly cut?
All curl types, from loose waves to tight coils, benefit. The key is working with a stylist trained to understand your specific texture and goals.
5. Will my hair look shorter after a curly cut?
Because curly hair shrinks, it may appear shorter after being shaped. However, your stylist will consider shrinkage and your length preferences during the cut.
Also read: Cheongsam Hairstyle Guide: Best Hair Looks to Pair with a Qipao
