If you’re looking to get the right curly haircut, knowing what you want to ask for is really the most important part! Firstly, ask for a dry cut because many of the curl experts (yes, curl experts or specialists) will want to shape your hair while it’s in its natural state. This way, your stylist will see how each curl falls and won’t have to guess anything when your hair dries.
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When you meet with your stylist, be specific about your curl type such as 3A, 3C, or 4B and explain what issues you have, such as frizz, shrinkage, flat roots, or undefined ends. Ask your stylist to cut for shape not length. Saying you want “curly bob with volume on top” or “rounded layers to prevent the triangle shape” is much clearer than saying “just take a bit off”.
A lot of curly-haired clients like to ask if they need to take advantage of curl friendly layering methods such as DevaCut or Rezo Cut which are both treatments tailored specifically for textured hair. Bring in pictures of real people with curls similar to yours or supplemental styles that you like. This can significantly help specifically demonstrate the difference in shape and form you are after. Visual aids help connect the dots and fill the gap between what you hope for and what your stylist sees.
For so many people with curls, getting the right cut also represents more than a grooming exercise. It’s tied to who you are, your confidence, and for many your cultural pride. A good stylist isn’t just shaping your hair, they also need to appreciate your journey as you get to work with your texture instead of fighting against it! You, and your curls, deserve to celebrate your natural pattern.
Want to explore how hair shapes perception? Take a look at these:
- Can You Brush Curly Hair? If So, How?
- Should Curly Hair Have Layers or Not?
- Finding the Right Part for Curly Hair
Discover more insights in our Hair Appearance & Style Guide.
