Haircut Tips for Curly Locks

by Cinya Burton
Published Apr 12, 2012

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Is your curly mop ready for a fresh cut? Whether you’re trimming a few split ends or snipping off a few inches, ringlets need a bit of TLC. We turned to curly-hair guru Lorraine Massey for tips and tricks on how to properly refresh your ends at home or in the salon.

AT THE SALON

The most important element in cutting curly hair is dampness. Unlike sleeker strands, ringlets should not be cut wet. “We wear our hair dry, not wet,” explains Lorraine. “Wet locks will actually appear longer and lengthened than when they dry and shrink. Also, curly hair can spring up as much as six to 10 inches when dry.” To ensure you get a cut fit for daily styling, dry the hair naturally or under hooded dryers before you begin your consultation.

During a consultation, the stylist should examine your hair and discuss your vision. "Pull any ringlet down to its farthest point and let it go in front of your stylist—they’ll see how tight the curl naturally coils and will know where to cut,” says Lorraine. “Cut just before the crest of the curl. Just trimming a few millimeters off the ends where they look frayed can make such a huge difference.”

AT HOME

Although we recommend hitting a salon for a fresh cut, we understand many Beauties like to trim their own strands. “The right scissors are key to a great cut and worth the $100 plus investment,” says Lorraine. You will also need a mirror and good lighting so you can see the silhouette and shape of your hair. When you're ready for a self-trim, wash and style your hair like you always do, and note the way your hair falls in the back of your head. Gently pick up your strands and look at the ends you’ll be trimming. “Don’t open the blades of your scissor too wide, so you don't chop off big chunks. Also, don't hold the scissors facing downward, as this will fray the hair. Simply make a clean cut with the chosen and protruding hair in between the index finger & thumb,” says Lorraine. Gently shake and shuffle hair afterwards, and snip any stray strands.

Lorraine Massey is the owner of Devachan Salons and Spa (three in New York City and four on the West Coast) and is the best-selling co-author of Curly Girl: The Handbook. Since opening her first Salon in 1993, Lorraine has worked tirelessly to help women learn to embrace their hair's natural texture and love what they have. She has also helped create a collection of products, DevaCurl, formulated specifically for curly-hair.

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Comments

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4 days ago

Sydney H.

Good advice. I've been cutting my own curly hair for 5 years, found myself annoyed with always having to request dry cutting and don't like my miniature ringlets being called kinky hair. lol.

Last week

Sandra B.

I have curly/wavy hair and stylists always insist on straightening it after cutting. I now think it's to hide the fact they don't know what to do with it!

Mar 20, 2013

Victoria C.

For years I always walked out of my hairdresser's willing my hair to grow out a bit so it wouldn't look so doofy. Finally I started going to my uncle (whose wife has the most beautiful curly hair) exclusively to cut my hair, driving an hour to get there. He was very good about explaining EXACTLY what he was doing and why, I always left super impressed. Now I still go to an upscale salon but because I know exactly what I want done and why I usually feel comfortable going to one of the cheaper stylists. This last time the front was shorter than I would have liked but I'll know for next time. I will say while it is usually cut wet I make sure it's styled properly when I go in so they can see how I wear it and where it sita.

Mar 06, 2013

Artika G.

I've been using a Creaclip to help me trim my hair for a couple of years now. Hairdressers (in my experience) are quite narrow-minded when it comes to curly South Asian hair (and boy, do they overcharge!). I do a pretty decent job by myself, although my scissors are quite cheap and blunt for my thick hair.

Mar 03, 2013

Tonya L.

Hairdressers forfet that when they pull the hair down to cut it...it shrinks back up!

Feb 01, 2013

Elisa S.

Work with the curl not against the curl! I totally agree, cutting dry is really important. I've cut my own hair since I was twelve hahaha

Jan 19, 2013

Ruth K.

Dry cut, I did not know this. tired of bad hair cuts, I'll be mentioning this when I get the courage up for my next cut.

Nov 05, 2012

Michty M.

I exclusively cut my own hair, and just trim the ends 1-2 times a year. The only time I have had a hairdresser cut my hair, I made her show me how much she cut off each time to check on her and she was a friend; that's how paranoid I am about a trim.

Apr 23, 2012

Lucy M.

My hairdresser always straightens my curly hair before cutting it. I've heard that if you cut it when its straight it doesn't always look right. Is this true?