Should Hair Be Wet or Dry While It's Being Cut? This can depend on individual preference but generally, curly hair should be cut while it's dry. Each curl has its own individual pattern and one head of hair can even have multiple different curl patterns.
'When hair is wet, strands group together, making it easier to cut. Cutting hair when wet is also faster than cutting dry hair, without sacrificing quality. You can sit back and relax in your salon chair knowing you will have a precise haircut.
Tip #3: Only Cut Your Hair When It's Dry
Cutting wet hair may seem like the normal approach, but trimming it while it's damp or wet can lead to frayed ends.
Wet-cutting gives a consistent end to the curls, not shattered like dry-cutting can give. This results in a more consistent shape and less frizz. Wet-cutting gives your curls the ability to not always fall the exact same way and still look good.
When curly hair is cut wet, the stylist usually pulls the hair out from the head and cuts with tension. When hair is cut like this, it is virtually impossible to know where the hair will spring back to when it is dry. So the spring factor of curly hair is the number one reason to cut it dry.
On a more technical level, round or triangular shaped cuts look great on 2c curls. If you prefer waves, you're better off keeping length and weight to pull it lower. My personal favourite look is the shag cut right now on 2c curls. We can even get away with a fringe – YAY.
Start With A Deep Conditioner
Your type 2C hair needs moisture, especially if you've been washing it daily. Give your strands some much-needed TLC once a week by using a deep conditioning treatment (or as needed). We recommend Oribe's Moisture & Control Deep Treatment Masque.
Opt for Dry Cutting When Cutting Curly Hair
Some hairstylists will cut wet hair even if it's curly, but you'll find it common to see a stylist utilizing dry cutting when you have curly hair. This allows the stylist to really see how your hair looks in its natural state.
2C type hair is extremely wavy but not coily. The S-shape bends in the hair start off at the roots. These waves are defined and thick. The bends are looser and wider than the tighter structure of curly hair.
The only real disadvantage of dry cutting hair is that it can be difficult to create precise lines. If you're looking for an A-line or very blunt bob, you're probably better off getting your cut while your hair is wet.
If you sport curly or wavy hair, your hairstylist will prefer to work on squeaky clean hair. You can wash your hair before heading off to the salon for your haircut. Your stylist may choose to work on wet hair, as damp hair straightens out for clean cuts and a well-defined hairstyle.
Curly hair needs layers to move. Cutting vertical layers, and then going back in and cutting individual curls to break it up and give the hair some movement is best. This technique breaks up the layering, so the hair doesn't have any strong or hard lines in it.
Our experts agree that most curl types should be cut on an angle. For tight curls, uneven layering works best. Make certain your cut doesn't flatten your crown. To avoid a flat top, try a short layer under a longer layer to pump up the volume.
Because when you're cutting hair wet, you really don't get to see what the cut is looking like until you dry it. In our training we refer to it like working on a sculpture — you're curving it, you're cutting it and in the end you have the most amazing shape in front of you.
Wet hair is more fragile and elastic (especially if over processed or fine), and can be prone to snapping while it's being combed over and over during a wet cut, says Ungaro.
"Dry cutting allows the natural texture of your hair to thrive," says Cranford. She continues: "This specific cutting method carves out individual strands of your hair, and in doing so creates air and space in each strand of hair, which will allow the natural movement in the hair to come to life."
"The hair is elastic, so when you cut it wet, the ends can fray a little more," said Arturo. "When the hair is dry and you're using dry cutting scissors, you get a much cleaner cut on the ends of the hair, so they don't split and fray as much."
Cutting curly hair will not make it curlier, but could help enhance your natural curl pattern. And while it's true that cutting your curls can make them appear bouncier and springier, your final results will still come down to your unique curl type and how your hair is cut.
Hairstylists cut curly hair too short, which does not allow for shrinkage as the curls dry. The results are a drastic loss of hair length and hair blending. We call this "Cutting Shock".
Your curls are at their most fragile state when they are wet, which is why it is so important to treat wet hair with care. If you overwork your curls while they are wet, there is a bigger chance of damaging and breaking your hair! This means more time spent repairing and that's no fun!
Thick, coarse hair or tight curls and coils
With this hair type, shampooing can be the last thing on your mind, since you need to wash your hair no more than once a week, or once every 2-3 weeks if your hair does not feel dirty. Daily washing is a bad idea as this would be too drying for your hair.
Like all type 2 hair, 2c hair is wavy, but that often feels like a technicality. Your S-bend hair is thick and the waves start at the roots. If you've ever been confused about whether your hair is wavy or curly, it's likely you have the 2c hair type.