Tips for a Great Curly Cut

If you have curly hair, you know how challenging it can be to find a stylist that specializes in cutting curly or textured hair. A cut performed by someone who isn't knowledgeable in our hair type can leave your hair looking uneven when it dries, result in unwanted shrinkage in your style, or potentially give you the dreaded triangular look.

With the right cut, your curls can look beautiful, bouncy, and reach their fullest potential! Join us on Sunday, March 19, 2023 for an in-person curl talk and styling demo with curl stylist Ziane Stanley and her colleagues from Chez Soi 1912 to learn more about styling curly hair and getting your first curly cut.

If you can't join us in person, here's some tips for getting a curly cut:

1. Find a stylist who specializes in curly hair. The first step to getting a great curly hair cut is finding a stylist who understands the unique needs of curly hair. Look for someone who specializes in curly hair or has experience working with it (their Instagram profile can often tell you everything you need to know about the type of hair they work with!). A good stylist will know how to cut your hair to enhance your curls' natural shape and texture and bring out the best in your pattern. We have an Instagram highlight for Calgary and area curly stylists you can check out or we'd encourage you to ask a friend or colleague who has recently had a beautiful cut. Word of mouth is a great way to find a trusted stylist.
   
   
2. Ensure you are getting a dry cut. Many curly stylists know how important it is to cut curly hair when it is dry and will do this by default anyway. Unlike straight hair, curly hair can look very different when it's wet versus when it's dry. A dry cut allows the stylist to see how your curls fall naturally and cut according to your unique curls. Most curlies have multiple curl patterns on their head, so it is important that your stylist can see this when they are cutting!
   
   
3. Consider the length and layers. The right length for you is the length that you can manage without feeling like your hair is a part-time job. When it comes to curly hair, layers are often essential. Long layers can help to reduce bulk and create more movement in your curls, while shorter layers can add volume and improve definition. Your stylist can help you decide on the best length and layers for your hair type and face shape. You can bring a picture for reference if you know exactly what you want and a good stylist will point out whether that look will work for your hair type.
   
   
4. Ask your stylist to style your hair curly. If they are not a dedicated curly stylist, they may offer to straighten it for you. You want to make sure you are happy with your curly cut before you leave the salon! The right stylist can help you learn how to care for your curls even after your appointment is over, so styling it together may provide some additional tips you can follow at home. Many curl stylists will make adjustments to your cut after they have styled it.
   
   
5. Maintenance is just as important as your first cut. Curly hair can hide split ends and damage well, but regular cuts will keep your hair looking great and ensure you are getting the results you expect from your products each time you wash and style.