If you have thick curly hair, keeping it neat and manageable can be a challenge. Cutting your hair can be especially daunting, and it can be tricky to find a hairstyle that suits your hair type. Fear not, though, as we’ve done the research for you, and in this article, we’ll give you some tips on how to cut thick curly hair and tame those wild locks!
Preparing for the cut
Before you get started with cutting, you’ll need the right tools. Here’s a list of essential tools you’ll need:
- Good quality hair-cutting scissors
- Wide-toothed comb: This will help detangle your hair before you start cutting.
- Hair clips: You’ll need these to section off your hair while you’re cutting.
- Mirror: A handheld or wall-mounted mirror will allow you to see your hair from different angles while you style.
Washing and drying
If you’re going to cut your hair, it’s best to start with clean and dry hair. This will allow you to see the natural shape and shape of your curls, making it easier to cut. Shampoo and condition your hair with products that are specifically designed for curly hair to keep your curls looking healthy and bouncy. Keep your hair away from any heat-styling tools as using them can change your hair texture and make cutting tricky.
Choosing a hairstyle
Choosing the right hairstyle is essential when it comes to cutting curly hair. Here are some pointers to consider when selecting a hairstyle:
- Face shape: Consider your face shape and the effect you want to achieve with your style.
- Hair texture: Your hair’s texture affects how it will look in different styles. Curly hair can sometimes look shorter when it’s dry, so be sure to take note of the hair shrinkage.
- Personal style: Your personal sense of fashion and comfort level should also be considered.
Getting inspiration
There are plenty of sources of inspiration to check out before deciding on how to cut your curly hair to achieve your desired style:
- Celebrity albums: Look through hairstyling magazines and online resources for photos of celebrities with curly hair. This will give you an idea of what looks good and might work for you.
- Online groups: Online communities of curly-hair fans can provide helpful tips and advice on what styles work for them.
- Your own inspirations: It’s also a good idea to consider what hairstyles you like, which styles you feel will best suit you and the clothes you normally wear.
Start the cut
Now that you have your tools and an idea of what you want to achieve with your hairstyle, it’s time to begin. Here are the basic steps to follow:
- Section your hair: Use your wide-toothed comb to separate your hair into sections. This will make it easier to work on one area of your hair at a time.
- Determine the length: Use the scissors to trim away any split ends or dead hair that may cause damage. Determine the length that you want for your hair and cut the whole section the same length.
- Continue with other sections: Continue to work on each section of your hair in the same way until everything is even.
- Refine the cut: Take your time and refine the cut. Use your scissors to make any final tweaks and shape your hair for the completed look.
Ask for help
It can be difficult to cut curly hair, especially behind your head. If you don’t feel comfortable cutting your own hair, consider going to a hairstylist for help. They can give you a professional cut and offer tips on how to manage your curly hair.
After cutting your hair
Cutting your hair will require maintenance, just like any other hairstyle. Here are some additional tips to help keep your cut looking fresh:
- Trim regularly: Curly hair tends to have split ends, so trimming your hair regularly will keep it healthy, happy, and fresh.
- Use the right products: Use products that nourish your curly hair, like curl-enhancing shampoos, conditioners, and oils.
- Protect your hair: Keep your hair safe from environmental pollutants and harmful sun rays by using protective hair products like a leave-in conditioner, hair mask or styling products specifically designed for curly hair.
- Avoid heat styling: Using heat styling tools like straightening irons or hair dryers can damage your hair texture, causing hair loss or breakage. Instead, let your hair air-dry or use a diffuser attachment to your hairdryer if necessary.
Overall, cutting thick curly hair can be a challenge, but it’s certainly not impossible. With the right tools, research, and practice, you can achieve a style that looks good and works for you. Remember, don’t be afraid to ask for professional help if needed.
The most common questions and answers on how to cut thick curly hair
- Q: Can I cut curly hair dry or wet?
- A: It’s best to cut curly hair when it’s dry. Cutting it wet will give you a different length once it’s dry because of the hair shrinkage.
- Q: Can I cut my hair in a straight line?
- A: Cutting curly hair in a straight line may cause your hair to look thin, triangular or uneven. It’s best to cut your hair using a ‘point cut’ technique.
- Q: How often should I trim my curly hair?
- A: Trimming your curly hair every six to eight weeks will help maintain its shape and avoid split ends.
- Q: How do I prevent my hair from looking frizzy after trimming?
- A: Trim your hair when it’s dry, so you can see the natural shape of your curls, and don’t use fine-toothed combs that might create a frizzy look. Use anti-frizz products to keep your curls defined and healthy looking.
References
1. Curly Haircut 101: Master Curly Haircutting Techniques. (2021, January 3). Retrieved from https://www.liveabout.com/techniques-for-curly-haircutting-3517520
2. How to Cut Curly Hair. (2019, November 22). Retrieved from https://www.gq.com/story/how-to-cut-curly-hair
3. How to Cut Curly Hair. (2021, May 4). Retrieved from https://www.wikihow.com/Cut-Curly-Hair