Cutting curly hair for men is different from cutting straight hair, and it is crucial to know the proper technique to avoid damaging the curls. Curly hair requires specific handling to ensure the curls remain intact and defined.
Knowing how to cut curly hair correctly is essential for a clean, dapper look.
Check out this Youtube video: “How to Cut Mens Curly Hair | Mens Haircut Tutorial” to learn how to get the perfect haircut for your curly hair. This tutorial is perfect for any man who wants to learn more about grooming and hairstyling.
Understanding Curly Hair
Curly hair is a unique type of hair that requires special attention when it comes to cutting. To determine your client’s curl pattern, it’s important to know that there are three types of curly hair: type 2, type 3, and type 4.
Each type has its own set of characteristics, behaviors, and challenges that require different approaches.
Type 2: Wavy Hair
Type 2 curls are easy to identify: they’re S-shaped and have a loose, beachy wave. There are three subtypes of type 2 hair:
- 2A: Soft Wave – This type is easy to manage and style, as it has a very loose S-shape and is resistant to frizz.
- 2B: Wavy – This type is more manageable and has a more defined S-shape than 2A, but is still prone to frizz.
- 2C: Deep Wave – This type has the tightest wave pattern in the type 2 category and requires more maintenance to prevent frizz.
Challenges of Cutting Curly Hair
Cutting curly hair requires a different approach than straight hair because of its tendency to shrink when it dries. Common mistakes when cutting curly hair include:
- Adding tension when cutting, which can lead to unevenness and frizz.
- Cutting curls when they’re wet, which can cause them to spring up too much and result in a shorter cut than intended.
- Texturizing curly hair when cutting, which can disrupt the natural curl pattern and cause frizz.
- Cutting curly hair with any product on it, which can lead to an uneven cut and difficulty in managing the hair.
Preparing Curly Hair for Cutting
To successfully cut curly hair, it is important to prepare it properly. This means washing and drying the hair before cutting it.
Wet curls tend to shrink, which can lead to uneven cuts.
When detangling your curly hair, use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers instead of a brush to avoid stretching the curls. Determine the length to cut to by first deciding how much length you want to retain.
You can also use the “pull and cut” technique where you pull the hair out and trim to your desired length.
It is also important to use the right tools when cutting curly hair. Avoid using texturizing shears as they can thin the hair, resulting in less defined curls.
Never cut curly hair with any product in it, as this may change the hair’s texture and behavior.
Remember, you want to keep the natural shape of the curls intact, so cut only the necessary length and do not add tension when cutting.
The Cutting Process
Curly hair can be tricky to cut, but following these steps can help achieve a clean cut without disrupting the natural texture of the curls:
- Start with dry hair that is styled as the client will normally wear it.
- Create a horseshoe section on the top of the head, using the ear to ear part as your base. This will ensure the curls will fall naturally once cut.
- Blunt cut the curls with scissors, starting from the back and moving towards the front. Avoid pulling or stretching the hair too tightly or adding too much tension, as this can cause the hair to bounce back up once released.
- Use the clipper-over-comb technique to tidy up the hair around the ears and nape of the neck.
- Avoid texturizing the hair when cutting, as this can cause the curls to separate and lose their natural shape.
It’s important to avoid common mistakes when cutting curly hair, such as cutting the hair when it’s wet or using products that can alter the natural texture. By following these tips and techniques, you can ensure a clean cut that will enhance the natural beauty of curly hair.
Finishing Touches
After cutting curly hair, it’s important to refine the haircut and add texture. One way to achieve this is by blending the different sections of hair together for a seamless look.
If there are any uneven sections, carefully trim them until they blend in with the rest of the hair. Another way to add texture is by using thinning shears, but it’s important to use them sparingly and only on areas where the hair is too thick.
Styling curly hair after cutting can be tricky, but it’s important to avoid heavy products that can weigh the hair down. A lightweight mousse or foam can provide hold without making the curls look stiff or crunchy.
To enhance curls, use a curl-enhancing product or simply scrunch the hair while it’s drying. For a more sleek look, use a blow dryer with a diffuser attachment to dry the hair while maintaining its natural texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should men with curly hair get a haircut?
How can men cut curly hair without adding tension?
How can men deal with frizz in curly hair after a haircut?
Should men with curly hair get layers in their haircut?
How can men maintain their curly haircut over time?
Conclusion
When it comes to cutting curly hair for men, it’s important to remember not to add tension, cut when wet, or use any product. Understanding the different curl types can also help with cutting techniques, such as cutting-in-motion and layering to give the hair movement.
It’s important to trim curls every 8-12 weeks to keep them healthy and avoid split ends. Remember to always handle curly hair with care to maintain a healthy, bouncy look.
