A Curly Girl's Guide: How To Avoid A Bad Curly Cut
Hi Curl Friends! I recently got a much needed trim, cut, and color on my tapered haircut. Now I know what you’re thinking, “you said you’re growing your hair, why did you cut it?” Here me out sis! You can tell from the before pictures below that my hair was growing in a mushroom shape and my curls were droopy due to dead ends. There was also a severe undercut that caused separation between my top, sides, and back. Basically, it was time for a cut to get rid of dead and split ends as well as blend the sides and back.
Needless to say, I love, love, love, my new cut! You can tell from the after pictures that I have a defined shape, the undercut is less pronounced, the sides and back are blended to the top, and my curls have their pop back! My hair was cut by Jada Jenkins, owner of L’amour de Rose Salon, and a L’Oreal-Mizani Artist. This was my first time working with Jada, so of course, I was a little scared because we all have had a bad curly cut. However, once I sat in Jada’s chair and we began to discuss my hair, Jada’s experience and professionalism reassured me I made a great choice
For women, our relationship with our hairdressers is special and intimate. We trust our hairdresser with what society defines as one of the most beautiful features of a woman, our hair. For us curl friends, no curl is alike; all curls are unique and finding a stylist who understands curly hair is a real challenge. The fear of getting a bad haircut is a curl friend’s worst nightmare! I’m here to tell you that searching for a stylist and getting a curly haircut does not have to be a traumatic and stressful process. I’m sharing my personal tips for searching for a stylist to cut your hair and avoid a bad curly cut.
What do you do when you’re searching for a new stylist? Comment to help a Curl Friend out.
Do Your Research
Nearly every curly girl has experienced a bad haircut. For me, when I’m looking for a new stylist, I do a ton of research. I start out by asking friends for recommendations, I use Yelp and Google, and of course Instagram. I even stop random curly girls to ask who cuts their hair. When searching a stylist on Instagram I specifically look for videos (not just pictures) of the stylist cutting curly natural hair. I don’t even consider a stylist if I have not seen them cut curly natural hair. I also research for months before I set an appointment to ensure the potential stylist consistently cuts naturally curly hair. You can also search for stylist who have certifications or trainings in specialized curly cuts like Deva Cut or Mizani Air Cut.
Schedule A Consult
After months of researching I schedule an initial consult with the potential stylist. It's important to note that the consultation is just that, a consultation. I do not get my hair cut during this visit. Instead I ask a lot of questions, with THE most important question a curly girl should ask: Do you cut hair in its natural state, or wet, or straight?”
This question is important because it tells you if the stylist is experienced with cutting curly hair. In my opinion, the correct response is for the stylist to ask how you primarily wear your hair. If you wear a blow out the majority of time, then the appropriate response is to cut straight, but if you wear your hair naturally curly, then the correct response is to cut the hair dry in its natural curly state. In fact, the stylist should communicate for you to come to the salon with freshly washed hair and no products so that she/he can understand how much spring each of your curls have and to see how each of your curls lay. When curls are wet they are stretched and elongated, however, we all know that curls will shrink when dry. When a stylist cuts your hair wet, they’re not accounting for shrinkage. When the curls dry this may result in an uneven or shorter than anticipated length. Here’s one rule to live by: You wear your hair dry and curly; you should cut it dry and curly.
Create a Pinterest or Inspiration Board
Start gathering photos and videos of haircuts your like. Write down why you like the cut so that you can communicate this to your stylist. I even have pictures of cuts I do not like so that I share specific reasons why I do not like the cut with my stylist. Having multiple styles and variations will provide the stylist with walking you through the cut. Lastly, creating an inspiration board will get you excited about your new cut.
Be Honest With Your Stylist
This seems like a no brainer, but in reality, a lot of people find it very hard to be honest with their stylist. I know I can’t be the only woman to sit in a chair and KNOW that the stylist is messing up my hair. Can you relate? My advice is to have open and direct communication with your stylist. If you do not feel a spirit of collaboration with your stylist, then you should consider going to another stylist. My latest cut with Jada was an excellent experience and I got a perfect cut because we were both honest and open with each other.