What You Need to Know About Cutting Afro and Curly Hair
If you have afro or curly hair, you know that caring for your curls comes with a unique set of guidelines. Whether you're trimming your own hair or heading to the salon, it's important to understand the nuances of cutting curly hair. Let's break down everything you need to know, from how often to trim your hair to whether you should straighten it before cutting.
Should Afro and Curly Hair Be Cut Wet or Dry?
The short answer: It’s better to cut afro and very curly hair dry. 🌿
When curly or afro hair is wet, it can stretch out, giving a false idea of its actual length. Since curly hair shrinks when it dries, cutting it wet can lead to cutting off more than you intend, leaving your curls much shorter once they shrink back to their natural texture.
Why cut it dry? Cutting curly hair dry allows the stylist (or you) to see exactly how your curls behave in their natural state. This ensures you trim only what’s necessary to maintain the shape of your curls without losing too much length. Plus, it helps avoid the frustration of looking in the mirror after a wet cut and realizing your hair is much shorter than expected. 😬
Do I Have to Straighten My Afro/Curly Hair to Cut It?
Nope! You don’t have to straighten your curls to cut them. 💁🏽♀️
If you usually wear your curls in their natural state, straightening before a cut is not recommended. Straightening can cause uneven cuts because curly hair can behave differently when straightened compared to its natural, coiled state. Cutting curls while they’re in their natural pattern ensures that your stylist or you can create an even, balanced cut that honors the natural texture and shape of your hair.
However, if you wear your hair straight regularly, straightening before a cut works fine, as it will allow the stylist to cut the hair evenly across its full length. But remember, the goal should always be a shape that suits how you wear your hair most often!
How Often Should Afro/Curly Hair Be Trimmed?
For healthy, well-maintained curls, you should aim to trim your afro or curly hair every 8-12 weeks. ✂️
Regular trims help:
- Maintain shape – Keeping your curls well-shaped avoids looking like a triangle or losing your desired curl pattern.
- Reduce tangling – Trimming helps remove split ends, which can lead to tangling and knots.
- Keep curls defined – A good trim keeps curls defined, bouncy, and healthier-looking.
Pro Tip: If you're trimming your hair at home, always use sharp, professional hair scissors. Anything dull can snag or damage your curls, leading to split ends and uneven cuts.
Does My Hair Grow Faster If I Cut It Regularly?
Nope, this is a common misconception! 💡
Hair growth happens at the root, and it typically grows about half an inch per month. Cutting your hair doesn’t affect how quickly it grows. However, trimming regularly helps minimize breakage by eliminating split ends. If you’re experiencing slow growth, it might be due to excessive breakage, so keeping your ends trimmed and moisturized allows you to retain more length over time.
Regular trims won’t make your hair grow faster, but they’ll help you keep your hair healthy and strong, so it can grow at its optimal rate.
Cutting curly or afro-textured hair is an art form! Whether you're doing it yourself or heading to the salon, remember that dry cutting is key to achieving the best results, and trimming regularly is crucial for keeping your curls healthy and manageable. And no, you don’t need to straighten your hair to get a good cut—embrace those beautiful, natural curls!
Take care of your curls, trim regularly, and always ensure you're moisturizing frequently to keep those ends strong and your hair growing steadily. ✨
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