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Should you cut curly hair wet or dry? | Abingdon | Didcot | Wantage | Oxfordshire
Opening in 2018, our space is now one of the busiest. Our creative team are celebrated for their signature haircuts, hair colour, perms, blowdries and more.
CALL: 01235 534705
EMAIL: [email protected]
4 EAST ST. HELEN STREET, OX14 5EA
Hair Salon Opening Times
Tuesday
First Appointment
Last Appointment
Wednesday-Thursday
First Appointment
Last Appointment
Friday
First Appointment
Last Appointment
Saturday
First Appointment:
Last Appointment:
10 am
3:30 pm
11:30 am
7:30 pm
10 am
6 pm
9 am
4:30 pm
Should you cut curly hair wet or dry? in Abingdon
As curly hair specialists, we see a lot of curly hair and its unique texture and structure make it one of the trickiest to cut for any Stylist unfamiliar with curly hair. This means that when cutting curly hair it requires a different approach to cutting when compared to straight hair. One of the more popular topics when considering your curly hair is the decision whether to cut your curly hair wet or dry. Many people (including Stylists) are unsure which method is best and what difference it actually makes to the final look. In reality, both wet and dry cutting have their advantages, and the right choice depends on the type of curls, personal preference, and the desired result.
If you are considering something different, visit our curly haircut service page. Finally, if you’re new to the salon and not sure how to get the most value from your next appointment, need a consultation or would value a conversation before booking, call or send a WhatsApp message on 01235 534705


Cutting curly hair wet or dry FAQ's
What makes curly hair difficult to cut?
Unlike curly hair, straight hair is easy to predict how it will behave wet, dry, when exposed to humidity and when cut. Curly hair behaves very differently from straight hair in every aspect particularly when being cut. The biggest challenge for a Stylist without expertise in curly hair is shrinkage. Curls ‘spring up’ as they dry, sometimes by several inches, making it difficult to predict the final length if cut wet. Additionally, curly hair does not fall in a uniform direction like straight hair does and for these reasons understanding curl hair texture and behaviour is essential. Instead, each curl which can vary in its curl type ranging for curls which are tighter, looser, straighter or simply weighted by volume of hair and subsequently the effect of gravity.
Once you have your perfect curly haircut, here’s how you can style your curls.
Why would a Stylist cut curls dry?
Fundamentally most Stylists cut curly hair based upon their own personal preferences and what they believe will deliver the best result. In some instances Stylists which are more equipped can cut both wet or dry depending upon your hair type, curl pattern, what the starting point is and what you hope to achieve.
Dry cutting is arguably the most popular method for cutting curly hair primarily because it’s easier for your Stylist to read how your curls behave as they are cutting. When the hair is cut dry, the stylist can see the actual curl pattern and shape, making it easier to create a balanced and flattering style. The benefits of dry-cutting curly hair include:
- Shaping: Reading your curls are straightforward and therefore when cutting dry this is the most obvious benefit.
- Behaviour: Cutting your curls dry avoids most surprises once the hair is styled when it can spring up when otherwise wet.
- Textured hair: Cutting dry enables your Stylist to cut each curl individually.
Why would a Stylist cut curls wet?
Personal preferences aside, cutting curly hair wet can make more sense. In most instances clients that attend a curly hair specialist salon for the first time arrive with a haircut that is attuned for straight hair and therefore wet-cutting carries arguably more benefits at least initially. A lot of curly haircuts adopt the wrong shape or do very little for your curls and if a new shape is required or need significant length removed, a wet curly haircut can prove more favourable. The benefits of cutting curly hair wet include:
- Easier: Very simply it’s more controlled and in most cases you’ll receive a more balanced cut.
- Precision cutting: If a client wants a layered cut, cutting wet allows for greater accuracy.
- Transitioning: If you’re new the the world of curly haircuts, wet cuts will in most cases achieve a better result.
How will I know which to choose?
In 99% of cases, leave it to your Stylist. Often times insisting upon a certain method of cutting can negatively influence the overall end result. Your Stylist will in all likelihood deliver thousands of curly haircuts each year and will be better placed to consider the best cutting method dependent on your curl type, styling habits, and the result you want to achieve. There too are options for cutting which can help you to embrace wearing your hair both straight or curly and having the option to be well placed to pivot between the two styles will to help your Stylist to decide wet or dry.
During your consultation, your stylist will assess your hair type, discuss your preferences, and recommend the best approach as to whether cutting wet or dry is best. Some stylists even use a combination of both techniques, cutting the hair dry to shape the curls and then making final adjustments when wet to refine the style. This too is a common approach and curly hair products to support this process are not to be under appreciated.
If you are considering a hair colour to match your amazing curls, look no further. We’ve got you covered.
Conclusion
As aa curly hair specialist salon we see a lot of curly hair clients in all shapes and sizes. One thing we can say from experience is that when it comes to cutting curly hair there is no one-size-fits-all approach to an appointment and your Stylist will most likely weigh up the best approach (wet, dry or a combination). Both wet and dry cutting have their advantages, and the right method depends on the individual’s curl pattern, styling preferences, lifestyle and hair goals.
If you’re looking to improve your curly hair, here’s three things you need.
If you are feeling lost in what could work best for you, leave it to us. Our consultations work through any question you might have, logistics and we too make recommendations based upon your lifestyle and hair type.
Opening in 2018, our space is now one of the busiest. Our creative team are celebrated for their signature haircuts, hair colour, perms, blowdries and more.
CALL: 01235 534705
EMAIL: [email protected]
4 EAST ST. HELEN STREET, OX14 5EA
Opening Times
Tuesday
First Appointment
Last Appointment
Wednesday-Thursday
First Appointment
Last Appointment
Friday
First Appointment
Last Appointment
Saturday
First Appointment:
Last Appointment:
10 am
3:30 pm
11:30 am
7:30 pm
10 am
6 pm
9 am
4:30 pm
Want to know more about wet and dry cuts for curly hair?
Complete the below and a staff member will contact you at the earliest opportunity with further information about how we can help you with your hair extensions appointment. Any questions, call or send a WhatsApp to the salon on 01235 534705 or book your appointment online.
Want to know more about curly haircuts?
As one of the best hair salons for curly haircuts in Oxfordshire, we would love to discuss your plans with you! To book your hair appointment or consultation, get in touch with Wisteria Avenue Hair Salon by booking online or calling us on 01235 534705.
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