Natural hair can take off in a million and one different directions and may feel like it requires just as many questions and answers. Here’s some of the most common questions- and answers- we get in the salon.
Should I trim my own hair at home?
Not often do we get this brave question as most natural/ curly people are either afraid of touching their own hair, or they grew up being the ONLY person to cut their hair. But when we do get this question, we suggest practicing mindful trimming. If you see a fairy knot here and there, or split ends that demand your attention, then a few snips here and there won’t hurt.
If you are a person who get a tailored curly cut, I do not suggest trimming your hair at home. Doing so can create gaps and shelfs within your hair shape and may warrant an emergency appointment- and potentially cost you your length!
If you don’t get a curly cut, the easiest and most efficient way for you to cut your hair is simply by pulling your hair straight up. Make sure your hair all reaches the same point on top of your head and cut straight across. This will create long layers for your curly crown!
How often should I be getting a trim
This answer depends primarily on the type of cut you have. The short answer is:
Whenever you notice your hair requires much more product
When you notice your hair is snapping/ breaking
When your hair isn’t styling the same and is becoming unmanageable
Trims based on cuts
If you get a curly cut:
If you are a client that sees a curl specialist, you most likely get a tailored cut. This means your specialist pays attention to each individual curl pattern and curl grouping and cuts the hair based on each curls need. Because of this, your haircuts can last much longer. I’ve seen these trims and cuts last anywhere from 5/6 months and up to a year! Although I do not suggest waiting for the later.
If you do not get a curly cut:
Because this cut is not a tailored cut like the one above, you may not ensure every single split end or breakage point is cut. Therefore, you may need another trim every 2/3 months and at the very max, 4 months!
Is there a technique that you use based on curl type?
For me personally, I practice mindfulness. There are plenty of techniques out there, but at the end of the day if you aren’t mindful, you can use the best technique in the world and still not be happy with the result. If your curls are tighter, use less tension to ensure you don’t compromise too much length. If your curls are looser, you can use a bit more tension.
If you’re cutting your hair at home, use a looser tension to cut initially and gradually gauge how much tension is enough. Your desired result is cascading curls. If it looks like there’s too much hair in an area, use more tension.
Should Curly hair be cut dry or wet?
If you’re cutting your hair at home in a non-curly cut fashion, I suggest cutting your hair wet. This is going to ensure evenness throughout your cut and visually show you what needs your attention. This way can also be done if your hair is straightened.
If you feel confident enough to curly cut your hair, this should be done dry. Curly cuts are tailored cuts based on your curl pattern. Therefore your hair needs to be dry to see your curls in their natural form.
Blog Post By
Chianna Gambino
Curl Specialist