If you are wondering how to cut men’s curly hair, you have come to the right place. This article will outline the basics of cutting curly hair and provide tips for achieving a great haircut. Every hair type is different, and every haircut needs a different approach with a specific routine to maintain and groom. This is especially true for curly hair.
Curly hair can be a bit tricky to cut, but with the right techniques, it can be done easily and without any fuss. So whether you’re looking to trim your own hair or cut someone else’s, read on for all the information you need.
Step by Step Approach
1. Identify the curl type
The first step to any haircut is to understand the type of hair that needs to be worked on. According to Rogelio Samson, a popular Hairstyle blogger, curly hair can be divided into five types based on its curl pattern and repetition length. Wavy hair is also a subtype of curly hair. Collectively nearly 45% of men have either curly or wavy hair with a significant curl or wave pattern.
Roman numbers I – V are used to denote the hair curl type.
I: Curls every 2-3 inches of length
II: Curls every 1-2 inches of length
III: Curls every 0.5- 1 inches of length
IV: Curls every 0.125-0.5 inches of length
V: Curls under 0.125 inches of length
Identifying the curl pattern is necessary because it enables you to make the right haircut.
2. Dampen the hair and apply styling products
Curly hair is easier to work with when dampened. It makes the hair heavy and relatively straighter for more controlled cuts. This works well on men with long curly hair. Preferably, type IV-V curly hair should be straightened slightly for better trimming.
Applying styling products such as matt paste can make the curls more manageable. Depending on the curl type, some products work better than others, be sure to use the right product to maximize the result. However, do not make the hair completely wet. The purpose of the moisture and products is only to make the curls easier to point cut. Straightening the curls can lead to haircuts that will not necessarily work with curly hair once dried.
3. Do not cut in layers
Curly hair must be trimmed uniformly around the head. Due to the natural curl pattern, the hair tends to coil and elevate up from the root level. This gives an impression similar to an unkempt afro when the length increases. As a preventive measure, it is recommended to cut the hair evenly, with hair farther up trimmed slightly more compared to those on the lower side of the head. Thereby it compensates for the possible coiling of the hair from future growth. Curly hair also gives you much more room for error.
4. Work up from the bottom
The best practice is to start working your way up from the neck. Afterward, move up to the temples and finally the crown. Curly hair requires point cutting at an individual level. Therefore, it is best to detangle them as you move up from the bottom.
5: Texturing and styling
After the initial prep, as you work your way up, focus on the texture and style of the hair. Curly hair is trimmed best by using point-cutting. When styling the hair, always leave some extra length for the hair’s curl and bounce. For the final stage, trim any problematic areas with frizzy or split ends for better growth. People with curly hair generally have a less oily scalp. Hence post haircut care can include oil treatment.
6: Post Haircut care
Curly hair does not require much care outside of haircuts. However, due to the natural curvatures, the hair tends to tangle up and forms knots. To avoid knots, it is best to brush the curly hair regularly and use hair products that reduce the frizz and roughness of the hair.
Hair absorbs water differently depending on its structure. Some hair is great at absorbing water while others aren’t. Water absorbent or porous hair should be brushed when dry, while non-porous hair can be combed while wet for easier grooming. Curly hair type III and above often require a hairdryer to properly dry the moisture after a rinse or bath.
FAQs
Does curly hair need to be cut individually?
Unlike straight hair, curly hair can’t be cut uniformly. While it is advised to dampen the hair to make the curls manageable, curly hair can be trimmed while dry if the curl isn’t too severe. Each curly hair must be cut individually to maintain a good look
When should I cut my curly hair?
The general rule of thumb is an adjustment trim every 6-7 weeks. The telltale sign to look for is when your hair begins to knot easily. You can also opt for regular adjustment visits every 3 weeks if you wish to avoid the knots altogether.
Does length affect the curls?
It can affect it if it becomes long enough. As strands of hair grow, they begin to weigh more and more. This can cause the hair strands to be unable to coil or curl properly. With enough length, a curly strand of hair can appear wavy.
Hairstyles for men with curly hair
If you have curly hair and are still unsure about which style to opt for, here are a few recommendations.
Curly undercut – Great for young men for its stylish look, the undercut is easy to maintain. It is also very attractive and goes well with almost any dress code.
Curly man-bun – This one has become popular in the last few years. With a large population of men growing out their hair during the pandemic, the curly man-bun is an attractive option for anyone with grown-out hair.
Curly mid fade – The curly mid fade is an excellent haircut that suits every face and accentuates the personality. It is suited for anyone with short curly hair and is your best bet if you want a great curly haircut.
Final Thoughts
Cutting curly hair shouldn’t be a daunting task. The steps above should give you all the confidence you need in getting a trim. After a couple of tries, you’ll soon become an expert in cutting curly hair.
