Cutting curly hair is an art, and to achieve the best results, you need the right tools. Curly hair behaves differently from straight hair, requiring special care and precision. Whether you’re a professional stylist or someone cutting their own curls at home, having the right tools is crucial for achieving beautifully defined, healthy curls.
In this guide, we’ll cover essential tools for cutting curly hair, why they matter, and how to use them for the best outcomes. If you want to perfect your curly hair cutting skills, this is your go-to resource.
Why Cutting Curly Hair Requires Special Tools
Curly hair can be unpredictable. It tends to shrink, tangle, and form unique shapes, making it trickier to cut compared to straight hair. Using the right tools ensures you can manage these quirks and achieve flattering, healthy curls.
1. Professional Hair Cutting Scissors: Precision is Key
A sharp, high-quality pair of professional hair cutting scissors is the foundation of a great curly cut. Curly hair tends to split and fray more easily, so you need scissors that can make clean cuts without damaging the curls.
Why They’re Essential:
- Sharpness: Sharp scissors provide a clean cut, reducing frizz and split ends.
- Precision: The right scissors allow you to cut each curl with precision, ensuring even and smooth results.
Tip: Always choose scissors designed specifically for hair cutting. Avoid using household scissors, which can cause more harm than good.
2. Thinning Shears: Reduce Bulk Without Losing Definition
Thinning shears are great for managing the volume in thick, curly hair. They help remove some of the bulk while preserving the curl’s shape and definition.
Why They’re Essential:
- Volume Control: Thinning shears remove excess bulk without disrupting the natural curl pattern.
- Softens Edges: They can soften harsh lines and create a more natural, blended look.
Tip: Use thinning shears sparingly. Over-thinning curly hair can lead to frizz or uneven texture. Focus on areas that need the most volume reduction.
3. Wide-Tooth Comb: Prevent Breakage and Tangles
A wide-tooth comb is crucial for detangling curly hair before cutting. Curly hair tends to tangle, and using a fine-toothed comb can cause breakage and frizz. A wide-tooth comb is gentler on the hair and helps maintain the curl’s shape.
Why It’s Necessary:
- Detangles Without Damage: The wide teeth prevent the comb from pulling on the curls, reducing breakage.
- Keeps Curl Definition: It helps detangle curls without disrupting the natural pattern.
Tip: Always detangle hair from the tips to the roots to minimize breakage. Work slowly to avoid pulling or stretching the curls.
4. Rattail Comb: Precision Sectioning
A rattail comb is excellent for creating precise partings and sections in curly hair. The fine, pointed end allows you to divide the hair accurately, which is crucial when cutting curly hair into layers or sections.
Why It’s Necessary:
- Clean Sectioning: The pointed tail helps you create clean partings for better control while cutting.
- Controlled Layers: It’s easier to layer curly hair evenly when sections are neat and properly parted.
Tip: Use the rattail comb to separate the hair into smaller sections before you start cutting. This ensures a more even cut.
5. Spray Bottle with Water: Hydrate Curls for Better Control
A spray bottle filled with water is useful for lightly hydrating curls before cutting. Curly hair behaves differently when it’s wet, and a little moisture can help you manage the curls more easily.
Why It’s Helpful:
- Moisturizes Hair: A light mist of water ensures curls are hydrated, making them easier to cut.
- Better Curl Control: Wet curls are more manageable and easier to work with during the cutting process.
Tip: Don’t soak the hair. Just lightly mist it to avoid stretching the curls, which could result in a cut that is too short due to shrinkage.
6. Curly Hair Cutting Cape: Comfort and Cleanliness
A curly hair cutting cape is essential for keeping your client comfortable and preventing hair clippings from falling onto their skin or clothes. It also makes cleanup much easier.
Why It’s Necessary:
- Protection: The cape protects your client’s skin and clothing from hair clippings.
- Comfort: It helps ensure your client feels relaxed and at ease during the process.
Tip: Choose a lightweight, breathable cape that won’t make your client too hot during the haircut.
7. Diffuser: Drying Curls Without Frizz
Once you’ve finished cutting, use a diffuser attachment for your blow dryer to dry the curls without causing frizz. A diffuser helps distribute heat evenly, preserving the curl’s natural shape.
Why It’s Helpful:
- Reduces Frizz: The diffuser minimizes the heat impact on curls, keeping frizz at bay.
- Defines Curls: It allows curls to dry naturally with more definition, so they maintain their shape.
Tip: Use the diffuser on a low heat setting to avoid heat damage and maintain the integrity of the curls.
8. Curl-Defining Products: Lock in the Shape
While not a cutting tool, using curl-defining products like leave-in conditioners, curl creams, or gels is important for styling after the cut. These products help define and shape the curls, ensuring your haircut looks polished.
Why They’re Necessary:
- Enhance Definition: These products lock in moisture and curl definition, making the curls look more defined and less frizzy.
- Maintain Shape: Curl creams and gels help the curls hold their shape, so they stay defined longer.
Tip: Apply curl-defining products while the hair is still damp for the best results. Choose products suited to your client’s curl type for the most effective hold.
9. Sectioning Clips: Keeping Hair in Place
Sectioning clips are essential for dividing curly hair into manageable sections. These clips help keep each part of the hair secure while you work through the layers.
Why They’re Important:
- Better Control: Clips allow you to focus on one section at a time, making it easier to cut evenly.
- Layering: Sectioning clips help maintain proper layering when cutting curly hair, which is especially important for creating shape and volume.
Tip: Use strong, non-slip sectioning clips to hold the hair securely, particularly when working with thick, dense curls.
Want to Master Curly Hair Cutting?
If you’re serious about mastering the art of curly hair cutting, styling, and care, it’s time to invest in yourself. I offer a specialized 5-week curly hair cutting class that dives deep into the trade secrets of cutting, styling, and caring for each unique curl. Designed for professionals who want to refine their skills, this course will give you the knowledge and confidence you need to create stunning curly haircuts that your clients will love.
With over 10 years of experience dedicated to serving the curly hair community, I’ve learned that truly mastering curly hair takes more than just a quick workshop. It requires understanding the intricacies of each curl and wave. That’s why my signature 5-week course is designed to help you build a strong foundation in curly hair cutting and care—so you can work with any curl type with ease.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to become a true curl care expert. Sign up for my curly hair cutting classes today and elevate your skills!
