Are you tired of paying a fortune at the salon every time you need a trim? Or perhaps you're looking to switch up your hairstyle and take matters into your own hands. Whatever your reason may be, cutting afro curly hair can be a daunting task for many. But fear not, with the right tools and techniques, you can achieve a fresh, new look without breaking the bank. In this article, we'll go over the basics of how to cut afro curly hair, step-by-step.
Table of Contents
Tools You'll Need
Before you get started, you'll need to gather some essential tools:
- Sharp haircutting scissors
- Wide-tooth comb
- Clips or hair ties
- Spray bottle filled with water
It's important to use sharp scissors to avoid split ends and damaged hair. A wide-tooth comb will help detangle your hair without causing breakage, and clips or hair ties will keep sections of your hair out of the way while you work. The spray bottle filled with water will come in handy to wet your hair and make it easier to cut.
Preparation
Start by washing your hair and detangling it with a wide-tooth comb. It's best to cut your hair when it's dry, so let it air dry or use a blow dryer on a low heat setting. If your hair is particularly thick, you may want to section it off before cutting to make the process easier.
Sectioning the Hair
Take a section of hair from the back of your head and clip the rest out of the way. Use your fingers or a comb to separate a small section of hair from the larger section. The size of the section will depend on the length and thickness of your hair, but a good rule of thumb is to start with a section that's no wider than your comb or fingers. Comb the section of hair straight down, and use your fingers or the comb to hold the hair in place.
Tip:
If you're new to cutting hair, start with a small section and work your way up. It's better to take your time and get it right than to rush and make a mistake.
Cutting the Hair
Hold your scissors at a slight angle and make a small snip at the ends of the hair. This will be your guide for the rest of the section. Hold the hair between your fingers or comb and cut in a straight line, following the guide you just created. Cut slowly and carefully, taking small sections at a time. You can always go back and cut more if needed, but it's difficult to undo a bad cut. Repeat this process on the remaining sections of hair, moving from the back to the front.
Trimming the Ends
Once you've finished cutting, it's time to trim the ends. Take small sections of hair and twist them tightly. Any split ends or damaged hair will stick out, making it easy to trim them off with your scissors. Be sure to trim only the damaged ends, and not too much of the healthy hair.
FAQs
Q: How often should I cut my afro curly hair?
A: It's recommended to cut your hair every 6-8 weeks to keep it healthy and prevent split ends.
Q: Can I cut my hair while it's wet?
A: It's best to cut your hair when it's dry, as wet hair can stretch and appear longer than it actually is.
Hair Care Tips
Now that you've mastered how to cut afro curly hair, it's important to take care of your hair to maintain its health and appearance. Here are a few tips:
- Avoid using heat on your hair, such as blow dryers and flat irons, as it can cause damage.
- Use a deep conditioner once a week to keep your hair moisturized.
- Protect your hair at night by using a silk scarf or pillowcase.
- Avoid using harsh chemicals on your hair, such as relaxers and dyes.
With these tips and techniques, cutting afro curly hair can be a fun and rewarding experience. Remember to take your time, use the right tools, and always prioritize the health of your hair.