WET VS DRY CURLY CUTS
Tailored Techniques for Every Curl Pattern
At Tacoma Curly Salon, we specialize in custom curly haircuts — and that includes using both wet and dry cutting techniques, depending on your hair’s unique needs. While some salons insist on using just one method, we believe in a balanced, thoughtful approach that prioritizes your curl pattern, face shape, and styling preferences.
What Is a Dry Curly Cut? A dry cut is done on fully dry, styled hair — usually in its natural curly state. We shape your curls curl-by-curl, exactly where they fall, which allows for precision in how your final style will look. Dry Cutting Is Best For:
• Clients who wear their hair curly all the time
• Shaping based on how curls fall naturally
• Managing shrinkage or uneven curl patterns
• Seeing the final shape develop as we cut
• Adding lift and volume where needed because we’re cutting each curl as it exists in real life, you get a cut that’s shaped specifically to you. However, this method isn’t ideal if you often straighten your hair — dry cuts are designed for curls.
What Is a Wet Curly Cut? A wet curly cut is done on freshly washed, detangled hair. This method helps us see the full length and structure of your curls while offering control for bulk removal and precision layering. Wet Cutting Is Best For:
• Reducing volume or creating structure
• Evenly shaping curls with consistent length
• Softening blunt ends or a “pyramid” shape
• Enhancing curl definition and bounce
• Fine-tuning details when only a small trim is needed
Wet cutting also helps ensure your curls fit together cleanly, like puzzle pieces. It’s especially useful for looser waves or finer curls that need careful weight balance.
Why We Use Both (and Why That Matters)
Most people have more than one curl pattern on their head — for example, looser curls underneath and tighter coils on top. That’s why we often blend wet and dry cutting in a single session to get the best result. By using both techniques, we can:
• Customize the shape to your face and curl pattern
• Remove weight without losing bounce
• Refine layers for definition and movement
• Enhance natural volume and reduce frizz
• Ensure the cut looks great whether it’s freshly styled or air-dried
We may also cut your hair in different positions — including upside down — depending on the look you want.
Our Philosophy: We don’t follow a one-size-fits-all method. Instead, we rely on training, experience, and curl-specific expertise to give you a shape that works with your natural texture — not against it. Whether we cut wet, dry, or both, our priority is always to create a cut that supports healthy curls, easy styling, and a shape you love.Your stylist will walk you through the process, explain the “why” behind each step, and make sure you leave with knowledge and confidence about how to care for your curls at home.
