Dry or Wet: Hair Cut

It is somewhat unfortunate that so few stylists are using dry cutting. Cutting the hair dry has several rewards, and most women and men who have had their hair dry cut most likely would prefer it done this way. So why are so many stylists hesitant to do or learn the art of dry cutting? As a hair colorist it makes complete sense to me to cut the hair dry, then color then tweak the cut, remembering that hair color changes the density of the hair (fattens up) and texture so that inch that was just cut is possibly now an inch and a half.

I personally prefer dry cutting when I’m about to color hair for many reasons, 1/ I can see the foundation (shape) which allows me to put my detail work in, 2/ The scalp is most likely not going to feel irritation because it was not massaged at the sink.  Another benefit of cutting the hair dry is that it allows both stylist and colorists to see the shape of the cut as it will appear when the hair is styled, wet hair is longer than dry hair, and so cutting the hair dry allows the stylist to remove just the right amount of length and bulk as well as where darker or lighter hair color should be placed for an overall customized end result.

I have learnt through the years from the many talented haircutters I have had the privilege of working with and coloring their cuts that the ultimate way and almost only way to cut curly or wavy hair is the dry cut. It is very difficult, if not impossible, to see the curl formation, and being able to see the curl pattern is essential when cutting curly and wavy hair, because if the hair is cut at the wrong part of the curl, the hair may become unruly and hard to manage. Don’t misunderstand me I am not saying all hair types or styles should be done dry but when it comes to curly and wavy hair, a dry cut is superior over the typical salon wet cut, and as for wet cuts leave a little to chip away for after its styled .