Before booking an appointment for your next cut, you must prepare your hair for this process. However, where do you start? If you do not have anybody to help you understand the preparation process, it can feel like a new, complex language you must decipher. So, here are a few rules to follow before cutting your curly hair. These tips will help you get a fabulous haircut that brings out the best in your curls, regardless of the length of your hair.
Clarify Your Curly Hair One Week Before Your Appointment
Clarifying shampoos can get a bad rep as they can dry out your hair due to containing sulphates, especially if used too often. However, it is necessary to use a clarifying shampoo at least once a month to remove product build-up caused by hard water, hair product ingredients, and chlorine or salt if you are a frequent swimmer. If you do not clarify your curls, this build-up can accumulate on your natural hair and scalp, resulting in dullness, dryness, and frizz.
But, best of all, clarifying your curly hair can help you absorb the moisturising ingredients from your wash day hair products. This is because newly washed hair will find it easier to retain these washing and conditioning benefits, resulting in better moisture retention, shine, and less frizz.
Arrange A Consultation With A Stylist Before Your Cut To Determine Your Preparation Process
Depending on the preference of your stylist, they may ask you to come in with wet, dry, or damp hair. So, ensure that you discuss this with them before your cut so that you can plan your wash day routine. Before or on the day itself, you can use a silicone and sulphate-free shampoo like Sofnfree’s Hydration Shampoo With Manuka Honey to clean your curls gently and restore them to their original soft, smooth state. Next, your natural hair will benefit from its Moisture-Rich Conditioner With Manuka Honey & Avocado to regain its natural bounce and body.
Your stylist might also ask you to detangle your hair before your appointment so that they don’t have to brush it, which will result in disrupting your natural curl pattern. For example, detangle before washing and conditioning your curly hair with a wide-tooth comb and a pre-poo oil. Then, after shampooing and conditioning, use a wide-tooth comb again to comb through a small amount of a leave-in conditioner like Sof’n’Free’s with manuka honey and avocado oil to give your hair more slip that will prevent tangles.
Avoid Brushing Your Natural Hair Before Your Cut
Brushing, picking, or combing your curly hair just before your cut can break up the natural state of your curls. For instance, your stylist may need to see how your curls have clumped together to assess how to cut each clump individually. Bear in mind that this is just one of the ways that a stylist could cut your curly hair. How your stylist cuts your natural hair depends on your curl type, meaning you need to discuss the method that would work best for you before your cut.
Don’t Put Your Curly Hair In Any Style That Stretches Or Changes Your Natural Curl Pattern
Avoid arriving at your curly hair appointment with your curls in a twist, braid, ponytail, or any type of style which can alter your natural hair pattern. Instead, let your hair hang loosely in a simple wash ‘n’ go style so your stylist can cut your curls uniformly. Although you can always discuss how much is cut with your stylist before the appointment, the amount that is trimmed will depend on your hair growth, when you had your last trim, and whether you are looking to shorten, maintain or lengthen your hair. Therefore, any styling technique that manipulates your hair can give the stylist a false impression, which might prevent you from achieving the cut you desire.
If You Must, Stick To Lighter Moisturising Styling Products Before The Cut
After washing and conditioning your curly hair, don’t use greasy, oily, or sticky hair products to keep your hair moisturised before your cut. Any products with heavier butters and oils can sit on the top of your curls to weigh them down rather than offering continual hydration. Instead, go for a small amount of Sofnfree’s water-based Leave-In Conditioner to add shine, seal in moisture, and prepare your curls for your cut. Thankfully, our water-based products won’t leave your hair feeling greasy or oily or alter your natural hair pattern.
Think About Your Post-Curl Care For Future Cuts
Any preparation for cutting your curly hair does not end after your first cut. After your initial cut, ask your stylist for advice on creating the best haircare routine to ensure your curls remain healthy for every cut. At this point, you can also document what works best for your curly hair so that you can understand your hair’s needs on a trial-and-error basis. In the future, you may also want to reduce your use of hair straighteners and blow dryers. Instead, you could opt for Sofnfree’s Curl Elongating Gel With Flaxseed Oil & Rosewater if you like stretching your curls naturally and giving them a natural shine post-wash day.
Regular trims can help you achieve healthier hair growth and ensure you reduce the appearance of breakage or split ends. You should also remember that although this guide will mean more preparation and time spent on your curls before your cut, it will lead to better results.