Haircuts and Care for Curly and Wavy Hair

Curly and wavy hair looks great when it’s cut well. It frizzes in dry weather and puffs out at the sides when it isn’t. Here is how to get the cut right and keep your curls defined.

Cuts that work

Low taper fade

Only the sideburns and neckline are faded. The curls on top have room to fall naturally and don’t puff out at the sides.

Curly French crop with a high skin fade

Good for tight curls. The top stays short to medium with curls combed slightly forward, and the skin fade on the sides gives a clean outline.

Burst fade with a curly top

The fade curves around the ear and leaves length behind it. It shows off the curl pattern and suits a more edgy look.

What to tell your barber

• Ask for point-cutting or slide-cutting. Thinning shears used heavily on curls leave frizzy ends.
• Expect shrinkage. Curly hair is longer wet than dry, so the barber has to cut it shorter than it looks.

Home routine

1. Wash less. Shampoo once or twice a week with a sulfate-free formula. Condition every time you shower and leave it in for two minutes.
2. Don’t rub with a towel. It breaks up the curls. Squeeze or pat dry with a cotton T-shirt or microfiber towel.
3. Style while damp, then leave it alone. Work leave-in conditioner or curl cream through wet hair. Let it air-dry or use a diffuser on low heat, and don’t run your fingers through it as it dries.