It is quite unfortunate that so few stylists are masters of the dry cut. Cutting the hair dry has several advantages, and most women who decide to opt for a dry cut generally become hooked for life. Stylists who are able to master this cutting technique are easily able to handle textures of hair that intimidate most stylists, in particular curly, wavy, and ethnic hair types.
When it comes to curly and wavy hair, a dry cut is superior to the standard salon wet cut for many reasons. When hair becomes saturated with water it becomes very difficult, if not impossible, to see the curl pattern. 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 stick out in places and become unruly and hard to manage. If you have curly hair and have problems styling it, chances are that you did not receive a dry cut.
Another benefit of cutting the hair dry is that it allows the stylist to see the shape of the cut as it will appear when the hair is styled. With a wet cut, the stylist is more or less forced to use his or her imagination. When wet, the haircut will look completely different. Also, wet hair is longer than dry hair, so cutting the hair dry allows the stylist to remove just the right amount of length. Every stylist has at one time or another cut someone’s hair, only to discover that it has “shrunk” entirely too much after it has been dried. This is never an issue with a dry cut.
So why are so many stylists hesitant to learn the art of dry cutting? One popular reason is that cutting the hair dry is murder on the scissors, causing them to dull much faster. Since professional shear sharpening can cost anywhere between 35.00 and 50.00, many stylists are very reluctant to perform a dry cut. However, a stylist who has invested in top-of-the-line shears will have no problem cutting hair dry, top quality shears hold their edge much longer than cheaper scissors.
Dry cutting also requires the stylist to take smaller sections of hair, since it is much harder to see the guide line of a cut on dry hair than wet hair. Since it is much harder to see the guide line, only those stylists who have plenty of experience should attempt a dry cut. It is not uncommon for an inexperienced stylist to lose his or her place when cutting hair dry.
If you have unruly curls or extremely coarse or kinky hair, a dry cut just might be the answer to your problems…but only if the cut is performed by an experienced stylist who specializes in dry cutting.
