I recently added a few layers to the top half of my curls, and thought you may want to see a before and after. Having blunt cut hair is very easy to care for, yet having layers is much more flattering in my opinion since my curls are still grazing collar bone length. I know I mentioned in my most recent hair regimen article that I was only going to do minor trims, but I really desired a shape up so I went for it.
Shrinkage is such a huge reality for curly hair. Depending upon how I set my curls, or if they are stretched after my hair sets, the length of my hair varies greatly. You will see a difference in my hair length in all of these photos.
I also realized after this recent cut that my wash and go hair style looks longer than my twist out because my natural curl pattern is smaller than the size of the twists that my twist out was set in. I have yet to do a braid out which stretches my hair differently than both styles, but you can get an idea of the transformation with a few layers in the pictures below.
I always cut my hair dry in its curly state. I feel that cutting my hair this way is the best way to see how it will actually fall, and it’s true shape versus cutting my hair straight. I hardly straighten my hair. In fact I got rid of my blow dryer and flat iron before we moved this summer.
When I cut these layers I didn’t cut much at all. Maybe 1-1.5 inches for the shortest layer, yet it made a huge difference. I’ve been cutting my own hair since junior high. I like having complete control over how my hair looks which is why I cut it myself.
It has been a learning curve cutting my hair in its curly state, yet I’ve really enjoyed the process. I also think having a few layers in more me than the blunt cut. If you are interested in more articles on cutting curly hair go here.
Do you cut your own hair?
(Images by Dawn Michelle)
Tracy says
Its amazing how just a small amount of layering can make a drastic change.I agree it needs to be layered dried when you have curls or significant wave. I have a terrible time finding a stylist that will layer my hair the way I like it. I always end up having to grow it out, get it blunt cut and then look for another stylist, its a never ending cycle. Ive never been able to cut the back myself, but now I may give it another try.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Tracy,
On Naturally Curly they have a list of stylists who are certified to do curly hair if you are still interested. Learning to cut your own hair does have it’s rewards though. Here is one of the easiest ways to cut your hair. This helps especially for cutting the back of your hair. <3
marlyn says
I just cut my own hair using your last you tube video reference turned out very nice thanks
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Maryln,
Sweet! I’m so glad to hear this!
Glenda says
Hi Dawn,
I’ve been cutting my hair since high school. I have a very high forehead, and when stylists cut my bangs I have kindergarten-bangs. So I learned how to cut slightly-layered eyebrow-grazing bangs, and then it progressed from there. By the time I was a senior in high school my brothers were wanting me to cut their hair, too, and when in college I used to cut guys’ hair.
Three young guys are standing around my computer right now and they say to tell you that you look really sexy with the layered cut. And I think it does look really pretty and much more feminine.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Glenda,
Thanks so much for the compliment! Tell the gentlemen thanks too! I think the more confident you get with cutting hair the easier it is to do. I also cut my husband’s hair. I’m still working on perfecting my fading skills but it does get easier with time. Have a great weekend!
sandy says
Yes I cut mine.
Because my hair is shorter and doesn’t have any hang, I part it off in the smallest two strand twists( with equal squares) Once, my hair is dry, I actually measure the twists, or eyeball them for size, and then even up all the twists.
Overtime, with practice, I’ve learned how to shape my afro, by trimming some twists shorter than others.(usually the back and sides are trimmed shorter)
I love your hair Dawn. It frames your face and looks so healthy.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Sandy,
Trimming your hair in twists is a great way to have control and accuracy. This would work well for any length of curly hair. Your hair sounds so beautiful! Hope you are having a wonderful holiday season! <3
Katherine says
I cut my own bangs, so I can have them the right length any time, and will play with face framing bits if I feel like it. But I love going to the salon, have put in massive work to find stylists I trust, and have no desire to stop.
I do cut lots of other people’s hair, though! When I lived at home, I did my mom’s & brother’s, friends’ hair in college, and my fiance’s hair now. They all approached me to do it! I don’t know what about me says “trust me with your hair!”.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Katherine,
That’s so awesome that you cut other people’s hair too! It also sounds like you enjoy the pampering at a good salon and it’s great that you’ve found someone that you trust. Hope you are having a beautiful day! Thanks for sharing <3
Kisha says
Love it! I totally feel you on this, I have learned to cut my dry curly hair and love to keep a Tracee Ellis Ross shape. The shape of curly hair can be a dramatic huge difference.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Kisha,
The shape of curly hair is everything. Tracee Ellis Ross always has a gorgeous hair too! <3
Deri says
I’ve never done any drastic cuts to my hair, but I have done trims (itty-bitty ones). When I’m ready for a big cut, I’ll probably take it into my own hands…and if I don’t like it, RUN to a stylist lol.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Deri,
The more confident you get with cutting your own hair the easier it becomes. It’s great that you do your own trims already. I watched a ton of hair cutting videos for curly hair before I figured out how I wanted to cut my hair. <3