What are the best tools for cutting curly hair?

When it comes to curly hair, the right tools can make all the difference between a stunning style and a hair-tastrophe (yes, we just made that up!). As a barber, knowing which tools to use for cutting curly hair can turn you into a curly hair whisperer, and our customers will love you for it. Let’s dive into the gear that every curl connoisseur should have in their arsenal!

Barber Shears: The unsung heroes of the curly hair world are the barber shears. Regular scissors will NOT do the trick, folks. The best shears for cutting curly hair are sharp, precise, and often slightly angled to give you control over each snip. Look for high-quality Japanese or German steel and ergonomic designs to keep your hands comfortable. And remember, only use these shears for haircuts—no paper or packaging, please!

Thinning Shears: Friends, put down the hedge trimmers! If you’re dealing with very thick or dense curls, thinning shears can help manage the volume without sacrificing the curl definition. These special shears have one straight blade and one notched blade, allowing you to take out small sections of hair evenly and subtly. They’re also fantastic for removing bulk without compromising the bounce of those curls.

Hair Clippers: Often deemed necessary for short curly hairstyles or fades, a good set of hair clippers will be your trusty sidekick. The trick with curly hair is not to go in too vigorously—gentle clipping will preserve the curl pattern. Adjustable blades and quality guards are non-negotiable. And bonus points if your clippers come with a noise reduction feature! Yes, nobody wants to feel like they’re in a construction zone while getting a haircut.

Razors: Believe it or not, razors can be used to enhance curly haircuts. Wisely used, straight razors can add texture, reduce bulk, or even create layers without the blunt end that scissors may leave. They require a steady hand and a keen eye, so this tool is often reserved for the more experienced barbers out there. And whatever you do, always use a fresh blade to avoid the frizz-inducing drag.

Curved Combs and Brushes: Standard combs and brushes simply won’t cut it (pun intended) for curly hair. Enter the heroes: curved combs and brushes. The design helps detangle curls without breaking their natural pattern. Wide-tooth combs are your go-to for detangling, while smaller, curved combs are fabulous for more precise styling. Remember, curly hair + friction = frizz, so adopt a gentle touch!

Sectioning Clips: Oh, the humble sectioning clip. These babies are essential for keeping curly hair manageable while cutting. Due to the volume and texture of curly hair, cutting an entire head of curls at once can turn into a chaotic mess. Sectioning clips help you divide and conquer, one curl at a time. Look for strong, secure clips that won't slip or snag the hair.

Spray Bottle: If you’re cutting curly hair without a spray bottle, then you’re doing it wrong. Curls tend to look different when they’re wet and when they’re dry. Keeping a spray bottle on hand helps you maintain the right moisture level for precision cutting. Opt for a fine mist spray bottle for more even distribution—don’t go drenching your client into oblivion!

Diffuser: Though not a cutting tool per se, a good diffuser is invaluable for seeing how the curls will naturally fall post-haircut. It’s a gentle way to dry curls without disrupting their pattern or causing unnecessary frizz. A seated attachment for your blow dryer should help you execute a beautiful, soft finish every single time.

Curl Creams and Gels: Let’s talk product! After you've done the hard work of cutting those luscious curls, styling products are your best friends. High-quality curl creams and gels can enhance curl definition, reduce frizz, and keep the hair looking impeccable. Have a range of products available so customers can find what suits their hair best. Bonus points if you stock organic or sulfate-free options! Your curl-toting clients will thank you.

Cape and Neck Strips: We often forget about these unsung heroes! An adjustable barber’s cape helps catch those stray hairs that curls are so fond of dropping everywhere, and neck strips ensure that even the tiniest, most stubborn hairs don’t

one down the neck. Not only do they help keep your client comfortable, but they also ensure a more professional and clean haircut experience. Choose capes that are water and hair-resistant for easier post-cut clean-up, and don’t skimp on those neck strips—they're like cozy little barriers against itchy hair bits. Plus, fashion points!

Twist and Clip Method: One technique that has garnered rave reviews in the curly hair community is the twist and clip method. Using sectioning clips, carefully twist individual curls before cutting them to ensure a more controlled and even result. This method is perfect for preserving the integrity of each curl and minimizing the risk of unwanted layering or uneven lengths. If you’ve ever had a moment where a curl sprung back shorter than expected, you’ll understand the need for this technique!

The Importance of Consultation: As any seasoned barber knows, a proper consultation can turn a good haircut into a fantastic one. This is especially true for curly hair, where the wrong snip can lead to days (or gasp, weeks) of bad hair days. Make sure to take the time to talk to your client about their curl type, their hair routine, and what they envision for their cut. This proactive step will help you tailor your approach, ensuring both you and your client are on the same page.

Digital Enhancements: You’re probably thinking, “What in the world does ‘digital’ have to do with cutting hair?” Trust us, it’s more relevant than you think. Using digital apps or software to map out a client's desired look can be incredibly beneficial, especially for complex curly hairstyles. Photo editing tools can help you visualize how certain cuts will look on your client’s unique curl pattern before making the first snip. Better yet, some apps cater specifically to curly hair, allowing you to experiment with various styles digitally.

Things to Avoid: We’ve covered many tools and techniques, but sometimes it’s just as important to know what NOT to do. Here’s a quick rundown of common curly hair cutting mistakes:

• Cutting while dry & straightened: Curls shrink and spring up when dry. Cutting them while they're straightened can result in much shorter hair than desired.
• Neglecting moisture: Dry curls are brittle and prone to breakage. Always keep those curls hydrated before you make a cut.
• Using fine-tooth combs: These can break up natural curl patterns and cause breakage, leading to frizz.
• Over-texturizing: Too much of a good thing can be bad. Overusing razors or thinning shears can ruin curl patterns and lead to frizz.

Final Thoughts: Whether you’re a seasoned barber or still mastering the art of the curly cut, remember that curly hair requires a specific set of tools and techniques to get it just right. Experiment with different tools, respect the unique characteristics of each curl, and always, always, err on the side of caution. Your clients will notice the care and expertise you bring to their unique curls and will thank you for it—probably by keeping you as their go-to barber!

Must-Haves for Your Tool Kit: Here's a quick recap of the essentials to keep in your curly hair toolkit:

• High-Quality Barber Shears
• Thinning Shears
• Adjustable Hair Clippers
• Razors with Fresh Blades
• Curved Combs and Brushes
• Strong Sectioning Clips
• Fine Mist Spray Bottle
• Diffuser Attachment
• Range of Curl Creams and Gels
• Adjustable Cape and Neck Strips

With these tools at your disposal, you can confidently tackle any curly hair challenge that comes your way. Happy cutting, and may the curls be ever in your favor!

For more tips, and tricks, and to shop for the best barber supplies, don’t forget to check out our extensive range at barbersets.com. Because, as we like to say, your tools are your best friends in the battle for the perfect haircut.