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Corona Curls Are Catching On!

One of the surprising consequences of the pandemic, is that curly and wavy girls are discovering their curls and embracing them. Now that they are no longer leaving their house to go to the office, many curly girls are finally embracing the hair they were born with. Imagine that! Corona curls are catching on! I am grateful for this because I love curly hair.

If you are still blowing your curly or wavy hair out straight, I encourage you to put down the blow fryer and back away. Why waste time making your hair look less attractive? It’s absurd! Maybe you are still brainwashed by hairstylists who don’t understand how to cut and style curly hair. These stylists mean well, of course, but their ignorance isn’t helping you. Since they don’t know more than what they were taught by their Cosmetology school teacher, they continue the same old routine of cutting curly hair wet and blowing it out with a round brush, or worse, flat ironing it. I believe that poorly trained hairstylists are the main reason that so many curly girls think they have to straighten their hair.

If you need help embracing your natural curls, we, at Devana Salon, would love to help you! We make it our goal to be the very best at cutting, coloring, styling and caring for curly and wavy hair. Also, we are constantly learning new ways to bring out the beauty in your hair’s natural texture. Even though we are already great at what we do, we take classes every other Monday to learn new techniques. We love to learn and will never stop improving our craft.

Our curly hair artists design a unique hairstyle for every one of our clients. We understand that no two curly haired people have the same curls, and we take into account face shape, hair texture, density and how light reflects off your hair to create a style that looks best for you.

I have had some new wavy clients tell me that they always thought that their hair was straight. When I give them a haircut that is designed to accentuate their natural waves they are often amazed. “I have never seen my hair look like this.” “I didn’t know my hair was so curly.” “I love it!” These are some of the statements that I hear from them after they see their new hairstyle.

Now that you have been rolling from your bed to your office, ask your partner if they prefer your hair straight or curly. I already know what the answer will be. They like it better curly. I have heard it a million times.

If you are considering embracing your natural hair texture, and you want some help, please give us a call. We’d love to show you what we can do with your unique head of hair.

So let’s get together, virtually, of course, and celebrate one of the good things to come from this pandemic: more curly hair!

13 Tips For Taming Frizz In Curly Hair

People with curly hair often complain about frizz. “My hair is a frizz ball!” “I look like a poodle!” “My hair is out of control!” “Hey I am over here behind my frizz!” “Help!” I hear these complaints and more nearly every week.

The first thing I usually tell my frizz-stricken clients is to take a deep breath, relax and know that curly hair will always have some frizz. It is ok. I love how in her book, The Curly Girl Handbook, Loraine Massey affectionately refers to frizz as a halo. It’s simply part of the deal that when you have been blessed with curly hair, then you will have some frizz too.

But frizz still seems to be the arch-nemesis of many a curly haired soul, and since I love my curly peeps, I am writing this blog to offer some help. There are steps you can take to minimize the amount of frizz in your hair.

Here are 10 tips for taming frizz:

1. Use a sulfate-free shampoo – Sulfates, such as sodium laurel sulfate, are harsh detergents that remove all the dirt from your hair, but they also strip your hair of its natural and beneficial oils. This dries out your hair and causes it to be more frizzy. I like Innersense Pure Harmony Hairbath, Ouidad Nourishing Oil Shampoo and DevaCurl Delight Low Poo.

2. Hydrate with conditioner – Applying a good hydrating conditioner to your hair after cleansing is a must. For medium to coarse curly hair, I prefer Innersense Hydrating Cream Conditioner, Ouidad Curl Quencher Conditioner and DevaCurl One Condition.

3. For 2C, 3A-3C and 4A-4C curls, use a leave-in conditioner for extra moisture. I like Innersense Quiet Calm Curl Control Cream, Ouidad Moisture Lock Leave In Conditioner and DevaCurl Decadence Leave-In Conditioner.

4. Apply a curl defining product when your hair is wet. After rinsing out your conditioner ring your hair out gently with your hands, flip your head upside down and apply your styling products, including your leave in conditioner, when your hair is dripping wet. If you like using gel, my favorite is the DevaCurl Light Defining Gel.

5. Use a microfiber towel or a t-shirt to ring out your hair. After you have scrunched in your favorite curl styler, then flip your head upright, create your part (I like zig zag parts for volume) and then use a microfiber towel or a t-shirt to squeeze out the excess moisture from your hair. Do not use a terrycloth towel which could rough up the cuticle of your hair and cause frizz.

6. When drying your hair with a diffuser, set the air speed on low and use either cool air or low heat.

7. Finish your styling with a few drops of essential oil to seal in the moisture, add shine and control frizz. I like Natulique Argan Oil and Innersense Harmonic Healing Oil.

8. Add a spray shine such as Natulique Ultra Shine Finisher with rose petal oil for extra hydration and shine. Curly hair absorbs more light than straight hair and so the more shine the better.

9. Be conscious of how you sleep on your hair. For the best chance of achieving frizz-free second and third day curls, place your hair in a “pineapple” on the top of your head. Either wear a bonnet made of silk or satin or sleep on a pillowcase made of silk or satin. In the morning, let your hair down, spritz with a curl revitalizer, scrunch and shape your curls with your fingers and you are good to go. My favorite curl revitalizers are DevaCurl Mist-er Right and Ouidad Botanical Boost.

10. Treat your curls to a moisturizing deep conditioning treatment as often as you can. Deep conditioning once a week would be great, but once a month is definitely better than never. A deep condition mask will infuse your curls with moisture and keep frizz to a minimum.

11. Once you have completed styling your hair, try not to touch it after that. If you are running your fingers through your hair, twirling it, or flipping it around, etc. you are breaking up your curls and creating frizz. I know its hard, but I am just saying.

12. Don’t put your purse strap on your hair. Also, if you are wearing a scarf, try to avoid wool because your hair will rub on it and get frizzy.

13. Don’t stress out if you have some frizz. Like I said earlier, having some frizz is a fact of life for curly girls. If you are stressed out, I can almost guarantee that your hair will get frizzier because you will be obsessing about it, touching it and making your problem worse. Also, frizz creates volume, and big hair is in. Try to celebrate your curly halo! You are a divine being my friend.

Are Hairstylists Essential Workers?

After being forced to shutdown for seven weeks because of Covid-19, I began to wonder what an “essential worker” was. Apparently, the government had decided that I and my staff were not essential. It seems, however, that our clients felt differently.
I was grateful when we were allowed to return to work and see our curly clients again. I was surprised, however, by how desperate many of them were to see us. I heard story after story of how they had tried to cut and color their own hair during the lockdown. Some had taken their household scissors and began snipping curls here and there. Only a little bit of fixing was needed for these people. Others had attempted to give themselves a complete haircut, and this usually required more work to correct.
One of my clients who had tried cutting her own hair said she thought she looked like a “homeless poodle”. “Please help me reenter the human race,” she begged.
Another woman tried to give herself a Deva Cut, but her hair ended up looking like an inspiring design for a skateboard park.
One woman convinced her husband to cut her wavy hair into an A-Line bob. Needless to say, it did not turn out as she had hoped. Her hair looked like a bumpy ski slope.
Some of my clients asked me to send them hair color and then they enlisted their roommate or significant other to apply the color for them. These people were usually satisfied with the results. Others experimented with coloring their hair using seemingly innocent products such as henna or box color that they had purchased in a supermarket. Fixing these color disasters usually took more than one appointment.
Our pandemic era meaning of “essential work” refers to work that’s needed to meet basic human needs and safety during the shelter in place order. In my conversations with my clients, I was amazed by the suffering that many of them had experienced when they were unhappy with how their hair looked. It occurred to me that being happy with one’s appearance is a basic human need. The amount of gratitude and relief that my clients expressed after I had done their hair again was humbling. It made me realize that we hairstylists are providing a valuable service and are in fact satisfying basic human needs. Hairstylists, it seems to me, are essential workers.

What Your Curly Hair Style Says About You

Now that hair salons have been allowed to reopen in Colorado, I am impressed more than ever by the importance of having a good hairstylist, one that understands you and the look that you want to present to the rest of society. Many of my curly haired clients have told me that one of their most pressing goals, after the Covid-19 stay-at-home order was lifted, was to get a haircut. This made me wonder why our hair is so important.
It is obvious that our relationship with our hair is extremely intimate and complex. As anyone who’s gotten a really good, or bad, haircut knows, hair is so much more than just a look. It can be a reflection and reinforcement of who you are. Your hairstyle is intensely personal and, at the same time, totally public. Sometimes your hair speaks for you, even before you say a thing. It becomes a statement of who you are, and a sign of your identity.
This is why we spend so much time perfecting how our hair should look. We constantly search for the most suitable haircut, color, and texture. We are using our hair to speak, and trying, through our hairstyle, to express key aspects of our soul and to communicate some of the deepest truths about who we are.
Hair has played an important role in people’s confidence and self-image for as long as their have been hair growing people on Earth. As long ago as the Greek and Roman empires, detailed wigs were symbols of wealth and stature in society. Cleopatra, Queen of the Nile, was famous for her thick, black hair. The Bible’s Samson had long hair that symbolized divine power. I imagine that even Cavemen and Cavewomen helped each other wash and style their hair.
Hair symbolizes physical strength and virility. It is a symbol of instinct, of female seduction and physical attraction. It is no wonder, that the appearance of our hair is so important to us.
If you want to change your identity, a trip to the salon could go a long way to doing just that. A new hairstyle signals that you have changed. So what messages are you sending with your current hairstyle? Here are some thoughts about what your hair is quietly, or loudly, saying to the rest of the world.

Bouncy Curls: You celebrate uniqueness

Curly hair is often associated with a fun-loving, warm hearted and outgoing personality. If you have curly hair you are perceived as being courageous, outspoken, and spontaneous. You are probably someone who likes to challenge perceptions and norms. You celebrate your uniqueness and value your roots. Unkempt bouncy curls give you a playful vibe. Your curliness helps the rest of society loosen up and connect to our essential nature.

Red hair: You blaze with passion

You blaze with passion and excitement. Your personality traits include leadership, love, passion, insight, dynamism, intuition, and expressiveness. You are a catalyst for change and you heat up the world around you.

High Ponytail: You are full of energy

The high ponytail suggests that you’re energetic and sporty. You bring life into a room. This look makes you look younger and emits a goal-oriented aura. You like to cut to the chase by saying what you need and how you want it accomplished. You are straightforward and a dynamic person to work with. You make it fun to get things done and you keep the rest of us from getting too complacent.

Loose Beach Waves: You embody confidence

If you wear your hair in beachy waves that’s summer-ready all year round, you are probably perceived as confident and a freedom lover with high energy. You inspire people to let loose and dance both physically and mentally.

Natural gray: You are wise and free

Many women who choose to allow their hair to be naturally gray project a level of security with their appearances. They are showing off their wisdom and their freedom from societal pressure to conform. Women who grow out their gray hair are embracing their inner Wild Woman and are not afraid in revealing this significant side of themselves. They are a blessing to our society.

Unconventional hairstyle: You are full of surprises

If your hairstyle is a unique cut and color, you are probably an artist who loves stepping out of the box. Getting a unique haircut says that you’re fun to be with and that you are rebellious. Your hairstyle shows off your creative personality and carefree spirit. Your expressiveness makes the world a far more interesting and exciting place.

The virtues and properties of a person are said to be concentrated in his or her hair. So to all you curly haired people, I welcome you back to Devana Salon, where our mission is “to inspire and embrace natural hair, beauty and spirit”. We look forward to helping you present your unique soul to yourself and to the world.

Be well, be free, and be beautifully curly.

The Best Type of Diffusers For Drying Curly Hair

One of the most useful tools for drying and styling naturally curly hair is a diffuser. Diffusers fit on the end of a blowdryer and diffuse the air coming out so that your curls can dry evenly while maintaining curl definition. Using a blowdryer without a diffuser will cause your curls to break up and become frizzy. Diffusers come in various shapes and sizes. In this blog, I will describe my favorite types of diffusers and give some pointers in how to use them.

First I will give you a brief description of how to prepare your hair to be diffused. Before diffusing, cleanse and condition your curls. If you don’t want to use a cleanser, you can just use a conditioner. After detangling with your fingers when you have conditioner in your hair, gently squeeze out the excess moisture with your hands. Then flip your head upside down and apply your favorite styling product, scrunching upward to accentuate your curls or apply the product smoothing downward to elongate your curls. After you have the curl defining product in your hair, flip your head upright and create the part the way you like it. I often prefer a zig-zag part because it helps with root lift and forms an attractive head shape. Next, gently squeeze out the excess moisture with a microfiber towel.

In order to create more root lift and volume, you can use pin curl clips to lift up the hair around the crown of your head. The clips should be placed in a bricklay pattern with the handles facing up toward the top of your head. If you like the shape of your hair with the clips in place, then you will like the shape when your hair has dried.

Now you are ready to diffuse your hair. Since curly hair tends to be dry, I always recommend using either low heat or cool air and low airspeed.

Bowl Diffuser
The bowl diffuser is shaped like a bowl that attaches to the end of a blowdryer. The hot air comes out of holes on the inside of the bowl. You dry your curls by gently placing them inside the bowl and holding the diffuser still until the hair is dry. I like bowl diffusers for drying the mid shafts and ends of hair. This type of diffuser can also be used to dry the roots by holding the diffuser close to your head.
If you don’t want to use clips to create root lift, you can create some lift and volume by diffusing your hair upside down. Before you flip your upside down though, make sure you apply a product at the roots that will support the lift in your hair. My favorite products for creating root lift are: Innersense I Create Lift Volumizing Foam, DevaCurl Frizz Free Volumizing Foam and Natulique Root Lifter Volume Tonic. Once the roots are dry, flip your head upright and you will have more volume at the roots. Continue diffusing the ends of your hair. Squeeze your hair gently to soften the product. If you want more volume, flip your head over one more time and gently loosen your hair at the roots by rubbing your fingers along your scalp. Then flip your head back upright and position your curls the way you like.

Hood dryer
We use hood dryers in the salon because they mimic air drying while speeding up the drying process. Some of our clients purchase them to use at home. I recommend this because it is a great time saver and allows you to have your hands free while your hair is drying. Although these dryers are bulky, they come with wheels and can be stored out of sight in a closet when not in use. My favorite hood dryer is Venus Plus by Highland.

DevaFuser
The DevaFuser is shaped like a hand with five fingers that fits on the end of a blow dryer. The hot air comes out of holes in the front and back of the hand. This clever design is great for drying your roots because the fingers can be placed underneath your hair and give you some root lift. People with 4A, 4B and 4C always have a hard time drying their roots, and the DevaFuser is great for drying the roots of these curls because it diffuses air at the scalp.
One drawback of the Devafuser, however, is that it takes a long time to dry the mid shafts and ends of your hair since the air is blowing out of the fingers of the diffuser in all directions and is therefore less concentrated than a bowl diffuser. This is why I recommend the Devafuser for drying the roots and a bowl diffuser for drying the ends.

Travel Diffusers
How do you dry your curly hair when you are traveling? The answer is in a travel diffuser. Portable diffusers come in various designs. My favorite is The Curly Co. Collapsible Hair Diffuser. This diffuser is great for travel because it’s telescopic design allows it to fold into a smaller size so it can be easily packed into a suitcase or carry on bag.

The Glorious Originality of Your Curly Hair

Your curl pattern is as unique as your fingerprint. This is reason enough to embrace your curls and show them off to the world. I have done the hair of over 5,000 curly haired women and men, and I assure you that no two heads of curly hair are alike. Your curls are an expression of your individuality.

To me, curly hair is the most beautiful type of hair. I find beauty in it’s spontaneity, originality and wildness. Yet, so often do I hear my clients say “I want her curls” as they point to a photo on their phone or to some other woman in the salon. That is like saying “I want her fingerprint.” It’s impossible!

The beauty of nature is indisputable. Everybody is awed by a colorful sunset, the expanse of an ocean and the waves crashing to the shore, the sight of gigantic mountains, a flower filled valley, and the sensations of a passing stream. To me, the beauty of nature comes from its wildness. The same applies to your curly hair. Your hair is a force of nature and so it is different every day. Although many of my clients want me to “tame” their curls, I tell them it can’t be done. I can shape your curls, nourish your waves, and create a look that you will probably like more often than not. But there is no way that I am going to tame your curls.

No matter how hard you try to control your hair, something will come along to unleash the wildness of your waves. The humidity of the air, for example, or a gust of wind. Your hair has a silent bond with the natural world that can never be controlled. And I assure you, your curls are powerful. It is in the wildness of your hair that your physical being unites with your spirit. I think this is why so many woman treasure every last millimeter of it. The golden light of your soul is expressing itself through your gloriously wild hair. How lucky you are to have a physical expression of your spirit framing your face every day.

How To Know If Your Curly Hair Is Too Long

There may come a time when your curly hair is too long and it needs to be cut. I know this may seem sacrilegious to some curly girls, but at a certain point more length may detract from your appearance rather than making you look more beautiful. One time I had a client come to me for a haircut. She said she wanted a new look but she was terrified of losing any length. Her hair was so long that it came down to her knees! I cut off one inch. It wasn’t a new look but she was happy nonetheless.
I am always honest with my clients and I will tell them when I think that their hair is too long and is beginning to detract from their appearance. I base my recommendation on the following factors:

Face Shape
Extremely long hair tends to fall forward and narrow your face. If you have an oblong face, then what you want is to open your face and create width, but if your hair is too long it will make your face look even narrower and longer.

2. Body size
If you have a small body, then you can get lost behind your hair if your hair is extremely long. If you have a large body, hair that is too long can make your body look even larger.

3. Curl Pattern
The longer your hair is the heavier it will be and therefore the looser your curls will become. If you want your hair to have a tighter curl, then it might help you to cut it a little shorter. On the other hand, if you want your curls to have a looser, wavier curl pattern, then growing your hair longer could help loosen your curls.

4. Head Size
Everyone has a different sized head. If you have a small head, then extremely long hair will make your head look even smaller. What we are trying to accomplish in the salon is to show off your face not make it disappear.

Long curly hair is beautiful, but if it is too long it can detract from your appearance. A balance needs to be found where your hair is a length that is most appealing for your face shape, body size and curl type.

10 Things You Must Know If You Want To Grow Your Curly Hair Longer

Do you want to grow your hair longer? If so, you are not alone. Long hair seems to be a symbol of youthfulness, health, vitality, and fertility. Almost every day, I have clients who tell me that they want to grow their hair longer, and they often claim that they are having difficulty doing so. There are many reasons why you may be having difficulty growing your hair longer. Consider the following nine factors to maximize the length and appearance of your hair.

1. How quickly curly hair grows
The fact of the matter is that curly hair takes a longer time to grow longer because it grows in a curl, rather than straight down. But curly hair, as well as straight hair, usually grows about 1/2” per month. So with patience, and with a coordinated plan with your hair stylist, you can have longer hair.

2. Create a plan with your hairstylist
One of the most important things that you must do in order to grow your hair longer is to create an action plan with your hairstylist. It is vital that your hairstylist understands your goal, knows how fast your hair grows, and then cuts as little as possible off the ends of your hair that is giving you your length. The hair that is giving you your length is the hair that is growing below your parietal ridge. The hair that is growing above this, or wherever your stylist chooses to begin elevating, is the hair that your stylist uses to create an attractive shape. If you have curly hair, you don’t want a haircut where all your hair is the same length, unless you like the triangle look.

3. Don’t thin out or texturize curly hair
Do not allow your stylist to thin out or texturize your curls. Doing so makes the process of growing your hair out take much longer because it breaks up the ends of the curls and it creates frizz. Nobody wants their hair to have a frizzy and thin perimeter.

4. Plan regular haircuts
Split ends are your enemy. It is important to get regular haircuts when you are growing your hair longer in order to cut off split ends. Although split ends don’t look like they are going anywhere, they are actually splitting up your hair strand and making your hair shorter. When growing their hair longer, I recommend that my wavy clients (2A-2B) and curly clients (2C-3B) come for a haircut every twelve weeks, my super curly (3C-4A) clients come every four months, and my super curly (4B-4C) come every six months.

5. Hair density
The density of your hair plays an important role in how long you will want your hair to grow. If you are lucky enough to have thick curly hair, then you will be able to grow your hair longer without it looking too thin. However, if your hair is thin, then the longer it gets, the thinner it will look. I usually recommend that my clients with thin hair get a cut that maximizes the appearance of fullness rather than grow it so long that it looks too thin on the ends. Fullness is more attractive than length in these cases.

6. Spring factor
Your curl pattern plays a large role in how long your hair will grow. Very tight 4A-4C curls have a high spring factor and therefore take a long time to grow long. Looser 2A-2C waves achieve length more quickly because they have a smaller spring factor.

7. Curl pattern
Everyone’s curl pattern is unique. If the curls at the nape of your neck are tighter than the curls on your crown, then it will take longer for your hair to grow long because the hairs that are creating your length have a greater spring factor. If the curls at your nape are looser than those at your crown, then you will be able to achieve length faster. However, in both these cases, it is important that your stylist knows how to blend the differing curls together. For more information on this, see my blog on why it is important to cut curly hair dry.

8. Diet
Your hair is composed of water and protein (keratin). It is critical to drink plenty of water and eat a healthy diet when you have the intention of growing your hair longer. Just like your doctor tells you, the best foods for your body is also good for your hair, so eat lots of vegetables, fruits, nuts, and healthy stuff.

9. Supplements
There are vitamins and minerals you can take each morning that can support healthy hair growth. A supplement with keratin, biotin, collagen peptides, hyaluronic acid, all the alphabetic vitamins, or any combination of the above can help your hair grow longer and stronger. But even if your are taking supplements, it will require patience to grow your hair longer. The key to getting the best results is to be consistent with the supplements and commit to them daily for at least six months.

10. Genetics
Eventually, based on your genetics, your hair will grow as long as it will grow. The ultimate length that your hair can grow is is a factor of the amount of time your hair remains in the follicle before a new hair grows into the follicle and pushes the old hair out. This length of time is different for everyone and appears to be inherited genetically. If you are genetically predetermined to grow hair for 18 months before a new hair starts growing into the follicle, then you will be able to grow your hair about nine inches long before it falls out. If you can grow your hair for 60 months before a new hair grows in the follicle, then you can grow your hair 30 inches long. I know it’s not fair, but that is the way life is sometimes.

By coordinating with your hair stylist and following a plan, you will be able to maximize the length of your curly hair.

14 Things To Consider Before Cutting Curly Bangs

Cutting bangs is a big decision and if you have curly hair there are unique considerations that you need to take into account. Once you have cut bangs, it takes a long time to grow them out, so consider these 14 points before you make a final decision.

  1. What is your face shape? If you have a an oblong face then bangs can look great. Bangs can also look good on diamond, heart shaped, and oval faces. However, if you have a round or square shaped face, bangs can make your face look rounder and wider.
  2. Will bangs make your face look more oval? It is in our genes to see oval faces as the most attractive. The facial dimensions that we innately find most appealing are approximately 7:5 (height:width). As I mentioned above, bangs will make oblong faces look more oval, which is great. However, bangs can make square and round faces look wider, which isn’t as appealing.
  3. What is your curl type? There is a big difference between wavy bangs and super curly bangs. Wavy and swavy (straight wavy 2A) bangs can be challenging because they can sometimes look stringy. I usually cut wavy bangs thicker to make them look stronger. Super curly bangs are generally easier to style, however they have a greater spring factor. Because of this, it is critical that super curly bangs be cut when they are dry and in their natural curly formation.
  4. How thick do you want your bangs to be? Thicker bangs look better on longer face shapes. Whispier bangs usually look better on rounder and squarer faces. 
  5. How long should your bangs be? I usually like to cut bangs just below the eyebrows and above the eyelashes. However, if you have a round or square face, cutting shorter bangs can look better because they make your face look more oval.
  6. Do you want your bangs cut straight across or rounded down at the edges? I almost always advocate bangs that curve down slightly at the edges because I think this shape frames your eyes nicely. However, if you want a more retro look, bangs that go straight across all the way to the side hairlines can be fun.
  7. Will your bangs fall in your eyes? It can be sexy to hide your eyes behind wispy bangs, but nobody likes to have hair in their eyes. It’s up to you if you want to put up with hair in front of your eyes or not. Most of my clients don’t like hair in their eyes and usually sweep it to the side when the bangs are too long. But some of my clients insist on having their eyes peekaboo from behind their bangs.
  8. How often will you need a bang trim? Wavy bangs grow downward faster than super curly bangs, so wavy bangs will need to be trimmed more often. 
  9. Do you want your bangs textured or blunt cut? I prefer to blunt cut super curly bangs because texturizing these curls makes them look frizzy. With wavy hair, especially 2A and 2B, I will usually texturize the ends to soften them. I often blunt cut 3A, 3B and 3C bangs. 
  10. What is the direction that your hair is growing along your hairline? It is vital to examine the direction your hair is growing along your hairline to determine how your bangs will fall. If your hair is growing straight down toward your face then your bangs will fall straight down. However, this isn’t usually the case. If your hair is growing back up away from your face and toward your crown, then your bangs will pop up before they go down, so more hair will have to be cut into the bangs to give them weight and the bangs will need to be cut longer. If your hair grows toward the side of hair face then your bangs will probably split.
  11. What are your favorite facial features? If you have a big pretty smile, then bangs can bring attention to your mouth. Large symmetrical eyes can also be enhanced by bangs.
  12. What are your least favorite facial features? If you have a big nose, bangs may bring unwanted attention to it. I know because I have a big nose. But I am a guy and I don’t wear bangs.
  13. Is your face symmetrical? The symmetry of your face will usually be more obvious with bangs. If you have an asymmetrical face, such as one of your eyes is higher than the other, which is quite common, then straight across bangs will make the asymmetry of your face more evident. 
  14. How thick is your hair? If you have fine hair, then you will need to use a larger amount of your hair to create bangs. If you have thick hair, you can get away with creating bangs with a smaller amount of your hair. These decisions will affect the design of the rest of your haircut depending on how much hair is left behind after cutting bangs.

There is a lot to consider when contemplating cutting bangs. If you think that bangs are for you, then go for it! You will have an entirely new hairstyle in a matter of seconds.

Is It Better To Cut Curly Hair When It Is Dry or Wet?

Many of my new curly hair clients are surprised that I don’t shampoo their hair before I cut it.

“Are you going to cut it dry?” they ask, surprised when I don’t take them immediately to the shampoo bowl.

“Yes, I always cut curly hair dry,” I tell them, and then I explain why.

There are five main reasons why I believe cutting curly hair when it is dry is better than cutting it wet.

  1. Spring Factor – Every curl has a different spring factor. Spring factor is how much a curl will spring back after it is pulled out straight. For 2A-2B loosely wavy curls, the spring factor may be as little as half an inch. For 2C Botticelli curls, the spring factor is usually between 1-4 inches. For 3A-3C corkscrew curls, the spring factor is between 3-6 inches. Super curly 4A-4C can spring back 7-10 inches or more depending on their length. 4C curls have the greatest spring factor and will often spring back to 10-20% of their length when pulled out straight. When curly hair is cut wet, the stylist usually pulls the hair out from the head and cuts with tension. When hair is cut like this, it is virtually impossible to know where the hair will spring back to when it is dry. So the spring factor of curly hair is the number one reason to cut it dry.
  2. Knowing where the curls lie – When shaping the haircut, it is vital for the stylist to know where the curls will lie when they are in their natural dry state, and common sense will tell you that this can only be determined by seeing the curls when they are dry. This is particularly important when framing the face, since good hair design is about presenting the most attractive view of your face. A talented stylist will analyze your facial features and decide exactly where they want your curls to fall. This is usually the most important part of the haircut and it can only be done well when curls are dry and falling in their natural shape.
  3. Hair density – Judging hair density, especially around the perimeter of a haircut is a vital part of creating a beautiful shape. When hair is wet, it clumps together making density much harder to judge. It is far easier to judge hair density when it is dry. This allows the stylist to know where on the head they can begin elevating the hair to create the desired shape which will make your face look most attractive.
  4. Seeing the shape evolve as the haircut proceeds – When curly hair is cut dry, it is easier to see the shape of the haircut evolve throughout the haircut. This allows the stylist to make adjustments to the haircut throughout the process. I analyze the shape of the haircut throughout the entire cutting process and often make adjustments that I wouldn’t have seen if I was cutting the hair when it was wet.
  5. Finishing touches – Curly hair is a little different every day. This is why it is critical to make final adjustments to the haircut after the hair has been washed, conditioned and styled. At the end of the haircut, I ask my clients to stand in front of me so I can see their hair from every direction. I ask them to flip their head upside down and side to side and observe the curls from every angle, making any necessary adjustments to complete the haircut and give them the best possible look for their unique face shape.
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