Vent: I tried a 'dry cut' on a client with super thick hair and it turned into a disaster

I saw a stylist in a video do a dry cut on thick, wavy hair to get more texture, so I tried it on a regular client. Her hair just poofed out and I had to spend an extra 45 minutes wetting it down and fixing the shape. Anyone have a better method for managing thick hair without losing control?

3 comments

3 Comments

william_martin951mo ago

My buddy Mike is a barber and he tried a dry cut on his cousin with hair like a lion's mane. He said he measured what looked like an inch off the bottom while it was dry, but once the guy shook his head it was suddenly three inches shorter and totally uneven. Mike had to basically start over with the guy's hair damp to get any kind of straight line. He told me he'll never skip wetting thick hair again, even just a little spray bottle mist makes all the difference.

janac221mo ago

Dry cuts on thick hair need a lot of prep work. That stylist probably used a ton of product and tension you didn't see. Thick hair expands when it's dry, so you lose your guide. Try cutting it damp instead, not soaking wet. You keep some control but still get movement. Section it small and use a wide tooth comb to keep the bulk down.

jamie_white1mo ago

Yeah, @janac22 is totally right about the hidden work. It's like when you see a clean kitchen but didn't see the two hours of prep. People see the end result and think they can skip the steps. My friend tried a dry cut on her own thick hair after watching one video and it was a total triangle head situation. The expansion is real. It's all about control versus the final look, and damp is that sweet spot.