Cutting Natural Hair: You Don't Have to Straighten It First!
Cutting Natural Hair: You Don't Have to Straighten It First!
A common misconception about natural hair is that it needs to be straightened in order to be cut. This simply isn't true! There are plenty of ways to cut natural hair without having to first straighten it. In fact, cutting natural hair while it is in its natural state can actually be beneficial. Here's why:
When you cut natural hair while it is wet, the curl pattern is more defined and easier to see. This makes it easier to identify which areas need to be trimmed and which areas can be left alone. Cutting natural hair while it is dry can actually make it more difficult to see the curl pattern, which can lead to an uneven trim.
Another benefit of cutting natural hair while it is wet is that it prevents the hair from shrinking as it dries. When natural hair dries, it often shrinks up, making it appear shorter than it actually is. If you cut the hair when it is wet, you can avoid this shrinkage and end up with a truer sense of how much length you are working with.
Cutting natural hair can also be less damaging than straightening it first. Heat damage is a real concern for women with natural hair, so avoiding heat-straightening the hair before cutting it is a good way to keep your strands healthy.
Here are some tips for cutting natural hair without straightening it first:
-Wash and condition the hair as normal. towel-dry until damp but not dripping wet.
-Detangle with a wide-tooth comb or your fingers.
-Divide the hair into small sections using clips or ponytail holders.
-Start cutting from the bottom up, slowly working your way towards the top of the head. Be sure to trim evenly so that all of the curls are the same length.
-Once you're finished cutting, apply a leave-in conditioner or treatment and style as usual.
Conclusion:
Cutting natural hair doesn't have to be complicated—and you certainly don't have to straighten it first! By following these simple tips, you can achieve a beautiful, healthy trim that maintains your strands' integrity. So go ahead, embrace your curls and give them the love they deserve!