Curly hair is unique, and when it comes to cutting men’s curly hair with clippers, it requires a bit of skill and technique. The texture and volume of curly hair can make the cutting process a bit tricky, but with the right tools and methods, you can achieve a clean, professional look at home. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process, from prepping the hair to finishing the cut. Whether you’re a seasoned barber or someone cutting hair for the first time, this article will give you the confidence to tackle curly hair with clippers.
Why Cutting Curly Hair with Clippers is Different
Curly hair has a natural wave and bounce, which makes it different from straight hair. It’s more prone to shrinkage when cut, so understanding how to account for this is key. Using clippers on curly hair allows for a more uniform cut, but the curl factor means that you need to be mindful of length, texture, and the final shape.
The Right Clippers for Curly Hair
When it comes to clippers, it’s essential to use a quality set designed to handle curly hair. You’ll need a clipper with adjustable blades or a set of comb attachments. Clippers with high RPM (revolutions per minute) are ideal, as they can glide smoothly through thicker hair without pulling.
Essential Tools
Before you begin cutting, ensure you have all the necessary tools at hand:
- Hair Clippers: With different attachments or adjustable blades.
- Combs: Wide-tooth combs for detangling and fine-tooth combs for precision.
- Scissors: To trim any stray or long curls that don’t fall into place.
- Spray Bottle: To dampen the hair, which helps prevent excessive shrinkage.
- Mirror: To check for evenness as you cut.
- Cape or Towel: To keep the hair off the skin.
Now that you’ve got everything ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of cutting curly hair with clippers.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cutting Men’s Curly Hair with Clippers
1. Preparation: Clean and Detangle the Hair
The first step is preparation. You’ll want to clean the hair thoroughly before starting. Here’s how you do it:
Wash the Hair
Wash the hair with a mild shampoo to remove any product buildup or oils. Curly hair tends to hold onto products, and it’s important to have clean strands to work with for a smoother cut.
Detangle the Curls
Curly hair can get knotted or tangled easily. Use a wide-tooth comb to gently detangle the hair, starting from the tips and working your way up. Avoid pulling at the hair, as this can damage curls. If needed, use a leave-in conditioner or detangling spray to help with this process.
Damp Hair
It’s often best to cut curly hair while it’s damp, as curly hair shrinks when it dries. Lightly dampen the hair with a spray bottle to make it more manageable. Be sure not to make it soaking wet, as too much water can make curls difficult to work with.
2. Decide on the Desired Length and Style
Before you start cutting, decide on the length and style you want. For curly hair, you’ll need to consider the amount of shrinkage that will happen once the hair dries. For example, if you want a 2-inch length, you may want to cut it slightly longer while it’s wet to account for the shrinkage when dry.
Length Guide
- Short Curls: Use a #2 or #3 guard for a tighter, shorter cut.
- Medium Curls: A #4 or #5 guard will leave more length and volume.
- Long Curls: You might prefer a longer guard or use scissors for more control.
Once you’ve decided on the length, it’s time to choose the clipper attachment guard. Be conservative at first, as you can always trim more but can’t add hair back.
3. Start with the Sides and Back
Begin with the Clippers on the Sides
Start at the bottom of the sides and back. Use the clippers with your chosen guard to trim the hair. Hold the clippers with the blades facing upward and use an upward motion to lift the curls as you cut. This ensures you’re trimming evenly and not cutting too short. Work your way up, going over the same areas multiple times for an even result.
Gradually Move Up
Move up the sides and back, keeping the clippers flush against the scalp. As you approach the crown, you may need to adjust the length of the guard for a seamless fade or even a slight blend into the top.
4. Tackle the Top Section
Use a Longer Guard
For the top of the hair, you’ll want to keep the curls longer to maintain their shape. Use a longer clipper guard to preserve the natural texture. Start cutting from the front and work your way toward the back.
Cut in Layers
If you want a more structured look, you can use clippers to cut in layers. Hold the top section of hair with a comb and clipper, cutting from the crown outward. This will allow the curls to form layers that have more volume and bounce.
5. Blending and Fading
For a clean, modern look, you may want to blend the sides and back into the top. This creates a fade effect that is especially popular with curly haircuts.
Fade with Different Guard Sizes
Start at the bottom with a shorter guard and gradually switch to a longer guard as you move up. For a clean fade, you may need to repeat the process, switching between guards to create a seamless blend. This will help the transition between short and long curls appear natural.
6. Detailing and Refining the Cut
After you’ve completed the main cut, use your scissors and comb to trim any stray curls or uneven areas. Curly hair often doesn’t fall uniformly, so you may notice some curls that are longer than others. Snip these with your scissors to ensure a polished finish.
Trim the Hairline and Ears
For a sharp and clean look, use the clippers without any guard to define the hairline around the ears and neck. This gives the cut a more tailored appearance. Be cautious here—curly hair can be tricky to shape around these delicate areas, so take your time.
7. Drying and Styling
After cutting, allow the hair to air dry or use a blow dryer with a diffuser. As the hair dries, you’ll notice how much it shrinks. It’s essential to observe the final shape to see if any areas need additional trimming.
Use a Curl Cream or Mousse
To enhance the curl pattern, apply a curl cream or mousse. Use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to style the curls as they dry. This will give your client or yourself the best chance to see how the cut looks with the natural curl pattern.
8. Final Touches
Once the hair is fully dry, give it one final inspection. Check the length on the sides and top to make sure it’s even. If you notice any unevenness, touch up the area with your clippers or scissors.
Maintain the Shape
To maintain the shape and health of curly hair, suggest regular trims every 6-8 weeks. Curly hair can grow out unevenly if not trimmed regularly, so staying on top of maintenance will help the style stay fresh.
Tips for Cutting Curly Hair with Clippers
Always start with longer guards: If you’re unsure about the length, start longer. You can always trim more, but you can’t add back length.
Use slow, controlled motions: Rushing can result in uneven cuts or pulling of curls.
Blend carefully: When blending between lengths, take your time. Curly hair requires subtle blending to avoid harsh lines.
Use a comb for guidance: A comb helps in determining which curls need to be trimmed, especially when working on the top layers.
Don’t overdo it: Curly hair is naturally voluminous, so be careful not to cut too much or leave the hair too short.
Conclusion
Cutting men’s curly hair with clippers may seem intimidating at first, but with the right tools, technique, and understanding of curly hair, you can achieve a professional-looking cut. By following the steps in this guide, you’ll be able to create a clean, stylish haircut that enhances the natural curl pattern, blending the sides and top beautifully. Remember to be patient, as curly hair requires a careful, step-by-step approach to achieve the best results.
Whether you’re cutting for yourself or someone else, taking your time and mastering the technique will ensure you deliver the perfect curly haircut every time.
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