A Guide To Getting A Perfect Haircut For Your Curls

For years, I thought that my curls were the problem. At every family function, someone suggested combing my hair “properly.” Every barber wanted to control them by cutting them off, eventually, me stepping out of the salon in a military haircut. And, I started disliking my curly hair. When I entered college, I began understanding more about hairstyles and how to maintain them. I met people obsessed with curly and wavy hair, spending money in salons to get it. That’s when I realized how blessed I am. Then my expectations rose — I tried to look like Timothée Chalamet with my slightly chubby face and double chin, which obviously didn’t work.    

Turns out my haircut was the issue. I didn’t know that curly and wavy hair have different characteristics —  unlike straight hair, they are prone to frizz and uneven volume. Now what? I stopped chasing the “perfect hair” and focused on getting the haircut right and learnt to style it — something that suited my face and fulfilled my desires.

The biggest mistake most curly-haired men make is focusing on the length. Getting a desired haircut isn’t achieved by chopping off the extra two inches; it’s about creating a shape that works with how those curls fall naturally. Each curl springs back differently once it dries — meaning a wet haircut without justifying the shrinkage will often leave you disappointed.  

Ask your barber to leave enough weight on the top while removing excess from the sides as per your desire, without chopping off aggressively like a gardener does to the bushes. Think of long-term benefits — how should your hair look when it grows back, and how should it look when you style. 

What I usually prefer is a layered cut. It allows my curls (sometimes loose waves or coils) to stack naturally instead of forming a bulk. And, being someone who sweats a lot and avoiding styling products, I ask my barber to cut the sides extra short just for that sharper look. So, a few weeks later, my hair looked more graceful than awkward. 

An additional tip: Try dry cuts. They make a difference. Curls shrink when they are wet, and it becomes difficult to judge the final shape. Dry cut allows each curl to sculpt the way it naturally sits. It results in a cleaner volume and lesser surprised after the first wash. 

You can’t get a supermodel-like haircut if your curl pattern is different from what you are trying to achieve. Take inspiration from pictures of models with hair textures similar to yours. It will give a more realistic roadmap than an impossible challenge. Additionally, tell your barber how you style your hair on a regular basis. If you are a wash-dry-and-go person like me who uses styling products occasionally, your haircut should reflect that. 

Are you someone who rubs their hair rigorously after the wash? Then, stop it right away. It is damaging your curls. First, you need a microfiber towel or a clean old cotton t-shirt. Your regular towel creates friction, inviting more frizz, and who wants to look like an exploded light bulb? Now, you scrunch out the excess water from your hair. Once they are semi-dry, apply a leave-in conditioner.

Hair Conditioners We Recommend:

Next, you go with a curl cream. This defines and shapes your curls, enhancing your natural curl or wave pattern. This step is completely optional. You can use curl creams occasionally if you dislike layering too many products, or if you work from home often.

Curl Creams We Recommend:

Once a week, apply a hair mask after shampoo and conditioner. It will provide intensive moisture to your hair and repair it from environmental damage. 

Hair Masks We Recommend: