How to Find a Good Hairdresser for Curly Hair
Finding a good hairdresser for curly hair can feel like an impossible mission. For many of us, it seems like hairstylists are only trained to work with straight hair, which often leaves curlies frustrated, misunderstood, and disappointed. The struggle is real, and in our experience, this issue is far more common than it should be.
Why Finding a Curly Hair Specialist Is Hard
Many hairdressers go through beauty school where most of the focus is on cutting, coloring, and styling straight hair. Unfortunately, curly hair isn’t treated as a distinct texture that requires its own set of techniques. As a result, when we walk into salons, we often encounter stylists who don’t fully understand how to work with curls, coils, and waves.
This lack of training can lead to serious frustration:
Botched haircuts: Layers that don’t blend, uneven curls, or haircuts that look good wet but disastrous when dry.
Excessive thinning or over-texturizing: Straight hair techniques like razoring or thinning can leave curls looking stringy or frizzy.
Unrealistic styling advice: Stylists may recommend blowouts or products that aren’t curl-friendly, leaving us feeling confused and unsupported.
When this happens, it’s not just about the bad haircut—we walk away feeling defeated. Many of us end up hiding our natural curls under hats, straightening them, or avoiding salons altogether. The awkwardness of navigating a stylist who doesn’t “get it” often makes us feel disconnected from the hair community.
The Good News: Curl Specialists Are Out There
The tide is turning. As more people embrace their natural curls, the demand for stylists who truly understand curly hair is growing. This has led to the rise of curl specialists and even dedicated curly hair salons.
What Is a Curl Specialist?
A curl specialist is a hairstylist who has been specifically trained to work with different curl types, including wavy, curly, and coily hair. They understand:
How curls behave when wet versus dry
The importance of hydration and moisture
Cutting techniques like the curl-by-curl or dry cut method
Curl-friendly products and styling routines
These professionals know that curly hair is not one-size-fits-all. They tailor their approach based on your unique texture, density, and curl pattern, ensuring you leave the salon with a cut and style that complements your natural hair.
Why Dedicated Curly Salons Are Changing the Game
Curly salons have popped up across the country, providing safe spaces where curly clients can feel seen and understood. In these salons, you’re surrounded by professionals who love and specialize in curls. From big chops to wash-and-go styles, you’ll find a supportive environment where your hair goals are taken seriously.
How to Find the Right Hairdresser for Your Curls
If you’re ready to trust a stylist with your curls again, here are some tips to help you find the perfect match:
1. Search for Curl Specialists Online
Start with Google, Instagram, and stylist locators from trusted curly hair brands (e.g., DevaCurl or Ouidad). Look for reviews and photos of real clients with similar curl patterns to yours.
2. Check Social Media
Many curl specialists showcase their work on Instagram, so you can see their transformations and get a sense of their expertise. Look for stylists who post before-and-after photos, provide educational content, and interact with the curly hair community.
3. Read Reviews Carefully
Reviews from other curly clients are invaluable. Pay attention to how clients describe their experience, including the stylist’s knowledge, approach, and final results.
4. Ask Questions During the Consultation
Don’t be afraid to ask questions before committing to an appointment:
Have you been trained in cutting curly hair?
Do you cut curls dry or wet?
What products do you recommend for maintaining curl health?
A good stylist will be happy to discuss their experience and make you feel at ease.
5. Trust Your Instincts
If something feels off during the consultation or if the stylist dismisses your concerns, it’s okay to walk away. Your curls deserve someone who will treat them with care and respect.
Embrace the Journey to Loving Your Curls
Finding the right stylist can be life-changing. With the right cut, guidance, and support, you’ll leave the salon feeling confident and empowered to embrace your natural curls.
At our salon, we understand the importance of specialized curly hair care. Our stylists are trained to work with every curl type and are dedicated to helping you achieve healthy, beautiful curls. Whether you’re looking for a big chop, a maintenance trim, or guidance on styling, we’re here to support you.
