CURLY CUTS EXPLAINED: WHICH ONE IS ACTUALLY RIGHT FOR YOUR CURL TYPE?

Before I became a hairdresser, I had no idea how many types of curly cuts existed. It turns out that just like the explosion of curly hair products on the market, some experienced hairdressers also decided to develop their own distinct techniques for cutting textured hair. Which is amazing, of course! But it also leaves us curlies more confused than ever.

So how do you know which curly cut is right for you? And is it even worth it?

As a certified (curly) hairdresser, my honest answer is: it depends.

How often do you actually wear your hair curly? Is it your everyday lifestyle, or do you straighten it once in a while? These questions matter more than you think, because they will help you figure out which curly cut makes sense for you and whether the investment is worth it.

But first, what even is a curly cut?

At its core, a curly cut is a technique specifically designed for textured hair. Instead of cutting your hair the same way across the board, a skilled hairdresser will look at your texture and your curl pattern in different sections of your head, and make decisions about length, layers, and shape based on what your curls actually do. The goal is to avoid disconnected layers or shapes that fall apart once your hair dries. Most curly cuts are done on dry hair, so your hairdresser can see exactly how your curls behave naturally.

This is why a curly cut is so much more than a regular haircut. Your hairdresser needs real expertise, proper training, and a good understanding of curl science to get you the best results. It is not just about picking up a pair of scissors.

Here are the most well-known curly cuts out there.

1. The Rezo Cut

This is the technique I trained in as a hairdresser. I traveled to Madrid, Spain to be trained by the founder herself, Nubia Rezo, and it completely changed how I approach cutting textured hair.

My Rezo Certification

What I love most about the Rezo Cut is how personalized it is. The technique actually varies depending on your curl type, so the way I cut wavy hair is genuinely different from how I cut curly or coily hair. There is no one-size-fits-all approach here.

Wavy Curly Cut using the Rezo techniques, cut and styled by Lala

The Rezo Cut focuses on balancing body, shape, and volume. If you want to maintain your length while still getting beautiful volume and movement, this is the cut for you. The Rezo Cut also looks great on a blowout, so it works well even on the days you want to switch things up.

If you want to sit on my chair, book your appointment at my salon here.

2. The Deva Cut

The Deva Cut was developed by the team behind DevaCurl, and despite the controversy surrounding the brand in recent years, the cutting technique itself has made a real impact in the curly hair world.

Before and after deva cut where the curls are cut individually

The Deva Cut is done on dry hair, curl by curl. Your hairdresser shapes each curl individually rather than cutting in sections, which allows them to work with your natural curl pattern instead of against it. The idea is that every curl falls exactly where it is meant to, without any guesswork about how it will shrink or spring up once it dries.

This technique tends to work well if you have a more uniform curl pattern and you are looking for a defined, sculpted shape. It is very visual, which means a good Deva-trained stylist can really dial in the shape you are going for during the cut itself.

3. The Cadō Cut

The name comes from Latin, meaning "to fall or to cascade," and that is the idea behind this technique. It is a dry cutting method that focuses on creating cascading layers with volume and movement, tailored to your curl pattern and density.

Cadō cut transformation by @colaurencuts

Like most curly cuts, it is done on dry hair so the stylist can work with your natural curl behavior. It tends to be a good option if your main concern is connected, flowing layers rather than volume and shape, which is where I would personally still point you toward the Rezo Cut. But every head of hair is different, and the best cut is always the one that suits your specific texture and goals.

4. The Ouidad Cut

Before and after Ouidad cut transformation

Ouidad is known as one of the original curly hair experts, and her signature technique, the rake and shake cut, is built around reducing bulk and creating movement without sacrificing length.

The Ouidad Cut uses a carving and slicing method to remove weight from the interior of the hair rather than just trimming the ends. This is particularly helpful if your curls tend to get heavy, lose their shape by midday, or feel weighed down at the roots. The result is a lighter, bouncier curl that holds its definition throughout the day.

If frizz and volume control are your biggest concerns, the Ouidad Cut is worth looking into.

So which one should you choose?

Here is the truth: the best curly cut is the one done by a hairdresser who actually understands your hair. The technique matters, but the expertise behind it matters even more.

My advice? Start by thinking about your lifestyle. If you wear your hair curly often, volume is your goal and you do blow out every now and then, the Rezo Cut is my personal recommendation. If you want more definition and control, look into the Deva Cut or Ouidad Cut. But again you have to make sure that your hairdresser really understands YOUR HAIR, no matter which technique they use.

A good curly cut is an investment in your hair, and when it is done right, you will feel it every single wash day.

Have you ever had a curly cut? Let me know in the comments which technique you have tried, or if you have any questions before booking your appointment.