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Home • Curly • Haircuts • Moisturizing • Wavy

What Makes A DevaCut So Special?

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What Makes A DevaCut So Special?
By NaturallyCurly · Published April 21, 2015
devacut before and after on wavy hair
PHOTO COURTESY OF KATIE JACKSON BLOG

It is estimated that 65% of women have natural curls and waves, yet they are not 100% knowledgeable as to how to actually take care of their texture. While this is true, there has been a recent spike in curly haired people inquiring about a specialized cut performed only by Deva Certified stylists at Devachan salons throughout the US. This cut was developed by Curly Girl Handbook author, curly hair guru, and Devachan Salon owner Lorraine Massey.

What is the DevaCut?

The DevaCut is a unique haircut which focuses on either sculpting each curl cutting in at an angle so the curl pattern is not disrupted or utilizing the Deva Signature Waterfall cutting technique, a structured method of cut as well as intuitive skills ( curl by curl”> to cut the hair. Either way, each cut is a customized cut, for each curl pattern and it requires strict and extensive training by each stylist. The client’s hair is cut dry, due to the fact that curly hair is quite different once it is 100% dry. The spring factor that is found in naturally curly hair changes and falls differently when it is cut dry. However, for those who wish to create volume, the Deva clipping technique is an added bonus, Stylists apply gel, or other Deva styling products to the curls and use Deva clips (or pin curl clips”> to give body to the sections of hair at the crown.

devacut before and after on curly hair
PHOTO COURTESY OF SHAN HAIR BOSTON

Stylists normally educate first-time clients by walking them through the process as they work with clients hair. They will educate clients about how they cleanse and style hair as they work so that clients can return home and repeat the style process themselves.

When making an appointment at a Devachan salon, most clients are asked to wear their curls as natural and unaltered as possible–this means little to no product, and no ponytails, braids or buns. Stylists ask to see clients with detangled, defined, and hair without added extensions.

DevaCuts are dimensional and intricate and made for wash-and-gos.
Article continues after video.

One of the best benefits of DevaCuts is that they are built for a wash and go hairstyle, meaning after your cut and wash, the styling is simple and most naturally curly hair is allowed to air dry. Stylists apply gel, or other styling products to the curls and use bill-styled clips to give body to sections of hair. Using this technique, hair is allowed to dry and look it’s most natural and is free frizz. Stylists will use a Devafuser to speed up the process a bit. Once the hair is dry, the clips are removed and the natural pattern and definition of the curls is revealed.

devacut before and after on coily hair
PHOTO COURTESY OF KIFFE COCO

Upkeep and cost

Stylists will help educate clients about their unique and beautiful ringlets, one at a time. Stylists vary in years of experience and education. Therefore, when calling you can inquire about pricing for cuts and color. The cost of a regular DevaCut at the NYC flagship salon varies depending on stylist and hair length and needs, but most cuts at the NYC salon begin at $85, cap at $250 depending on expertise and experience. In addition to the DevaCurl stylists, stylists from around the country have attended a 1- or 2-day program and have become either a Deva Inspired or Advanced Stylist. More recently, stylists who have attended the newest Deva Certification program at a DevaCurl academy are evaluated based on a written and practical assessment. A passing performance results in the highest endorsement and they can call themselves a Deva Certified Curl Specialist. This elevates them to premiere status on the DevaCurl Stylist finder.

To find a Deva Salon by zip code, visit www.devacurl.com/salon-stylist-search.html and our very own database of curl salons here.

Watch an example of how a DevaCut is performed on Rock Yo Rizos:

Have you had a DevaCut before? What was your experience?

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Home • Curl Products • Ingredients

Decode Curly Hair Product Labels Like a Pro

Learn how to read hair product labels like a pro.
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Decode Curly Hair Product Labels Like a Pro
Beautician reading beauty product label
By Lindsay Wilson · Updated December 26, 2024

You finally decided to start your healthy curly hair journey with the Curly Girl Method. “Embrace my curls” or “Curly and proud,” you repeat to yourself. A few website clicks later, and you find products that are labeled “Sulfate and Silicone Free“. You take the plunge and purchase them without checking the ingredients because you trust the labels. Now you have $70 worth of hair product on its way. Recommendations continue to pop up on your social media feed, and $300 later, you still haven’t found what works for YOUR HAIR!

“You’ll just have to try it and see if it works for you!” or “This is all about trial and error!” others would gently say.

I am here to tell you that there is another way to choose your products instead of trying everything that is on the market. Understanding how to read ingredient lists has transformed my curly hair journey without decimating my bank balance!

“Sulfate-free” doesn’t always mean Sulfate-Free

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https://www.tiktok.com/@uche_gang/video/7354081784092511530?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7319876376193680927
Image Source: @uche_gang

In the very early stages of my journey with the Curly Girl Method, I made these mistakes several times. A shampoo would have the label “Sulfate Free” at the front, and then later, I would have a hard time dealing with dryness and would finally see a Sulfate listed in the ingredients. From my experience over time, I came to understand that when advertisers label “Sulfate Free” at the very front, they are referring to one of the harshest Sulfates: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. However, this does not mean that the product is entirely free of Sulfates. On several occasions, I have found other drying Sulfates in the list, despite the “Sulfate Free” label.

Curly Girl-friendly ingredients to look for

Chemical ingredients in a hair gel

In the Curly Girl Method, we avoid harsh Sulfates and drying Alcohols (they dehydrate the hair), Silicones, Waxes, and Mineral Oils (they build up). As replacements, we look for ingredients that are mild, moisturizing, and soluble for curly hair in order to minimize dryness and foster better moisture retention.

If you are following the Curly Girl Method like me, look for cleansers that are mild for curls, such as:

  • Cocamidopropyl Betaine
  • Coco Betaine
  • Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine
  • Lauryl Hydroxysultaine
  • Sodium Cocoamphoacetate or Sodium Lauroamphoacetate

Devacurl Low Poo Original , Olaplex NO. 3 and AG Care Balance Apple Cider Vinegar Sulfate-Free Shampoo because I co-wash, and these two also contain mild cleansers.

Not all alcohols are bad for curls. There are moisturizing alcohols in ingredient lists that are good for hair. Some examples are:

  • Lauryl alcohol
  • Cetyl alcohol
  • Myristyl alcohol
  • Stearyl alcohol
  • Cetearyl alcohol
  • Behenyl alcohol

You can read more about the differences in alcohols here.

Article continues after video.
@tootilab

Replying to @user1618992746641 great question! It’s one of the most important characteristics of curly hair – when your hair gets very slippery thanks to the products you’ve applied! #curlyhair #curlyhairconditioner #curlyhairtips #curlyhairtiktok #curlyhairtipsandtricks #curlyhairtipsbeginners #curlyhairsecrets #curlytips #curlytipsandtricks

♬ original sound – Tootilab
Image Source: @tootilab

Slip is very helpful for detangling curls because it decreases friction. Silicones are used in traditional mainstream products to add slip and shine. The issue with Silicones is that they don’t penetrate the hair shaft to make it better and they also build up.

They are removable with Sulfates, but in turn, the frequent use of Sulfates dehydrates the hair. It becomes a vicious cycle. Soluble ingredients for lubrication, on the other hand, make the hair better over time. They also add shine and flexibility to curly hair. If you follow the Curly Girl Method like me, you can replace Silicones with soluble ingredients that are located near the top of the list, such as:

  • Behentrimonium Methosulfate
  • Behentrimonium Chloride
  • Dicetyldimonium Chloride
  • Distearyldimonium Chloride
  • Polyquaternium 55
  • Cetrimonium Bromide

I came to learn this helpful information from Wendy (a scientist) on the Hair Science-y Blog and Tonya Mckay here on NaturallyCurly.

Ingredient amounts in products

Decode Curly Hair Product Labels Like a Pro

The Natural Haven Bloom Blog has helped me to understand the importance of ingredient concentrations in products. For example, just because a product is advertised with an “Argan Oil” label doesn’t mean that this product has high amounts of this oil. When ingredients are listed, they appear in descending order, calculated by either mass or volume.

As a result, when we read lists, we should always focus on the first five ingredients because they are the main ingredients (in higher amounts). A product that is labeled “Argan Oil” may well have some Argan oil included in the list, but the amount should be the most important thing to look for. If Argan oil is included near the end of the list, the amount is very small and insignificant.

Allergic reactions to products

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Image Source: @itsthatcurlygirl

If you have an allergy to a specific ingredient, relying only on front labels is likely to cause problems. Here I am sharing four steps that you can take to safeguard yourself:

  1. Read ingredient lists very carefully;
  2. Try a single new product at a time. This is helpful because if something unusual happens, you will know that the only difference in your routine is the brand-new product;
  3. Patch test the product on your skin before using it for the first time, even if you can’t spot any ingredients that are harmful to you: Apply a small amount of the product on a patch of skin that is located on the inner, lower arm. Rub it in and allow it to dry. Avoid washing the area for at least 24 hours and then watch for signs of a reaction;
  4. Observe closely how your scalp reacts after product application, even if the product has passed the first three steps above. If you notice a burning sensation, itching, redness, lumps or anything unusual on your scalp, you will know that this product isn’t suitable for you.

Always remember: If you happen to have a serious allergic reaction to a product, please seek medical attention immediately.

In summary, if you are looking for a product that is healthy for curls, focus on mild cleansers that won’t dehydrate your hair. Choose conditioners and styling products that have soluble ingredients for slip and elasticity. Reading ingredient lists is a good habit when caring for your curls and overall health. It also saves money and time. The more you practice, the easier it becomes.

Do you use the curly girl method when using products? Learn more about ingredients from Breaking New Ground: The Ingredients Behind The First Black Haircare Brands.

OUR EDITORS INDEPENDENTLY SELECT ALL PRODUCTS FEATURED ON NATURALLYCURLY. HOWEVER, WE MAY EARN AN AFFILIATE COMMISSION WHEN YOU BUY SOMETHING THROUGH OUR RETAIL LINKS.
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