How to Cut Curly Hair to Eliminate Poof

Curly hair is notorious for the poofy, frizzy mess that it can sometimes be. Thus, it’s important to find effective ways to cut curly hair in order to tame our curly locks.

Of course, frizz and poof aren’t just about the cut, but also about the care. So here we break it down for you, from the why behind the bulk, to the strategies behind the tame.

Why Does Curly Hair Get Bulky?

Curly hair generally poofs because of its texture and ultimately, its bulk. Specific haircuts can also increase or decrease your poof, given that they increase or decrease your bulk.

For example, a blunt cut creates more volume and leaves a pyramid or triangle shaped ‘do for curlies. This haircut is prone to the notorious poof as the bulk of your hair is situated in a small space.

On the other hand, layers can often cut down on the amount of bulk, thus reducing a poofy look. By displacing strands in different sections of the hair, you are essentially spreading the poof out, giving the appearance that you have less of it.

Keep in mind, however, that too many layers will create volume, which often translates to poof. Be sure that you explain your end goal to your stylist in order to ensure that he or she understands your expectations.

1. Never wet your curly hair before it is cut. This tends to increase the amount of shrinkage once it dries. Curly strands are best cut dry, which helps to ensure that the length of your locks will stay in place, even after the first wash.
2. Trim hair to desired length. It’s important that you take the time to cut each curl one at a time and straight across. Using a mirror, pull trimmed curls out straight and double check their length. Be sure that your hair is trimmed evenly. It is OK if it is not perfect, your curly texture will hide minor imperfections.
3. Add texture! Using either texturizing or thinning scissors, separate the hair into 1-inch pieces. Hold each piece away from your head and use the shears on the bottom third of your hair. This will help to reduce bulk. It’s important that you work from the back of the head toward the crown. After you’re done texturizing, shake your curls out to ensure there are no uneven spots on your head. Touch any of these spots up with the shears.
4. Tame poof and frizz. Use shampoos without sodium laureth or sodium lauryl as these ingredients often strip the hair of its natural oils. Natural oils are responsible for locking in moisture, so once these are gone, your hair will dry out fast. The drier hair is, the more poof it creates. Using a shampoo such as Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk will both cleanse the hair without any harmful chemicals and hydrate your strands. Two birds, one stone!
5. Condition often. Use moisturizing conditioners and deep conditioning masks to help hydrate your hair. Hydration will increase the amount of retained moisture and lessen the poof on your head. For extreme cases of hair dehydration, treat your tresses to a reparative treatment such as Curl Junkie Curl Rehab. In no time, your curls will be out of the desert and lounging at the oasis.

Remember, when styling, use hair care products such as waxes or pomades to help smooth poof down. This is a great quick fix if you are in a hurry, but always keep in mind that for naturally smooth and moisturized tresses, conditioning, and conditioning often, is a must.

Final thoughts

Ultimately, knowing how to cut and style your curly hair to avoid a poof is simple. All you have to do is stay away from cuts that bulk hair up and use products that provide ample amounts of moisture. Doing this will save you from ever having another poofy day again, and to that, we say amen!