How To Cut Medium-Length Curly Hair

How to Cut Medium-Length Curly Hair. Medium-length curly hair can be a beautiful and versatile hairstyle, but it can also be challenging to maintain and style. Whether you’re looking to trim your curls and keep them healthy, or you want to try a new look by cutting your medium-length curly hair, this guide will provide you with step-by-step instructions and tips to achieve the best results.

Table of Contents

How to Cut Medium-Length Curly Hair

1. Preparing for the Haircut

Before you start cutting your medium-length curly hair, it’s essential to gather the necessary tools and prepare your hair. Here’s what you’ll need:

A pair of sharp haircutting scissors: Invest in a good pair of haircutting scissors to ensure clean and precise cuts. Dull scissors can lead to split ends and an uneven hairstyle.
A fine-toothed comb: Use a fine-toothed comb to detangle your hair and remove any knots or tangles before cutting.
Spray bottle with water: A spray bottle filled with water will help to moisten your hair and make it easier to cut.
Hair clips or elastics: These will help you section off your hair and keep it organized during the cutting process.
A mirror: Use a mirror to get a clear view of the back of your head while cutting.

2. Start with Clean and Dry Hair

It’s important to start with clean and dry hair before cutting it. This will ensure that you have a clear understanding of your hair’s length and texture. To prepare your hair:

Wash your hair with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner suitable for curly hair: Look for products that are specifically formulated to hydrate and define curls. Avoid products that contain sulfates or harsh chemicals, as they can strip the natural oils from your hair and cause dryness.
Allow your hair to air dry completely: Instead of using a blow dryer, let your hair dry naturally to prevent heat damage and frizz. If you’re in a rush, you can gently squeeze out excess water with a microfiber towel or an old T-shirt.

3. Sectioning Your Hair

To make the cutting process easier, divide your hair into sections. This will help you maintain control and ensure that you cut each section evenly. Here’s how to section your hair:

Start by parting your hair down the middle: Use a comb to create a straight and even part in the middle of your head.
Create two additional sections on each side: Use the comb to divide your hair into four equal parts – two sections in the front and two sections in the back.
Secure each section with hair clips or elastics: This will prevent the sections from getting tangled or mixing while you’re cutting.

4. Trimming the Ends

To maintain the health and shape of your medium-length curly hair, it’s essential to trim the ends regularly. Follow these steps for a simple trim:

Release one section of your hair: Start with the section at the back of your head and gradually work your way to the front.
Spritz the section lightly with water using the spray bottle: This will help to define your natural curls and make them easier to cut. Avoid saturating your hair, as it may cause it to shrink excessively.
Comb through the section gently to detangle any knots or tangles: Start from the ends and work your way up to the roots. Be gentle to avoid causing unnecessary breakage.
Take a small section of hair in between your fingers and assess its length: Consider how much you want to trim off, keeping in mind that curly hair tends to shrink when dry. It’s better to trim less initially and then make additional cuts if needed.
Using your sharp haircutting scissors, make small, vertical snips at the desired length: Start by trimming the ends of the hair, avoiding cutting straight across, as this can create a blunt and unnatural look. Make small, precise cuts to maintain a natural and textured appearance.
Repeat this process for each section of your hair, ensuring that you maintain consistency in the length: Take your time and pay attention to detail to achieve a balanced and well-blended haircut.

5. Styling Tips for Medium-Length Curly Hair

Now that you’ve successfully trimmed your medium-length curly hair, let’s explore some styling tips to enhance your curls and keep them looking their best:

a) Moisturize and Condition Regularly

Curly hair tends to be more prone to dryness, so it’s crucial to keep it hydrated and moisturized. Here are some tips for moisturizing and conditioning your curls:

Use a deep conditioning treatment at least once a week: Look for a deep conditioner specifically formulated for curly hair. Apply it generously from roots to ends, and leave it on for the recommended amount of time to deeply nourish your hair.
Consider incorporating leave-in conditioners or hair oils: These products can provide additional moisture and help to seal in hydration. Apply them to damp hair, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends for best results.

b) Avoid Heat Styling Tools

Excessive heat can damage curly hair and lead to frizz and breakage. Whenever possible, try to air dry your hair instead of using heat-styling tools such as blow dryers or flat irons. If you do need to use heat, follow these tips to protect your curls:

Apply a heat protectant spray first: Before using any heat styling tools, apply a heat protectant spray to create a barrier between your hair and the heat. This will help to minimize damage and keep your curls healthy.
Use a diffuser attachment on your blow dryer: If you prefer to blow dry your hair, use a diffuser attachment to evenly distribute the airflow and minimize frizz. Set your blow dryer to a low or medium heat setting to prevent excessive drying.

c) Embrace the Curly Girl Method

The Curly Girl Method is a popular haircare routine specifically designed for curly hair. It involves avoiding harsh ingredients, such as sulfates and silicones, and embracing techniques that enhance the natural curl pattern. Consider incorporating these principles into your hair care routine:

Co-washing: Instead of using traditional shampoos, which can be drying, opt for a conditioner-based cleansing method known as co-washing. This helps to maintain the natural oils in your hair and prevents it from becoming overly dry.
Scrunching: After washing and conditioning your hair, gently scrunch it with your hands to encourage the curl formation. This technique can help to enhance the definition and bounce of your curls.

d) Experiment with Different Hairstyles

Medium-length curly hair offers a variety of styling options. Here are some ideas to experiment with different hairstyles and protect your curls:

Updos: Try various updo hairstyles, such as buns or top knots, to keep your curls off your face and protect them from daily wear and tear. Use bobby pins or hair elastics to secure your updo, and leave a few tendrils loose for a soft and romantic look.
Braids: Explore different braid styles, such as French braids or fishtail braids, to add a touch of elegance to your curly hair. Braids not only look stylish but also help to keep your curls contained and minimize frizz.
Half-up half-down styles: Create a half-up half-down hairstyle by pulling back the top section of your hair and securing it with a clip or hair tie. This style allows you to showcase your curls while keeping them out of your face.

e) Regular Trims

To maintain the shape and health of your medium-length curly hair, it’s important to schedule regular trims every 8-12 weeks. Trimming off split ends prevents them from traveling up the hair shaft and causing further damage. Regular trims also help to maintain the overall appearance and manageability of your curls.

Conclusion

Cutting medium-length curly hair may seem intimidating, but with the right tools, techniques, and care, you can achieve a beautiful and well-maintained hairstyle. By starting with clean and dry hair, sectioning it off, and trimming the ends regularly, you can maintain the health and shape of your curls. Additionally, following the styling tips provided will help to enhance your curls and keep them looking healthy and defined. Embrace your natural texture and have fun experimenting with different styles to showcase the beauty of your medium-length curly hair.