Iowa Cosmetology Practice Exam

What technique is recommended for cutting curly hair?

1. Wet cutting

2. Dry cutting

3. Layer cutting

4. Texturizing

The correct answer is: Dry cutting

The recommended technique for cutting curly hair is dry cutting. This method allows the stylist to see how the client's natural curls bounce and fall, which is crucial for achieving a balanced shape without losing volume. Curly hair often behaves differently when wet due to its weight; therefore, cutting it dry helps in assessing the curl pattern more accurately and ensures that the final result matches the client's desired style. When cutting curly hair, it's essential to take into account the shrinkage that occurs when curls dry. By cutting while the hair is dry, a stylist can better manage this shrinkage and avoid unexpected lengths. Additionally, dry cutting allows for more precision in shaping the curls, ensuring that the overall silhouette looks flattering and suits the client's features. Other methods, while useful in specific contexts, may not provide the same level of insight into how curls will lay after cutting. Wet cutting can lead to surprises in the final style, particularly with curls that have a tendency to shrink significantly once dried. Layer cutting and texturizing are techniques that can enhance curly hair but are not primary cutting methods on their own.