Alabama Cosmetology Licensing Practice Exam

What is the recommended technique for cutting curly hair?

1. Wet cutting

2. Dry cutting

3. Layer cutting

4. Point cutting

The correct answer is: Dry cutting

The recommended technique for cutting curly hair is dry cutting. This method allows the stylist to see the natural curl pattern and how the hair behaves while dry. Curly hair can shrink as it dries, which makes wet cutting potentially misleading, as the stylist might not accurately assess the final length and shape of the haircut. When cutting curly hair dry, the stylist can make adjustments based on the curl's shape and texture, ensuring that the cut complements the natural curl and maintains volume and bounce. This technique helps avoid overly blunt ends, which can cause curls to look frizzy or uneven. Dry cutting also allows for more precise styling because the curls spring up once they are cut, enabling the stylist to create layers and shapes that enhance the client's features. While methods like layer cutting and point cutting can be used in conjunction with dry cutting for added texture, the key advantage of dry cutting lies in its ability to work with the hair's movement and structure as it naturally occurs.