How I Trim + Shape My Curly Hair
- Posted on 10 February, 2020
- Short Hair
- By Anonymous
This is my most requested video on how I maintain my heavily layered curly hair shape. I am an educator before a stylist so teaching others how to gain the confidence to style and care for their natural curls will always be more important than gaining clients for hair services ♡
I hope this video was informative and if you have any additional questions or video/tutorial requests, please leave them in the comments!
If you would like to book an appointment or just ask for personalized tips and advice, feel free to message me on instagram @curly.strands. And thank you again for watching!
Hi guys my name is Natasha and today I'm going to be doing an in-depth tutorial on my hands-down most requested video, which is how I trim and shave my hair, so I'm gon na be doing what's basically known as the diva cut, and it's when you take Your hair and you cut it curl by curl, and you add lots of layers so that you bring the volume back up top and it kind of keeps the snap full big hair shape. Okay, so to start off the two things you will need are scissors and a hair pick for the scissors. You want to make sure you have shears haircutting scissors, you don't want to use just kitchen scissors or scissors at the house, because shears have a very sharp blade, which means it's gon na cut your hair at an even angle, and it's not gon na cause. Any split ends, but if you use a dull blade, it can cause more damage than good, so use hair scissors and then the second thing to use is a hair pick just so you can sort of fluff it out and put it in the shape you want. As you cut it, I'm cutting my ear on day 3 here. So I washed my hair three days ago and I styled it and I've been refreshing it every day since, but it's important to do it on day 3 here, because you see sort of how your hair naturally lies. You don't want to do it right after you. You know finger coil and put all these products in it and wash it because, as time goes on, your hair might not look like the way you cut it the first day. So you want to do it when your hair is, is in a state that you wear most often and for me that's day, 4 here. So this is what my hair looks like the majority of the time, which means it's safe to say that how I cut it now is how the cut is going to look later on. So I'm gon na start off with my bangs, because those have kind of grown out the longest I'm just gon na do the very, very, very front layer, the most important tip I can give about cutting your own hair that I tell all my clients when I Give them tips on how to like upkeep with them after I cut their hair, is to cut it curl by curl. You do not want to take it and just cut across like this, because your hair is not straight. It doesn't work that way. So the difference between curly, hair and straight hair is when you cut straight hair. Usually you just put it all the same length and just cut straight across you don't want to do that with curly hair, because you want them to layer, naturally on top of each other. So what I do is, I take it curl by curl, and I cut it right where I need it to be, so these I'm going to do a little bit shorter because I like to bring a lot of my fringe up forward. So it's best for me to have this very front layer kind of short and now that this very front layer, my bangs, is cut. I'M just gon na bring a little bit more forward and I'm gon na take the point right at the center of the top of my head so right here and then bring everything forward from there. This is what is going to give me that round shape and that volume up at the top of my head, and it's gon na make my fro look a lot bigger. The reason I cut the very front layer first is so that it can sort of gauge where the other curls need to be cut. So, as you can see like this, one is a lot longer than these up front. So that's a good example of one that I really cut. It also good examples of pieces that need to be put are pieces that have a curl pattern. That'S not consistent, especially towards the end so like this is an example of a curl and basically what I'm going to do like. If you can see it has a spiral up here and then right here it sort of loses it. So I'm just gon na cut that part off and then the next time I style it or wash it. It'S just gon na be a perfect spiral at the exact same width all the way to the end, and that's what really makes your hair look very healthy and very trend. It'S like over here. This is looking a little long, so I'm going to shape that out and like this is another example of just very, very consistent spirals up until this point and then the curl just automatically looks a lot healthier and then what I do is I go back even Further, so once I pull all of that hair up and kind of fluff and pick it out, I'm going to do the exact same thing and just use my bangs underneath to gauge where I need to cut the rest of it. Anything covering my eyes want to clear up too so again, just picking it out, as I go making sure that I get all two here at the top of my head. So then, I can kind of shape it into that round, shape that I like and then also like, as I'm going through, I'm just going again and searching for any pieces where it looks curly and then it just kind of dies off into this limp curl cuz. When I cut those curls in general, look a lot healthier. Also. Another great tip is to kind of toss it to the side and then look at it this way, and then there you can see all your curls in one place and make sure that it's a smooth round shape like a moon kind of and just any ones, That are a little too hot, like this one, I'm just going to trim a little bit, so I play my hair forward, fluff it out and then cut curl by curl and just make sure they're all layering on top of each other. This is also a really great way to find any of those straight ends like this one. So just automatically again, the curl just looks a lot healthier, so the shape is starting to come together and then over here this one's sort of laying down on the cup. Here'S an example of a tapered end so that obviously it's just kind of scraggly at the end, so I just get rid of that. Another great thing about cutting hair is it's very forgiving. So if you cut like, if I cut this curl all the way up here on accident, like you can't tell you know so, that's why I really try to encourage everybody to learn to cut their own hair like follow tips and just practice, because it's really not Hard, and even if you do make a mistake, it's easy to come back from it because you're cutting curl by curl, you know so you'd have to make like 200 mistakes to end up with a bad haircut altogether. Okay! So now that I have this shape that I like, which is my bangs out of my face, it's kind of sticking straight up, and I have this little perfect little basketball round shape. The last step is to just make sure you have all of those dead ends or straight ends off, so the way that I do, that is, I pull it forward and then I kind of, and then I kind of hold it forward with my hand like this And then I take my scissors and I just go and I trim all the little fuzzy pieces that are making my hair look less perfect and it's like this. One is sticking out. So I'm gon na cut that and then I just cut any frizz off around the sides. Okay, so now that my hair is cut and I'm satisfied with the shape, the last step is to just pick and shake it out to make sure that every curl falls exactly where you wanted to. I like to pick from the top of my head forward and then like the back and a little bit under my bangs right here. So this is the before so it's kind of like laid down at the top, and if you can see my part is showing - and I usually, like my part, completely covered with volume all over and my bangs are sort of a little too in my face. So I kind of have to keep them out, but it's just not it's not the round shape that I like, and this is after so I brought a lot of volume back up top and my curls just all look a little bit healthier cuz. I got rid of those straight ends and he split ends and just anything, that's not consistent with a spiral. It'S really important to have a good natural haircut, and this goes for if your hair straight wavy kinky curly, whatever the case might be, because it really adds to your confidence, and it adds to just your self-love and your self appreciation of just how your hair is. Naturally meant to be, and so if you straighten your hair and then cut it, it's gon na look best being straight. So if you want to have a good hair day, chances are you're gon na think about okay. Well, maybe I should straighten my hair because the cut looks best there for that reason alone. I think the most important first step of going on a natural hair journey or transitioning or just you know if you have goals of wearing your hair, not tomorrow, often is to have a good haircut. It'S not hard to do it's just kind of scary. You know putting scissors through your hair, but I think cutting curly hair is a lot easier and more forgiving than cutting straight hair. Because again you cut curl by curl and you get to decide how you want your shape to look, not a stylist to you. Try to communicate your vision to everybody should be comfortable when they're getting a haircut. It should not be a scary experience. It should not be oh, my gosh, I don't know how it's going to turn out. All of that goes away when this is over in your hands, but if you're still feeling uneasy about cutting your own hair and you want to come to me - you are very, very welcome I'm located in Georgia and go back and forth to New York City. A lot so, if you're located in any of those places, you can definitely book me for a curly cut or a curly restoration, just visit my hair page at Curley dot strands and you can book there. I hope this video was super informative. I tried to put in all the little tips and tricks I do when I cut my own hair and also what I do when my clients, when they come to me to cut theirs. So I again, I think everybody should try and cut their own hair, because it's definitely saved me a lot of money, a lot of time and a lot of bad haircuts. Thank you again and I hope I could contribute just a little step in your curly hair journey.
Comments
Carmen Rojas: I’m gonna study this over and over and over again. I tried cutting my hair before and I ended up with a mullet
Shrine of 22s: Am I really about to attempt to cut my own hair? Looking at this video gave me hella confidence.
MiVidaBellisima: To people trying this at home, make sure you don’t use your hair scissors for ANYTHING except cutting hair or they can become dull
curlytopmorgan: Your curls are soo similar to mine. I’ll definitely be following this and learning to cut my curls myself thank you so much you’re gorgeous !
Emily Allen: girl I hope I can get my daughter's curls looking like yours one day! You are so beautiful honey and your curls are on POINT! I'm using the tips from your 6 oils videos and working towards trimming her hair because its sooo tangly and dead on the ends but we braid it so much that I'm scared to do it. I can't leave it out because of daycare. She's only 3 lol but I'm trying girl
Yadi Schnyder: So, I followed your tutorial last night and it turned out better than any haircut I've ever received, so THANK YOU! This came at a perfect time, with the Pandemic I decided to cut my own hair but hadn't been able to find a tutorial that made sense until now. It is hard to find a good stylist for my hair where I live (need to drive to Dallas and they are way above my price range). Thanks again!!!
Curly 4 Life: I really need to start cutting my hair like this. I typically blow dry it then cut or put it in twist and trim it which I know isn’t right but I’m just so lazy. Thank you for the video and the inspiration not to be lazy and do it correctly
Nil Pampalona: I was in need of a haircut and I came across your channel. I have the same hair type and shape as you do and I can't thank you enough for your help ! Very easy steps to follow through. From now on I'll be cutting my own hair. I'm mesmerized with the results!
Melanie Latrelle Grandoit: I finally understand the best way to cut my type 4 hair. I’ve tried different methods and this one works best and makes the most sense. I trimmed my hair today curl by curl and it was fun and easy and stress free. I had an old twist out and since I use flaxseed gel on my hair my curls were super defined and clumped very well to where I could easily cut it curl by curl. Thank you so much!!
Joy'sCurls: Awesome! I got my first curly cut a couple weeks ago and I think I'll be able to maintain it cutting it myself for a while at least, especially with this video! I also wear bangs and my goal is that shape as well, just my hair is shorter. Thanks!
Kimberly Smoots: Yes, thanks so much, your curls are inspiring! A Deva cut cost about 180 bucks plus a consult where I am at and I just can't afford that right now! So I'm going to try this soon and just keep practicing! So update! I cut my hair!! I had so many damaged and split ends but b for my first time it turned out alright. I'll keep cutting my ends and just be patient about getting my length back. I do have a question though, how often do you wear your curly hair out? This pandemic got me doing a lot more protective styles!
K: Ugh im too scared to cut my own curls !!!! This is the shape i want !
AJ: Great video Natasha! Made it look so simple
Jenn Says: I use your technique on my son who has coily hair. I’ve been doing it this way for years now. He’s now 16 and won’t let anyone else cut his hair. It’s all because of you. He gets compliments all the time!
Logan Williams: Thank you so much! I used your tips to cut my Curls and it came out amazing ❤️
Cara M: It makes sense now, you're a hair stylist! I always do my own hair from cutting to styling and sometimes go to my Mom's house to convince her to do it because having wavy/curly tailbone length hair is a bit much sometimes...Thanks for another great informative video!
Aja Marshall: I love this video. Thanks for the vote of confidence, sis! <3
Leatrice Kay: You explained it so well❣ I'm doing it tonight. your curls are beautiful
Love, Machinko: I have the MOST problem with my bang shape specifically. I’ve watched so many of these vids and this is the most informative, helpful one. Thank you!
Asia Banks: This looks so nice, great job doll
Flower: I've been trying to figure out how to cut my hair like this! Thank you so much for this video also your hair is so beautiful
iPlanetD: I just did this to my hair...it's so satisfying. I'm scissor happy. It's super easy to get carried away lol.
Shawna Granville: Clear, concise and to the point! Your voice is so soothing too. Thank you!
Lori Winters: You are such an inspiration! Thank you for sharing with such clear explanations. I love your hair and your advice is so helpful.
Maria Long: Love you videos, you do a great job explaining things. Thank you
Pebbles von K: Thank you. My hair is fine, 2C, 3A hair that gets frizzy which adds to fullness. Eventhough my hair isn’t full being fine, you’ve given me confidence.
Monique: Thank you for making this video. That looks like the perfect way to cut my hair. Normally I just put it in twists and cut off the scraggly bits at the end, but that doesn't help with shape. My hair is big and curly like yours. I will give this a try!
Coach Shaunie: Very helpful! Thank you. Now I'm more confident about shaping my own hair.
Gee Renae: Thank you for this ~ my hair is in desperate need of a shaping so this really does help.
Anna Rivera: This was really useful. Thanks for sharing. ❤️
Gilayah McIntosh: This made so much sense thank you so much!! Do recommend cutting and shaping your hair with or without product in it? Also do have any tips for cutting tighter textured hair?
teri foster: I really love the shape of your hair. I love this look for my own hair but my hair is between 2-3. I don’t expect it to look like yours. I want to try a Diva cut. ❤
Veil Break: you inspired me to cut my fringe short....After years of being told by hairdressers....''you cant have a fringe, its too curly!'' Ive slowly taken it shorterr myself, last night it went very short, and i love it! Im cutting my own hair now, and have the best cut Ive ever had! It will probably be uneven if i straightened it....but why would i do that! hair straightening is curl cruelty
Leyah Ruiz De Loreto: Wow Sis! I think I could actually do this! Thank you sooo much for sharing. You're very generous!
Maya Lopez: thank you so much for actually explaining everything. this helps a lot
Traline Denita: I’ve been debating to cut my own hair and you’ve inspired me to try!! Wish me luck
Fash Lilly: This was very helpful ❤️
dulcinea628: Your hair is absolutely beautiful. As beautiful as you. I almost jump when you cut the first curl, but I see the great result at the end.
Bullrun: You’re so articulate!!! Thank you for this video!
Rose: Finally someone with the same hair type!!!! That's it I'm cutting my hair next week!!!
Gabriella Brunetti: I loove your texture! I kind of have to be more realistic and accept mine though, because they're definitely not as ringlet-y and spiraled but naturally fall flatter and are thinner. Question: How do you make sure the back is even and full? Mine would look so sparse if I pushed all my hair to the front even though I love that shape. Thank you!!
XXXMELISSATACION: The great thing about cutting curl by curl is you need to make 200 mistakes before you’ve got a bad hair cut- tell that to the curly hairdresser who botched up my hair
# 1: Such beautiful hair!
Reign OF Is REAL: When my After is your Before! Say you have a shop and do hair in Indianapolis! Update 3 HOURS later: I DID IT !! I used the refreshen tips, which did make my hair look like Day 1 but I was on like day 4-5 so I thought it’d be cool to go ahead an cut. I’m so grateful for these very useful videos. I will highly recommend this channel.
Tatyana Ranson aka Miss. Sassy: Thank you so much for this video!! How often do you trim your hair like this??
gena_dt: Your hair (and face) is so gorgeous! You make me want to wear my ringlets again
Salad: I’m really focusing on length and health rn so cutting as little as possible if I can but when my hair gets to my desired length I’m definitely gonna be styling it like this
niasha marrero: I love,love,love ur hair!I just gave myself a cut watching your video. Thank you it was very helpful.
Kimberly Williams Plummer: Wow. Your hair is perfect. Absolutely gorgeous
Azza Ebrahim: You are so beautiful and I love your hair I’m going to follow your tips thanks for sharing!
Esther Patricelli 💚: You just have the most beautiful curly hair in the world !I'm gonna trim and shape my hair just like yours.❤️ Thank you for your videos.
Lulu and the Reviews: This is the best curly cut at home video I've seen. I made an appointment at a well known naturally curly place and they wanted $175 deposit. I'm coming from two states away and I wanted to treat myself. However, when I found out about that deposit... I canceled. I can't afford that. ♀️ So thank you for this wonderful and informative video. I will be taking your advice as I really loved that you said to cut on three day hair and by curl by curl. I actually see the roundness that I'm seeking! Gorgeousssss!!!! Blessings to you!!!! ✨✨✨
Karen G: This is the best tutorial I’ve seen. Thank you.
JANEE WINN: Your video’s are Amazingly helpful❤️
erickz0r124: This is amazing. I am going to try this
Kiara: Omg our curls are so similar! I’m so tempted to cut my hair curly but I’ve been so scared and it’s so ironic because I’m currently going to school to become a hairdresser
Nichelle Loh: Man that cut looks gr8! Ur hair looks so huge and healthy! Omg so cool!❤
Love, Zeness: This looks easy enough. I have to wait until my hair grows back out now until I can cut it again!
caroline obrien: You and your hair are stunning. Thanks for the video.
Netta Marie: I learn so much from this channel! Thank you.
Esley Alicea: Love it!
Aiysha Rasta: Love this
Hattie Colley: So gorgeous. New subscriber here. Now this is what I am talking about. Your hair loves what u r using. Keep it up!
Good2bhome: Hi pretty lady. I have same hair as you and ive always cut my own hair but ive come to really love my curls and have straightened my hair less. Im going to try cutting your way since i dont have volume up top which i think will look better on me also. Thats for your tutorial i love it
bri: my hair is type 3a-3b and its sort of round, im letting it grow and its about shoulder lenght. ive been taking lots of care of it. but lately ive been wanting to trim it because its been looking shapeless and some of my ringlets are weird. the question is, if im growing it, should i still trim it anyways, to keep it in shape?
Sequoya Porter: Very helpful!!!!!! Thanks so much
Peacefully Drea: Your hair is amazing!!!! Mine is curly underneath and straight on top, I call it confused ♀️
Tashana Wright: I watched your video earlier and went to cut my own bangs your method works
Yasi Soto: I love it I have wanted to know how to do that style with my hair but I didn't know how thank so much
Phyllicia: This is so satisfying to watch
CS LaRusso: The best hair cutting tutorial I’ve seen. The beautician always makes me look like a shroom!
Guess Who: Great tips. Would this work for low density hair as well?
Erika S.: New subscriber here. Love the video I am going to try this on my hair. Wish me luck
Rosie868: your hair is Absolutely beautiful!!!
SRFinSLO: very informative. Thank you!
KSD D: I will come all way from Amsterdam to Georgia to have my haircut.... Thanks for sharing girl. What an amazing hair. .
BooknerdJebbi: Seriously, every time I try to cut myself some layers, it turns out REAL bad (my ringlets are pretty big so it dries differently each time). Last time I had HUGE gaps and chunks that just hung down. When I tried to cut it, a new chunk would appear elsewhere. Wasn't getting me anything but shorter more uneven hair.
Inspirational-Li TV: I tried this and I like my turnout! I tried doing something else first before seeing this but wanted more of a shape and this video helped..maybe I should make a video showing my turnout?! Lemme know
Mo Hen: You are the TRUTH #fact I'm not sure my curly hair has ever been cut properly over the decades I've been here on this planet. Now that I'm satisfied with the facts, I'm washing this crop. Thanks SIS
Destiny: Love this video do you recommend cutting on a braid/twist out? Or it has to be on a wash n go?
Somer Danuel: Your hair is so beautiful
Yaminah LaBelle: omg this is amazing!! any tips for shaping the back?
Kelsey T: Very helpful
Gigi Reddick: Hello New Subscriber, Your hair is next level gorgeous. I would like to learn to cut my hair in its curly state. This was educational and helpful. Next time I am in Georgia....I am booking with you for shaping and styling. #DreamCurlsGoals. New subscriber. ♀️
BeaunaturelleFeb11: This video was so helpful!! Thanks ever so much. Beautiful hair, wonderful cut. I'm after a pair of good quality hair cutting scissors, purely to trim my ends. Can you recommend any at all please? I live in the U.K. so as much details as possible would be appreciated. I went on Nicky Clarke website recently to look, and there were so many different types that I just felt overwhelmed. I didn't know there was so many types, so your suggestions will be MUCH appreciated. Thank you in advance.
Yeslly Herrera: I am loving your channel! Thank u!
varree: I love your videos, ThankYou so much
Mini: Your ringlets are perfectly curled
Danielle R: Love it!!!!
QueenMIKI: Love this!!
Jane Dane: You have the most beautiful hair I've seen. Absolutely gorgeous
Darlyn Lopez: Do you think this type of trim would look good for 2c/3a hair?
Mikhail Haile: Is there a specific way how to hold the shears when cutting (straight, upward, downward?)
Michelle Gordon: In my next life I want hair like yours.
Y L: So what happens when you blow dry the hair it looks uneven? Is there a fix for this
blackeneddove: You are my curl twin! Except your curls are more uniform. I wish I could travel to see you (I live in TX)! I will keep this in mind for when the pandemic is over. Stay safe!! ❤️
K Green: What advice would you give someone on how to style and cut their hair like this after the big chop.
Janelle: Ahhh you are absolutely stunning I can’t !!!
Mickie Barthelemy: can you pleasee do a bathroom tour ! i have been loving pistachio green lately and im super inspired by the earthy, fresh, boho feel
Stephanie: Love this...how often do you deep condition?