Those of us who have lived with naturally curly hair all of our lives, know that once you find that special stylist, they become your best friend and are irreplaceable.

Not all hair stylists are created equal – some just don’t understand the intricacies of cutting naturally curly hair. Believe me, I’ve had a few butchers in the past who have claimed to “know” curly hair.

In addition to the proper cut, a stylist experienced with curly hair will know how to condition, treat and color your locks without damaging them. They will know which products work best in your hair as well as which products to stay away from, and they are usually up on the latest trends and break-throughs for problems such as fighting frizz.

When shopping for a hair stylist, you should not be afraid to ask the salon personnel if they have a curly hair stylist, or a stylist who primarily specializes in curly hair. If they say no, or make you feel like an idiot, move on to the next salon (quickly).  

Your best bet is to visit the salon and stylist in person before making any appointment. If the stylist has curly hair themselves, that is even better – since you know they have had to deal with curly hair issues personally.

Keep in mind that the shorter the hair, the curlier the look will be due to the loss of weight which would pull and relax the curl. A shorter cut will also require more frequent trimmings to keep the shape – something to consider if your hair grows fast. A good stylist is very important for those choosing a short style!

A word of caution – never let anyone use thinning shears or razors on your curly hair as this can be very damaging to the fragile ends. Proper layering will take care of the bulkiness you get with really thick hair. Also keep in mind the ‘shrinkage factor’ of curly hair when choosing a style. Your hair could actually be up to one third longer when it is wet, than when it is dry.

When selecting a hair style, consult with a professional stylist who has real experience with curly hair. I have found the best luck with stylists who have the same type of hair, although that can be a rare find. Make sure that you tell them how much time you have to deal with your hair each day and how much work you want to put into your look. If you want a wash-and-wear look then let it be known up front. A good cut and proper maintenance are the keys to controlling beautiful curly hair styles.