Dry vs Wet Haircut
Updated: Feb 22
Do you have your next hair appointment booked, but not sure which cut to choose? Let us help you!
There are a few things to consider before choosing a dry vs wet haircut, specifically hair type, natural texture, length, and how much time you want to spend at the salon.
Historically, hairstylists have cut hair while it was wet because that technique allows your stylist to cut the most precise lines. This is perfect if you're looking for bangs or a cut with sharp, blunt lines, like a bob.
But what about the rest of us? Not everyone wants to be transported back to the 1920s. The old rules are out, and you have the power to create the look you want using a customized process!
What Is A Wet Hair Cut
A wet haircut is a cut that is done by your stylist while your hair is still wet, fully absorbed with water. Chances are you’ve had quite a few of these in your day already.
Benefits of a Wet Haircut
Wet cutting is great for razoring, layering hair, and removing the bulk of heavy hair. With your hair weighted down and sleek with water, you can more easily tell where the layers will be falling around your face once it’s dry.
When hair doesn’t move, it’s easier to achieve perfect, seamless lines and edges, ideal for shaping most hair types.
Wet haircuts are not the best option for everyone, though. If you have processed or very fine hair, it can be prone to breakage during the combing process because hair is more fragile while it’s wet and weighted down.
Also, if you have naturally curly or coily hair, cutting it wet will make it difficult to tell where the shorter coils will hang once they’re dry.
What Is A Dry Hair Cut
A dry cut is done when your hair is dry, bereft of heavy moisture. This can be done before it is shampooed, after is it washed and blow dried, or both.
Benefits of a Dry Haircut
Dry cutting will allow you and your stylist to see any hard lines in the hair that need refining. In this state, they can remove any bulk and blend away with carefree abandon.
Dry cut techniques are great for textured hair because it can smooth your hair out as your stylist molds the shape and you can see where everything is falling. This offers a nice preview into what you will be dealing with every day in the mirror.
The downside of a dry cut is that it can be difficult for your stylist to achieve precise lines and angles when your hair is dry and prone to movement and flyaways.
Which Cut Works Best For Your Hair Type
Hair texture and length should be strongly considered when deciding which cut to go for.
If you have thin or fine straight hair, a wet haircut is ideal. This allows for straight lines, especially with long layers and bangs.
For those luscious coils and curly hair, a dry cut is better. You can have a better idea of where your it will fall when trimming hair dry.
For my wavy-haired mermaids and mermen out there, you should combine the wet and dry techniques. The wet cut can give you a definite end to your curls and then you can refine it with a dry cut.
Can You Combine Techniques
Yes! If you are unsure whether to cut your hair wet or dry, know that you can appreciate the benefits of both by starting out with a wet cut and then finishing with some dry cutting.
This way, you and the stylist can modify as you go while your hair is in both states, making it easier for you to visualize what you will be dealing with on your own at home.
Still indecisive about which one you should choose? Consult your professional stylist! They will each have their own opinions, but at the end of the day, it's all about what is going to work best for your hair type and the finished product YOU want!