The Difference Between Wet and Dry Haircuts | Makeup.com by L'Oréal (2024)

October 28, 2022

By: Genesis Rivas | Makeup.com by L'Oréal

Think back to the last time you got a haircut — did your stylist cut your hair while it was wet or dry? After my recent visit to the salon I was reminded that my stylist sometimes cuts my hair when it's dry, and other times when it’s wet after a good and thorough wash. It made me wonder if there’s a reason for the switch up: Does a wet versus dry haircut leave you with a different end result and is one way better for certain hair types? To help me figure it out, I tapped celebrity hairstylist Dominick Pucciarello and African Pride brand educator Robin Groover.

What’s the Difference Between Dry Cutting vs. Wet Cutting?

Dry cutting is when a stylist cuts your hair when it is dry whereas wet cutting is when your hair is cut while it’s wet. “Dry cutting is good for precision and strong lines,” says Groover. Cutting the hair when it’s dry is often used to correct and refine shapes. Pucciarello says he likes to finish off a haircut with dry cutting because only then can he truly see how the hair falls and make changes accordingly. “You can see the way the hair will lay naturally and get an accurate sense of shape and length,” he says. Both experts agree, however, that dry cutting hair can be risky because any mistakes made are way more visible and harder to fix. According to Groover, wet cutting is good for seamless layering but requires more detail. She explains that cutting wet hair will result in a healthy renewal of the overall shape and style.

What Should You Consider Before Choosing Between Dry Cutting or Wet Cutting?

It’s important to consider your hair texture and the type of style you’re trying to achieve, says Pucciarello. Groover adds that you should also consider the state of your hair and the skill set of the stylist. If you’re someone with curly hair that has lost definition, she says that wet cutting could help revive your curls. Can’t make it to a salon but still want to give your curls more bounce? Try using the Carol’s Daughter Coco Créme Curl Perfecting Water Coco Mist Spray. We also love the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Curls Refresh and Reshape Leave-In Spray because it lightly re-hydrates curls so they’re soft and defined before trimming.

How Do You Know Which Method Works Best for Your Hair Type?

“Personally, I prefer dry cutting on straight hair and for more transformative, corrective cuts,” says Groover. “I prefer wet-cutting curly or coily hair in its natural state to define curls.” But ultimately, according to Pucciarello, each method works on all types of hair. “It all depends on the style and what you're looking for in the end result,” he says. Consult with your stylist to see what technique is best for you.

Illustration: Hannah Packer

The Difference Between Wet and Dry Haircuts | Makeup.com by L'Oréal (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between a dry haircut and a wet haircut? ›

Hair texture:

If you have curly, wavy, or highly textured hair, a dry cut may be the better option, as it allows the stylist to work with your hair's natural texture and movement. For straight, fine, or moderately textured hair, a wet cut can be a good choice, as it allows for greater precision and control.

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How does a dry haircut work? ›

Dry cutting is when a stylist cuts your hair when it is dry whereas wet cutting is when your hair is cut while it's wet. “Dry cutting is good for precision and strong lines,” says Groover. Cutting the hair when it's dry is often used to correct and refine shapes.

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Is it better to cut hair wet or dry with clippers? ›

Dripping wet hair is pretty much impossible to cut properly with clippers, so don't even try. A good towel dry helps prevent the clipper blades rusting and makes it much easier for you to achieve the style you want.

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Is wet hair better than dry hair? ›

Wet hair is far weaker than dry hair, being more susceptible to breakage and damage from just about anything – heat and pulling on the hair strands are more likely to damage wet hair than dry.

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Are dry haircuts better? ›

While dry cuts are suitable for all hair types, experts say they benefit those with curly hair the most. "You can see exactly where the hair will fall," explains Gomila. "When [curls are] cut wet, curly hair shrinks up when it dries (depending on the tightness of the curl).

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Should I wash my hair before a dry cut? ›

Short answer: Clean hair, please! While some hair types may hold better the second or third day of washing, in most cases it's best to visit the salon with clean, dry hair.

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Is a dry or wet haircut better for wavy hair? ›

Wavy tresses do great with a dry haircut. Texturizing can also be done dry to lighten the weight of the hair and bring out those natural waves.

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How short is a number 8 haircut? ›

If you ask your barber for a number one cut, you are asking them to cut your hair so it is an eighth of an inch long. If you ask for a number eight cut, the hair left on your head will be one inch.

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Should I wash my hair before a haircut as a female? ›

You could go two or three days without washing your hair based on your haircut, hair type, and stylists' preferences. You may be able to arrive with it clean and wet if you know you'll be getting a wet haircut. However, for your stylist's sake, avoid showing up with overly greasy hair.

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How often should you cut your hair? ›

While there is no set rule as to how often you should cut your hair, there is a generic time frame that hairstylists and salon professionals recommend. General guidelines for cutting hair suggest that you should get a cut every six to eight weeks, however, this timeframe isn't a one-size-fits-all deal.

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Does a wet cut mean they wash your hair? ›

Yes and no. If you're getting a cut, we'll typically wash your hair for you, but if you've already showered and have wet hair then that's perfectly acceptable. However, if you're getting your hair colored, you'll want your hair to be dry so our stylists can best assess your needs and apply the color.