Update on that 'dry shear' cutting method I saw online

I kept seeing barbers on social media talk about cutting hair dry before washing, saying it gives you a better shape. I always thought it was just a gimmick for videos. Last month, a regular client with really thick, wavy hair came in and asked me to try it. I was worried the hair would move too much, but I went for it. After cutting it dry, I washed and styled it, and the shape held perfectly. It actually saved me about 15 minutes of blending work after the wash. The way the hair fell naturally showed me exactly where the weight was. Has anyone else tried this on specific hair types and had good results?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_mary1mo ago

Actually, it's usually called a "dry cut" (the shear is just the tool). The main thing is you have to be careful with fine, straight hair because it can look perfect dry but spring up shorter after washing. I've found it works best on curly or textured hair where the dry shape is the real shape.

fionas391mo ago

Ever notice how many things only work right if you understand their natural state? Like @the_mary said about cutting hair dry for curls, my wavy hair is a disaster if cut wet. It's the same with wood, you have to let it dry out before you build with it or the whole thing warps. We keep trying to force stuff into shapes it doesn't want to hold.

emmafisher2d ago

Dry cutting works on straight hair too if you know how the hair moves. My stylist does mine dry because she can see how it falls naturally. It's about technique, not just hair type. You just have to account for that little bit of bounce back after a wash.