In short
- Curly hair should be cut dry, curl-by-curl (Rezo, DevaCut or Curl-by-Curl method).
- London hubs: Bounce Curl Salon (Soho), Unruly Curls (Brixton), Hare & Bone (Bloomsbury).
- Expect £120–£220 for a curly cut with consultation.
- First appointment should be 90–120 minutes; if it's 45, they cut curly hair like straight hair.
Curly hair (Types 2b–4c) needs a stylist trained to cut dry, style curl-by-curl, and understand porosity. London's curly hair scene has grown dramatically in the past five years — but not every 'curl-friendly' salon actually is.
The signals of a real curl specialist
- Cuts dry, not wet — so they can see how each curl falls.
- Consultation is 20+ minutes on the first visit.
- Uses the Rezo, DevaCurl or Curl-by-Curl method — asks which you prefer.
- Diffuses to dry, doesn't blow-dry straight.
- Discusses porosity and product routine.
London salons with a track record
Bounce Curl Salon (Soho), Unruly Curls (Brixton and Kentish Town), Hare & Bone (Bloomsbury), and Live True London (multiple locations) all have dedicated curl specialists. Expect £120–£220 for a full curly cut with consultation.
What to bring to the first appointment
Wear your hair as you normally would (not freshly straightened). Bring the products you use at home. Bring photos of curl shapes you like — not celebrity photos, but real hair with your porosity and density.
A curly cut is a diagnosis with scissors.
Frequently asked
Common questions
Is dry cutting really better for curly hair?+
For most curl patterns, yes — dry cutting shows the true curl clump and prevents surprise shrinkage.
How often should I get a curly cut?+
Every 12–16 weeks maintains shape; every 8–10 weeks if you want more precision.
Are DevaCurl-trained stylists better?+
The training is real but not the only good method. Look for outcomes and reviews, not just brand affiliations.
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