I am a curly hair specialist trained by the Queen of Curls herself, Lorraine Massey. Lorraine is the founder of Devachan Salons and cofounder of DevaCurl products. She now works independently teaching the Deva Cut / curl-by-curl™ cutting technique and is the author of Curly Girl: The Handbook.
Having trained under Lorraine in 2022, I am a TOTAL convert. When it comes to haircuts for curly hair, it’s curl by curl all the way for me now – and here’s why!
A Whole Different Approach to Haircutting
Traditional hairdressing is all about precision: angles, symmetry, and clean lines. Everything is meant to “marry up” in a very controlled way. But when it comes to curly hair, especially curl-by-curl cutting, we throw that rulebook out the window.
This method is all about embracing the organic. I’m working with the hair, not trying to control or tame it. Watching how your curls sit when they’re dry and in their natural pattern gives me all the information I need to tailor a truly unique, customised cut for every single curl.
Curl by curl isn’t just a technique, it’s a philosophy.
Forget Curl Type Obsession
A lot of people come to me with questions about their curl type, trying to pin down whether they’re a 2C, 3A, 3B, etc. While I understand the curiosity, I want to take the pressure off: it really doesn’t matter when I’m cutting curl by curl.
Why? Because most people have multiple curl types on one head. Some strands might be looser, some tighter, and some might not curl at all. What matters to me is how they all work together. That’s what helps me sculpt a cut that celebrates the uniqueness of your hair.
Working With Your Curls, Not Against Them
Dry cutting is key. Cutting curls wet often leads to uneven results, because curly hair shrinks as it dries and if you’ve ever had a stylist stretch your hair out straight before chopping it, you know the panic when it bounces up way shorter than expected.
By cutting each curl in its dry, natural state, I avoid surprises. I can see what each snip will do, how it affects the shape, weight, and flow of your hair. I take into account weight distribution, volume, and how to make the most of your natural texture.
Say Goodbye to the Triangle
You know the triangle: flat on top, wide and heavy at the bottom. It’s the curly-haired horror story. But when we cut curl by curl, with thought given to how each one springs, lays, and interacts with the rest, we avoid that dreaded shape. Instead, we create balance, volume where it counts, and movement that makes your curls come alive.
Curl by curl isn’t just a technique, it’s a philosophy. It’s about respecting the natural state of your hair and enhancing what’s already beautiful. When we work this way, your curls get to shine exactly as they are.
