Texturizing for Curl Patterns
Adapt texturizing techniques for wavy, curly, and coily hair while preserving definition and shrinkage control.

Curl-aware principles
- Work on dry hair whenever possible to see true curl pattern.
- Respect shrinkage: cut less than you think you need.
- Use gentle tension; over-stretching curls leads to uneven results.
Technique adaptations
Curl type | Strategy | Notes |
---|---|---|
Wavy (2A-2C) | Light point cutting and slicing | Maintain S-pattern definition |
Curly (3A-3C) | Carving comb + slide cutting | Remove internal weight without frizz |
Coily (4A-4C) | Coil clipping, fro-hawk sectioning | Work curl-by-curl for precision |
Tools
- Sharp convex shears (5.5”–6.0”) for precision.
- Texturizer with 27–30 teeth for soft blending on wavy textures.
- Sectioning clips that do not crease curls.
Maintenance tie-in
Dry cutting curls increases edge wear. Follow Convex Edge Maintenance and log sharpening needs in the Frequency Matrix.
Practice
- Use textured mannequins or volunteer models to build experience.
- Document each curl type, techniques used, and client feedback.
Client education
Explain aftercare: diffusing, product distribution, and how cuts may evolve between appointments.