Is It Better to Cut Hair Wet or Dry? Your Common Questions, Answered

Co-authored by Jasmin Todd and Madeleine Criglow

Last Updated: December 23, 2022 References

Oftentimes when you get your hair cut at a salon, the stylist cuts your hair while it's wet. Though it may be common, is this really the best approach? Some stylists swear by dry-cutting hair for a variety of reasons. If you're looking to determine which one is better, you'll find that the answer really depends on the context. This article is here to help you figure out which option is right for your hair type.

Question 1 of 7:

Why do hairdressers cut your hair while it's wet?

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When your hair is wet, the hair is straight and controlled. Hairdressers opt for a wet haircut to avoid having to work around the natural movement of your hair when it's dry, which can make achieving blunt, smooth cuts a little more difficult.^{[1]
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This includes hairstyles like an A-line bob or a long haircut with no layers. If you're looking for a hairstyle that's sleek and exact, ask for your hair to be cut while it's wet.^{[2]
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Question 2 of 7:

What is the benefit of dry-cutting hair?

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Hairstylists like this option to accommodate your hair's natural movement and texture, sculpting the curls into a desired shape and style. With a dry cut, your hairdresser can see exactly how your hair falls. Wet hair tends to stretch and hang longer than it really is. With a dry cut, each curl, wave, and cowlick is visible, which helps a stylist tailor your haircut to your hair specifically.^{[3]
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It helps you avoid miscommunications with your stylist. You know exactly how your haircut looks in real-time when your stylist cuts it dry. With a wet haircut, you may not know exactly what you're getting until they blow-dry your hair. Ask for a dry cut if you're worried about losing too much length or getting a haircut you weren't expecting.^{[4]
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- Wet hair hangs 50% longer than it actually is when it's dry. A dry haircut can help your stylist make sure they don't accidentally cut more than you really wanted.^{[5]
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Question 3 of 7:

Which option is more common?

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^{[6]
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Research source} The method allows for stylists to use the techniques they were trained in during school on pretty much any hair type.^{[7]
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It allows for hairstylists to cut based on your unique hair type and style. It also lends itself to more layered, free-flowing hairstyles, which have been more popular in the past few years.^{[8]
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If you're looking for a style that's both sleek and textured, see if your hairdresser can combine wet and dry cutting techniques, incorporating both techniques for the desired outcome. Cutting some of your hair wet can help get those precise lines, while texturizing your hair dry can add some movement and layers.^{[9]
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Question 4 of 7:

Is it better to cut curly hair while it's wet or dry?

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Curly and wavy hair should be dry cut. Curly hair has unique wave and curl patterns that vary from person to person. To get a haircut that accommodates and even brings out the best in your unique wavy style, ask for a dry haircut. That way your stylist can tailor their movements to your specific curls.^{[10]
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- If you wear your hair both curly and straight, a wet cut might be a good option, because it is a precision cut, but you must always always seek a professional who’s trained in that method.

Question 5 of 7:

How should fine hair be cut?

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Your hair looks a lot different when it is wet, and it hangs a lot longer as well. If your hair is already thin, your stylist may end up cutting more than you want when it's wet. Ask for a dry cut to make sure they only cut the length you want and leave enough volume.^{[11]
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Question 6 of 7:

Does cutting hair while it's dry cause split ends?

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Damaged ends are a lot more visible when your hair is dry versus when it's wet. This helps stylists pinpoint where exactly your hair needs to be cut.^{[12]
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Question 7 of 7:

How should I get my hair cut if I don't style it?

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A dry cut is a good option for people who do minimal styling. A dry haircut works with the type of hair that you have, as the stylist bases their movements and cutting styles on the way that your hair falls naturally. With a wet cut, they may use formulas or movements that don't accommodate the way your hair really looks.^{[13]
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- If you want a haircut that will look the same at the salon as it does when you're out and about for days to come (without employing too many tools or products), a dry cut may be the right option for you.