Dry Cutting vs. Wet Cutting. What's Best?

Throughout my career, I've always taken interest in the divide amongst haircutters who have a preference for wet or dry cutting. In most cases, I've heard great arguments for why one is superior to the other. I've gone through phases of experimentation with both and have concluded that there are certain variables at play when cutting hair dry vs. wet and vice versa. Let's take a look at the benefits of each more closely.

Cutting Wet Hair 

Cutting wet hair offers you a great deal of control. This may be necessary when working with heavier densities and coarser textures that may prove problematic when cutting dry. The moisture in the hair acts as both a lubricant and adhesive, binding hair and acting as a sort of detangler, making it easier to part and secure. Wet hair also has greater elasticity than dry hair. This helps the hair to stretch more, resulting in strong shapes that are retained for long periods of time. It is also the recommended method for those precision cuts. As for the downsides, cutting hair wet takes some effort as often you will still have to check the hair when it is dry, which takes time. Wet cutting sometimes makes hair look choppy once it has been dried. This is a balancing act that most stylists encounter. Ask if wet cutting is best for your look and finished style.

Cutting Dry Hair

Cutting dry hair allows your stylist to create softer shapes more easily. In most cases cutting hair, dry allows your stylist to create shape and texturize at the same time. This can be done by pointing or notching into it, a process that is slightly more difficult with wet hair because of its binding properties. Cutting hair dry is ideal for refinement as the effects can be measured in real-time without the weight of moisture, as the hair lives where it is cut. It is for this reason many hairdressers have a preference for cutting hair dry. Trimming, low densities and finer textures are also good conditions for dry cutting as they require less control and may be more easily handled. Maybe a client is reluctant to have their hair cut at all. Dry cutting is a great way to minimize the amount of hair taken off and could be a better fit for these clients than wet cutting. Lastly, cutting hair dry can be done at a fast pace so don’t think the stylist is just being lazy or short of time. Dry cutting often takes greater skill and talent.

There are pros and cons for both wet and dry cutting, and although the case can be made for choosing one over the other, I've found a lot of control in using both when the situation calls for it. Ask the question of your stylist and decide which one or if both might be the magic approach to tame your amazing locks.

Remember your hair is your #1 fashion accessory!