Are you looking for a good curly hair stylist but unsure what to look for? You're not alone. Curly hair stylists are popping up everywhere these days, but not every "specialist" truly understands how curls work. In this blog, I'll share my own experiences with curly hair stylists – the mistakes I've made, why my curls sometimes completely fell flat after a haircut, and what I've learned since. Because a good curly hair stylist can make all the difference… but only if that person knows what your hair needs. Discover my honest story, the pitfalls, and what you should look for before making an appointment.
My experience: when things went wrong at the perm shop.
If you have curly hair, you know how nerve-wracking a trip to the hairdresser can be. I've learned a lesson or two myself. The first time I went to a so-called curly hair specialist , I felt confident — finally, someone who would really understand my hair, I thought.
But that didn't happen.
The hairdresser clearly didn't understand ingredients or product usage. She applied a cheap gel with protein to my hair, even though I had specifically mentioned that my curls weren't responding well to it at that time. Within an hour, my curls were completely gone. No bounce, no shine — just a frizzy, lifeless mess.
That moment taught me: not every "curly hair stylist" is automatically an expert in curls.
The second time I tried it, I noticed something else: I had to hunch over for an eternity while the hairdresser spent at least twenty minutes scrunching my hair. She meant well, but it felt unnatural and tiring. To make matters worse, she didn't use a microfiber towel, which meant the blow-drying with the diffuser took forever. The result was fine, but the experience was far from practical or relaxing.
Since then, I've been getting my hair cut by Maress in Groningen – my friend who has owned her own hair salon for years and also has curly hair. I once introduced her to the CG method, and her own curls have improved enormously since then. She cuts curls in her own way: sometimes dry, but also occasionally wet in the traditional way, which can be good if you want to bring some shape back to your hairstyle. What I especially appreciate is that she styles my hair the way I do myself – simple, quick and achievable . No unnecessary steps, no unrealistic results, but a cut that also works well at home.
Why a specialized curly hair stylist is important.
Curly hair requires knowledge, patience, and the right technique. A specialized hairdresser should know that every curl is different: from 2B waves to 4C coils, and that the balance between protein and hydration is crucial. It's also helpful if they know your hair porosity, thickness, and density.
An incorrect product choice, cutting technique, or styling method can affect the overall result.
However, I notice that many salons call themselves "curly hair stylists" without having real knowledge of ingredients, products, or hair properties. And that's a shame, because that's where the difference lies between a hairstyle that stays beautiful for one day and one that stays in shape for weeks.
The downside of the hair curling machine: expensive, perfectly styled – but not realistic.
Many curly hair stylists are expensive. I partly understand that: they often spend hours blow-drying, diffusing, cutting, and perfectly styling your curls. You leave with beautiful, shiny curls — but as soon as you try to do it yourself at home, you never get it quite right again.
That's exactly my point against many curly hair stylists: they influence the curl behavior so strongly with styling techniques, brushes, hair dryers and layers of products, that the result is no longer achievable for the customer at home.
💬 My advice to curly hair stylists:
Make sure you style your clients' (curly hair) in a way they can replicate at home. Make the result achievable and affordable. That's what really makes a difference.
How do you recognize a hairdresser who actually knows how to handle curly hair?
Pay attention to these signs when you're looking for a good curly hair stylist:
- They will first ask about your hair routine, products, and experiences.
- They understand terms like fuzz control, protein overload, shrinkage, cast , and refresh.
- They prefer to cut dry hair in order to follow the natural shape.
- They use CG-approved products, or at least mild products without silicones and sulfates.
- They advise realistic skincare routines, not unnecessary stockpiles of products.
A good curly hair stylist will explain why something does or doesn't work for your hair, instead of just trying to sell you products.
The best cutting techniques for curly hair
There are several techniques that bring out the best in curls, such as:
- Curl by Curl technique: shaping each curl individually.
- DevaCut: cutting dry hair for natural balance.
- RezoCut: preserves length and volume.
But the best technique always depends on your hair type, porosity, and lifestyle. No two hair types are identical — so a good hairdresser will choose what suits you.
Maintaining and caring for curls after a haircut.
Whether you've been to a curly hair stylist or not: the real work starts at home.
Use products that:
- hydrate your hair without weighing it down;
- help retain moisture (such as a good sealing oil);
- and provide long-lasting definition without fuzziness.
👉 I've been using our own product line for almost 3 years now, and no, my hair doesn't get tired of the products ;).
Frequently Asked Questions about Curly Hair Stylists
Are curly hair stylists always better than regular hairdressers?
Not always. It depends on their experience, knowledge of ingredients, and whether they truly understand your hair type.
Why are curly hair stylists so expensive?
Because they take more time for analysis, cutting, and styling. However, I think the focus should be more on practical results instead of salon-perfect looks.
How often should I go to a curly hair stylist?
On average, every 3 to 6 months, depending on your hair growth and how well you care for your hair at home.
Conclusion: Finding the right hairdresser for your unique curls
A curly hair stylist can work wonders — but only if that person truly understands how curls work, what ingredients they need, and how you can maintain them at home.
Don't be fooled by perfect salon photos; choose knowledge, realism, and honest advice.
And remember: the best care doesn't start in the salon, but in your own bathroom.
Click here for an overview of curly hair stylists per province.
Closing remarks
A visit to a curly hair stylist can be a great experience—as long as you know what to look for. My advice? Choose a stylist who is not only skilled with the scissors, but also understands how ingredients and styling products affect the behavior of your curls. Ultimately, it's not just about the perfect hairstyle in the salon, but about how your curls behave once you're back home.
Want your curls to stay bouncy, soft, and defined even after a salon visit? Discover the products I use and developed based on my own experience with products and the struggles of curly hair . These products give your curls exactly what they need, without unnecessary steps or frustration.