Everything You Need To Know About the Deva Cut
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If you’ve got natural curls or waves, finding the best way to care for them can be tricky. But when you have a great haircut, you’ll want to flaunt your curls to the whole world!
The Deva Cut is a fantastic style specifically designed for natural hair types. It was created by Lorraine Massey, the hair care guru behind the Curly Girl Method and the DevaChan Salon, so you know that means it’s designed with naturally curly hair in mind.
This special technique will give you fabulous low-maintenance curls tailored to suit your unique locks. The secret lies in cutting your hair while it’s dry!
So, let’s dive in and take a look at all you need to know about the Deva Cut, including which hair types it works for and how to look after your fabulous new curly style.
What Is a Deva Cut?
The Deva Cut is also known as the Curl by Curl cut. It’s a specialist technique for cutting curly and wavy hair invented by the hair guru behind the Curly Girl Method and Devachan Salon. Cutting the hair dry allows stylists to see precisely how each cut will affect the finished look.
Your hairstylist will cut each individual curl separately at an angle instead of using the usual stretch-and-cut method that was created for straight hair. So, you can be confident that the Deva Cut will maintain your natural curl pattern, making it easier to style your hair at home.
This technique results in an even cut that avoids too much weight at the top or bottom of your head and creates stunning, face-framing curls with plenty of luscious volume.
Who Is the Deva Cut For?
The Deva Cut creates gorgeous natural curls and beautiful volume on wavy hair, coily hair, or curly hair. Unfortunately, it isn’t suitable for straight hair types, as the results will look choppy and uneven on straight hair.
This haircut is ideal for you if your mane contains a mix of hair types. The technique allows your stylist to see exactly where the different textures naturally fall, creating the perfect style for your beautifully unique tresses.
This style looks fabulous on short and medium-length hair but might not suit longer lengths. If you want to know if the Deva Cut will work with your long locks, it’s worth visiting a Deva Cut specialist salon to see what they reckon.
How Deva Cut Differs From a Traditional Curly Cut
The main difference between the Deva Cut and a traditional curly cut is that the stylist will create a Deva Cut on dry curls.
Wet cutting stretches the hair and holds it in positions that are completely different from the natural shape of your curls. Cutting dry hair means you don’t have to worry about your locks being much shorter when it springs back after drying.
The other difference is that the Deva Cut is a curl-by-curl cutting technique that takes your natural curl pattern into account. This allows the stylist to create a personalized look that is shaped to frame your face beautifully, and the haircut can be tailored to meet your hair goals even during the actual cutting process.
Deva Cut vs Rezo Cut
The Rezo Cut and the Deva Cut are two very popular haircuts for curly hair. In each technique, the hair is cut dry, and you might not be totally sure of the difference between them.
Here’s a quick guide to these two curly styles:
The Deva Cut is also known as the Curl by Curl cut because it cuts each lock individually to provide face-framing curls and gorgeous volume. This haircut will suit you better if you like to style your curls naturally and don’t often wear twist-outs or straighten your mane.
The Rezo Cut focuses on adding movement and volume to curly hair. It involves parting the hair and making circular cuts rather than working curl by curl, and will still look good if you choose to straighten your hair.
You can learn more about this popular curly hairstyle in our Guide to the Rezo Cut.
Pros and Cons of Getting a Deva Cut
Are you undecided about getting a Deva Cut? Here are a few of the pros and cons to consider:
Pros
Works with your hair’s natural texture and shape
This curl-by-curl cutting method allows your stylist to sculpt your cut to suit your hair’s natural fall and the different hair textures you might have. The results are personalized to flatter you perfectly.
A great low-maintenance haircut
Because your stylist will work with dry hair, you shouldn’t need much styling to give a great finish. Many curly girls find that a Deva cut gives them low-maintenance face-framing curls with masses of luscious volume!
Takes hair shrinkage into account
Cutting wet curls is always risky because there’s no way to know for sure how much shrinkage you’ll experience. Your Deva Cut stylist will cut your curls while they’re dry, which takes the guesswork out of the experience.
Cons
Can look uneven
Some people find that the Deva Cut can end up looking poofy or choppy, especially if they didn’t visit an experienced stylist. The haircut can also look uneven if you choose to straighten your curls with flat irons.
Doesn’t work well if you change your styling routine
The Deva Cut works best for people who wear a wash-and-go style. If you decide to switch to braid-outs or twist-outs, or want to straighten your hair for a change, your Deva Cut may not look so good.
Can give too much volume
Some people find that their curls can tighten up too much after washing, especially near the crown of their head.
On short hair, the haircut can cause a ‘poodle’ effect with too much volume, and some people find that they can end up with more curls at the bottom than the top, giving a pyramid shape to their tresses.
Most of these problems can be avoided by visiting an experienced stylist at a salon that ensures its stylists undergo strict and extensive training in how to cut curly hair.
Suitability of Deva Cut for Different Hair Types
The Deva Curl Cut uses a special cutting technique that’s designed to help curly hair look its best. The hair is cut when dry, and each curl is trimmed individually, giving a result that’s perfectly tailored to your hair.
So if you have any kind of natural hair texture, whether it’s loose wavy hair, thick and dense curls, or even springy type 4 coils, your stylist will be able to create a beautiful Deva Cut just for you.
Straight hair is the only hair type that doesn’t look great with a Deva Cut, as this styling technique is designed for curly locks.
Is Getting a Deva Cut Right For Me?
If you have curly, coily or wavy hair, the Deva Cut could be the right cut for you. It’s a very flexible haircut because each curl is cut individually, tailoring the haircut to suit your hair and face.
However, this haircut is mainly aimed at natural texture hair with some curl definition, and it works best on hair with a wash-and-go style.
So, if you sometimes like to wear your hair straightened or in a stretched haircut like braid outs, it’s likely that a Deva Cut will make your hair look uneven when you stretch your hair out.
Should I Wash My Hair Before a Deva Cut?
It’s a good idea to arrive at the salon with your curls freshly washed, dry, and defined. So make sure that you wash, detangle, and style your hair on the morning of your appointment or the day before if you have an early start.
Let your curls fall naturally instead of pulling them up in a ponytail, bun or braid, and don’t wear a hat or hair clips. These can all disrupt your curl pattern, and your stylist needs to see the natural form of your curls before they start cutting.
Deva Cut: Before and After Photos
A Deva Cut can’t make your hair curlier, but it’s a great way to make your curls look more defined. Check out these before and after pics to see how a Deva Cut can bring new life to your curls!
Maintenance Tips for Deva Cuts
Deva Cuts are pretty low maintenance, so they don’t require much styling. Your stylist can give you personalized advice on keeping your curly, coily or wavy hair looking good between appointments.
Once you’ve had your Deva Cut, here are some of the key points for maintaining your wavy, curly or coily hair:
- Use a sulfate-free shampoo, but not too often to avoid dryness
- Pamper your locks with regular deep conditioner treatments
- Detangle your hair gently with a wide-tooth comb or your fingers
- Keep heat styling to a minimum and use a heat protectant first
You can also find tailored hair care advice for your hair type in our hair texture guides.
Need help working out which hair texture you have? Take our simple Curly Hair Type Quiz to find out!
FAQs
If you’re considering a Deva Cut, these frequently asked questions will help you decide if it’s right for you:
Can I Get a Deva Cut if My Hair Is Short?
Cutting curly hair this way creates face-framing volume that looks amazing on short and medium hair. If you’re not sure the Deva Cut will work on your hair length, it’s a good idea to book a consultation with your stylist first to see what they think.
How Long Does a Deva Cut Take?
A Deva Cut will generally take around 60-75 minutes; however, your first Deva Cut will take a little longer, probably up to two hours. That’s because your stylist will need to assess your hair and discuss the look you want to achieve, which will take a little extra time.
How Much Is a Deva Cut: Is It More Expensive Than a Traditional Haircut?
The cost of a Deva Cut will vary depending on factors like your hair type, salon location, and any service add-ons you choose.
You can expect to pay anything from $50 to $155 for a Deva Cut, with the average around $120. Your first appointment will usually cost more as it takes longer.
Are Deva Cuts Suitable for All Curl Patterns, Including Tight Coils?
Deva Cuts are suitable for every natural hair texture, from Type 2 wavy hair to tight Type 4 coily hair. However, it doesn’t work well on straight hair (Type 1 hair).
Can I Get a Deva Cut if My Curls Are Not Well-Defined?
It’s better to have defined curls for a Deva Cut, but if your hair tends to frizz, your stylist should still be able to help.
Why not check out our curl texture guides before you visit the salon, to learn how to turn your frizz into beautiful, well-defined curls?
Is a Deva Cut Wet or Dry?
It’s easy to misjudge curly hair if you cut it when wet because it’s hard to see how much it will spring back after drying. So, the Deva Cut is performed as a dry cut, letting your stylist see your hair in its most natural shape.
Our Take: Is Deva Cut Right for You?
The Deva Cut is a super-popular haircut that creates a beautiful face-framing look on curly hair, wavy hair, or coily hair.
It’s not like traditional straight hair cutting methods because the hair isn’t stretched and cut when it’s wet. Instead, a personalized curl-by-curl approach that your natural hair texture is enhanced by the haircut , which is tailored to suit you and your locks.
The Deva Cut isn’t perfect for everyone: it won’t work on straight hair, and the results can look uneven on straightened hair.
But if you have any curl in your locks, the Deva Cut is definitely worth considering. For the best results, head to a specialist curly hair salon to make the most of your mane.
