Should hair be cut wet or dry?
If you’ve ever sat in a salon chair and wondered why sometimes your hair is washed before the cut, and other times it isn’t, you’re not alone. Whether your hair is cut wet or dry depends on a few key things—like your hair type, the style you’re going for, and the preferences of your stylist. There’s no single rule, but there are some solid reasons behind each approach.
Why wet cutting is so common
Most haircuts begin with a trip to the backwash for a reason. Wet hair lies flat and smooth, which makes it easier to section and see clearly. If your hair is thick, textured, or has a natural wave, cutting it wet helps the stylist manage it without fighting the frizz or puff. It’s tidy, predictable and ideal when precision is key—especially for sharp bobs, blunt cuts or anything that relies on clean, even lines.
Wet cutting also works best if you’re taking off a decent amount of length. Your hairdresser in Solihull can get a cleaner shape when they’re not wrestling with dry, flyaway hair. That said, it’s not always the right call for every head of hair or every style.
When dry cutting works better
If your hair is curly, wavy or has a strong natural pattern, dry cutting can be a game changer. That’s because curls don’t behave the same way wet as they do dry. What looks like an even line when soaked might bounce into a wonky zigzag when it dries. Cutting your hair dry means your stylist can see exactly how your hair falls, how it curls, and where it needs shaping.
Dry cuts are also great when you’re after a lived-in, textured look. Your stylist can see how the hair naturally behaves and make tweaks accordingly. It’s more of a sculpting process than a blueprint. If you’re unsure, have a chat during your consultation. A great Solihull Hairdresser will explain which method makes sense for the cut you want and your specific hair type.
It doesn’t have to be one or the other
Sometimes, the best cuts use both techniques. A stylist might start with a wet cut to get the basic shape, then dry your hair and fine-tune the layers or fringe once it’s settled into its natural state. This two-step approach works particularly well for layered cuts, curly styles or hair that behaves differently day to day.
And let’s not forget personal preference. Some clients just feel better with a blow-dry and style to finish off a cut. Others want to see the shape forming before they commit to more. The point is, there’s no wrong answer—only what works best for you and your hair.
Trust your stylist (and speak up)
If you’re not sure whether your hair should be cut wet or dry, you don’t need to guess. That’s what consultations are for. A skilled hairdresser in Solihull will always ask the right questions, feel your hair, and talk you through the options. What matters most is how your hair behaves in everyday life, not just how it looks in the salon mirror.
You should also feel comfortable speaking up if you’ve had a bad experience in the past. Maybe a wet cut left your curls looking uneven, or a dry cut felt too unpredictable. Good stylists want to hear that. The more they know, the better they can tailor the service to suit you.
At Salon No. 100, we use both wet and dry techniques depending on what your hair needs. We’re not married to one method—we’re committed to helping you love the way your hair looks and feels, however we get there.
For the best Solihull hairdresser, look no further than Salon No. 100! We’ve gathered hundreds of five-star reviews over the past few years. Call 07966 105306 and book your appointment today!