By Leeanne | Curly Hair Specialist | 34+ Years Hair Experience
Thoughts from Curly Cuts Canberra: Why Structure Matters in a Curly Haircut
Have you ever wondered why your curly hair routine isn’t working the way you want it to? The answer might not be your products—it could be your curly haircut.
Think of your curls like a house. Without a strong foundation, everything else struggles to sit right. The structure of a curly haircut is that foundation, and without it, you’re setting your curls up to fail.
What Makes a Curly Cut Work?
At Curly Cuts Canberra, we don’t just cut for shape—we build structure into every curly haircut. Why? Because structure:
- Supports volume with less frizz
- Defines curl patterns
If you’ve only ever had one or two heavy layers cut into your hair, chances are the base of your curls isn’t being supported. Without proper structure and shape, curls can flatten easily. The hair may sit in an odd shape and can grow out with a noticeable ledge.
Without a strong foundation, you may not get the natural bounce, definition, or flow that healthy curls are meant to have.
Structure vs. Shape: Why It Matters for Curly Hair
Some hairdressers hesitate to truly shape curly hair. Often, they’ll just trim the ends, nervous about “taking off too much”—usually because they haven’t had advanced training, certifications in modern curly cutting methods, or don’t have the experience or skill to confidently work with curls. The result? Yep, that dreaded triangle grow-out.
And truthfully, some hairdressers—no matter how many years they’ve been in the industry—simply can’t create the shape curly hair requires, as much as they may want to.
Curly Cuts Canberra: Why Structure Is Everything in a Curly Haircut
But being an expert at true curly cutting is a skill—and a bold one. It takes vision, technique, and confidence to know where and how to build a shape that lasts long after you leave the salon.
Here at Curly Cuts Canberra, I’ve spent over three decades mastering the craft of cutting hair, with a deep passion for specialising in curly hair in recent years. I understand how curls behave, and how a well-structured haircut can transform your entire routine.
True curly cutting is about being bold enough—and skilled enough—to know how to see and cut shape. I’m not afraid to go there. But I’ll also be honest with you if my technique isn’t the right fit for your wavy hair—because not every curl-by-curl method suits every texture, and your hair deserves the right approach.
Straight Hair vs. Curly Hair: Why You Can’t Cut Them the Same
Unstructured cuts or wet cuts can work for straight or wavy hair—but curly hair needs more. Why?
A lot of curly hair has multiple curl patterns throughout the head, which means each section behaves differently. That’s why the best way to cut curly hair is dry, curl by curl, allowing each curl to be seen in its natural state.
This method respects the true shape and spring of every curl, giving you a balanced, structured result that works with your texture—not against it.
Because curls stack, spiral, and move in a completely different way. Without the right structure:
- Curls can flatten
- They can kick out in weird directions
- They can lose definition and volume
When structure is done right, your curls fall into place naturally—without you having to fight them every day.
Respecting the Curl Pattern
You’ll can also notice less frizz because the curl pattern hasn’t been disrupted, thinned, or over-directed—avoiding the kind of thinning that can cause more frizzy thinner or unstructured bits. (See our blog for more on the effects of thinning.)
Choosing the Right Curl Cutting Method for Your Hair Type
Not all curls are created equal—and that’s why the curly cutting technique needs to match the texture. A curl-by-curl cut can be amazing for true curls, but it might not suit wavy or straight hair, which may need a different method to maintain movement and balance.
Likewise, someone with tight coils may not benefit from the same approach used for looser curls or straight hair. . The key? Find a curl specialist who understands the difference and has a curly cutting approach suitable for your curls. A true curl specialist will advise if curly cutting technique is right for your curls.
Not All Curl Specialists Cut the Same Way
Some curl specialists—myself included—choose to focus on a specific type of curly cutting, allowing them to really advance their skills in that one area. That’s why it’s important to understand the approach you’re booking in for, to ensure it aligns with your hair type and goals.
Your Curls Deserve More Than Just a Trim
There are many stylists who call themselves “curly hairdressers,” but only trim the length, never daring to shape the hair or sculpt it properly. That’s not a true curly cut.
True curly cutting is:
- Visionary
- Bold
- Rooted in structure
- Focused on enhancing your curl’s natural flow
And yes—I’m not afraid to go there.
Your Haircut Might Be Holding You Back
If your curly hair routine feels like a constant battle, the issue might not be your styling products—it might be your haircut. The wrong cut can weigh curls down, disrupt their natural pattern, can make curls frizzy and can make styling a daily struggle.
With the right structure in place, your curls can:
- Fall naturally
- Coil consistently
- Require less effort to style
- Less frizz
Let’s Talk: Has a Haircut Ever Changed Your Curl Game?
Have you ever had a curly haircut that completely changed how your curls behaved—or one that left you frustrated?
Let’s open up the conversation. Share your story in the comments or pop in and have a chat at Curlycuts Canberra. Let’s build the structure your curls have been waiting for.
Leeanne
Founder & Curly Hair Specialist, Curly Cuts Canberra
Over 34 years in the hair industry—and still loving every curl.
