Ouidad: The Curl Experts

You wouldn’t let just anyone wielding a pair scissors cut your hair, would you? No way! Ouidad knows that the importance of choosing a trained hair stylist cannot be overstated. And, if you’re fortunate enough to have a head of generous curls, it’s even more important to choose a stylist trained in cutting and styling curly hair.

The good news is that more and more stylists are getting this type of training, thanks to Ouidad, the undisputed Queen of Curls!

Ouidad takes curl education seriously, whether she’s on the road, or hosting trainees at one of her flagship salons. With facilitating sessions for stylists from New York to Santa Monica (and anywhere in between) Ouidad provides stylists with a thorough education about every aspect of cutting, styling and caring for curly hair.

So, whether you need a trim, a whole new style (via Ouidad’s famous and trademarked Carving & Slicing technique) or just some advice about products for curls, our Ouidad-trained stylists are the only way to go!

Is a haircut on your monthly to-do list? Or do you procrastinate and go to the salon only when things—otherwise known as your follicles!—get way out of hand? Stylists recommend regular trims to keep away split ends and to maintain a hairstyle, but does everyone follow that advice?

Image via staysharpshears.com

How about you? Ouidad is curious to know how often you get your hair cut! Are you a “regular” at your salon or do you sometimes go MIA for months on end? Take our survey and tell us! (Then make an appointment to visit a Ouidad salon!)

How Often Do You Get A Haircut?online surveys

Every couple of years I get THE question, right out of the blue….”Why do you cut curly hair wet?” Or “What’s the difference between cutting curly hair wet or dry?”  Are they asking because they’re interested in what makes curly hair look good or are they questioning our expertise? As the clients have entered into the inner sanctum of beautiful hair at Ouidad….I assume that they really want to know why is it so hard to figure out curly hair?

I explain that hair stylists are not trained for curls because hair fashion has little to do with natural hair texture unless it’s used as a passing look. And curly hair has to be handled on its own terms including the cut that works for curls.

When you really look at a curl, it’s a miracle of individual hairs gathering together in a pattern forming the Curl. Disrupting the pattern, breaking up the curl shape is what a “bad cut” gives you. The successful curl-cut follows the form and shape of the curl, recognizing its character by sight and feel.

Years ago eager to establish a successful reputation as a master cutter, I finally had to face the feared head of curly hair. With no guide, I experimented and practiced, choosing dry hair as my medium. I discovered the best I could do was clipping off the problems and avoiding what I couldn’t control. I was trimming hedges.  Ha! Cutting dry left the curls incomplete. I could manage some of the problems but the look and style was non-existent.  Dead end [appropriate pun.]

I knew the solution was within the curl…following its design and understanding its character. I watched Ouidad demonstrate her “carving and slicing,” I watched the curls flow and spring together, and for the first time I realized the inner workings and harmony of curls….years ago and on my own, I just couldn’t get it.

When properly conditioned wet hair can be analyzed by sight and touch, it’s amazing to see scissors carve into the curl, slice out the weight, giving it body and style. This is a skill brought by education and experience….wet hair reveals the curls and glides the shears within and through curls completing its own beautiful structure. It takes patience and love.  Sounds nice right?  Well it works like a dream!

Vincent, Stylist, 57th Street Salon, NYC