Dry vs. Wet Haircuts: Which One Is Right for You?

How your hair is cut can make a huge difference in the way it looks, feels, and how easy it is to style. There are tons of techniques—razor cutting, point cutting, slice cutting—but most commonly, your haircut will fall into two categories: dry or wet. So, what’s the difference, and which one is best for you? Let’s break it down.

What’s the Difference?

It’s simple: a wet haircut is done when your hair is wet, and a dry haircut is done when your hair is dry. Most cuts are started on wet hair, but they’ll always have some dry element, too. That’s because the final touch-ups and shaping are best done once your hair is dry and styled. It helps add softness and movement, giving your cut a natural, polished finish.

When to Choose a Dry Cut

Best for: Wavy, curly, or textured hair, long hair, and damaged hair.

Dry cuts are all about working with your natural hair texture. It’s a more intuitive way to cut, focusing on how your hair flows and moves. This is ideal for those with textured hair—whether it’s soft waves or tight curls—because dry cutting allows your stylist to shape the curls as they naturally sit.  You can see how your hair is falling in real-time, which is great if you’re nervous about losing too much length.

Another big bonus of dry cutting is for those with damage. Your stylist can pinpoint exactly where the split ends or breakage are, and target those areas without over-cutting. This is also true for problem areas that stick out or weight areas that need removing , its more visible when you arrive and your hair is dry.

When to Choose a Wet Cut  

Best for: Bobs, blunt ends, razor-cut shags, and precision styles.

Wet cutting is a more technical approach, perfect for clean, structured styles that need a sharp finish. Hair is easier to section and manage when it’s wet, making it ideal for cutting sleek bobs or defined layers. If you’re after that polished, razor-sharp bob or shag, wet cutting is definitely the way to go. That being said I always like to dry the hair completely afterwards to check how the hair sits when It is styled.

How to Prep for Your Haircut

Whichever style you go for, speak with your stylist . Not every stylist specialises in both dry and wet cutting, so it’s worth booking a consultation first. Bring some reference photos, and talk to your stylist about your hair type, face shape, and lifestyle so you can get the cut that’s perfect for you. I personally prefer to cut the hair wet but am open to dry cutting where it's needed.

Looking forward to seeing you all over the holiday season,

Love as always,

Andrea.