The Deva Cut and Ouidad Cut are the two most-searched curly haircut methods. Both start with dry cutting, but each targets a different goal. Lorraine Massey created the Deva Cut at Devachan Salon, using a curl-by-curl approach. Ouidad, meanwhile, built her Carve and Slice technique to fight the triangle shape and reduce internal bulk. Curl pattern, hair density, and manageability decide which cut fits best. For a broader look at your options beyond these two methods, our full Curly Haircuts Guide covers cuts of every style.
| Feature | Ouidad Cut | Deva Cut |
|---|---|---|
| Cutting method | Carve and slice technique, cut dry, following the natural curl pattern in sections | Curl-by-curl technique, cut dry, hair is not combed or clipped together |
| Hair state during cut | Dry, unstretched curls in their natural shape | Dry, shrunken curls, cut one at a time |
| Goal | Removes bulk and weight to reduce frizz and enhance shape | Creates a rounded, symmetrical silhouette by shaping each curl individually |
| Best for | Thick, dense, or voluminous curls that need weight removed | Fine to medium curls that need definition and a fuller look |
| Result/shape | Layered, lightweight, natural-looking curls with less bulk | Rounded, voluminous, symmetrical curl shape |
| Time required | Moderate, faster than curl-by-curl methods | Longer, since each curl is cut and evaluated separately |
What Exactly Is an Ouidad Haircut?
An Ouidad haircut is a curl-specific method using Carving & Slicing. Ouidad, a hairstylist born in Morocco, started The Ouidad Salon in New York City during the 1980s. The service starts with a thorough curl consultation. A stylist checks hydration level, spring factor, and strand thickness.
Hair is cut wet, then shaped through carving and slicing. Carving removes bulk from tight curls. Slicing trims looser curls. This fixes the pyramid effect in curls. Curls fit like puzzle pieces. Stylists finish using the Rake and Shake method for defined ringlets. Unlike the Deva Cut, Ouidad works mainly on wet hair.
How Ouidad Recommends Washing Your Curls
Ouidad recommends co-washing for tighter curls to preserve natural oils. Use Curl Immersion Co-Wash Cleansing Conditioner for kinkier textures. Try Superfruit Renewal Clarifying Cream Shampoo for looser curl patterns. For dry, brittle, damaged hair, choose the sulfate-free Ultra-Nourishing Cleansing Oil. Wash section by section to reach every curl evenly. Detangling works best with a wide-tooth comb or Double Row Detangler.
Avoid over-washing, since it causes dehydration and breakage. Gently massage the scalp to prevent friction damage. Skip towel rubbing; instead, try pressing moisture out with a cotton T-shirt. This hair-washing routine helps keep curls moisturized and well-shaped.
Step-by-Step: How to Style Hair the Ouidad Way
- Start with freshly cleansed, soaking wet curls. Divide hair using hair sectioning for even coverage.
- Follow moisture first, hold second. Apply a quarter-size amount of styling gel or styling jelly.
- Try the Rake and Shake method to make your curls look more defined. Work product root to tip, then shake gently.
- Use low heat and low airflow when diffusing to add volume. Or choose air-drying for a natural finish.
- Wrap hair in a pineapple topknot before bed. Use a silk or satin pillowcase when you sleep.
- Mist curls with PlayCurl Curl Amplifying Styling Spray. Try Curl Shaper Plumping + Defining Cream for extra hold.
What Exactly Is a Deva Cut?
A Deva Cut is a method of cutting curly hair while it’s dry. Stylists use curl-by-curl cutting, sculpting each curl individually. Hair stays dry throughout. This differs from wet-cut methods like the Ouidad Cut. This avoids the dreaded triangle cut shape.
The curl-by-curl precision preserves your natural curl shape. A stylist consultation happens before cutting begins. Sessions include drying time, often under an hour. The result is a personalized hairstyle with less daily styling. It connects to the broader curly girl method.
How Deva Cut Helps Add Volume
The Deva Cut boosts volume through diagonal angle cut shaping. Stylists shear at an angle, lifting the crown volume. This creates added body and shape naturally. The Deva clipping technique lifts hair using Deva clips at the crown. Cutting dry allows a dry curl check as stylists progress.
This method avoids stray ends and uneven styles. Curls become bouncy and well-formed, full of natural lift. A certified DevaCut stylist completes specialized training for consistent results. Many clients report a high satisfaction rate. They enjoy defined voluminous curls and lasting crown lift.
Step-by-Step: How to Style Hair the Deva Way
- Cleanse using No-Poo Original, working through a gentle scalp scrubbing motion. Rinse thoroughly with fingertip scrub action. This step starts every curl regimen the Deva way.
- Condition with One Condition Original, focusing from mid-lengths to ends. This step supports moisture lock-in for lasting hydration. Lorraine Massey’s Curly Girl Handbook outlines this exact process.
- Apply a cream styler to soaking wet hair using finger-comb styling. Follow the cream before gel rule for best results. Try SuperCream for thicker, coarser curl types.
- Layer Light Defining Gel evenly through curls, then use the scrunch technique. Listen for the squishing sound as water releases. This gel layering step locks in curl definition.
- Dry gently with a DevaTowel to reduce frizz. Finish as a wash n’ go for everyday wear. For events, a Deva Inspired Stylist creates a custom up-do.
Wet Cutting or Dry Cutting: Which Is Better?
Whether you cut hair wet or dry depends on how curly it is. Wet cutting gives precision cutting and clean lines. Ouidad’s Carve and Slice technique works this way. It suits structured haircuts like a blunt bob. It also fits straight hair and fine hair.
Wet cutting suits perm or relaxer services. Dry cutting shows true curl shrinkage and curl definition. DevaCut and Rezo Cut both use this dry approach. It suits coily hair and kinky hair best. Many stylists now blend both in a hybrid cutting method. They start with damp hair for shape. Then they finish dry for face-framing layers and volume.
Ouidad vs. Deva Cut: The Main Differences
Ouidad and Deva Cut solve curly hair differently. Ouidad cuts hair wet, using Carve and Slice for overall shape control. It fixes the Christmas tree effect and reduces bottom-heavy shape. Deva Cut works dry, through individual curl sculpting from Devachan Salon. It suits wash-and-go styles and tight curls like 3C to 4A curls.
Ouidad fits loose curls or 2C to 3B curls needing less heaviness. Deva creates a more organic result. Ouidad gives defined curls with less big hair. Both need specialized training and a similar price range. Deva Cut uses curl-by-curl cutting for a customized shape.
Which Cut Fights Frizz Better?
Both cuts fight frizz, but differently. Ouidad’s Carve and Slice removes bulk to cut frizz-prone hair. It uses strategic layering for frizz reduction. Deva Cut relies on individual curl treatment in a natural dry state. This avoids aggressive thinning, which causes frizzy mess. Skipping brushes and heat tools also helps minimize frizz.
Deva Cut suits tighter patterns, giving smoother, frizz-free curls. Ouidad suits thicker curls prone to poofy curls or a poodle look. Add a leave-in conditioner or curl-defining oil for extra shine boost. Either method beats a rushed straighten and cut method. Both cuts fight frizz, but differently. For extra help, check our frizz-less curls guide.
Can This Cut Fix a Triangle Hair Shape?
Yes, both cuts can fix a triangle hair shape. This shape is often called pyramid head or mushroom head. Ouidad removes bulk through beveling and rounding the ends. This stops a wide, bulky shape at the bottom. Deva Cut uses curl nesting so curls stack less. It avoids a flat crown with better internal layering.
Both methods skip harsh thinning shears, which can worsen bushy ends. Instead, they focus on gradual length blend and curve bevel. A trained stylist checks your hair density first. Then they choose Ouidad or Deva Cut for a balanced curl shape.
Which Cut Suits Your Face Shape?
Your face shape guides the right curly cut. Round face shapes need length, so try Deva Cut layers. This adds height and avoids extra width. Oval face shapes suit almost any style, including Ouidad. Square face shapes benefit from soft curtain bangs and curved layers. This eases the strong jawline.
Heart-shaped face types need volume near the chin, not the forehead. A layered bob works well here. Diamond face shapes want fullness at the cheekbones using side-swept bangs. Always check your jawline and forehead width first. Then pick Ouidad or Deva Cut for balance.
Which Cut Suits Your Curl Type?
Your curl type decides the best cutting method. 2A wavy hair and loose waves suit lighter shaping. Ouidad works well for loose curls needing less bulk. 3C to 4A curls and 4C kinky hair need more care. Deva Cut respects tight curls and coils in their natural state.
For a round silhouette, try the Rezo Cut instead. It adds root lift while keeping length intact. The Diametrix Cut uses a long diagonal cut. This weight-removal method reduces bulk in the crown area. A quick consultation with a stylist confirms your best fit. Face shape and hair length also matter here.
Which Cut Is Best for Wavy Hair?
Wavy hair ranges from loose 2a waves to defined 2c curls. DevaCut works well for wavy hair that stays curly most days. It’s cut dry, showing true curl pattern and natural bounce. Ouidad cut uses carving and slicing to thin out the hair without cutting it shorter. Stylists trim wet hair to cut frizz and bulk. This lowers crown volume without flattening natural waves.
Thin, loose waves suit Deva’s dry cutting approach best. Thicker, S-shaped waves benefit more from Ouidad’s wet shaping method. If you often blow-dry straight, choose the Ouidad cut. For full-time wavy texture, DevaCut keeps shape truest. Wavy hair ranges from loose 2a waves to defined 2c curls. Not sure which one’s yours? Check our Type 2 Wavy Hair Guide first.
Will You Lose a Lot of Hair Length?
Length loss depends on the cutting method, not the salon brand. DevaCut is a dry cutting method. Stylists cut curl-by-curl in its natural, shrunken state. This often creates a shorter-looking style after drying. Ouidad cut uses wet cutting instead. Hair is stretched before trimming, so length stays closer to true length.
The carve and slice technique removes bulk, not length. It targets the triangle shape and heavy bottom curls. If you fear losing length, ask about internal weight removal instead. Fine or thin hair often shows more shrinkage after a dry cut. Coily curls shrink most, regardless of method.
FAQs
How often should you get a touch-up?
Usually every 8–12 weeks, depending on how fast your curls grow out and lose shape.
Does this cut work for coily hair too?
Yes, both cuts can work on coily hair, but a stylist trained in curl-specific cutting gets the best results.
Is it safe to use on hair that has been dyed or chemically treated?
Yes, both cuts are safe, but tell your stylist about any chemical treatments first so they can adjust the technique.
Can you switch from Deva to Ouidad later (or vice versa)?
Yes, you can switch anytime; just let your new stylist know your hair’s cutting history.
How long do results last before it grows out?
Usually 3–4 months, though this depends on your hair growth speed and curl pattern.
