Ever wondered why stylists wash your hair before a cut? It’s not always just about cleaning your hair. Sometimes, it’s also about the style you want. But the haircut often doesn’t end with a wet cut. Stylists may also continue cutting your hair after drying it. Why is that?

Stylists often choose between wet and dry cutting techniques. Each offers distinct advantages and outcomes. The choice between these methods depends on factors like hair type and desired style. Also the specific tools employed. But if you want the best results, go with trusted brands like OSAKA shears.

Wet Haircuts

This involves cutting hair while it’s damp. It’s often the standard approach in many salons. This technique allows for cleaner lines and better structure. It also gives more consistent results. Wet hair lays flat and is easier to manipulate. This is why stylists can create symmetrical shapes and seamless layers with greater accuracy.

This method works particularly well for straight and wavy hair types. As it prevents flyaways and uneven cutting. It’s also the preferred approach for blunt cuts and bobs. Also for precision-based styles where every millimetre counts.

Advantages of Wet Cutting

• Enhanced Precision – The added weight from moisture keeps strands aligned, making it easier to execute accurate cuts. This is especially useful for geometric styles and blunt ends.
  
• Easier Sectioning – Wet hair is more manageable, allowing stylists to divide it neatly and maintain control throughout the cut. This makes techniques like layering and point cutting more effective.
  
• Better for Chemical Services – Is your client planning to get a chemical treatment? Like a perm or keratin smoothing? Then wet cutting helps prepare the hair for even product distribution.

But, wet cutting isn’t ideal for every situation. Moisture temporarily changes the hair’s natural texture and movement. So it may not be the best approach for highly textured styles or curls that require individual shaping.

Suitable Scissors for Wet Cutting:

For wet haircuts, sharp, high-quality shears are essential for clean, smooth cuts without causing split ends. OSAKA’s top recommendations include:

• OSAKA MT – This pair has convex blades designed to help you achieve a more pointed tip when cutting. It has an ergonomic handle and it's made with Japanese VG-10 cobalt. It's also available in titanium black and gold in various sizes. Left-handed? This comes in left-handed designs as well.
• OSAKA NYL – This is a good option for left-handed stylists wanting to achieve crisp precision cutting. Its thin blades make it lightweight and easy to control. Moreover, its offset handles help increase comfort in your hands and wrists. This pair is crafted from Japanese ATS 314 cobalt steel.

Browse our catalogue to see more of our amazing Japanese shears. All designed for maximum precision. Ensuring seamless, polished results. 

Dry Haircuts

Dry haircuts are performed on hair that has been completely dried and styled beforehand. This method allows stylists to see exactly how the hair falls in its natural state, making it a great choice for creating personalised, textured looks. Unlike wet cutting, which relies on structured sectioning, dry cutting adapts to the client’s unique hair behaviour.

This technique works well for layered and textured styles. As well as curly and wavy hair that reacts differently when dry. It also helps refine a haircut by allowing stylists to make real-time adjustments.

Advantages of Dry Cutting

• Real-Time Assessment – Since dry hair reflects its true shape and texture, stylists can immediately see how the cut affects the overall style. This ensures the finished look complements the client’s face shape and hair movement.
  
• Enhanced Texture – Dry cutting is ideal for adding movement and softness. It allows stylists to remove bulk, create natural layers, and refine weight distribution without disrupting the hair’s flow.
  
• Immediate Results – Clients can see the final look instantly. With no surprises after the hair dries. This is particularly useful for those with thick or curly hair. Where shrinkage can be unpredictable.
  
• Less Frizz for Curls – Curly-haired clients often benefit from dry cutting. As it allows the stylist to shape each curl individually. Wet cutting can sometimes lead to uneven lengths once curls shrink back into place.

Dry cutting offers flexibility. But it requires an expert eye and sharp shears to prevent frayed or uneven ends. Using the wrong tools can lead to split ends. This is why investing in high-quality shears ensures a clean and precise finish.

Suitable Scissors for Dry Cutting:

Dry cutting requires shears that glide through dry strands effortlessly without tugging or splitting hair. OSAKA’s top recommended shears include:

• OSAKA TAN – These scissors come in 5.5 to 7-inch lengths. Making them a versatile choice. Its smaller version offers more precision since it's easier to use in point cutting. Perfect for more detailed work. But its longer version saves more time and is often used for basic cutting work. It has a comfortable ergonomic handle. Keeping your hands stress-free while working. This design is crafted from Hitachi 440C steel and sleek black titanium.
• OSAKA YMS – These shears are designed for point cutting and slicing. Stylists also use it for blunt cutting. It features an ergonomic handle and a dovetail pinky rest. These improve support and grip. The blade is crafted from ATS314 Japanese Cobalt. Ensuring high-quality performance and effortless cutting.

These shears ensure soft, natural movement while preventing frizz and damage.

Choosing between Wet and Dry Cutting

The decision depends on various factors:

Hair Type: Wet cutting is generally preferred for straight or wavy hair. Meanwhile dry cutting works well for curly or textured hair to avoid unexpected shrinkage.

Desired Style: For precise, structured styles, wet cutting is advantageous. Conversely, for more natural, textured looks, dry cutting is preferable.

Stylist's Expertise: Some stylists specialise in one technique over the other, so their proficiency can influence the choice of method.

Shop OSAKA Shears - Precision Tools for Every Technique

OSAKA Scissors understands the importance of using the right tools for each cutting technique. Our range of professional shears is designed to cater to both wet and dry cutting needs:

• OSAKA Precision Shears: These scissors are ideal for wet cutting. Offering sharpness and control for clean lines. Especially when styling to achieve blunt modern cuts. 
• OSAKA Texturising Shears: These shears are perfect for dry cutting. Adding movement and texture without compromising hair integrity. Stylists can also use precision shears for dry cutting. Depending on the desired outcome.

Explore our collection to find the perfect pair of scissors.