Well hello there! I’m back, with a hugely requested post on my DIY cut for shape and volume I did a few months ago. As you will see from the images below, the results speak for themselves. It’s amazing what a good DIY curly cut for shape and volume can do. Not just for framing the face, but for self-confidence too. I was feeling some kind of way about myself for weeks after. Not to mention lots of people said it took about 10 years off me! I inspired quite a few of you to pick up the scissors and have a go too! I loved seeing all the pictures, so make sure you tag me if you do.
If you’ve been following me on Instagram for while – if not, please do! I’m really trying to grow my following on that platform and have lots of fun on stories, and more informational stuff on my feed. You can follow me @curlmaven or just click here. Anyhusan, one Friday evening, Malibu & Coke in hand, I decided it would be great craic to do a DIY cut LIVE (for the first time!) on Instagram. I managed to save some of the live and convert it into a video, which I’ll share on Instagram. So make sure you’re following me there so you can watch it.
Both images were taken one week, and one wash day apart, using all the same styling techniques and products from Jessicurl. They do FREE samples, and I also heard they do FREE U.S. shipping on the 15th of every month. I used their Hair Cleansing Cream, Too Shea Conditioner, Confident Coils and Spiralicious Gel on both wash days. Full review coming next! If you’re confused about curly girl techniques, or want to know how to reduce frizz and enhance your curl pattern, read this post.
After eighteen months of following the curly girl method, and using good quality products, I thought my hair was pretty healthy. But as you can see from the “after” pictures, my curls bounced up and tightened so much. My hair obviously needed (another) good chop! It just goes to show the importance of a good hair cut, even if you’re using good quality products, specifically for curly hair. These are my favourite curly girl products and where to find them, including discount codes.
So how did I do it? I watched a lot of YouTube videos, I found this one from Lana Summer the most helpful to get started. I’ve also watched my hairdresser cut my hair over the years, to see how she does it. I’ve adopted a couple of her techniques to make sure it’s even. Especially at the back, where I can’t really see what I’m doing. This is the only thing I do differently than what I’ve seen in other YouTube videos. I promise, next time I do a DIY cut, I’ll film it and upload it to my YouTube channel. If you haven’t subscribed or watched my first video yet, you can watch it here.
My layers always grow faster, which is quite common. And because I want to grow my hair long again, I didn’t take anything off the ends or length. I just cut the layers to create shape and volume. It’s important you don’t just cut the sides and the hair that frames your face. Otherwise the back of your hair will look flat with no shape or volume. If you struggle with volume, especially at the roots or crown area, check out the most popular post on the blog for my root volume tips and tricks that really work!
To see where and how short you want to cut your layers, take your hand over the top of your head, just above your crown. Using your fingers, gently pick up your hair until it’s the shape and length you think looks good. Get a feel for how it will look, then drop the hair, pick up a curl and snip! Yes, it’s scary – what do you think the Malibu & Coke was for?! #DutchCourage. Drink responsibly kids.
If you see a curl that looks pretty good, but straightens out towards the ends. Chop it off where it loses the curl pattern. This is a sign of damage that you cannot repair, no matter how much deep conditioning you do. I had 2c – 3a curls for the first few inches, and then straight ends from where I used to always straighten my bangs (fringe). It’s hard to let go, but it’s only hair, it will grow back. And just look at my curly bangs after I chopped that straight, damaged and dead hair off!!! Now 3a – 3b. Here’s a guide on the different curl patterns and why I don’t think they matter.
So that’s it, my DIY cut for shape & volume. My hair has grown a few inches since these pictures were taken. As much as I loved my short hair, and the confidence it gave me, I’m growing my hair long again. What do you think? Do you prefer my hair long or short? Are you ready to do a DIY curly cut? Let me know in the comments below and if you do, make sure you tag me in any pictures you share on social media!
If you’re struggling with halo frizz or have tried deep conditioning and still have frizz, check out this post. The cause might not be lack of hydration or moisture…
Not sure how to put a curly girl approved product routine together? Read this how-to post, along with product recommendations and sample routines to try.
Feeling overwhelmed?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the tips, advice and product recommendations. Click here for more information on my Curl Clinics™. A completely bespoke curl consultation service tailored to suit you and your hair. Designed to help get your waves and curls back and achieve your healthy hair goals. Or book in here!
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Gratitude & Support
If you found this post or any of my content helpful, and would like to show your Gratitude & Support, you. can click here to make a donation. I’m so incredibly thankful and grateful to everyone who supports me, my content and my platform. Your support enables me to continue providing FREE, organic content, and keep my blog FREE from Google Ads. And build Curl Maven as a brand and all I’ve got planned. Thank you so much! Gabriella x
*This post may contain some gifted items and affiliate links. Which means I get paid commission on any products you purchase through my links or codes. This in no way affects you, the price you pay or the way in which I write about products featured on this site. My content and opinion is not influenced by advertisers, sponsorships, affiliate partnerships, brands or PRs.
Should have had a video here to show you cutting your hair since it was a post on DIY hair cut. Also please do make you tube because a lot of people dont follow Instagram. Thanks
Not entirely sure I like the tone of your comment tbh, telling me what I “should” have. I spend countless hours creating content and putting it together for this website, as well as my YouTube channel and social media platforms that I’m active on.
I was really starting to like your content but then saw this comment you posted. I disagree with your defensive post to this user. They were only trying to inform you of what they wanted and it could have instead been taken as constructive criticism. Instead of alienating your readers….
I’m sorry you feel that way. But I won’t apologise for holding myself with dignity and respect and defending myself and my content on my blog. I wasn’t being defensive, the initial comment left was quite rude, not even a “hello” at the start of it. Just telling me what I should or shouldn’t do.
Completely agree with you Gabriella, even if they didn’t mean it like that, it does come across as ungrateful for the hard work you put into the free content you already provided. I don’t think everyone understands just how much time and effort goes into putting decent content together! A blunt “You should do a video” says to me “go spend at least another day of your time planning, filming, and editing a free video for me”. I am new to CGM and have been on your site regularly and really appreciate all the content you’ve provided, it’s been extremely helpful 🙂
Thank you so much Andrea! You totally get it. My recent Black Friday post took 2 weeks or daily behind the scenes work, then an epic 16 hours straight writing the post itself. Most blog posts take 8-10 hours just writing the content and sharing it. Some people really don’t get that, nor do they appreciate it. And hey, this is MY site and MY content is FREE, so if someone’s going to be rude or ungrateful, I’m going to say something about it! And let me tell you, a video takes a lot longer than a day! Thanks again x
I’m on your side, Gabriella! Your site is beautifully put together and it seems very rude for someone to come here to tell you what they think you’ve done wrong, then tell you how to do it to their specifications next time. It seems quite entitled. There are a million videos on YouTube if the person commenting previously demands a video tutorial.
This said, I’m about to take scissors to my hair, so thanks for your advice! Eek!
I have to say I agree with this comment. Didn’t even consider that perhaps the JROSE isn’t a native English speaker and therefore used “should” instead of “could”. JROSE adds “please” and “thanks”, I don’t think a “hello” in beginning would have made a difference..
I may be wrong but I think the point you were trying to make JROSE:
Was to request if Gabriella could please provide a Video of her cutting her hair as it was a wonderful post about DIY hair cut. I think you were also trying to ask her please if it was possible to post a video on you tube as not everyone follows Instagram.
Blog and Email etiquette go a long way in how a posted is presented or asked to a person and can set the tone for the whole dialogue between individuals, and goes a long way.
Gabrielle has an excellent blog and great content
I’m new to the CG method, as in I just started yesterday. I love your site and all the helpful information you give. It’s so much easier to take curly advise from someone that actually has curly hair!
I do have a question. In starting this new process, would it be best to give my hair a chop, giving it a fresher start? Or waiting and seeing what results occur after about a month of doing CGM?
Hi Lyndsay, thank you so much for your kind sweet words. I do think chopping off heat and colour damage is great for the hair, but only if you’re already using good products (eg: following the curly girl method of no sulfates, silicones etc.) otherwise you’ll just continue doing damage with harsh products. Does that make sense?
Hi Gabriella, I’m sorry if I missed it, but what brand of scissors did you use to achieve this beautiful look?
Thank you!
Jessica
Hi Jessica, so sorry I thought I had linked them. I used just the basic hair cutting scissors from Boots Pharmacy. x
Hi Gabriella
I am french so sorry my english. I would like to know if you are on youtube and if there is a video showing how you cut your hair please ? I am visual more and really need a haircut for my curly hair and I am in love with you haircut and your hair they are gorgeous thanks to you !
Hi Karine, I am on YouTube, however I don’t have any videos of me cutting my hair. Unfortunately, I cut my hair for this post on Instagram Live and it wouldn’t allow me to save the full video. You can see short clips which have been sped up on my Instagram page http://www.curlycailin.ie/curlycailin.ie
Thanks so much for your reply, I appreciated so much I try the link you gave me but did not work Will try to follow you to see if you post one in the futur
I love every article and I just starting following you on Instagram. THANKS for great tips and sharing all you have learned about curls…it gives me a fabulous head start!
I was also a bit disappointed to not see how the look was created. I found the blog by searching DIY curly cut and was hoping to see an example. This is my first view at how the interaction occurs here.
I cut my hair live on Instagram and there are clips of it on my Instagram page @curlycailin.ie Sorry you were disappointed with the free content I provide here on my Google ad-free website.
Hello beauty 🙂
Just wanted to thank you for this wonderful website, the Instagram effort and the YouTube help. You are so inspiring and I “eat” (hahaha) every word you´re saying and I´ve learnd a lot from you.
Thanks for your great work and help.
Kind regards from GER
Natalie