"Can you cut curly hair?"

It seems like a simple question. But for clients with textured hair, it's loaded.

They've been burned before. The stylist who cut their hair wet and then acted surprised when it bounced up 3 inches. The barber who didn't know how to shape a fade on coily hair. The salon that only knew one technique—and it wasn't theirs.

If you can genuinely answer "yes" to that question, you've got an opportunity most shops miss.

The underserved market

Textured hair—curly, coily, wavy, kinky—represents a massive segment of the population.

Yet most barbershops and salons aren't equipped to serve it well.

The result? Clients with textured hair often:

Travel 30+ minutes to find someone who "gets" their hair
Pay premium prices because specialists are rare
Stay fiercely loyal when they find someone good

That's your opportunity.

What expertise actually looks like

Saying "we do all hair types" isn't enough. Clients can tell the difference between tolerance and true skill.

Real expertise means:

Understanding curl patterns

Type 3a waves behave differently than 4c coils. You need to know the difference—and adjust your technique accordingly.

Cutting dry (when appropriate)

Many textured hair clients need their hair cut dry, so you can see the actual shape. Cutting wet often leads to surprises.

Knowing shrinkage

A curl that's 6 inches stretched might be 3 inches at rest. If you don't account for shrinkage, you'll cut too short.

Proper product knowledge

Different textures need different products. Leave-in conditioners. Curl creams. Edge control. You should know what works and why.

Styling confidence

Can you do a proper twist-out? Finger coils? A defined wash-and-go? Cutting is just part of the service.

Building the skills

Education options

Formal training:

DevaCurl certification (curly hair cutting technique)
Ouidad training (another curly-specific method)
Textured hair workshops at beauty expos
Online courses from textured hair specialists

Self-education:

YouTube tutorials from trusted creators
Following textured hair specialists on Instagram
Practice on willing friends and family
Reading about hair science (porosity, density, curl pattern)

The learning curve

Be honest about where you are.

If you're learning, say so. "I'm building my skills with textured hair—would you be open to a discounted cut while I learn?"

Most clients respect honesty. What they don't respect is confidence that doesn't match skill.

Marketing to textured hair clients

Show your work

The number one thing textured hair clients look for: before and after photos of hair that looks like theirs.

If your Instagram is all straight-hair blowouts, they'll assume you can't do curls.

Post:

Curly cuts (show the curl pattern)
Fades on coily hair
Natural styles
Transformation photos

Use the right language

Terms matter. Using the correct terminology signals that you understand the culture.

"Natural hair" (hair without chemical straightening)
"Protective styles"
"Curl pattern" (not "hair type")
"Shrinkage" (not "poof")

Get reviews from textured hair clients

Social proof from people with similar hair is powerful.

Ask your curly/coily clients to mention their hair type in reviews:

"Finally found someone who knows how to cut 4b hair!"

That one review will bring you more textured hair clients than any ad.

The consultation matters more

Textured hair clients often come in with past trauma.

"The last person cut it way too short."

"People always thin it out too much."

"No one understands my curl pattern."

Your consultation needs to address these fears.

Ask:

"What's worked well in the past?"
"What's your biggest hair frustration?"
"How do you usually style it?"
"How much length are you okay losing?"

Listen more than you talk. Their answers tell you what they need—and what they're afraid of.

Pricing textured hair services

This is controversial. But here's the reality:

Textured hair services often take longer. They require specialized skills. They deserve to be priced accordingly.

Options:

1. Time-based pricing

Charge by the hour or half-hour, regardless of hair type. This naturally accounts for longer services.

2. Texture-specific pricing

Have separate prices for curly cuts vs. straight cuts. Be transparent about why.

3. Same price, longer slot

Book textured hair clients for longer appointment slots at the same price. You make less per hour, but the client feels valued.

Whatever you choose, be transparent. Hidden upcharges when they sit down will lose you the client forever.

Building a reputation

Aisha started as a general stylist in Atlanta. She noticed her textured hair clients were the most loyal—and the most underserved.

She invested in DevaCurl training. Started posting curly transformations. Asked for reviews.

Within 18 months, 70% of her clientele was textured hair. Her average ticket went up $15 because these clients booked longer services and bought more products.

Now she's the go-to curly hair specialist in her neighborhood. Clients drive 45 minutes to see her.

The loyalty factor

When a textured hair client finds someone who truly understands their hair, they don't leave.

They've been let down too many times. When they find someone good, they hold on.

That loyalty—combined with the referrals they send—makes textured hair expertise one of the highest-ROI skills you can build.

Start somewhere

You don't have to master every texture overnight.

Pick one:

Curly (type 3) hair
Coily (type 4) hair
Men's textured fades

Learn it deeply. Build a portfolio. Then expand.

The clients are out there, waiting for someone who gets it.

Be that someone.

👉 Vinci 26 helps barbershops and salons run appointments, clients, and growth without marketplace fees or lock-in.

Build something that's truly yours—and serves every client who walks in.

Textured Hair Services: Building Expertise That Sets You Apart