Two-Day Academy Class: Understanding Curls & Cutting

Empower your artistry. Build confidence with texture.

Class Overview:

Curly hair doesn’t need to be intimidating — it should be inspiring. In this two-day hands-on experience, stylists will build a strong foundation in curl theory, learn how to assess curl types and hair behavior, and develop the technical skill and confidence needed to approach curly haircuts with creativity and care.

Led by Stephen Adams of Moxie Hair Salon and Axcelr8 Academy, this course goes beyond basic curl education. You’ll explore both wet and dry cutting methods, work with a variety of curl patterns, and learn styling, product usage, and consultation techniques for curly guests of all textures and densities.

Perfect for:

• New stylists wanting to build a confident curl foundation

• Seasoned stylists seeking to modernize or refresh their curl-cutting approach

• Anyone looking to grow their curly clientele and expand their service offerings

Day 1: Curl Foundations & Wet Cutting Techniques

Understanding, caring for, and shaping curls with intention.

Core Concepts:

• The diversity of curl patterns: wavy, curly, coily, and everything in between

• Porosity, elasticity, and moisture retention

• Product and tool selection by curl type

• Detangling methods, curl prep, and protective styling

• When to cut wet, dry, or combine both methods

Hands-On Focus:

1. Curl Theory & Care

• Curl typing systems (2A–4C)

• Hair structure, shrinkage, density, and strand width

• How porosity impacts product choice, hydration, and color service

• Recommended home care and salon maintenance plans

2. Wet Cutting Techniques

• Creating balanced shape on hydrated curls

• Sectioning for curl preservation

• Avoiding over-removal of weight and length

• Face framing and layering for curl movement and bounce

3. Protective Sets & Styling for Definition

• Setting curls to maintain health and prevent frizz

• Combing, detangling, product application methods

• Leave-in layering and curl-friendly styling brushes

4. Diffusing & Finish Work

• Best practices for diffusing various curl types

• Creating volume vs. elongation

• Styling finishes for photos and consultations

Day 2: Dry Cutting & Advanced Curl Artistry

Elevate your eye. Personalize every curl.

Core Concepts:

• Visual cutting: seeing the shape in the curl

• Understanding curl memory and springback

• Dry vs. damp cutting — when to choose which

• Customizing shapes for personality, lifestyle, and curl behavior

• Building a curl-focused consultation strategy

Hands-On Focus:

1. Dry Cutting Fundamentals

• Creating shape based on how curls live in real life

• Sculpting curl by curl

• Blending without disrupting curl pattern

• Preserving perimeter softness while managing bulk

2. Advanced Curl Shapes

• Round shapes, asymmetric layers, and volume building

• Working with tight coils and high-density hair

• Working with fine curls: when less is more

• Combining razor work (if appropriate) and slide cutting for loosened curls

3. Bangs, Fringes & Face-Framing on Curly Hair

• How to customize curly bangs for multiple curl types

• When and how to cut face-framing dry or damp

• Balancing density with softness around the face

4. Building a Curly Clientele

• How to talk to textured guests with confidence

• What language builds trust

• Creating maintenance plans, pricing structure, and take-home regimens

Hands-On Format (Both Days):

Each segment includes an educator demo of a section, followed by guided hands-on practice on mannequins. Individual feedback is provided throughout the session to refine and build technique.

Tools Needed (Both Days):

• Shears

• 10 Sectioning Clips

• Cutting Combs

• Blow Dryer

• Diffuser Attachment

• Styling Brush

• Detangling Brush (e.g., Wet Brush or Denman Brush)