by Alondra (pictured above)
Shape. It’s a word that has so much power…we pin, scrunch, push and pull all in the name of a nicely sculpted mane. Personally, I believe that the shape of your curls or coils can make or break your look and many women become very meticulous when it comes to who cuts it and how.
We watch YouTube videos, stalk Instagrams and ask questions in forums…you would think we were writing a thesis! But even with all the researching and interviewing, it all boils down to this: there are either two ways in which the hair can be cut…curly or straight. The following steps are based solely off of that ONE decision.
When I was on my quest for the perfect shape, I opted to go with a very popular curly cut called “The Deva Cut”. I chose this because I thought I was doing something by not straightening my hair and I thought that the shape it created was perfect for me….but laaawd somebody should have warned me because instead of the Deva Cut I got the “Dummy Chop”.
Now I know there are many naturals who swear by this cut, but I’m here to tell you that it’s not for everybody! Here are some things to consider when thinking about getting a Deva Cut:
How Do You Wear Your Hair?
If you don’t wear a wash-n-go 25/8 then the Deva cut is NOT FOR YOU! I would repeat that but I feel like you got it the first time. Because they are cutting the hair while curly, you should definitely expect to have an uneven or even choppy look when you stretch your hair. Now if it all worked out for you, then that’s awesome! I’ve actually seen them come out beautifully, but I’m just giving a fair warning. I didn’t blow dry my hair until a month after my deva cut, and y’all…I promise I cried. My hair was severely uneven. In fact, one side was longer than the other. I was doomed. 
What Is Your Curl Type?
I believe the quality of your curly cut and your curl pattern goes hand in hand. If you have a looser curl pattern and it’s more consistent across your head, then nine times out of ten you will have a more precise, even cut. Because looser curl patterns (1-3B) really don’t experience a drastic amount of shrinkage so it’s easier to see what the shape will be both curly and straight. Now if you’re more on the kinky/coily side like myself and really don’t quite know what category you fall in, then I’d suggest you’d stay away. I’ve seriously got about 3 or 4 different patterns in my hair and I swear each one had its own length after the cut. In some places of my hair it shrinks up more than others so while the deva cut makes everything appear to look even while curly, it’s a whole ‘notha ball game when it’s stretched. It looked like I let somebody blindfold themselves and play Edward Scissorhands on my head.
Do You Obsess Over Imperfections?
This is last question but, in my opinion, it’s the most important. If you cannot, in any shape, form or fashion, deal with seeing unevenness in the slightest, then this cut is not for you. Take it from me; it is the HARDEST cut to correct. Because it’s so heavily layered that the only way to seriously fix it is to chop it all off. If you feel like your head is too grand to rock a short cut, like me, then you know that option is a no go. You’ll be forced to deal with it as your hair grows out. In my case, it’s been a year since I got the Deva cut and over time things are starting to look a lot better. But for about 8 months, I was extremely miserable. If you’re the type to analyze your strands one by one and cherish uniformity, then girl, just go ahead and pass on being a “Deva,” because you’re bound to drive yourself insane.
Now it goes without saying, that you definitely want to find a skilled stylist no matter what cut you are receiving. However, with the nature of the Deva Cut, it is my opinion that only Jesus can get it right the first time. If you still want to take the leap of faith, then by all means, do so. But I don’t want your perception of it to be skewed by the perfection we often see on the net. The truth is…everything just doesn’t work out for everybody. So keep that in mind when you’re considering any hairstyle, especially a cut!
If you have ever gotten a deva cut, tell me what you thought of it! I’d love to hear about it!
About Alondra: Joke telling, hair pick toting, life-living Southern Bell by way of Memphis, Tennessee. I’m a young,educated black woman pursuing dreams by day and a super hero by night; my powers reside in my mind. To state it simply, I plan to save the world one conversation at a time. @Color_Me_Diva @MyManeThang
