If you've got curly hair, you probably know the struggle. Finding the right haircut can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Two popular methods keep popping up everywhere: the cadō cut and the deva cut. But what's the real difference between these two techniques?
Let me break it down for you in simple terms. Think of this as your friend explaining hair stuff over coffee, not some fancy salon pamphlet. Both methods promise to transform your curls, but they take different approaches to get there.
What Makes These Cuts Special?
Before we dive deep into cadō cut vs deva cut, lets understand why these aren't just regular haircuts. Traditional stylists often cut curly hair when it's straight and wet. The problem? Curls behave completely different when they're dry. You might leave the salon looking great, but once your hair dries naturally, surprise! The shape is all wrong.
Both cadō and deva cuts solve this problem by working with dry, natural curls. But that's where the similarities mostly end.
The Deva Cut: The Original Curl Specialist
The deva cut came first. It was created by Lorraine Massey, who literally wrote the book on curly hair (it's called "Curly Girl"). This technique has been around since the 1990s and built a huge following.
Here's how it works: Your stylist cuts each curl individually while your hair is completely dry. They look at how each curl falls naturally and trim it accordingly. The goal is to remove weight and create shape that works with your curl pattern, not against it.
Key features of the Deva Cut:
- Always done on dry hair
- Each curl is cut separately
- No razors allowed (they can damage curl structure)
- Works with your natural curl pattern
- Certified stylists need special training
The deva cut philosophy goes beyond just cutting. It's part of the whole Curly Girl Method, which includes specific products and styling techniques. Many salons that offer deva cuts also teach you how to care for your curls at home.
The Cadō Cut: The Newer Approach
The cadō cut is the newer kid on the block. Created by celebrity stylist Jonathan Torch, this method takes a slightly different approach to curly hair.
Like the deva cut, the cadō cut is also done on dry hair. But here's the twist: it focuses heavily on creating movement and removing bulk through a specific layering technique. The stylist considers your whole head as a sculpture, looking at weight distribution and how curls interact with each other.
What makes the Cadō Cut different:
- Done on dry, styled hair
- Emphasizes removing internal weight
- Creates more movement throughout
- Focuses on curl harmony
- Uses a unique sectioning method
The cadō cut technique pays special attention to the crown area and how curls stack on top of each other. It's designed to prevent that triangel shape many curly-haired people struggle with.
Cadō Cut vs Deva Cut: The Complete Comparison
Now lets get into the real differences. I've put together a detailed comparison so you can see how these methods stack up against each other.
| Aspect | Deva Cut | Cadō Cut |
| Year Created | 1990s | 2010s |
| Creator | Lorraine Massey | Jonathan Torch |
| Hair State | Dry, natural curls | Dry, styled curls |
| Cutting Method | Individual curl cutting | Layered sculpting technique |
| Main Focus | Curl-by-curl customization | Overall movement and weight removal |
| Certification | DevaCurl Academy training required | Cadō Academy training required |
| Average Price | $85-$250 | $100-$300 |
| Session Length | 2-3 hours | 2-4 hours |
| Best For | All curl types (2b-4c) | Medium to thick curly hair |
| Styling Products | DevaCurl line recommended | No specific product line |
| Triangle Prevention | Good | Excellent |
| Learning Curve | Medium for stylists | High for stylists |
| Availability | More salons nationwide | Fewer certified stylists |
How Much Does Each Cut Cost?
Money matters, right? Let's talk about what you'll actually pay.
The deva cut typically runs between $85 and $250, depending on where you live and the salon's reputation. Big cities like New York or Los Angeles? Expect to pay on the higher end. Smaller towns might be more affordable.
The cadō cut is generally a bit pricier, ranging from $100 to $300. Since it's newer and fewer stylists are trained in the technique, you might have to travel further to find someone qualified. That can add to your overall cost.
Both cuts take serious time. We're talking 2-4 hours in the salon chair. Your stylist isn't just cutting; they're analyzing, shaping, and often teaching you about your hair. According to big write hook, investing in a specialized cut can actually save you money long-term because your hair maintains its shape better between appointments.
The Cutting Process: What to Expect
Deva Cut Experience
When you book a deva cut, here's what happens:
- Consultation: Your stylist asks about your hair history, what you love, what frustrates you
- Cleansing: They wash your hair with sulfate-free products
- Styling: Your curls are styled the way you normally wear them
- Cutting: Each curl is trimmed individually while you're sitting up
- Refinement: Final touches to perfect the shape
The whole process feels pretty relaxed. You're sitting upright, not leaning back at a sink. Your stylist might chat with you about the Curly Girl Method and give you styling tips.
Cadō Cut Experience
The cadō cut process is similar but with key differences:
- Consultation: Discussion about your curl goals and lifestyle
- Preparation: Hair is washed and fully dried
- Styling: Curls are styled with specific products
- Analysis: The stylist studies how your curls fall together
- Cutting: Strategic layering to remove weight and create movement
- Finishing: Final shaping and style demonstration
The cadō cut feels more like an art session. Your stylist is constantly stepping back, looking at your whole head from different angles, almost like a sculptor.
Which Curl Types Work Best?
Not all cuts work for all curls. Here's the honest truth about who benefits most from each method.
Deva Cut works great for:
- Type 2b wavy hair through 4c coily hair
- Fine to medium hair density
- People wanting to enhance their natural curl pattern
- Those dealing with frizz issues
- Anyone new to specialized curly cuts
Cadō Cut shines with:
- Type 3a to 4b curls
- Medium to thick hair density
- People with triangle-shaped hair
- Those wanting maximum volume at the crown
- Curly hair that feels heavy or weighed down
If you have super fine, delicate curls, the deva cut might be gentler. For thick, dense hair that needs serious weight removal, the cadō cut could be your answer.
Pros and Cons: The Real Talk
Deva Cut Advantages
- More certified stylists available
- Established track record (30+ years)
- Generally more affordable
- Great for all curl types
- Strong community support
Deva Cut Disadvantages
- Associated with specific product line (can feel pushy)
- May not remove enough bulk for very thick hair
- Some people find it too gentle for their needs
- Results can vary between stylists
Cadō Cut Advantages
- Excellent for removing internal weight
- Creates amazing movement
- Prevents triangle shape effectively
- Not tied to specific products
- Modern technique adapted for today's styling
Cadō Cut Disadvantages
- Fewer trained stylists
- Usually more expensive
- Harder to find outside major cities
- Newer method with less long-term feedback
- May be too aggressive for fine hair
Maintenance: What Happens After
Getting the cut is just the beginning. Both methods require some maintainence to keep your curls looking their best.
For cadō cut vs deva cut longevity, most people need touch-ups every 3-6 months. But the daily care differs slightly.
Deva Cut maintenance:
- Follow Curly Girl Method principles
- Use sulfate-free shampoos
- Apply leave-in conditioner
- Refresh curls between washes
- Reshape takes about 15-20 minutes daily
Cadō Cut maintenance:
- More flexible with products
- Focus on lightweight styling
- Layer products strategically
- Refresh techniques are simpler
- Daily styling takes 10-15 minutes
The cadō cut tends to grow out more gracefully because of how the weight is distributed. But the deva cut maintains its curl definition really well between appointments.
Which One Should You Choose?
Here's my honest opinion: it depends on what you need.
Choose the Deva Cut if:
- You're new to specialized curly cuts
- You want time-tested results
- You have fine to medium hair
- You prefer lots of curl definition
- You can easily find a certified stylist nearby
Choose the Cadō Cut if:
- You have thick, heavy hair
- You're tired of the triangle shape
- You want more movement and volume
- You're willing to invest more money
- You can travel to a certified stylist
Neither option is universally "better." They're different tools for different curl needs. Think about your specific hair challenges. What bothers you most? Too much bulk? Not enough definition? Triangle shape? Let that guide your choice.
The Verdict: Making Your Decision
After comparing cadō cut vs deva cut in detail, here's what matters most: find a skilled stylist who understands curly hair, regardless of the method.
I've seen amazing deva cuts and terrible ones. Same with cadō cuts. The technique matters, but the person holding the scissors matters more. Look at their portfolio, read reviews, and book a consultation before commiting to the full cut.
Your hair is unique. What works for your curly-haired friend might not work for you. Both methods offer real solutions to common curly hair problems, just from slightly different angles.
If possible, consult with stylists trained in both techniques. Explain your hair goals and see what they recommend. A great stylist will tell you honestly which method suits your specific curl type and lifestyle better.
Key Takeaways
- Both cuts are done on dry hair, unlike traditional methods
- Deva cut focuses on individual curl customization
- Cadō cut emphasizes weight removal and overall movement
- Deva cut is more established with wider availability
- Cadō cut is newer and typically costs more
- Your curl type and hair density should guide your choice
- A skilled stylist matters more than the specific technique
- Both methods require maintenance every 3-6 months
- Neither method is universally superior—they solve different problems
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I switch between cadō cut and deva cut? Yes, absolutely! Your hair doesn't commit to one method forever. If you try one and don't love it, you can switch next time. Just give your stylist a heads up about your previous cut.
How long do results last? Both cuts typically last 3-6 months before needing a trim. The exact timing depends on how fast your hair grows and how well you maintain it at home.
Will these cuts work on wavy hair? The deva cut works great on wavy hair (type 2b and up). The cadō cut is better suited for tighter curls (3a and above). Wavy hair might not have enough weight for the cadō technique to make a big difference.
Do I need to use special products? For a deva cut, the DevaCurl line is often recommended but not required. The cadō cut doesn't push specific products. Both cuts work best with curly-hair-friendly products (sulfate-free, moisturizing).
What if I don't like the results? Talk to your stylist right away. Most will work with you to adjust the cut within a week or two. If you're really unhappy, you can see a different stylist for corrections, though that gets expensive.
Can I get these cuts if I straighten my hair sometimes? Yes, but these cuts are designed for people who wear their hair curly most of the time. If you frequently straighten, a traditional cut might actually work better for you.
Finding the right cut for your curls is a journey. Whether you choose the established deva cut or the innovative cadō cut, you're taking an important step toward embracing your natural texture. Your curls deserve a cut that works with them, not against them.