Mastering the Curly on Top, Short Sides Phenomenon: A Strategic Guide for Salon & Spa Professionals

In the ever-evolving world of hair and beauty, few trends have captured the zeitgeist quite like the “curly on top, short sides” hairstyle. This isn’t just a fleeting fashion statement; it’s a versatile, high-demand look that speaks to a modern client’s desire for personality, texture, and low-maintenance elegance. For spa, clinic, salon, and wellness business owners, understanding this trend is more than a stylistic choice—it’s a strategic business opportunity. This comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge to master this style, from technical execution and product recommendations to client consultation and marketing, ensuring your business becomes the go-to destination for this sought-after cut.

Understanding the “Curly on Top, Short Sides” Aesthetic

At its core, this hairstyle is a masterclass in contrast. It features a significant length and volume of curly, coily, or wavy hair on the crown of the head, sharply juxtaposed with closely cropped or faded sides and back. This creates a powerful visual impact, drawing attention to the face and the unique texture of the hair on top. Its popularity spans genders and ages, making it a universally appealing service to offer.

Why This Trend is a Business Goldmine

This style isn’t just popular; it’s profitable. Here’s why it should be a cornerstone of your service menu:

• High Client Demand: It’s a top request across social media platforms and client consultations.
• Repeat Business: The short sides require regular maintenance trims every 2-4 weeks, creating a steady stream of appointments.
• Product Upsell Opportunities: Curly hair thrives on specialized products for definition, moisture, and hold, opening avenues for retail sales.
• Showcases Expertise: Successfully executing this cut demonstrates advanced scissor-over-comb, clipper, and texturizing skills, elevating your brand’s reputation.

The Essential Consultation: Laying the Foundation for Success

A successful “curly on top, short sides” cut begins long before the clippers are turned on. The consultation is your most critical tool for managing expectations and ensuring client satisfaction.

Key Consultation Questions to Ask

• Texture & Pattern Assessment: “On a scale from 2A to 4C, where would you say your curl pattern falls?” This helps you anticipate behavior and choose the right cutting technique.
• Lifestyle & Maintenance: “How much time are you willing to spend on styling each day?” This determines the weight and layering of the top.
• Desired Contrast Level: “Are you looking for a dramatic, sharp contrast or a softer, more blended transition from the top to the sides?”
• Inspiration Imagery: Always ask clients to bring 2-3 photos. This provides a concrete visual reference for terms like “textured,” “full,” or “tapered.”

Managing Expectations: The “Shrinkage” Conversation

This is non-negotiable. You must educate clients with tight curl patterns (3C-4C) about shrinkage. A client may see 6 inches of hair when stretched and expect that length when dry, but the final look will be significantly shorter due to the curl’s natural contraction. Show them on a strand of their hair how much it shrinks to avoid post-appointment disappointment.

Technical Execution: A Step-by-Step Cutting Guide

Precision is paramount. This cut requires a hybrid approach, blending clipper work with detailed scissor and texturizing techniques.

Step 1: Preparing the Hair

Always start with hair that is freshly washed, conditioned, and styled according to the client’s typical routine (e.g., with curl cream or leave-in conditioner). Cutting curly hair in its natural, styled state is crucial for accuracy. Cutting it wet or bone dry can lead to drastic mistakes once the true pattern emerges.

Step 2: Defining the Sides and Back

Using clippers, establish the foundation. The choice of fade or taper depends on the client’s desired look.

• The Taper: A gradual change in length from the top down to the sideburns and neckline. It’s a classic, softer look.
• The Fade: A more dramatic transition where hair blends from skin-short to the length on top. Popular options include the low, mid, and high fade.

Pro Tip: Use a detailing trimmer to create crisp, clean lines around the ears and neckline for a polished, professional finish.

Step 3: Sculpting the Crown

This is where artistry meets technique. The goal is to create shape and structure that enhances the natural curl pattern.

• Point Cutting: Use the tips of your shears to cut into the ends of the hair. This removes weight without sacrificing length, encouraging movement and preventing a “helmet” shape.
• Slide Cutting: Gently slide closed shears down the hair shaft to remove bulk and seamlessly blend layers. This is excellent for creating softness and flow.
• Dry Cutting: Continuously check your progress by scrunching the hair and letting it fall naturally. Make small, deliberate adjustments while the hair is dry to perfect the shape.

Addressing Different Curl Types

For Wavy Hair (2A-2C): Focus on creating layers that remove weight and encourage the wave pattern. Avoid over-thinning.

For Curly Hair (3A-3C): This is the sweet spot for this style. Use heavy point cutting and layering to allow the curls to spring up and form a defined, rounded shape on top.

For Coily Hair (4A-4C): The primary goal is to maintain as much length as possible while shaping. Use minimal layering and focus on a solid shape that respects the density and shrinkage of the hair.

The Perfect Product Partnership: Curated Retail for Styling & Care

The service doesn’t end with the cut. The right at-home regimen is what keeps the style looking fresh and brings clients back. Position your salon as a trusted advisor by recommending a curated product system.

The Core Product Categories

• Cleansing & Hydration: Recommend sulfate-free shampoos and rich, moisturizing conditioners. For coily types, introduce pre-shampoo treatments or co-washes.

Styling Essentials:

• Leave-In Conditioner: The non-negotiable first step for hydration and detangling.
• Curl Cream or Defining Lotion: Provides moisture, definition, and a light hold. Ideal for day-to-day wear.
• Styling Gel or Mousse: Provides structure and a stronger hold to combat frizz and maintain definition for longer periods.
• Finishing Touches: A lightweight oil or serum can be used to scrunch out any crunch from gel and add shine without weighing hair down.

Demonstrating the “Style & Scrunch” Method

During the final styling, educate your client. Apply product to soaking wet hair, scrunch vigorously with a microfiber towel or cotton t-shirt to encourage curl formation and absorb excess water, then either allow to air dry or use a diffuser on a low heat setting. This hands-on lesson is an invaluable part of the service.

Integrating the Service into Your Wellness & Spa Environment

This trend aligns perfectly with the holistic ethos of wellness. Frame this service as more than a haircut—it’s an act of self-care and embracing one’s natural beauty.

Creating a Curly-Hair-Conscious Service Menu

• Specialized Curly Cut Service: Price this as a premium service due to the time, skill, and consultation required.
• Add-On Treatments: Offer deep conditioning or protein treatments specifically formulated for textured hair to be added to the cut service.
• Scalp Health Focus: Link the service to scalp health. A shorter style allows for better product penetration and scalp massage during washes, which can be a key selling point in a clinic or spa setting.

Marketing Your Mastery of the Trend

To attract the right clientele, you must showcase your expertise effectively.

Leveraging Social Media & Visual Content

• Before-and-After Carousels: These are incredibly effective on Instagram and Facebook. Show the dramatic transformation.
• Video Content: Create short Reels or TikToks showing the cutting technique, the satisfying “scrunch out the crunch,” or a 360-degree view of the finished style.
• Educational Content: Post tips on curly hair care, product breakdowns, and myth-busting (e.g., “Should you brush curly hair?”). This positions you as an authority.

In-Salon Marketing

• Feature photos of your best “curly on top” work prominently in your salon.
• Train your entire front desk and assistant team to knowledgeably talk about the service and book appropriate consultation times.
• Create a small, dedicated retail display for the curl-care products you recommend most often.

Conclusion: Embracing the Curl is a Sound Business Strategy

The “curly on top, short sides” hairstyle is more than a trend; it’s a reflection of a cultural shift towards authenticity and personalized style. For the forward-thinking spa, clinic, or salon owner, investing in the training, products, and marketing to master this look is a direct investment in your business’s growth and relevance. By providing an exceptional, educational, and satisfying experience from consultation to final style, you won’t just be giving your clients a great haircut—you’ll be building a loyal community that trusts you with their most personal asset: their identity. Embrace the texture, master the contrast, and watch your business flourish.