What is hair carving, its types and styling effect

Without the commitment of a traditional perm, hair carving is a popular styling technique that gives your hair a long-lasting wavy or curly look. It’s a flexible option for people who want to change up their style because it’s a gentle way to add volume and texture to your hair.

Hair carving comes in a variety of forms, each intended to produce a different amount of curl and wave. There is a method that can work for you, whether your preference is for tighter, more defined curls or loose, beachy waves.

Hair carving is beautiful because it can produce a natural-looking effect that can be styled in various ways. This method provides versatility and ease of use for everyday styling, from carefree tousled looks to polished curls.

Type of Hair Carving	Styling Effect
Soft Waves	Creates gentle, flowing waves that add volume and texture
Root Lift	Adds lift and volume at the roots for a fuller look
Spiral Curls	Gives tight, defined curls that last longer
Partial Carving	Focuses on specific sections for targeted volume and shape
Loose Curls	Produces natural-looking, loose curls for a relaxed style

What is carving

The process of carving involves permanently shaping hair into curls with varying diameters and shapes. Applying unique compounds to the hair strands helps create the desired shape and keeps it there for a long time.

When compared to other forms of permanent hair styling, carving is the least harsh technique because the product ingredients don’t damage the hair’s deep layers.

For whom is carving appropriate?

• Fluffy hair that does not hold the shape of the styling well;
• Straight, coarse hair that straightens out from a regular curling iron in a couple of hours;
• Thin hair that lacks natural volume;
• Girls who often curl their hair and do not want to spend time on it every morning.

Girls like carving and other long-term styling because it saves time. You can stop using a curling iron in the mornings for one to three months thanks to this procedure, and your hair will remain styled and always lay flat.

Hair of any length—very short, shoulder-length, or very long—can be carved. Seven centimeters is the minimum hair length required for curling.

However, as not all hair types can benefit from carving, do not rush to schedule an appointment with a specialist.

Styling with carvings is inappropriate if the hair

• Were dyed with henna or basma – such strands are harder to curl and the result is barely noticeable;
• Hard, dense, heavy – even if you manage to curl them, the result will be extremely short-lived. On such hair, the effect may fall off after the first wash;
• Dry, brittle, split. The compositions for the procedure, although gentle, tend to increase dryness, so already problematic curls will become even more brittle and lifeless;
• Were recently dyed – immediately after dyeing, when the pigment has not yet set, carving can affect the color of the hair, as well as damage it.

Benefits of engraving:

• Less harm to the quality of hair compared to other methods of long-term curling;
• A lasting result that does not require additional manipulations – even without additional actions, the hair looks beautiful;
• Natural styling – carving gives the effect of natural curls;
• It fades away gradually, without creases or sharp transitions;
• Doesn"t "eat up" the color if you take a break between coloring and carving.

Cons:

• Wear period is only a couple of months – a perm, for example, keeps curls in "tone" for up to 8 months;
• Not suitable for every hair type.

Several images "before" and "after" the carving:

Carving, bio-curling, chemical curling – what"s the difference

Client confusion increases as more tools and techniques are added to the hairdresser’s toolbox. The same is true for various forms of long-term styling; it’s getting harder and harder for the typical person to tell them apart, so let’s figure it out.

Carving and chemical curling

The aim of both procedures is to bend the hair shafts so that they take on the appearance of waves, curls, or ringlets.

However, there are also variations:

• Compositions. An aggressive composition based on ammonium thioglycolate is used for chemical curling. He penetrates the hair deeper, breaks the connections that form the bending direction and makes the rod as if plasticine – soft and flexible, which allows it to give it any direction.

A mild composition with a neutral pH is used for carving; it acts only on the outer layers of the hair, not on the cortex. It functions similarly to light chemistry for hair. In addition to destroying connections, it only damages up to 40% of the compounds; in contrast, up to 80% of the curl is harmed during a chemical reaction. Soft product compositions contain beneficial ingredients like silica, keratin, and biotin that counteract the effects of medications;

• The duration of the effect. Chemical curls due to its deep penetration inside the hair, it is wore longer-up to 8 months. With carving you pass less-6-10 weeks, depending on the type and severity of the hair.

Carving and bio -war

What distinguishes bio-warfare from carving?

• Result.Biocurling is work on curls, that is, the creation of expressive, bright, dynamic curls. Of course, everything depends on the curlers you choose, but as a rule, bio-curling is curls. Carving is aimed more at volume and a light result, and the effect is similar to the effect of the curly washing method;
• Term. Bio-curling lasts up to six months, carving lasts no more than 3 months, but often straightens even earlier;
• Compositions. Despite the promising name, bio-curling is not about naturalness. Compositions for bio-curling, of course, are less aggressive than for classical chemistry, but they still spoil the hair. Compositions for carving are even less harmful, although not completely safe.

There are people who occasionally think that carving and bio-curling are interchangeable. Given how similar the procedures are, this opinion is also valid. And do you believe that bio-curling and carving are interchangeable? Post your thoughts in the comments section!

Types of carving

The way that carving curls hair varies, and so does the outcome that can be obtained.

Curling hair is possible:

• Classical. In this case, curlers are curled horizontally on all hair. The curls are uniform and natural;

• Vertically. In this case, special spiral curlers are used, on which hair is curled vertically, giving a uniform and pronounced curl.

The location of curling is another way that carving varies:

• Traditional. Curlers are placed along the entire length;
• Root. Only the upper part of the strands is curled on curlers – this will help add volume in the root zone;
• At the tips. In this case, only half or a third of the length from the tips is curled. Carving on individual sections helps to place accents or add volume to the part of the hair that lacks it.

While curlers of the same type and diameter are used in the traditional carving procedure, you can mix and match types to achieve a texturizing effect and a slightly careless look for your hairstyle.

Since we’ve already discussed curlers, let’s familiarize ourselves with the varieties that are utilized for carving.

• Curlers. These are thin, small curlers that style hair into small curls similar to African curls. Elastic and dynamic afro curls will not work in the case of carving, but you can give your hair expressive small waves with curlers;
• Spirals. These are the spiral curlers already mentioned in the vertical technique. They are suitable for creating vertical uniform curls;
• Large-diameter curlers. Large curlers are used to create root volume, as well as to recreate the effect of light waves or large curls on the hair;

• Boomerangs. Foam curlers are used for light, barely noticeable small waves.

The outcome will last longer if the curlers have a smaller diameter. Large curls will therefore unravel more quickly than horizontal curls on curlers or vertical curls on a spiral.

How hair carving is done

The actual carving process is not all that dissimilar from a traditional perm. The following actions are part of it:

• The hair is washed with deep cleansing shampoo and lightly dried with a towel;
• The wet strands are divided into two parts – the occipital and the rest;
• Starting from the lower strands of the back of the head, the hair is wound in thin strands on curlers of the selected diameter and fixed. During this time, the composition softens the hair and makes it pliable;

• After 10-20 minutes, the composition is washed off, but the curlers remain on the head;
• At the end, the master distributes a neutralizer over the strands – it restores the bonds inside the hair, but does this in a curved curler position;
• The curlers are removed, the hair is dried and styled with a hairdryer.

The carving process is a chemical treatment of the hair, even though it uses a mild composition. This indicates that the process should be completed in a hair salon chair, and it is preferable to decline carving at home because even mild products can degrade hair quality if used improperly by an unskilled user.

Additionally, carving is the proper curling technique in addition to applying the composition. Because you won’t be able to curl your hair symmetrically and evenly on your own, the outcome might not live up to your expectations.

Without the commitment of a perm, hair carving is a semi-permanent styling technique that produces soft, natural-looking curls and waves. It comes in various varieties, ranging from defined curls to loose waves, so styling options are endless. The result is a more textured, fuller appearance that gives the hair more volume and movement and is easier to manage and style every day.

Hair care after carving

When it comes to hair maintenance, carving is a simple process that doesn’t call for any intricate adjustments. However, there are a few suggestions that will aid in extending the procedure’s effects:

• Try not to wash your hair or comb your hair for the first 1-2 days. During this period, the curl is finally fixed;
• Use a comb with rare teeth for your hair – it will not damage the structure of the styling. Use the comb only on damp hair after applying the balm – it is better not to comb dry hair;
• After washing your hair, do not wrap it in a towel and do not squeeze it too vigorously. The best solution would be to gently blot excess moisture. It is better not to use a hair dryer, but if there are no options – use a diffuser attachment;

• Do not go to bed with wet hair – after such sleep, the appearance of your hairstyle is unpredictable;
• Moisturize and nourish your hair. Carving has a drying effect, so the hair along its length requires nutrition and hydration. It is better to use special masks and balms for curly hair – they do not weigh down the curls and do not cause their premature straightening.

Use curlers, stylers, and other styling products to accentuate the strands even more. This will help you maintain the carved look longer and allow you to switch up your hairdo based on your mood.

Contraindications

Carving has few contraindications and is a fairly loyal procedure. The first group is linked to hair type; we have already discussed this at the outset. The second group is linked to health.

From the perspective of health, contraindications consist of:

• Pregnancy and lactation;
• Menstruation;
• For girls with increased sensitivity – an allergy is possible;
• Stress and depression;
• Taking hormonal drugs.

As you can see, the majority of contraindications have to do with hormones. Hormonal fluctuations are caused by taking the right medications, stress, lactation, and pregnancy.

It is impossible to forecast the procedure’s outcome and durability under such circumstances.

Questions

The length of the girl’s hair, the salon’s reputation, and the city of residence all affect how much the procedure will cost.

Carving can be done for 1.5–3 thousand rubles on a short hairstyle, 4-6 thousand on an average hairstyle, and 7 thousand and up on a long hairstyle.

Carving is a chemical process that adversely affects the hair’s condition, even though it has a non-aggressive composition and a softened effect. However, using a curling iron or iron on a regular basis still has an impact on hair due to its thermal properties.

Can you carve hair that has been highlighted or dyed?

Sure, but in between the procedures. The best course of action is to cut your hair, and then, one to two weeks later, color it. In this instance, you’ll receive curls that last a long time and a rich color.

Can someone with an oily scalp still carve?

Absolutely, oiliness does not preclude carving. In certain instances, the process’ drying effect may even somewhat lessen the problem’s severity.

Depending on the length and thickness of the hair, the process with preparation and styling takes one to two and a half to three hours.

Which companies manufacture products with carvings?

Muoto cutrin products as well as compositions from Matrix, Schwarzkopf, Mossa, Kis, PAUL MITCHELL, and other manufacturers are frequently used for carving. We would like to remind you that hair carving at home is not advised as it degrades the curl quality.

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Express your opinion or ask a question! Cancel reply

For individuals who wish to add volume and texture to their hair without making a permanent change, hair carving is a flexible option. You can experiment with waves, curls, or just adding more body to your hair thanks to its gentle approach.

Hair carving accommodates a variety of styles with different types available, ranging from soft waves to more defined curls. It’s a fantastic option for people looking for a natural look with styling versatility.

All things considered, hair carving offers a long-lasting, low-maintenance solution, making it a practical choice for people who want to improve their hairstyle without putting in regular styling time.

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