I’ve written before about the the Curly Girl Method (CGM) and how I learned to embrace what my genes gave me. With the right products and techniques, I managed to turn my frizzy halo into soft, defined curls and waves. But by 2023, I felt it was time to take things further and get professional help. That’s when I found KOOP Studio.

Since then, I’ve had several curly cuts, colored my hair, and found a stylist I fully trust. Dimitry just gets it. At this point, I don’t think I’ll ever go anywhere else. So now, I want to share what it’s like to get a curly haircut at KOOP Studio—and why it’s been a game changer for me.

*My home for the next hour and a half at KOOP Studio BGC.*

KOOP Studio has two branches, one in Podium and another in BGC, with stylists assigned to specific locations. Even though Podium is practically in my backyard, my home studio is BGC because that’s where my stylist is. Dimitry was the reason I decided to try KOOP in the first place. He’s an expert in textured hair, and if I was finally going to trust a professional, I knew I wanted the best.

The Before

This is what a year of hair growth looks like on me. I don’t get haircuts very often since I enjoy wearing my hair both long and short. Over time, I’ve learned that I can grow about 10 inches in a year, which gives me plenty of room to play with length.

If you’re planning to get a curly cut, you’ll be asked to come in with freshly washed hair, no conditioner, and no styling products. This lets the stylist see your hair in its natural, untouched state. I really enjoyed the consultation. My stylist took the time to identify the different curl patterns across my head and even noticed the straighter under layer right away. He pointed out that we’d need to trim that bottom layer to help it blend more seamlessly with the rest of my curls.

The Dry Cut

A curly cut starts on dry hair so the stylist can better see how your curls fall in real time. This makes a huge difference compared to the more common experience of a wet cut, where you only see the true result once your hair has dried, and by then, it might be too late to fix any uneven bits.

For my cut, I go for a rounded shape with soft, face-framing layers. It gives my hair movement without taking away too much volume. One key adjustment is keeping my bottommost layer shorter than the rest, to help blend in the straighter strands underneath. It’s a subtle change, but it makes a big difference in creating a balanced shape that looks good from all angles.

The Wash

As expected, the products at KOOP are top tier. For the wash, we used the Davines LOVE Smoothing Shampoo for Frizzy Hair (P1,450 for 250ml) and the Davines LOVE Smooth Conditioner (P1,550 for 250ml). The scent alone is such a treat—clean, calming, and a little luxurious without being overpowering.

I’ve always had a soft spot for Davines. It’s an Italian brand that focuses on sustainability and performance, and their products really deliver. At home, I use their curl line when my budget allows, and it never disappoints. What I appreciate about KOOP is how they match products based on your hair’s texture and needs, not just your curl type. My stylist knew the smoothing line would complement my current hair condition and prep it perfectly for styling.

The Curly Hair Dry

One of the things that really sets a curly cut apart is the drying process, which is as much about styling as it is about finishing the cut. After the initial shape is carved out on dry hair, the stylist moves on to washing and then section-by-section drying and defining.

This part takes time, and I mean that in the best way. Each section is carefully scrunched, coiled, or styled using the right product combination for your curl type and hair goals. It’s a labor of love, and it shows in the final result. Watching Dimitry work through my curls with such care made me realize how overlooked this step is in most salons. It’s not just about drying the hair, it’s about sculpting the final look so your curls land exactly where they should.

To form a cast and give my curls more strength and shine, they used a cocktail of the Davines This is a Curl Gel Oil (P1,350 for 250ml) and Davines This is a Curl Building (P1,350 for 250ml). This combination gave just the right amount of hold without making my hair feel crunchy or stiff. It also helped lock in moisture and definition while keeping the curls bouncy and soft to the touch.

And there you have it - a fresh curly cut that looks shiny, healthy, and full of life. More than just the end result, what made the experience truly special was how seen and cared for I felt. Having my hair needs taken seriously by professionals who really know textured hair made the whole service feel worth it.

That said, KOOP is definitely on the pricier side. Rates can vary depending on your hair length and the specific services you choose, so it’s best to inquire ahead of time to get an accurate quote. But if you’re ready to invest in a haircut that truly understands your curls, it just might be the upgrade your routine needs.

Try out KOOP Studio for yourself whether it’s for a curly cut or just to experience world class service. What salon or service do you think Project Vanity should review next?

My KOOP Studio Curly Cut Experience: Worth Every Peso

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