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How To Understand The Curly Girl Method?
The Curly Girl Method is an approach to styling and caring for curly hair that emphasizes using natural, sulfate-free products. Developed by hairstylist Lorraine Massey and documented in her book “Curly Girl: The Handbook,” the method aims to promote healthy hair growth, provide curl definition, and reduce frizz in naturally curly hair.
In this article, you will learn about:
- What Is The Curly girl method?
- Why does it work?
- How to do it?
- Ingredients To Avoid In Your HairCare Routine
- How long does the curly girl method take?
What is The Curly Girl Method?
The Curly Girl Method was initially developed by hairstylist and curl specialist Lorraine Massey. She authored the book “Curly Girl: The Handbook,” which serves as a resource for attaining perfect curls through specific techniques and styling products.
Over time, the Curly Girl Method has transformed, and much of the advice on achieving impeccable curls can differ based on hair texture and curl pattern. Nonetheless, the core concept of the Curly Girl Method remains consistent.
Essentially, the Curly Girl hair method aims to protect the structure and health of naturally curly hair. Using natural, sulfate-free products and specific styling practices, you can encourage your natural curls to have a stronger definition.
The Curly Girl Method is a hair care regimen that focuses on steering clear of harsh chemicals like sulphates and silicones, while also encouraging hydration and the natural definition of curls through gentle methods and appropriate products.
Mastering the Curly Girl Method may require some time since each individual’s hair is different, involving a degree of trial and error to discover the right products and techniques that suit your hair. Ultimately, the goal of the Curly Girl Method is to attain healthy, naturally defined curly hair.
All in all, the CGM is a multi-step process that advises you on best practices from washing to conditioning, drying, and styling, and more to promote healthy hair growth and embrace your beautiful curls.
It’s also important to note that even though this method is called “Curly Girl,” anyone can use it provided their hair fits the texture and length criteria!
Common Questions For The Curly Girl Method
The Curly Girl Method can benefit a diverse array of hair types and textures, including wavy, curly, and coily strands. It aims to enhance your natural curl pattern, minimize frizz, and improve overall hair health.
This method is tailored for individuals with naturally curly or wavy hair, regardless of whether their curls are loose or tight.
To determine if the Curly Girl Routine is right for you, consider the following:
- Curl Pattern: Do you have waves or curls? If so, CGR may benefit you.
- Porosity: High-porosity hair often benefits from moisture-rich routines.
- Frizz Levels: If you struggle with frizz, CGR techniques may help.
- Product Build-Up: If you notice product buildup, switching to CGR-friendly products can improve hair health.
Keep in mind that the effectiveness of the Curly Girl Method can differ for each person. Elements such as your unique curl pattern, hair porosity, and personal preferences influence how successful the method will be for you.
The Curly Girl Method does not transform straight hair into curls, but it does enhance and define existing natural curls.
By focusing on hair health and steering clear of harmful practices, you can improve curl definition and texture for those with natural curls or waves.
The Curly Girl Method (CGM) can enhance the natural curl pattern of your hair, but it doesn’t fundamentally change the structure of your hair or make it curlier than its genetic predisposition.
It’s not a universal solution! If you’re uncertain whether the Curly Girl Method (CGM) is suitable for your hair, I can tell you that type-3 curls often experience the most positive outcomes with CGM (understanding your hair type will simplify the terminology you come across), although many individuals with 2c and 4a hair have also achieved remarkable results.
Type 3 hair features a curly texture characterized by a clear ‘s’ shape. These curls can be spiraled, varying from loose, buoyant loops to tight, springy textures that resemble corkscrews. The hair follicles have an oval shape, which contributes to the curl of each strand.
To determine if the Curly Girl Method will work for you, consider your hair type and texture. If you have naturally curly or wavy hair, this method can enhance your curls and improve overall health. Assess your current hair condition; if it feels dry, frizzy, or damaged, the Curly Girl Method may help restore moisture and definition.
Research others with similar hair types who have successfully adopted the method.
If you’re looking for how to make your hair curly, but you have straight hair naturally, you’ll need to rely on methods like using a curling iron.
The Curly Girl Method will not give you curly hair if you do not already have curly hair.
However, many people have found (to their surprise) that they have elegant waves and curls in their hair that are brought out when they try the CGM! For many people who believe their hair is just “frizzy,” what they have is curly or wavy hair that has been washed and styled like straight hair, causing hairstand mayhem.
So by all means, give the CG method a try for a few weeks to see if you have hidden curls, but don’t expect your straight hair to suddenly develop Solange Knowles’s glamorous curls!
What Is The Curly Girl Method Step-by-Step?
When beginning your curly girl routine journey, you might feel rather overwhelmed. After all, if you’re used to washing, drying, and styling your hair a certain way for your whole life, overhauling it entirely and doing everything differently can feel daunting!
But, never fear, here are the basics of the CGM that you need to know:
“The Final Wash”
Start with a clean slate by washing all the chemical buildup in your hair completely out. This is best done with a sulfate shampoo because it strips things out of your hair very well. If you already don’t use products that can contribute to chemical buildup (like silicones), you don’t need to use a shampoo this harsh! In either case, use a clarifying shampoo.
| Can You Use A Leave-in Conditioner With Curly Hair Method? Absolutely! A leave-in conditioner is great for curly hair, especially if you’re following the Curly Hair Method. It helps to hydrate and define curls while reducing frizz. |
Cleanse
Use a gentle and nourishing, sulfate-free shampoo bar or co-wash (conditioner that also gently cleanses). At this point, you want to deposit moisture and oils back into your scalp and hair to promote strength in the strands and help them grow into your natural curl pattern.
Condition & Detangle
In the shower or bath, drench your hair with a sulfate-free conditioning product so your hair can slip easily against itself. Then, using your fingers or a wide-toothed comb, gently detangle your hair. You should be able to see some natural curl patterns going on at this point!
Rinse your hair well, but don’t rinse it so much that you can’t feel any of the conditioning product anymore; you want a little bit to remain to help your hair’s integrity.
Styling Product
While your hair is still wet, apply a curl-enhancing product. Gently comb it through your hair or smooth it over your curls (avoid destroying the curl pattern you have going on after your conditioning).
You can also scrunch or scrunch your hair to help encourage it to begin forming those curls.
Plop!
You must avoid rubbing your hair dry with a towel! Again, many of us grew up with this method of drying our hair, so not doing it can feel odd at first.
Instead, flip your hair upside down and place it in a pile into a cotton T-shirt, bamboo towel, or other lightweight and gentle towel-like fabric. Tie it in the front and turn right-side up; your hair should effectively be “plopped” on the top of your head, held in place by your towel.
Allow it to dry for at least one hour, but everyone has a different sweet spot for the length of time their hair likes to stay in a plop.
Let it down
When you take your hair out of the plop, allow it to air dry the rest of the way, or use a diffuser blow dryer. Most people don’t do any more styling after they plop because it leads to more frizz and ruining the curl pattern you’ve worked so hard to get, so try to add styling products while your hair is still wet, before the plop.
Why Does The Curly Girl Method Work?
The Curly Girl Method works because it carefully considers the best ways to care for curly hair and tells you how to do it on your own.
Most of the common haircare practices we have here in the US are aimed at straight hair because that is seen as the default for people of European descent. As a result, many people of color experience hair problems like dull hair, breakage, out-of-control curls and kinks, and more.
This straight-hair-as-the-norm thinking also affects caucasian people because many of us have curly hair, too! While it’s more common for people with European ancestry to have straight hair, it’s also common for such people to have waves and curls.
By using the right products, methods, and techniques, people with wavy, curly, coily, and kinky hair can achieve much better results all thanks to the Curly Girl Method.
To start, it’s important to understand your hair type, which can range from wavy to curly to coily. Each type has specific needs, and tailoring your routine to your hair’s unique texture can lead to healthier, more manageable hair.
For instance, wavy hair may benefit from lightweight gels that define curls without creating stiffness, while coily hair often thrives with rich creams and oils that provide ample moisture and protection.
Additionally, techniques such as plopping, diffusing, and finger coiling can help enhance and define natural curls. Plopping involves wrapping wet hair in a T-shirt or microfiber towel to encourage curl formation without frizz. Diffusing with a blow dryer can add volume and speed up drying time, while finger coiling helps define individual curls.
Incorporating regular deep conditioning treatments and trimming split ends can also maintain the health and appearance of curly hair. By adopting these practices, individuals can embrace their natural hair texture, reduce damage, and enjoy vibrant, bouncy curls.
What Ingredients To Avoid For The Curly Hair Method?
When following the Curly Girl Method, it’s essential to focus on maintaining the health and definition of your curls by avoiding harsh ingredients in your hair washing and styling routines, while also minimizing heat exposure.
📝 Ingredients You Need To Avoid For Proper Hair Care
If you’re on the Curly Girl Method journey, it’s advisable to skip certain ingredients known to be harsh on curly hair or to contribute to product buildup. Below are some common ingredients you should avoid:
Sulfates
Sulfates, often found in many shampoos, are effective at removing excess oil from hair. However, for those with curly hair, sulfates can be harmful as they strip away too many natural oils, leaving the hair feeling dry and brittle.
Silicones
Silicones are frequently included in various hair care products. While some silicone-based formulations offer a smoothing effect, they can create a coating on the hair that’s tough to rinse out without sulfates. The use of silicones may lead to product buildup, causing your hair to feel heavy and diminishing your curls’ natural bounce, making them appear flat and weighed down.
Mineral Oils
Mineral oils are commonly added to hair products to create a protective barrier around your hair. However, it’s now understood that this barrier can hinder moisture absorption, which may also lead to buildup and dryness of the hair.
Alcohols
Many brands use alcohol in their hair products to create a softer feel. Unfortunately, these types of products can lead to dehydration and frizz, adversely impacting the effectiveness of the Curly Girl Method. Instead, opt for hair care products enriched with natural ingredients that have been scientifically shown to hydrate hair effectively.
❌ Hair Tools You Need To Avoid
Harmful heat tools
When following the curly girl method, it’s advisable to minimize the use of heat tools whenever you can. Hair straighteners and heated curlers can lead to heat damage, disrupting your natural curl pattern and leaving your hair feeling dry.
However, there are styling tools that utilize minimal heat and are aimed at enhancing your curls. Hair dryer diffusers are ideal for curly hair as they apply gentle heat combined with anti-frizz technology to dry and style your hair simultaneously.
We provide a selection of blow dryer diffusers, such as the Diffon Ceramic and the Diffon Supreme. The Diffon Ceramic employs ceramic technology to safeguard the hair during drying, helping to enhance natural curls, while the Diffon Supreme incorporates argan oil technology to keep hair moisturized, soft, and free from frizz.
Brushes
It is best to avoid brushing your curls, particularly when your hair is dry, as this can lead to various problems, including frizz, hair breakage, and loss of curl definition. Instead of brushing, it’s often suggested to detangle curly hair when it’s wet and conditioned, using either a wide-tooth comb or your fingers. This method is kinder to the hair and aids in maintaining the natural curl pattern without causing unnecessary damage.
Towel Drying
When practicing the Curly Girl Method, a microfibre towel should be utilized while regular towels should be avoided. Using a microfibre towel can diminish frizz in your hair and can benefit any hair type that suffers from frizz.
How Long Does The Curly Girl Method Take?
From start to finish, a wash day with the CGM can take between 1.5 to 5 hours on average, which includes drying time.
Without drying time, you can wash, condition, detangle, and put your hair up in a plop in 20-30 minutes, depending on your pace, your hair texture, and your hair length.
Some people allow their hair to stay up in a plop in a bonnet all night long.
The Key Word When Choosing The CG Method
When using the Curly Girl Method, it is essential to look for specific ingredients in all your hair products that help maintain healthy, hydrated curls. The most important ingredient to look for in a shampoo is one that is sulfate-free; this means it won’t strip hair of its natural oils and promote dryness.
Opt for styling products that contain no harsh chemicals, as these can cause dryness and breakage. Be sure to choose conditioners or leave-in treatments with natural ingredients such as avocado oil or cocoa butter.
When applying product to your curls, work through them from root to tip using a wide-toothed comb; this helps even out product distribution without causing unnecessary damage or breakage.
Finally, it’s important to remember that hydration is essential if you want great results from using the Curly Girl Method! Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps keep your scalp and strands well moisturized; furthermore, deep conditioning treatments once every two weeks (or more often if needed) will ensure maximum nourishment for your curls!
By following these simple steps regularly with natural products formulated specifically for curly hair types, you should expect healthier-looking locks full of definition within just a few weeks! Not only will this help reduce unwanted frizziness, but it will also promote stronger strands overall while providing long-lasting volume and shape retention over time!
CG Method Approved Products: Best Shampoo & Conditioners
Tangie sulfate-free shampoo bars and Tangie conditioner bars are the perfect hair products when you’re utilizing the Curly Girl Method!
Note that the Behentrimonium Methosulfate in the conditioner bars is not a harmful sulfate you need to avoid when practicing the Method, despite “sulfate” being in the name (thanks, chemistry!).
Best Shampoos
SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Shine Shampoo
Type: Sulfate-free
- Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, hibiscus flower extract
- Benefits: Hydrates and enhances curl definition while reducing frizz.
DevaCurl No-Poo Original Zero Lather Conditioning Cleanser
Type: Non-lathering cleanser
- Key Ingredients: Grapeseed oil, peppermint
- Benefits: Cleanses without stripping moisture, ideal for dry curls.
Maui Moisture Curl Quench + Coconut Oil Shampoo
Type: Sulfate-free
- Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, papaya butter
- Benefits: Moisturizes and defines curls while keeping them soft.
Burt’s Bees Avocado Butter Shampoo
Type: Sulfate-free
- Key Ingredients: Avocado butter, coconut oil
- Benefits: Nourishes and hydrates, suitable for all curl types.
Best Conditioners
SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Conditioner
Type: Moisturizing conditioner
- Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, silk protein
- Benefits: Detangles, hydrates, and enhances shine.
DevaCurl One Condition Original
Type: Rich conditioner
- Key Ingredients: Olive oil, botanicals
- Benefits: Provides intense moisture and helps define curls.
Maui Moisture Curl Quench + Coconut Oil Conditioner
Type: Moisturizing conditioner
- Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, aloe vera
- Benefits: Deeply hydrates and helps to define curls.
Kinky-Curly Knot Today Leave-In Conditioner/Detangler
Type: Leave-in conditioner
- Key Ingredients: Organic mango extract, slippery elm
- Benefits: Detangles and provides moisture, perfect for styling.
Tips for Choosing Products
Check Labels: Look for products labeled as sulfate-free and silicone-free.
Moisture-Rich: Choose conditioners that emphasize hydration and moisture retention.
Trial and Error: Everyone’s hair is different; it may take some experimentation to find the perfect products for your specific curl type.
Ready to bring out your natural curl pattern with the Curly Girl Method?
Frequently Asked Questions
The Curly Girl Method can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to show noticeable results. Initial improvements, such as reduced frizz and enhanced curl definition, may appear within 2-4 weeks.
However, achieving optimal curl health, texture, and moisture balance often takes 3-6 months. Results vary based on hair type, previous damage, and adherence to the method’s principles. Consistency and patience are key to fully transforming your curls.
In the Curly Girl Method, brushing is generally discouraged on dry hair, as it can disrupt curl patterns and cause frizz. Instead, it’s recommended to detangle hair while it’s wet and conditioned, using fingers or a wide-tooth comb.
This helps maintain curl definition and reduces breakage. Some individuals may choose to use a brush on wet hair for styling, but it’s essential to use a curly-friendly technique, such as the “praying hands” method, to preserve curl integrity. Ultimately, personal preference and hair type play a significant role in how each person approaches detangling.
Yes, you can wet your hair every day while following the Curly Girl Method. Many people with curly hair benefit from daily moisture to maintain curl definition and reduce frizz. However, it’s important to avoid using shampoo every day, as this can strip natural oils. Instead, consider using water or a leave-in conditioner to refresh curls.
Some may opt for “co-washing” (using conditioner to cleanse) instead of traditional shampoo. Listen to your hair’s needs; if it feels dry or weighed down, adjust your routine accordingly.
