-
Recommended Products to Get Started
-
Curly Styling Technique
First, it's important to understand that the Curly Girl Method is based on caring for your hair through maximum hydration. This means avoiding products containing alcohol, silicones, and sulfates, which can dry out your hair and cause damage. Instead, we use Curly Girl-approved products like conditioners, creams, and gels to define your curls and keep them hydrated without the ingredients we listed above.
If you're new to the Curly Girl Method, it may seem intimidating, but don't worry! There are many products on the market specifically formulated for this approach to hair care. In this guide, we'll provide some product recommendations that can help you get started.
Curly Girl Method (CGM) Fundamentals
The Curly Girl Method is an approach to curly hair care that focuses on cleansing and conditioning hair naturally. This method was created by hair stylist Lorraine Massey, and made famous in her book, Curly Girl Handbook, to help women with curly hair achieve healthy, hydrated, and beautiful hair. In this section, we'll explore the fundamentals of the Curly Girl Method.
NO Ingredients! For the Curly Girl Method
-
Silicones
-
Sulfates
-
Dry alcohols
-
mineral oils
- some waxes
Curly Hair Cleansing - CGM Wash Day
What is the Final Wash or Clarifying Wash?
The first step of the Curly Girl Method is a final wash of your curly hair with a sulfate-rich shampoo! Yes, this will be the last time a sulfate-containing shampoo touches your curls. This step will help remove product buildup like silicone and wax.
It's important to use products specifically designed for curly hair that don't contain sulfates or silicones. Sulfates can dry out hair and cause breakage, while silicones can create a layer on the hair that prevents moisture.
The Curly Girl Method involves washing curly hair with approved products, such as a sulfate-free shampoo, followed by a silicone-free conditioner. Conditioner helps moisturize the hair and prevent breakage. It's also important to avoid combing your hair when it's wet, as this can cause breakage and split ends. The best way to detangle your hair while washing is after applying a conditioner or hair mask. Be gentle and remember that your curls are more fragile when wet. You can also choose to detangle your curls before washing with a pre-shampoo using a brush (Tangle Teezer wet detangler), a wide-toothed comb, or your fingers.
Curly Styling Techniques
The second phase of the Curly Girl Method involves styling techniques. After washing your hair, it's important to use specific products to define curly, wavy hair, or any type of curl. These products can include gels, mousses, creams, or hair oils, as long as they're Curly Girl approved.
A popular technique for styling curly hair is "plopping." This technique involves wrapping your hair in a cotton T-shirt or microfiber towel. or similar fabrics to dry hair naturally. This helps define curls and prevent frizz.
Additionally, it's important to avoid using hot styling tools, such as curling irons or straighteners, as these can damage your curls. Instead, you can use styling techniques like plopping, raking, and praying hands, and use a hair dryer or diffuser.
In short, the Curly Girl Method is a natural approach to curly hair care that focuses on gentle, hydrating cleansing and conditioning. By following the fundamentals of the Curly Girl Method, you can achieve healthy, hydrated, and beautiful hair.
Recommended Products to Get Started
If you're new to the Curly Girl Method, choosing the right products for your curly hair can seem daunting. But don't worry, we're here to help! Here are our recommended products to get you started on your journey to healthy, curly hair. If you're unsure about a product, you can check the ingredients on curlsbot .
Sulfate-Free Cleanser
The first step of the Curly Girl Method is the "Final Wash," which removes silicones and other compounds that have built up on the hair. After this step, it's important to use a sulfate-free cleanser to cleanse the hair without stripping it of its natural oils. Here are some of our favorites:
Conditioner and Masks
The second step in the Curly Girl Method is conditioning, which helps moisturize curly hair and prevent breakage. Here are some of our favorite conditioners and masks:
-
Garnier Fructis Hair Food Mask
-
SheaMoisture Mask Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Hair Masque
Gels and Creams for Definition
The final step in the Curly Girl Method is curl definition. Curl-defining gels and creams help maintain the shape of your curls without making them crunchy. Here are some of our favorites:
-
Eco Styler Gel
We hope this list has been helpful in choosing your Curly Girl Method products. Remember, every hair type is different, so try different products to find the ones that work best for you. Good luck!
-
Curly Girl Method Express: A Quick Start for Perfect Curly Hair
Welcome to our beginner's guide to the Curly Girl Method! If you're here, you're probably looking for a natural and healthy way to care for your curly hair. The Curly Girl Method, or CGM, is a hair care approach specifically for naturally curly hair that avoids harmful ingredients and traditional methods that can flatten curls. In this guide, we'll explore the fundamentals of the Curly Girl Method: