What is the Curly Girl Method?
The Curly Girl Method is the unofficial handbook for curly-haired humans, and the best way to look after your wavy locks, keeping them full of life. This method focuses on what not to put in your hair, just as much as what you should. It originates from Lorraine Massey’s book ’Curly Girl: The Handbook’ and has been modified all over the web to include all types of curls.The original method discourages shampooing (a.k.a. the "no poo" method) and overuse of heat styling. It’s a unique product layering technique that encourages supercharging your hair care routine with conditioning, sulfate-free cleansers, and deep conditioning treatments, to build and maintain hydration.
While the specific steps and products might differ, the idea behind the Curly Girl Method generally stays the same ’ figuring out the best combination of products and application methods for your hair type. You can adapt and change it to suit your personal hair needs. No two curly curls are the same!
What’s your curly hair type?
We’ll keep it short and simple. There are four main (and very broad) categories.- Type 1 hair = straight hair
- Type 2 hair = wavy hair
- Type 3 hair = curly hair
- Type 4 hair = coily hair
The do’s and don’ts
Do
- Do use product with gentle cleansing ingredients
- Do find the right conditioner (or co-wash) for your hair type
- Do use products with rich emollients
- Do go sulfate and silicone free
- Do move at your own pace & listen to your hair
Don’t
- Don't shampoo (or you can slowly wean yourself off)
- Don’t use heat styling tools
- Don’t use products with non-water soluble silicones
- Don’t use anything containing alcohol or fragrance
- Don’t compare your hair journey with someone else’s
- Don’t give up too soon
How to do the Curly Hair Method (according to your curl type)
For All Curls
Step 0 "Reset to factory settings"Your hair will have a build-up of silicones and waxes that are stopping moisture absorption, so it’s time to clarify your hair (aka get rid of the build-up & start with a blank canvas).
Try using clarifying shampoo or conditioner to remove product residue. Do this step when you’re starting the Curly Girl Method, or after using products containing silicones or waxes.
Wavy Hair
Step 1 "The Cleanse"Stick to cleansing your curls weekly by wetting your hair, running conditioner through it, rinsing, then following up with a sulfate-free shampoo.
Step 2 "The Condition"
Once shampooed, pop some conditioner in your hair from the mid-lengths to the ends. Rinse out, but not fully - leaving a little conditioner in your hair will keep it protected and hydrated.
Step 3 "The Drying & Styling"
Scrunch or twist your waves into shape and air dry. Use a diffuser if you’re in a hurry. Want more hydration? Try rubbing a little bit of oil or water-based mousse into your hair before you start styling.
Curly Hair
Step 1 "The Cleanse"Use water and conditioner (or a creamy cleansing balm) to cleans your hair weekly!
Step 2 "The Condition"
Run conditioner through your hair and rinse out. If your curls are particularly dry, leave some conditioner in.
Step 3 "The Drying & Styling"
Use leave-in conditioner to really nourish your curls, and let it dry naturally. Once your hair is dry, add volume by flipping your hair forward and fluffing. You might have to test a few different techniques and products depending on your type of curl.
Coily Hair
Step 1 "The Cleanse"Cleanse around every two weeks ’ aka when you really need to. Start by wetting your hair then move to step two!
Step 2 "The Condition"
Deep condition by putting conditioner in your hair and wrapping it in a towel or hair turban. Use a hairdryer at medium heat on your wrapped up hair for around 5-10 minutes. Make sure to move your hairdryer around to get all your curls! When time is up, rinse the conditioner out.
Step 3 "The Drying & Styling"
You know your hair best! Style it based on the type of coily hair you have. Use a moisturising cream curl or leave-in moisturiser to keep your hair hydrated! Remember, avoid using heat directly on your curls!
For All Curls
Step 4 "Just keep going!"Clarify your hair every 6 weeks to clear the product build up. Deep condition every week. You might not see immediate life-changing results after your first wash, but if you stick with this method your curls will thrive! If you use products containing silicones or waxes (it happens!), remember to clarify before you start your steps again.
Do I have to give up shampoo cold turkey?
No! If giving up shampoo cold turkey is a little intimidating, you can slowly wean yourself off by slowly cutting down on shampoo use or switching to a sulfate-free shampoo ’ also affectionally known as ’low-poo".You may find that your hair feels greasy when giving up shampoo, but many have found that over time their hair and scalp balances out. It’s all about experimenting and finding what works best for you.
What ingredients should I avoid?
Some ingredients that go against the Curly Girl Method principles include:- Ethanol alcohol
- Ethyl alcohol
- Propanol alcohol
- Alcohol denat.
- Isopropyl alcohol
- Isopropanol alcohol
- Benzyl alcohol
Product Recommendations
Cleansers & Conditioners
- SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curls & Shine Conditioner
- 100% Pure Honey & Virgin Coconut Restorative Conditioner
Sulfate-free Shampoos
- Mineral Fusion Shampoo ’ Curl Care
- SheaMoisture Virgin Coconut Oil Daily Hydration Shampoo
Styling Products
- Less Is More Tangerine Curl Hair Balm
- Yarok Feed Your Do® Hair Whip
- Dr Bronner’s Organic Hair Crème
Deep Conditioners & Treatments
- Pollen Botanicals 7 Wonders Hair Oil
Tools & Other Bits
- Apotecari 5-in-1 Scalp and Shampoo Brush
- Kooshoo Organic Scrunchies
