Curly Girl Method: The Do’s and Don’ts for Curly Girls Everywhere
This one goes out to all the curly-haired humans and your luscious, coiled, twisting, snaking locks. Your hair is gorgeous and though it didn’t come with a set of instructions, we want to help you nourish and care for those beautiful curls.
Over the years, the curly haired people across the world united all their info, tutorials, frustrations and DIY methods into one system: The Curly Girl Method (or CGM for short). While the official story and trademark for CGM goes to hairstylist Lorraine Massey, who wrote Curly Girl: The Handbook, each and every person with curls has lived through the experience of curly hair care.
While the CGM is fantastic and many claim it is “life changing,” it’s not a quick-fix or instantaneous gratification. It’s a lifestyle and a method that is meant to see you through a lifetime of curly hair. Think of it as your curly journey.
Here’s how you can bring the CGM into your hair care routine. It basically boils down to a list of “Do’s” and Don’ts.”
Do
· Wash. With a sulfate-free shampoo to remove silicone and wax buildup.
Cleanse and condition. Find the right condition for your hair type (we’ve got the best products and can provide recommendations based on your hair). Alternatively, you can use a co-wash shampoo, which is a cleansing conditioner.
Use your fingers or a wide-toothed comb to gently detangle, scrub and exfoliate your scalp.
Dry gently. Cup and scrunch your curls then use a microfiber towel or cotton t-shirt. Then let it air-dry.
Use styling products that encourage your curl pattern rather than running products through your hair with a brush, which de-curls your hair.
Wash, rinse, repeat. These steps are meant to be repeated every time you wash your hair or get it wet for.eh.ver…
Don’t
Don’t wash too much. 2 or 3 times a week should suffice.
Don’t use heat. Flat-irons, curling-irons and blow dryers are death to curly hair.
Don’t brush or comb your hair. Use fingers or a wide-toothed comb if needed.
Don’t use sulfates.
Don’t use non-soluble silicones or anything in the “cone” category (the silicones, dimethicones, trimethicones)
Don’t use alcohols (keep your hair sober). Products with a high alcohol content can dry out your scalp.
Watch out for hair coloring. We don’t’ want to say you should never color your hair, but curly hair requires high quality and specialty coloration.
Ready to live that Curly Girl Method life? We’re so excited for you!
Don’t expect it to work immediately and be prepared for a bit of a transition phase. But once you get your hair on the CGM track, you’ll never look back.
All that said, we know that every head of hair is unique and every curl is one-of-a-kind. Want a more customized approach to the CGM that factors in your exact hair type and lifestyle? We’re here for you.
Viva la curl!