What is the Curly Girl Method?
Designed by Lorraine Massey and publicised in her book “Curly Girl: The Handbook,” the “Curly Girl Method” or CGM, as it is popularly known, is a method of hair care adopted world-over by people with curly and wavy hair. It stipulates certain rules and guidelines that must be followed to ensure hair health.
CGM Rules
When it comes to CGM, you can either adhere to it strictly or loosely. Either way, it is always recommended that you only use CG-friendly or CG-approved products.
- No sulphates, silicones, parabens, mineral oils, etc.
- No chemical or heat treatments.
- No brushing or combing other than on washdays.
- Clarifying monthly.
- Using moisturising shampoos and co-washing.
- Using microfibre towels or cotton t-shirts to dry the hair.
- Deep conditioning weekly.
- Using gels and stylers.
- Sleeping with silk/satin bonnets and on silk/satin pillowcases.
STEP 01
Cleanse
Shampoos and cleansers that aren’t CG-approved contain ingredients that either prevent moisture absorption leading to dryness or actively dry out your hair; think sulphates.
If you follow the CGM, you’ll need two to three different cleansers. Here’s why.
Clarifying Shampoo
A first step in any CG routine, clarifying shampoos help wash away all dirt, grime, product build-up, and residue from earlier non-CG products. Clarifying is a must before you begin your CG journey and every few weeks thereafter.
Moisturising Shampoo
Low-poos that are both hydrating and moisturising are great weekly cleansers for those with textured hair as they help clean the hair and scalp without drying out your hair.
Co-wash
Coined after the idea of “conditioner-only washing,” co-washes are great for people with thick, high-density hair. These are ideal cleansers for those strictly following the CGM as they do not strip your hair of any moisture while cleansing.
First step, clarify. Next, choose between hydrating shampoos or co-washes. Clarify again, monthly.
First step, clarify. Next, choose between hydrating shampoos or co-washes. Clarify again, monthly.
STEP 02
Condition
A CG-routine staple, conditioners are everything if you’re following the CGM. Why? They work to protect your hair from dryness and frizz, the two biggest challenges of people with curly/wavy hair. You’ll need a deep conditioner, a rinse-off conditioner, and good leave-in conditioners and curl creams for added moisture and hydration. Conditioners are also very important for in-shower detangling as they provide great slip and prevent breakage.
Multipurpose Conditioner
Our Multipurpose Conditioner works as a deep conditioner, a rinse-off conditioner, and a leave-in conditioner, giving you the freedom to use one product for three purposes.
Ultimate Moisture Therapy
Our Ultimate Moisture Therapy is a deep conditioner that intensely hydrates and conditions hair, leaving it plump and frizz-free, with enhanced shine and manageability. Use it weekly for moisture and hydration.
Ultimate Bond Repair Therapy
Our Ultimate Bond Repair Therapy is a deep conditioner that comes packed with everything that your hair needs for complete health and nourishment. We recommended using it weekly, especially if you have damaged, coloured, or treated hair.
Always use a conditioner. Deep condition weekly.
Always use a conditioner. Deep condition weekly.
STEP 03
Style
Another crucial step in the CG routine, stylers are used post wash to help lock-in moisture and enhance curl formation and definition. Styling your hair correctly will go a long way in preventing frizz as well. Think of them as applying face creams, sunscreens, serums, and actives for your skin.
Curl Cream/Leave-in Conditioner
Leave-in conditioners and creams are great for adding extra moisture to your hair. These are super important for people with textured hair as they help keep the hair softer, shinier, and more vibrant.
Volume Gel/Hard Hold Gel
Gels are another important CG routine staple. They help in curl definition and hold and give you the freedom to go more days between washdays. They also help to lock-in moisture and prevent frizz.
Use leave-ins and creams for extra hydration. Use gels to define and lock-in moisture.
Use leave-ins and creams for extra hydration. Use gels to define and lock-in moisture.
STEP 04
Drying
Despite the best products and perfected styling techniques, using the wrong drying method can lead to frizz and dryness. If you’re following the CG routine, you’ll need to swap out regular cotton towels that strip your hair of moisture and lead to frizz and use microfibre and combed cotton accessories that dry your hair without stripping them of moisture.
Use only microfibre or combed cotton accessories to dry your hair.
Use only microfibre or combed cotton accessories to dry your hair.
STEP 05
Postwash
No CG routine is complete without satin/silk accessories and pillow-covers. For the same reasons you need to switch the cotton towel for microfibre, you need to switch out cotton hair accessories and pillowcases for those made of satin/silk. This helps not only extend your washday results but also keeps your hair hydrated and frizz/tangle free.
Use silk/satin accessories like bonnets and pillowcases at night.
Use silk/satin accessories like bonnets and pillowcases at night.
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