If your hair is wavy, curly, or kinky, then you know the struggles of maintaining that natural bounce and shine. This is where the Curly Girl Method comes in handy.
The Curly Girl Method is a hair care routine for naturally curly hair. It involves cutting out all products with sulphates and parabens, shampooing less often, and using gentle cleansers for your hair to help out your curls.
This blog post will go over what the curly girl method is, how it works, how you can use it in your own life as well as some highly recommended products to get you started!
The wealth of information out there may be overwhelming. Although there are tons of choices, caring for curly hair is quite simple. The steps below will help you start a successful curly hair routine.
How To Do The Curly Girl Method: A Step-By-Step Guide
Step 1: Detangle
To begin, it is helpful to remove any tangles from your hair before washing. This process is called “detangling” and should be done with a latch comb or your fingertips instead of your usual comb to avoid hair breakage.
The Curly Girl Method teaches that the best time to detangle is when your hair is loaded with a conditioning detangler.
You can also use a detangling hairbrush that's made to make the process easier.
No matter the technique, carefully detangle your hair. If you work too forcefully, your hair may be more likely to break and become frizzy.
Step 2: Shampoo or Co-wash
Get rid of your sulphate shampoos and replace them with one of these options:
1. Use a gentle sulphate-free shampoo.
2. Co-wash your hair. Co-washing is a method of washing your hair with conditioner only. It is a alternative way to wash your hair than regular shampoo. The conditioner can act as a lubricant, while you brush your hair in the shower.
Step 3: Condition
Following your shampooing or co-washing, gently rinse out the excess cleanser and follow with conditioner. The cleaning process may remove natural oils from your scalp unless you use a hair product that can maintain those essential oils. Apply your conditioner in the shower and comb thoroughly with a wide-toothed comb.
Step 4: Deep Condition
Deep conditioning may be a good thing to add to part of your hair care routine. This treatment, is like a mask for the hair.
You may be thinking, why do you require another treatment, and yet you've already co-washed your curls. Even after co-washing your hair, you may still want to use a deep conditioner.
When washing your hair, using a deep conditioner is a good practice. Typically, curls are drier and may need more moisture than straighter hair types.
Even though you may be in a rush, try to find time for a deep conditioning treatment. Fully saturate your hair from top to bottom and allow the treatment to settle for about twenty minutes before rinsing it out well.
Step 5: Styling
Styling starts as soon as your hair is thoroughly rinsed and clean. After all, you want your curls to last and maintain their shape.
Avoid combing or brushing curly hair in order to avoid breaking up the pattern and creating frizzy strands. To encourage your curl to form, switch from combing to scrunching. Scrunching is done by grabbing sections of your damp hair and gently scrunching up your curls with your hands. Additionally, you can apply a styling product such as hair gel to keep your curls in place.
Hair gels with a strong hold are great for defining and enhancing curls. Make sure to use a gel that does not have any silicone in it. Some people prefer to use gel only while others incorporate other hair products into their regimen. You can build your curly girl method routine over time to include other products like leave-in conditioners and curl enhancers.
Step 6: Drying
Since the Curly Girl Method aims to avoid heat, it’s best to either air dry or use the plopping technique. To start, tie your curls in a quick-dry hair towel and let it sit for about 15 minutes.
Choosing the Right Products for Curly Hair
Depending on your hair type, you should use lighter or heavier products. Products containing protein are best for hair with elasticity; non-protein products work best for brittle hair.
It's important to remember that your curl type does not always affect what curly girl method products are recommended for you. These recommendations depend on the elasticity, and thickness of your hair.
Final Thoughts
By following the Curly Girl Method, you will only need to wash and style your hair 1-2 times a week.
In between washes, you can refresh your hair with a little water and a leave-in conditioner. Simply apply to your curls, add some styling product such as gel or defining cream, scrunch it with your hands — your curls will be rejuvenated!
Check out our recommended Curly Girl Method products and start your curly hair routine today.
