If you haven’t heard of the Curly Girl Method, then this post might be confusing.
If you’re a devotee of the Curly Girl Method (known as CG) then you also might be confused about why I won’t follow it.
To say I was a little reticent to post this would be an understatement…
When we start talking about curly hair, it can become quite an emotional topic.
I’d love to hear your thoughts and I’m sure there’ll be some comments and conversation below. And I ask you to please be respectful. Everyone’s hair is individual and remember after all, it’s just hair.
What is the “Curly Girl” Method?
The “Curly Girl” method is based on the book “Curly Girl” by Lorraine Massey.
If you haven’t read it, I highly recommend it. You can find it here on Amazon.
To summarise the Curly Girl routine can be difficult. But in essence, Lorraine wants you to avoid:
- sulphates
- silicones and
- any drying alcohols in your hair.
She doesn’t advocate the use of any heat, though diffusing on low heat can sometimes be okay.
She also recommends using lots of deep conditioning treatments. On that point we definitely agree!
Why I don’t follow the Curly Girl routine?
Click here if you can’t see the video above
I ramble a bit, because I’m really trying to not offend anyone who is obsessed with this routine.
The Curly Girl Method is too restrictive
This method is not for me because I find it too restrictive.
I like to use what works for me and my hair loves silicones.
I’m all for reading the labels and understanding what you are putting on your hair, but I get really frustrated by the Curly Girl community. Many have never read the book but insist that they’re using “natural” products. Just because it doesn’t contain silicone, doesn’t make it natural.
The more you understand your own hair, the easier it is to find the products that are going to work for you.
And shampoo is not a dirty word.
My hair is anything but natural
I absolutely adore my curly hair but I think hair should be fun.
My hair is obviously not pink naturally, and neither is it blonde naturally anymore. I love to colour my hair and sticking to the Curly Girl routine isn’t going to work for me.
The Curly Girl routine is too complicated
You can have a simple curl routine but there’s but there’s still always going to be multiple steps.
I can’t see how it’s not easier just to blow dry my hair straight, especially when I’m travelling. Some days I need my hair to be predictable and heat styling come into that.
There’s not enough variety in the Curly Girl Method
The rules of the Curly Girl community are so strict! I’ve seen people kicked out for mentioning shampoo.
I’m not going to get mad if you want to use a serum or shampoo your hair.
You don’t need to suddenly throw all of your hair products away because they don’t fit with this Curly Girl Method. Instead, find a way to create your own version.
A final word
I think the Curly Girl book is fantastic and a must read for curlies like me. It really helps you understand your curls.
I choose not to follow the Curly Girl method because I love my hair and I like to do all sorts of different things with it. It’s okay to find your own way and to create your own routine.
Just have fun with your hair!
Do you follow the Curly Girl Method?
Tell me about your hair routine in the comments below, I really love to hear what works for your hair.
Hi Hair Romance, I have very thick blonde, foiled curly hair. As a teenager, my friends would often refer to my quality wool….ha ha!! 🙂 I have read the curly hair book and watched your videos and adapted some of the ideas. I swim 3 times a week, so I’m often needing to shampoo and style my hair. My routine involves a very quick shampoo, condition and comb through, quick rinse, then apply some treatment (which I don’t wash out), I squeeze out excess water, then apply some organ oil, then some form of curly creme/gel which has some holding property. This all takes about 10mins at the swimming pool, then on my way home I segment and twist whilst driving. After its dried naturally, I break up the curls a bit. I get loads of positive comments and people are always asking if its natural.
Over the years I’ve had some dreadful haircuts many involving tears…..the last one was only a couple of years ago by a deva trained stylist. It was a dry cut which left my hair very uneven and way shorter than I wanted 🙁
The stylist I have now, absolutely loves my curly hair and I always feel great after seeing her, rather than so many in the past that would suggest blow drys and permanent straightening etc. Sometimes I’ll straighten my hair, when its not too hot/humid and I can be bothered. My hair ends up so long, silky and smooth which is nice for a change. I rarely blow dry and don’t actually own a brush, just a wide tooth comb.
Its only taken me 40years to learn how to manage the curls but its easier to embrace them, then fight them…..and I’m also loving all the new products on the market, which I could have really used as a teenager.
thanks Simone, and I love hearing your routine – thank you for sharing! Dry cuts can be a real hit and miss for me too. I’m so glad you have a stylist you like now xx
Simone, I’d love to see a pic of your curls! I’m 39 and just found curly girl. I have wavy hair and I’m trying to find the best methods for my hair. I tried to air dry today, but I think the roots are too greasy looking even though I just washed it. I might have to stick to only diffusing. But it sounds like you’ve got a quick method that works well for your hair. I mean, 10 minutes?!?!? Thanks for sharing your method.
Try only adding conditioner from the middle down, brush your hair in the shower and use a little detangler when you get out. Then some spray or product to help define the curls, actually twisting some strands to help shape them. Good luck!
I have been struggling with curly hair and no hairdresser/stylist in South Africa is prepared to help. They can only think HEAT! Who would consider a national curly hair get together so we can share experiences and show the community how to wear and appreciate natural curls.
Same here. I really wish there were hairdressers in South Africa who were more interested or experienced with curly hair.
I have thick, naturally curly hair. I read the CG method book. While I’m cognizant of what I use for shampoo and conditioner, I can’t deal without my curl control mousse and also gel. I diffuse because my hair won’t underneath for hours, and it makes my scalp itchy. I shampoo /condition every day, deep condition 3x per week. I get highlights and lowlights. My hair is fine. People always want to know what I do. For the most part, it’s luck of the draw in the fact that my curls pretty much spiral nicely. The rest is products to control it so that I don’t look like A) I just rolled out of bed, or B) stuck my finger in a light socket. It’s taken me a lot of years to be at peace with my curly hair, and I don’t care to be told by folks how to deal with it. As the author here stated, her method works for her. I can only claim the same.
Great post. I have not read the book, but it is on my to read list 🙂
I don’t follow the method, but am planning on avoiding sulfates and silicone when I next need to buy shampoo and conditioner. I want to see if it makes a difference. But the community seemed very strict when I last looked into it. I so agree that everyone’s hair is different and might need to adapt the method.
Hi Katja, definitely read it and let me know how you go with the new products. I think there’s a lot to gain from caring for your curls, but don’t be pressured by the groups to buy everything xx
I much prefer the Curly Crew group on FB to the Curly Girl group. It includes men and you CAN discuss shampoo. I am looking for ways to help my stepdaughter find her path in the curly hair world. Mine is wavy and the CG method brings out ALL the waves. I had no idea how wavy my hair is naturally and I love it. But I do prefer the Curly Crew 😉
My hair loves silicone too – it bunches up like a spring without it and forms into soft, pretty waves with it.
As for variety, I’ve had comments deleted for mentioning sometimes straightening my hair.
I’m a pharmacist and I’ve studied formulation. I understand the ingredients, what they are, what they do, and how they wash out – and some CG products are no more “natural” than non CG.
It’s been interesting learning how to deep condition but that’s it for me. I’ve gone back to my old routine and much better hair.
It’s like a cult. So glad you posted this.
thank you Jezzy! Sometimes I thought it was just me, but I couldn’t get into the cult. I get that it works well for some, but it’s all about doing what works for you, no judgement xx
You have took the words right out of my mouth saying the word cult! I had been on a wavy curlygirl Facebook page for a while now. I religiously used none silicone and everything they recommended. My hair was ok but not a fantastic result. I then went back to my old favourite conditioner Pentene, smooth and sleek. With using the curly method washing mainly with conditioner I had great results
So I posted my findings in the group. Well one of the moderators came on, you would have thought I’d given a vegetarian meat the way she carried on.
I was only discussing my findings.
She was quite rude really saying we ask you not to advicate not using CG products, as it is confusing to those that are new to the method.
I bought the book, tried the Curly Girl method and products. I, like you, found it didn’t work for me. I like to straighten my hair sometimes and I always color my hair. I’ve had a few Deva cuts and found for me they didn’t give me the results I was looking for. I do continue to use a couple of the Deva products, especially the curl cream, but I’ve found other products I prefer. Honestly Christina I didn’t embrace my curly hair until I stumbled on your site. I have tweaked certain things to suit my hair but I think that’s how we make it easy for us. Thank you for helping me love my curls… after 50 years!!!
thank you so much, Laurie! It’s so lovely of you to comment. All I wanted to do when I started hair romance was to help one person, and I’m so happy to hear that I’ve done that xxx
I have read and used the curly girl method for about 7 years now and I’ve found that for my thin, loose curls, the strict method doesn’t work 100% for me. My skin and scalp are super sensitive and I get buildup really really easy, so when I don’t use shampoo it can get ugly fast! I used to straighten my hair more than I wore it curly until I moved to a humid climate, and I love how the CG method really gave me a handle on my curls and how to get the curls I want with less effort. My hair and scalp tend to dry out super fast so I use much more conditioner than I used to. I’ve found that because my hair is thin and fine and my curls are loose, I can get away with either dry or wet cuts. The biggest frustration is finding someone who cuts my hair the way I want it. I’ve gone to CG stylists and come back super unhappy and so sometimes just trim my own curls! I haven’t formally joined the CG groups because I agree that the method is pretty restrictive. That’s why I LOVE your website and emails!! I love all of your advise and tutorials on cute styles and recommendations for curly hair!
I have read the book and would have to say I kind of follow the CG method. I have found that by not shampooing (most of the time, let’s face it there are just times that you need the suds to get rid of all the build up) and not brushing my hair (just finger comb and sometimes a wide tooth comb in the shower) my hair has formed better curls, shines more, and is less frizzy. At this point I am using Diva hair products but always trying new products when I see or hear about them. I co-wash, condition in the shower, finger combing the conditioner through, then I apply my product to my wet,not just damp hair, while still in the shower.I use a Deva towel to dry my hair, and twist my hair to form more conformed curls, separate them when they are done air drying. I pineapple my hair before bed, usually leaving the ends tucked into the bottom of the scrunchy because I find otherwise the ends get flattened still while I sleep. Usually the next day I just take it of the scrunchy and am good to go but sometimes have to spray a little refresher on it.After the second or third day I use one of your fabulous up styles. I try to make it through my four day work week without having to rewet/wash it all over again.
Ha! Sometimes it does seem like a cult- and it I feel guilty when I blow dry my hair, even though that’s what works best for me. And yes, I froze my head off trying to plop my hair in the middle of winter! And yes, I had a greasy scalp for 10 months, waiting for my hair to “acclimate” to not using shampoo. Ugh! I am so glad you posted your opinion. I am sure there are as many of us who hated the cg method (or at least some of it) as those who love it. Rock on! I think I am going to go flat iron my hair (because now I know I won’t burn in hell if I do). LOL.
Thanks Joye! You are a trooper for trying the method for so long! I hope you’ve found a version of the routine that works for your hair now. And enjoy your smooth hair whenever you want! They can pry the heat styling tools out of our dead hands LOL xx
I would say that people must read books about hair. There is a good variety. If the person wants good hair ou has problems about it, the person must understand it. I read “The Curly Girl” and “Live Curly, Live Free”. I want to read another I don’t remember the name now.
A nother thing to pay attention on is to know what type/brand of products you have around you. I live in Brazil and in the last few years many brands whitout silicone, petrol, sulfates, paraffin etc. have come out, so, I really can banish them from my life because I have much better options, but it isn’t this way all over the world. It’s necessary to find a balance.
It’s not useful to have a good brand if you don’t know how to use it. Learn about it and start from what you have.
To be whithout some ingredients doesn’t mean it’s botanical. There are many classes, like vegan, fito, botanical etc.
And, last thing, hair must be funny, relaxing and, sometimes, give a message, not a thing to be stressed about.
thanks Juliana, and I really agree. It’s about balance and it shouldn’t be stressful x
I saw your Instagram post and was on holidays, so I haven’t watched the video until today. I have joined the Aussie CG group on Facebook but I am yet to read any of the information. Your video brought up a lot of valid points for me as I too dye my hair blonde and don’t intend on stopping, I also currently have a semi in Pink through parts of my hair, plus I have many white/silver hairs and I am going through the big M which is changing the way my hair behaves. I also like to blow dry and heat style my hair for specific looks. Thanks for the information and I look forward to the new videos where you will be talking about the most important points from the CG method.
Thanks Mish! The groups can be useful but they can also be overwhelming so don’t be afraid to mix and match to what suits your hair. Just don’t mention that you use shampoo 😉 x
I did the CG method for 3 years. Followed all the rules. Never straightened my hair. But after 3 years my hair was dull and I just wasn’t happy with it.
I went back to my current routine and fell in love with my curls again! I shower in the morning (shampoo & condition… but leave a little conditioner in), press out the excess water and put in my gel (Miss Jessie’s Jelly Soft Curls) or mousse (herbal essences totally twisted) and scrunch. I believe both products are CG approved but the shampoo and conditioner definitely are not. I then diffuse upside down with low air and medium heat.
I get compliments on my hair all the time! Strangers stop me almost every day.
thanks so much for sharing your routine, Monica! It sounds really simple too, does your hair take long to dry?
Great post, Christina! Understanding curly hair is a major struggle, specially when its sprung on you at puberty, I was lucky enough to be handed that lot in life too. I love talking with other curlies about what products and methods they use, it’s a great opportunity to learn something new.
I haven’t read the CG book, but have read some online posts based on it. I’ve tried all the combinations no-poo/co-wash, sulphate free, no silicones, and no alcohol but not at the same time, it felt like too much work and I’m ultimately very lazy. I’ll employ them as part of my routine every once in a while depending on what my hair needs, generally a good clean and loads of moisture. Curl creams don’t work for my hair since the amount of product I need to get the hold and reduce frizz turns my head into a grease bomb which results in skin breakouts. The routine I’ve settled on over time is low/no sulphate shampoo followed by tons of conditioner. Comb through my hair right out of the shower and put in Moroccan oil style cream and oil, followed by tresseme curly mousse. I’ll then plop it while I get ready and let it air dry when it’s warm and use a diffuser before stepping outside (I don’t want haircicles) in winter. I’ll refresh with water and Curl Keeper Tweek when needed throughout the week. I tend to wash and style my hair about once a week unless needed sooner. I’ll straighten during the winter when humidity isn’t a problem and love coloring my hair.
I’m not afraid to try something new and different but in the end I want a relatively simple process that gets the results I’m looking for and is repeatable. It’s sometimes hard enough learning to love our curls, there shouldn’t be judgement for doing what’s best for your hair and life. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and helping others embrace what makes them unique and beautiful.
Hi! I wanted to thank you for this post and it is just what i needed to hear!! I followed the CG method for almost two years. I was exclusively using the Deva Curl products and getting Deva cuts. I gave up real shampoo and was using Deva’s no poo and co-washing. My hair did look better and I got many compliments about my curls. However, at almost my two year mark of CG, I was starting to loose a lot of hair and my hair was very scraggly. The CG method was definitely not working any more. I don’t know if my hair lose it was the products or maybe from not using a real shampoo. I started using more conventional shampoo and conditioner and went back to using other non-cg hair products. I have to say, there was a BIG transition period for me going back to more conventional products. But now my hair is at a manageable point. I don’t feel like my curls are as curly as they were when I was CG but I am happy with them. However, there are always times, esp after looking at some of the Instagram CG pages, where I think that going back to CG would be helpful and improve my hair, so I will try the deva products for a few days and i end up just hating what they do to my hair. So I have a constant struggle of whether I should do the CG method because of all the “benefits” or stick with what is working . But your video has put it all in perspective. The CG method is one method and it might not work for everyone, including me and my hair type. I do use some of the CG tecnniques, like using gel, I now use Ouidad heat and humidity, I wash my hair every other day with a sulfate free shampoo, and on the non-shampoo days I co-wash with a conditioner. Thank you again!! You have provided me with clarity on whether I should be doing the CG method or not and my answer is NO!!
Hi! I know this is old, but I was wondering if you clarified once a week or twice a month even? If not I bet the reason why was because our hair absolutely does need a more clarifying cleanse once in a while, otherwise the buildup from all those butters/oil etc will suffocate our scalp and follicle and then we will actually lose hair, it will also look scragglier like you said. I really love the CG method, but I have to incorporate a really good clarifying shampoo at least twice a month (I straight up use SUAVE clarifying ? it’s the BEST) if you want to give CG a try again I suggest trying that, just make sure on your clarifying days to use a really good deep conditioner on your hair afterwards, the longer the better!! HOPE this helps!
i think it’s important to understand everyone’s hair responds differently to different products, and that the curly girl method is just one tool in the armament of all tools available. i like it because even though in the short term my hair looked great after silicones have been applied, it wouldn’t grow past a certain length, and with brushing, i had so much breakage and hair loss. if your hair reacts positively to silicones and laughs off sulfates, i envy you. but i certainly wouldn’t condemn you any more than i would if you had naturally blonde hair (sigh). the curly girl method just made me think before i brushed the knots out of my hair, or dried it with intense heat over and over. we all have our beauty strengths and achilies heels ( i can use any product on my face with no negative reaction: not so much my hair) and we should celebrate our differences, not shame each other. take what you will that works, and love your curly hair, whether its straightened, braided, colored , gray, or wild as dandilion fluff!
*thank you* so much for this, it makes me feel so much better to know it’s not just me! The CG forums and articles have definitely been the first step to me getting interested in experimenting with different techniques and hair products – and I’ve learnt a few good tips like scrunching or using an old t-shirt to squeeze water out of my hair. But the whole thing felt so stressful to me, just as you said! And you’re so right that there’s something weirdly stressful too about expecting my hair to come out exactly like a particular person’s if I follow their routine; it never works and it kills some of the fun of figuring out what works for mine.
My big thing though is that most CG people I’ve seen are all about having glossy curls and absolutely zero frizz. And while I want my hair to feel healthy, I love having a bit of frizz! And slightly messy curls to add life to my hair!
I say, to each his own!! I tried to follow the CG method for about 4-5 years. My main problems with it:
1) I have a lot of dead skin cell build up on my scalp. Combine with oils on your scalp, it forms a paste, and it absolutely cannot be removed with Conditoner alone. I tried every version, i added vinegar to the conditioner, I added lemon juice…i was just a nasty, flaky mess for years. Now I use a gentle shampoo bar for cleanser and my scalp is much happier.
2) The whole business about never combing through your hair and only finger combing it….ha. hahahaha. I tried this for months and months, and what would happen, is the day after washing my hair, my hair would “birth” these giant knotted hair balls. It was really tacky looking and embarrassing. I finally gave up and went back to my wide-toothed comb after the hair balls caught enough people’s attention.
3) i totally agree that the whole process in the shower, is extremely time consuming. I was also very conscious of how much water i was wasting, and too big of a woos to shut the shower off in our cold house. 3 months ago, I cut my hair into a pixie. Much of the curl has gone away, just enough wave is left to give it some interesting body and shape. I miss my ringlets, but i do not miss the long curly hair routine at all, but espcially not the CG routine!
I do follow CG partly….such as no sulfates, parabens, sulfates, phtalates because they are bad for skin/scalp. I have naturally frizzy i.e. wavy hair and I am still trying to work with it. My hair is fine, but I have a lot of it. My daughter is fine, lots of hair and curly and a swimmer.
A few years back she wanted it straight or to cut it all off and that is how I found the CG method. Since then she loves her hair but she does not put a lot of product on it. Shampoos and is done. The best thing I found for her hair is the Hask charcoal purifying shampoo and conditioner. We tried Paul Mitchell shampoo number three, Shea Moisture African wild mint, Fairy tales Lifeguard shampoo and they were ok, but my goodness the Hask was amazing. After one use her hair was soft and the flakes that she has had for years are now not as big and are going away.
For me I have recently discovered the curling wand and I really like what it does for my hair…more defined waves for days. I do not blow dry or straighten my hair first-let it air dry one day and then the next day curling wand and my hair has more control and less halo frizz. For deep conditioner I like Not Your Mother’s beach babe butter masque. Used it once and not only is my hair soft but after rinsing it out in the shower, I did not need to comb it out. I did because I could not believe I did not have those hurtful, small annoying knots, sometimes called fairy knots hiding in my hair but that masque got them all out. I got tired of only using my fingers to go through wet hair-got tired of all the hair tangled around my fingers that is a struggle to get off. My daughter found the same thing-she uses a wet brush, I use a wide tooth comb and we are less aggravated .
CG also seems to use a lot of products on the hair and I want to use less products and ones not so expensive, like I listed here. I listed them in case other people are having trouble and have not tried those yet. Hask charcoal is not just for swimmers…anyone can use it as a clarifier. So good to hear you give permission to not go all CG.
Wow, I loved this post – thank you so much for posting.
I am currently following the curly girl method, and have been on and off for years (off because I chemically straightened my hair for about 4 years). I have just got my hair back into great condition using the curly girl method, and my curls are pretty happy with life right now.
HOWEVER. I’m so bored with it! I LOVE my curls, don’t get me wrong.. but you know what I love more? Versatility! My hair is an extension of me, of my mood, of my style. Some days I want sleek, smooth, straight hair I can run my fingers through. Other days I want wild, high volume curls, and others, I want curling tong loose waves. I Love changing my hair up, and since I committed to CG I have lost that. To the point where I feel guilty if I ever consider straightening my hair (due to the pressure and guilt of these CG groups). I’ve wanted to post before in the group about how can I occasionally straighten and still look after my curls and no damage them too much… but I’m too nervous too because I’ll probably get kicked out.
Plus I’ve found using a sulfate free shampoo about once a week really cleanses my curls and makes them behave much better.
I would love to hear your alternate CG method! especially the why’s behind the products and techniques you use.
My current routine:
Marc Jacobs sulphate free shampoo approx once a week or as needed,
Treseme Undone conditioner for co-washing and leave in.
syling products – I Loooove Jessie curl styling potion and rocking ringlets which I apply in the shower when my hair is soaking wet.
Jessie curl is pretty expensive though when you use the amount of product i need. So my cheap, easily sourced alternatives are taft gel, and a CG friendly mousse from chemist warehouse
I then plop for about 10 mins (any more and my curls start getting squished)
then I diffuse (on high because I’m time poor) upside down using my orchid diffuser (best diffuser for curls)
I’ve been having trouble with volume and my curls looking flat… so to cheat I’ve been spraying hairspray at my roots and diffusing a bit more, and I get all day volume thats amazing! My hair spray isn’t CG though, which is a no no… or is it?!? haha. After your post.. maybe I should just relax on it a bit.
Hi, I’m from the Netherlands and I have fine, porous, colour treated hair, type 2c-3a. It’s very much like your hair in the video ‘why I don’t follow the cg method’ 🙂 I did follow the CG-method for a little less than 2 years and I learned a lot of good things, especially about the routines (what worked for me) and to be aware of the ingrediënt-lists of products. But ‘be aware of’ isn’t the same as ‘just skip all the ‘wrong’ ingrediënts .
Example: it’s not ‘wrong’ to use silicones, it might even be better in some cases (esp,fine, damaged hair): used after a good hairwash , followed by a treatment/masque or fine leave-in, it can give the hair just the protection that’s needed…and it keeps the good ingrediënts from the earlier used products in the hair. This could be better for the hair than overly wet- and conditioning the hair…day after day; in that case the hair doesn’t get it’s rest because half of the time it’s wet.
For me, I discovered that my fine poreus hair doesn’t like deep treatments…if I do, my hair becomes too soft and limp. That’s also the case with conditioners of a heavier type. And did I mention ‘oils’ ? I know they could be great…but not on my hair. However I have shampoo’s with and without sulfates: every other week I wash my hair with a sulfate shampoo… and always followd by a hydrating masque or leave-in. (I wash my hair twice a week, so after 3 or 4 times using nó sulfates, I use a sulfate the next wash) In that way my curl pattern stays the way I like it….without the sulfates now and then my curls become more heavy and also the clumps don’t stay togehter nicely because of the build-up in combination with my fine poreus hair.
At this moment my hair LOVES two (caring) products of the brand “Kis Kappers’ : the ‘Kerashield leave-in’ and the ‘Keramoist treatment’ I don’t think it’s available in the States, but I recommand you to look after it and it’s ingrediënts on the internet. This is really doing something good to the hair: even in the humid and cold climate in northern Europe I did NOT have any frizz during the wintertime. The nicest part is that’s affordable and a little goes a very long way.
For a styler my hair at this moment loves the J Beverly Hills Gel me Maximum. It gives bouncy curls, with clumps that lasts. Just a wet hand on a not-washing day will put fly away hair in the morning in place again…it’s so easy… that’s why this gel is my nr.1.
Earlier I used the Spiralicous gel, which is also nice, however it’s not a ‘typical gel we all know’ and that’s why we have to get used to it…it’s so slippery and quiet thin. (don’t overdose!)
In contrast to may others, my hair doesn’t like the Devacurl gels.
At last… to return to the CG method: I think the tips given by CG are good but not necesseraly all good for all of us, but it certainly makes people become more aware of what they (‘we’) are using. I also think that the more thick, course, kinky or coily the hair is, the more the CG method is suitable in it’s entirety.
We have to discover ourselves what is working good on our hair, and when we know ( in a certain way) the ingrediënts and how they react/work, we just can in a simple way take the best of all ‘best advices’ just by knowing when and how to use products.
(I dye my hair and I use a diffuser, which are no-go’s for real cg’s…but on the other hand I use for 90% products which are cg-proof and I take care of my hair. No irritations, no confusions..)
I can relate to this – after 2 1/2 years of CG (both lo-poo and co-wash only variations) I am done.
It is in better condition, but it is an embarrassing stringy frizzball. 2 1/2 years of bu after all that work! LOL
I believe there are some hair types that don’t suit CG. I’m happy to go back to silicon leave ins, and if that doesn’t work, admit defeat and get a keratin. Better straight than looking homeless!!
I have 2c hair and tried the curly girl method using deva products. I went to get a deva cut and the stylist said you have too much build up from deva and consitioning products. She gave me other products to try that actually caused a scalp reaction. So I gave it all up for awhile and went back to straightening my hair. I just missed my curls too much. I ended up back at your site. Of which I was a fan like 6 years. Thank you. My hair is gorgeously curly and the curls last days on end doing it the way you suggest.
The Curl Girl method did not work for my fine, 2C curls. It left my hair greasy and undefined. I gave it my best shot, but I hated my hair for the weeks I tried it. My hair needs a good cleanse with shampoo.
I just recently heard about the CG method, joined a group on FB, and honestly I was not impressed. I’m a hair stylist, and am pretty knowledgeable on products, especially curly hair products because of my own curls.
I just don’t seem to understand the concept. I’ve used strictly non silicone products before, and still had product build up. The thought of not being able to shampoo properly kind of made me cringe, and on top of that, the group was recommending some of the worst products you could ever use on your hair (dish soap, is an example). I’m not judging people who choose this method, it may work for some. However, as a stylist, I wish people would at least research products, and use ones that aren’t going to be even more damaging to your hair. Personally, I think I’m gonna continue to pamper my curls with the non CG approved products that make my hair and curls feel and look amazing.
Oh goodness dish soap is not recommended as a daily cleanser! It is suggested as a final wash to remove all non water soluble ingredients from your hair! This whole’natural’ ingredients is annoying me too. I don’t follow the CG method but it isn’t about ‘natural’ ingredients at all. It’s actually very simple, just made complex by overly complicated ingredients in hair products. Basically, CG is simply water soluble ingredients so you don’t need to use harsh detergents on your hair in order to avoid build up. Really not that complicated
I’m glad I came across your YouTube video. I’ve been following the CG method on and off for 3 years. Yes, at times I noticed a huge difference in my curls but I think that’s because it encouraged me to learn about my curls type and accepts my curls. So obviously my curls were going to look better.
I do believe that it can get a bit cultish. I say that as someone who’s spend hundreds of pounds on products that promised to improve my curls and now have a sore, itchy and scabby scalp.
As an individual I think you should use what you feel works on your hair but always be mindful of anything that could damage it.
I would also say be wary of curly deva cuts. They’re expensive and inconsistent. My hair hairdresser is amazing at cutting curly hair and she’s not a deva certified stylist. She’s just a talented hairdresser who does an amazing job for £35.
Life is too short. Just be you.
I was introduced to Curly Girl by a stylist back in 2009. I thought it was ridiculous. I’ve lived with my hair for decades and have my own ways of working with it and the way I like it. The style of cutting my hair was just downright silly – a snip here and a snip there “that’ll be fifty bucks.” Good grief, on any given day, my curly hair – and it’s in the corkscrew curly category – any particular set of strands is going to stick out beyond another. There’s no way a haircut like that would be even or organized. So, just snipping a strand that is sticking out on that given day at the stylist makes no sense. A good regular haircut makes sense because then you know the lengths of the strands have an order and shape about them. The curls will take it from there. As for curly haired girls in general, they know how they like their hair…what they feel comfortable with and the look they are going for. As for products, I think that, by a certain age and certainly in this day and age, most curlies know that sulphates are damaging. That’s not big news. Heck, sulphates aren’t good for most hair anyway. But going a week to ten days without washing my hair is unhygienic and does not result in better hair. Every day isn’t necessary but some kind of styling is. That means water and some kind of GOOD moisturizing product. What annoyed me the most about the pushy attitude of Curly Girl was the disregard for the individual whose hair they are directing. “Don’t touch your hair” – guess what? Ima touch my hair! I’ll deal with it. If Curly Girl could take an approach of: “Here’s a variety of ideas for a variety of curly girl personalities” – that would be a better approach. As for how I like to wear my hair or any curly likes to wear her hair, that may vary from day to day or from circumstance to circumstance or mood to mood. I am not going to wear my curly hair as a helmet of curls tight against my head and how I determine how I want to style it is my prerogative and I don’t care what someone else’s opinion is about it as long as I feel good about the health of my hair. It’s an ever-changing sculpture, never know what I’m gonna get from day to day and I love it.
Well said! I totally agree. I understand the main goal of the curly girl method, but I think some of the demands from stylists that specialize in this method is just super unrealistic. I think people should do research on their own, and ultimately decide which methods/products work best for them.
I’m 35 and a new curly. Had significant hair loss due to undiagnosed anemia, started back on birth control to keep it from happening again, and all the new hair is curly. My dream come true! I’ve wanted it all my life. I’m exploring all the methods and recommendations I can find so I can build the routine that works for me. I’ve had the same stylist for 20 years and I won’t be looking for anyone else. I trust her completely.
The emphasis on natural stuff in the CG method actually gives me pause. I have scent sensitivities that are heading into the extreme and allergic category, and essential oils are the worst offenders. I love my Garnier Fructis shampoo and products partly because they don’t set off those reactions. All the natural stuff I’ve sniffed is instant headache. I’m not going to live with a massive headache and itchy throat in order to follow a method. Coconut, rosemary, and tea tree oil are also on my NO WAY list. And I have sensitive skin that doesn’t like natural products.
I’m also trying out the using a t-shirt or microfiber towel to wring water out and scrunch. Scrunching is a must for me, or nothing happens.
I will try out the conditioning recommendation next wash, though. I live in a year round humid climate and frizz is becoming a problem.
Hi, thank you for your video. This is exactly what I needed to hear. I’ve been doing the CG method for around 6mths and loving my curls and the results I am getting BUT I am very much missing mixing up my style and wearing my hair differently. Thanks for giving me the confidence to do what’s best for me. Just one question, would you recommend a Brisbane based hairdresser for a great cut? Thanks again.
Val at Vogue Nationale salon in Brisbane is fantastic – she totally gets curls xx
I’m so glad to read this. I feel vindicated! I tried the curly girl method, and I stuck it out for three months, but my hair looked like a frizzy, stringy mop the entire time. It never felt clean or got soft. It just got more and more rough and dry. It was also way more work to maintain! I was amazed at how much time and how many products it took to make my “natural”, air-dried hair look decent. Travel was a nightmare. When I went on some of the CG blogs to ask for advice, it was all the same things I was already doing. I could not figure out what was “wrong” with my hair because it didn’t seem to like any of these “natural” silicone-free products. But I also didn’t want to go back to silicones, so I started checking ingredients in more depth, trying all sorts of products, and keeping a hair diary that included methods, and weather conditions. After much trial and error, I started figuring out what works for ME, and three of those things are shampoo, a blow dryer, and a curling iron! Thank you for your blog, Christina, and for setting me on the right path! One tip for all the wavy/curly girls out there like me who live in a DRY climate” if you’ve tried the CG method and you can’t get soft silky hair but you don’t want to go back to silicones, try giving up products with glycerin or propylene glycop and see if that helps you. Those ingredients are in almost all the CG-friendly products for dry hair, and they spell disaster for those of us who live in dry climates. Avoiding those has been a game-changer for me. For the first time since I was a little girl, my hair is soft and shiny.
Plz would you recommend some glycerin and propylene glycop free products?
I believe you are right for several reasons first it is just hair and supposed to be fun not strict , second the belief of using natural ingredients is a little bit funny , natural ingredients means it is not factory processed! simple as that , so all shampoos conditioner creams are not natural may be it just have less harmful ingredients not natural ! Third my mom told me to use what is good for your , if my hair doesn’t look good what is the point of following any method
I started the CG method 4 months ago and it looks like s***e I used to love my serum I’m seriously thinking about going back as I’m fed up with not having good hair days at all and always putting it up in a frizzy up do:( x
Oh my god, i’m so happy to hear that your hair loves silicones too! I did the GC method religiously for 18 months and although my hair was super healthy, it looked awful…super frizzy. No amount of CG friendly gel, creams or oils diminished the frizz. I have spent a small fortune on hair products over the last 18 months. (My curl pattern is almost identical to yours Christina, except I have some tighter curls around my hairline). I recently went to see Shaun at Stevie English (he gave me a kick ass 20’s inspired curly bob) and he used products with silicone in my hair. The frizz was gone immediately.
I mean that literally.
Just wow.
I went back 4 weeks later after suffering with that frizz and bought those products. My hair has never looked better. I’ll still do a deep conditioning treatment once a week after using a sulfate shampoo to get that moisture into my hair, but i’ll also keep using silicone products.
So thank you for doing this post! I almost feel there’s a need for someone to create a ‘Post CG Method Support Group’? I.e. How to best apply silicone products to your hair and not feel guilty!
I’d join!
I’ve fought my curls most of my life. I’m 51 now. I started wearing my hair curly about 3 months ago. 3 weeks ago, I decided to do the CG method. My curls have never looked worse. I’m super discouraged and came across your site. I used to use biolage shampoo and conditioner and Ouidad curl shaping mousse. They are not CG approved so I stopped using them and now, using CG approved products, my hair is dry, dull and my curls are losing their shape. I just want to grab my flat iron but don’t want to feel like a quiter. I can’t get use to HOW MUCH PRODUCT the CG method uses.
I use the curly girl method. I haven’t used shampoo at home in about 5 years, but more for my SKIN than my HAIR. I have super sensitive skin, and it is difficult to find products that I don’t react to. When I find something that works, I don’t change. If the company changes the formula to something that I am sensitive to, the process of finding something new is expensive and time consuming.
I had a routine that worked for my hair (fine, spiral curls), and the brand I had been using since high school changed fragrance. I couldn’t use it anymore. So I took the plunge. I use lemon juice to cleanse after hiking and working out, I use a brown sugar scrub to exfoliate when I need to, and there is a sea salt spray that works well for me.
I have had good and bad hair cuts from both dry and wet techniques, mostly because stylists almost always underestimate how much my hair shrinks once cut.
Your point is a good one. I found what works for me. Hair care should not be a point of judgement or division. You do you, and embrace the variety.
I really dislike the “cultish” feel of the CG Group. Although I have found my curls are starting to be more springy, the roots look super greasy sometimes. Why kick someone out? Why care so much that this one thing doesn’t work for me or whatnot? Weird. I used to hate my curls, I just recently kind of started embracing them, and loving them.
I dislike sulfates, and alcohols. My hair gets really frizzed up when I use them. I realllllyyy like the Redken Curvaceous line. The no foam shampoo, and conditioner create a dance with my curls that I love. I do use deva curl cream, I haven’t found one I like more.
But, If, I want to straighten, or clarify, or curl so it’s more structured, I do… It’s my hair… I do what I want =)
I really enjoy blogs and articles like this. I hated my curls for so long because my mom used to brush them… then I was left with a half cotton ball, have weird kinked straight frizz of a mess. I love them now, and want to take care of them,… but need help knowing how!
Hahahaha!!!! My mom brushed mine TOO!!! I always had “witch hair”!! I hated it, and always braided it or put it up.
Thank you very much for writing this Christina.
I’ve been reading about this method for several days and was about to go all in. I’m all for natural/cruelty-free products and aside from coloring, I don’t do much with my hair. That includes styling. Aside from the occasional diffusing, I “wash-and-go”. Yet I’m apprehensive about the fact that none of the “types” seem to fit my hair. That may be on me since I don’t use fb and can’t really see the community in full?
I’ve looked and looked where I can, but I can’t find examples of what to use as a basic white woman with very short (think pixie cut) hair that’s grown enough so my curls can be shaped. I have curls and waves, but my hair is also very fine. The products listed all seem too…heavy. When I use too much product and or over-condition, my hair looks/feels greasy and flat. yet not enough product and it’s thin and limp.
If any of my fellow curly/wavy-haired, pixie-cut women out there, who have thin/fine hair, have found products that work, I’d love to hear about them!
Again, many thanks.
Bree, I don’t know if you will see this, but I have found mousse to be my best friend. My hair is super fine and most products are too heavy. I tried the CG method for over a year and while the curl was incredible, it hung down from my scalp like a wet dog. My Deva stylist (I went one time) recommended using the Deva Mousse. I had tried it but with lots of other products and cowashing, never on its own. I began using that as my only styling product and it made a world of difference. Then I started using Ouidad Vitalcurl shampoo and conditioner and my limp hair became bouncy and a little wild, which is what I had been seeking all along. After applying the mousse to dripping wet hair, I gently pat with a t-shirt or microfiber towel. Then I situate the stray curls and let it air dry for 30 min to an hr. Then, diffuse with the orchid diffuser on med heat for a bit. I will sometimes spritz wayward curls or limp bits with a mix of water, conditioner, and the mousse. Then, when it is dry, I may gently scrunch the curls for a little more volume. I try to not dry it all the way with the diffuser. This is working for me now I the humid summer. I may have to add more conditioner in the winter.
I don’t follow the curly girl method. I love dying my hair . It’s currently metallic blue mercury, which I know is a cardinal sin to CG devotees. I use Cantu products and honestly my curls love it! Hair is suppose to be fun and you’re suppose to enjoy it. It’s suppose to be a part of your person and personality.
Hi! I’m 21 and have had wavy hair since it got too heavy for the ringlets I had as a young girl. I just tried as much of your method as I could since finding the video yesterday and it’s crazy! Suddenly I have curly hair again! I have no idea how to style it or anything but I’m so glad for your website here and for all the advice and comments from the community, I feel as though I’m in the best hands. I’m just starting to discover what works for my hair and get it to a good condition that I love. Super excited to begin my curly journey!
thanks Sarah! So happy to help you on your curly journey 🙂 xx
This is a great blog – thank you for writing it, and the video. I’ve had curly hair all my life, and have had issues finding a good hair dresser I can trust. When I find one, I stick with them for years, dreading their loss. Dry haircuts? LOL not going to work for this CG.
I’m going to take your recommendation and buy the online CG method book, but I already know from what I’m seeing online that it’s a rigid cult and I’ll be quickly ostracized for breaking many rules.
I’d like to see shampoo/conditioner recommendations. I’ve been using Kevin Murphy Luxury Wash and Luxury Rinse for over 10 year, and Easy Rider for styling – no hair dryer, don’t own one. This has been my go to, and all other shampoo/conditioner and leave-in styling products wasted $$. I’m completely devastated that Kevin Murphy has once again discontinued this line, and have not offered a suitable replacement. I wrote them several emails trying to get an explanation and hopefully new product recommendation but they didn’t care enough to answer.
For the last 6 months I’ve been scouring blogs and trying recommendations but my hair just looks like crap and I’m looking for answers.
I wash my hair every second day, and I want a shampoo that lathers and cleans my scalp/hair, but doesn’t strip everything, including colour. I’m a long-term light auburn colour offender and have no interest in discontinuing! I comb my hair out in the shower (with a real wide-tooth comb – the horror!) and never brush or comb any other time. I have sensitive skin/scalp so any kind of pungent odor, heavy oil or thick, leave-in formula isn’t going to work.
I have low patience for products and styling – I wash, condition, comb, rinse, towel dry (yes, the horror again – I’m trying to learn to scrunch, and not wrap the heavy towel around my head… sitting here feeling the water running down my back is upsetting though… lol. Can’t stand microfiber so that option isn’t going to work for me either). I then scrunch a nice-sized gob of Kevin Murphy’s Easy Rider in my hair, and that’s it – I’m done.
Did I mention I expect perfection? I like my curls slightly wild, out of my face, and not too much, but some frizzy. I don’t want perfect curls or spirals – just long, naturally spiral curls with some wild thrown in.
If you have any reviews and/or recommendations for shampoo and conditioner combos that might work for someone like me, I’d love to hear it. I’d also like to hear from other long-term Kevin Murphy customers that are equally devastated by them discontinuing the Luxury Wash/Rinse line. I’d love to hear what options they’ve gone with, and if they’ve managed to find something better. So far, I haven’t.
Hey Kirsten, I hate when they discontinue your favourite range. It happened to me with Redken too. Have you tried Kevin Murphy’s Angel Wash? It’s a lovely light formula x
I have used Calia shampoo and conditioner it does not lather but works very well for my curly hair, it is all organic, you should give it a try.
I’ve tried the curly girl method, but my hair does not like it ?
i watched your video last night on youtube, i am a men and i started curly girl few days ago and i have wavy hair i do find it to be really restricted i cant say yet if its working or not since its too early to tell but i rarely get frizz and these past few days since i started cg i been getting lots of frizz. Since you are getting such nice comments and support here can we get hair romance method?
To give you an idea how restrictive the cg method is… I have about 40 bottles of shampoo and conditioner, out of all of those only 3 conditioners and 1 shampoo is cg approved. Personally my hair loves coconut milk. Even if its not cg approved my hair curls. I think it is way too restrictive and when you have no money like me, it is basically finding things you already have. The cg community threw a fit when I said that non cg conditioners containing coconut milk made my hair curly.
This is the oy part I want to comment on. You ask why would you not just blow dry your hair straight? Especially when traveling. It only works for you because yours is very short and not as thick as some of ours. My hair takes 2-3 hours to straighten. Because the curls don’t want to straighten. I can’t imagine being able to do it in less time. X_x To note, i dont fully follow the method. I never washed my hair more than once or twice a week in the first place. I just focus more on keeping mine moisturized since it’s dry.
good point, and I like to vary how I wear my hair. It used to take me a long time to style my hair but I have a quick version now that works for me xx
I never knew about the curly girl method and for years I only washed my hair once or twice a week with any halfway decent shampoo but, I wet it everyday and use Tresemme conditioner and comb out all the tangles while it was loaded with conditioner in the shower. I also only use mousse since my hair is fine and a 2c/3a combo. My favorite mousse is Big Sexy Hair Root Pump Plus. It gives me great volume and I love my hair to be big and poufy. I sometimes stray from that because I’m crazy and I think another product will work better but I always go right back. Lo and behold both the Tresemme Conditioner and the Big Sexy Hair are curly girl approved but I still use hairspray which contains alcohol and I dye my hair on a regular basis.
I have now added Batiste dry shampoo (thank you Christina) and love it! I’ve tried gels and lo-poos and such and I just get better results with my routine. I also use a diffuser daily, if I let my hair air dry it is a flat lifeless mess. Feels really soft but looks not so hot.
Plus, I can’t be bothered looking for ingredients while in the store I’m far too lazy for that.
I’m a bit late to the party but a friend on Facebook recently pointed me in the direction of a local Curly Girl site.
Like you I dye my hair – although people have asked me if my hair is naturally bright red 😛
I already only shampoo once a week max, and use leave-in hair conditioner to style my hair.
From reading all the info, I realised that I was breaking several rules. Some of which I am going to change and some I might not… I always think that you make a method fit you, not the other way around!
I did realise that brushing the crap out of my hair so I can put it in a bun and not tickle my husband’s nose when he is curled up behind me probably needs to stop… I know myself that I’m damaging my hair (that awful tearing noise…). But then I’m not going to give up my Paul Mitchell The Conditioner leave-in because it doesn’t meet the criteria.
More power too people who are able to so drastically change their methods but I can promise I’m going to stop using a brush lol!
Told by my stylist this isn’t possible and yet clearly it is:
Had hair dyed as always, used Kevin Murphy smoothing lotion on wet hair.
Hair dried straight ever since (it has been over two months). Miss my very curly
hair. Suggestions?
I don’t follow the cgm. My hair likes certain products, and sometimes they contain silicones or sulphates. I tell people in the fb group I’m in (when they ask because they love my hair) that I don’t flow cgm strictly, and tell them the products I use (I am partial to all things AG brand) and always, one person has to hop in and say “that’s not cg approved, it has x”. Or someone will ask for product advice because they live what they’re using but it’s not cg approved, and I get a lot of flack for saying “if it’s working for you and your hair, why change it? Its not like you HAVE to use only cg products just because you have curls”…..
It can be frustrating, but I just do my thing. The people in the group are mostly supportive at least lol.
thanks Christina, I completely agree with you xx
Hello Christine,
I just wanted to say that all you said was polite and true. I’ve used the Deva products since they came out,but after 2012 I could tell they had changed. I search and have tried many other products, but none do my hair very well. Of course I have written to Deva so many times complaining about the change of the product. I don’t change my hair at all, because I’m not as pretty as you, but I love my curls and let them do their own thing. In fact, I shower shampoo/ condition the heck out of my hair, gel, and go to sleep. When I wake up, that’s it. People comment all the time on my curls. I have to say it’s the Deva products.
Thank you for your honesty and a place for people to comment.
Blessings from Austin,TX,
Mary Sue Bourland
The point of CGM is not to be ‘easier’ or simple. It is to take care of your hair and achieve the same effect the silicones have on your hair but without silicone. Of course it is restrictive; that’s kind of the point! 🙂 It isn’t for everyone, that I can agree with, but the tips and techniques are actually just genuinely beneficial for everyone regardless of hair texture. Healthy hair is healthy hair is healthy hair – once it is at that point, it will be predictable. It is the dry, silicone-laden frazzled ends hair that’s been bleached, dyed back, then bleached again that is unpredictable – and I’m sorry to say, but it doesn’t look great either in my opinion. Beautiful hair is healthy hair – not just ‘healthy looking’ hair.
Different strokes.
I have two main issues with CG method, which I tried for a couple of months with disastrous results (i.e. greasy, smelly scalp and MAJOR amount of hair loss):
1. CG method does not address scalp issues. The focus is on the hair, and yes they suggest certain methods for cleaning the scalp with sugar scrubs, etc, but they never touch on what to do for your curls if you have chronic scalp issues such as dermatitis. I have to use a medicated shampoo with sulfates at least once a week to keep my dermatitis under control. That automatically breaks the rules, so would I be kicked out of the community because of that??
2. I don’t believe CG properly addresses the MAJOR differences between thick, coarse curly hair and fine, thin curly hair. Pretty much every piece of advice in the method that works for thick hair DOES NOT work for my fine, thinner hair: don’t wash every day, don’t blow dry, don’t touch your curls once they are dry. Now after a lifetime of working with my hair and getting to a place where I loved it I’m not sure why I even tried CG, but then just recently I read an article on this topic and how with fine curls they need more washing, less conditioning, diffusing maybe even upside down for body and once dry the more you touch them and tousle them the better they look.
So my big takeaway from trying the method was to realize that I already instinctively knew what was best for my own hair and scalp because I have worked with them my whole life. Sometimes you should just trust yourself more than the “experts”. That said, some people haven’t been able to figure out their curls or their scalp issues and in that case trying something like CG might be very helpful.
Oh, and every time I see my stylist I have her blow out my hair. I don’t know if it’s just me but I just never like the way someone else styles my curls…?
I know this post is old but I just wanted to point out that curly girl isn’t really designed for non black hair? Thinner wavy hair (1 and most 2 patterns) isn’t going to take well to loads of conditioner, since it doesnt have the same structure as thicker hair. My hair is 3b/c and for me, curly girl was a lifesaver. I never have issues with buildup, or balls of hair falling out, or feeling unsanitary in any way. My hair was less greasy at the roots because I wasn’t over producing oils, and I stopping having so much product build up.
And in regards to the emphasis on ‘natural’ hair, it’s because after decades and decades of being sold ways to fix our curly hair, and years of relaxers and weaves and hot irons, and traditionally black hairstyles (afros, dreads, braids, etc.) Being seen as unprofessional and inappropriate for school or the workplace, the idea that your hair as it grows isn’t something that needs to be fixed is freeing, and something to be proud of, imo.
Granted, I dont know much about the community itself, but i can understand being protective and defensive of what for many is the only method that takes what they have and improves it, rather then hides it.
Your hair is beautiful, and I’m glad you found something that works for you, but curly girl wasn’t designed for you. It’s the hair equivalent or someone buying foundation three shades off and then telling everyone how the brand just didnt work for you.
Hi Amber, thanks so much for your comment and I really appreciate your kind tone as well. I agree with you that the method is best suited to a different hair type to mine. The reason I still created this post is because the “Curly Girl” Method is based on a book by a white British author. She has a tighter curl pattern, though many women with wavy hair still try and follow it. The online communities can seem intimidating so I wanted to add another voice to the conversation.
On the topic of ‘natural’ hair – I am so with you and I really encourage hair positivity and hair diversity. It frustrates me to see curly hair discriminated against and that many people see straight hair as “professional”. I hope to encourage people to find out what their hair type is and not to conform to any particular trend or view on hair.
I hope I haven’t come across as defensive, because I’m not trying to be. I’m thankful that you commented and I really appreciate your view. Christina x
I don’t follow the CG method & I haven’t read the book. I can’t imagine not washing my hair. I work out 3 days a week early in the morning, so I need to wash my hair! I use MONAT products & have used them for 4 years now. I know there had been so much negative about it, but I know so many of that negative was from haters & they have been discredited.
As for my hair routine, I wash twice & condition, I DO NOT wrap a towel in my hair, I add leave in conditioner with some rejuveniqu oil mixed in, scrunch that in. I then wrap or plop my hair in a t-shirt & leave that for about 10-15 min. I put my styling products in like taffy, mousse or curl cream. My hair is usually still plenty wet when doing this, so I scrunch some of the excess water out with paper towel or a micro fiber towel. I blow it dry on a low setting & medium heat. Since I’ve been following this method, I’ve noticed a huge difference in my curls. They’re not always great, but I think the CG method takes way too long & I don’t have time for that. Maybe on a weekend. I just do what works for me.
Hi. I just found this post and you. I will begin searching your site! I’m not a curly girl, but my daughter has looong (waist length) curly/wavy hair. It was really curly when she was little. But as she’s gotten older and it is longer and thicker it is less curly and more wavy. I’m NOT a hair girl. I really just wash, condition, comb the bangs down while wet then maybe remember to brush my hair when it’s dry. I rarely do anything more. So knowing how to help my daughter is tricky. She is 12. She only washes her hair 2x a week and it gets greasy and smelly in between so when I was reading “don’t wash” I wash getting concerned. I’m all up for any suggestions. She is super tender headed and doesn’t really care about her hair just that it is long. I’m going to try the wide tooth comb idea again. I’ve been considering the Apple cider vinegar wash as well. Thanks for the information and I’ll be looking around your site for more! (I’ve also appreciated the comments from your readers!h
I’m 47 and I have 2c-3a hair. I’m white and I’ve been chastised for appropriating ethnic hair product in my quest for caring for my curls. I will say this, getting a dry curl cut and not using products without silicone and parabins has been very helpful. I have to wash my hair every 2-3 days or i am a frizzy, dry and flat mess. The CGM is very restrictive and time consuming for me. I just do what I think works for me. I honestly don’t have time for the haters or shamers. And, I love PRELL! There, I said it and it feels good! Sometimes I just need a good clarifying shampoo to make me feel fresh and clean. Deep conditioners make my hair very oily and I don’t have time for oily hair. Also, I can’t figure out the LOC or LOCG or when to use it based on the seasons. I thrive on simplicity.
I’m grateful that I have many choices when it comes to product sampling and that I do not have to ascribe to one product or price point, because let’s be honest, hair products are a small fortune. However, I would like to deep condition once a month and would be open to any and all suggestions of quality product and procedure. So, any help would be greatly appreciated.
I don’t really folly the curly girl method either, as my hair likes to be brushed.
I use a wet/dry brush to get all the hair that has fallen out during the course of the week, and my brush has boar bristles so it smooths out my hair and forms my curls beautifully.
I also don’t rake the gel I use (I don’t use deva products as I find them very drying) into my hair, I scrunch it in.
I fund that the curly girl method has good foundation, but everyone should do what suits their hair best!!
I was doing the CGM for months. I thought everything was going well. People said it looked great. I realized how many people in my life lied to me when I saw my pictures from a cruise on formal night. OMG my hair looked awful. I looked like a wet dog. Now, when I left the room what I saw in the mirror was nice, but what I saw in the pictures was just bad. Our 1st cruise, my 1st time dressed up nice in years, and my parents 40th anniversary and I looked like a wet dog. I cried after seeing them. I almost immediately went back to straightening my hair. I regretted not straightening my hair that day, but it was “forbidden” and I was feeling like a failure to even think it. When I mentioned it in a CG group to do just for that day, oh the claws came out. I really wish I had listened to my gut and not the group. Now, I swap between curly and straight. When I do straighten I use SILICONE shampoo and conditioner. I use the heat to straighten it on day 1, and then just brush it the other 2 days (or pull it up).
I grew up with long curly hair, but having cut it as an adult to shoulder length or shorter I am finding I’m not loving my curls the way I used to. I did learn through the experience of that 6 months that I need to stop binding myself in and do what I want to do for my hair. I do use some of the products introduced to me (like the Cantu Curl Cream which my hair loves), but I also use silicone shampoos and conditioner because it smells amazing and when I straighten it reduces the damage. I just need to get back to loving me.
I was on your side until you basically said that your hair needs to be straightened to look “nice”. Fine if you want to straighten it but the idea that hair can only look nice enough for a special occasion if it is straight really really bothers me. It’s things like this that make girls who don’t WANT to straighten do it.
I don’t follow curly girl either and yes, it also made me look like a wet dog. But I DON’T want to straighten my hair Ever. Period. It’s just something I DON’T WANT. It honestly feels like you get fanatic people on the curly girl side and curly haired people who encourage straightening. Granted my hair is more curly/wavy so I can do cute vintage styles without heat (though I’m sure curly girl wouldn’t allow most of it either). That’s not true for everyone but there are ways to arrange even the most kinky curls beautifully without a blow dryer or flat iron. If your hair only looks good straight, you just don’t know how and/or your hair is too heat damaged to look good. Fine if you want it straight sometimes (not every day) but what bugs me is when it sounds like that’s the only thing beautiful enough for certain occasions.
Oh I’m glad to read this post! I have wavy hair and want to be kinder to my hair and be able to wear it wavy sometimes, but I don’t want to never straighten it again! I have not finished The Curly Girl Method, but from what I’ve read it does feel really restrictive and I don’t know if I want to take that plunge. I found a great co wash I love and have ordered a diffuser but it’s just nice to hear that heat isn’t the worst thing in the world! I am loving your site and tutorials!
Cheers! ?
I have followed the CG method since august. Now I’m done. My hair is more frizzy than ever and feels like hay. So I’m going back to my old routines. My curls were more defined and bouncy before I started to follow the method, when I used productscontaining silicones.
So I do a modified CG method. I get better results when I diffuse than when I air dry (although I’m heading into the no blow dry season of my volunteer job so I’m experimenting with other methods.) My hair has done amazing things when I’ve added cowashing, protien rich deep conditioners, gels, and other things I had not been doing before. About every 14-18 days I use a less friendly CG shampoo (no sulfate, parabens but has silicones) as part of my routine and honestly those are my best hair days.
Also I straighten (gasp) my hair every 6-10 weeks when I get my hair cut. Because my hair dresser 1.) has the patience of Job. 2.) does a phenomenal job at it 3.) my curls bounce back so much better right after a cut when they’ve been straightened for 3-4 days.
All in all I get the basic concepts of the CG method but I also get that my hair is my hair and I’m always going to do what works for me. Because if I love how my hair looks I’m more confident and happier…I don’t care how I got there.
I have curly hair but heat styling and children has taken much of my curl out but the frizz has remained. Even when I straighten my hair, the frizz is there. I was looking into CG because I want to restore the curl and it seems this has worked for many. I’m open to ANY other method. I just want my pretty curls back!
Jessica, I understand totally! As a mom of three myself, I resorted to daily harmful straightening in order to feel “pretty”. I think that the best thing to do is find a shampoo or cowash and a conditioner that works for you, i.e., that you like the fragrance of, the price point is right for you, sulphate-free to start replenishing lost moisture, etc., and very gently comb and towel-dry (I use an old polyester shirt to dry my hair; it works wonders!) then apply a mousse or gel you like. Air dry and voila. Your hair will most likely look differnet and better than it has in a long time.
Just dont’ drive yourself insane, like I did, with over-researching products and spending more than you have to. Have fun!
Truthfully I’m not doing everything neither.
I try as much as possible to no use any products with sulphates
silicones and any drying alcohols in my hair.
I haven’t used heat in a year but that’s entirely because I don’t like to flat iron my hair. I have never diffused it either before a year ago I never even flat ironed it. After that experience I don’t think I ever will since I saw some heat damage ( not a lot , just on the ends ) which I cut off immediately anyway.
I shampoo my hair just normally. Sometimes I use a cowash since the one I use I love a lot and has a lot of “slip”
I don’t do all the scrunching and upside down things. I personally hate that a lot. I have 3C/3B/4A hair a mixture of all three ( weird I know_ I got more 3C and 4A and in the name some 3B. I use a deep conditioning every week. And my products. I don’t use any oil or hair serums since I love in The Caribbean and feel it just cooks my scalp and hair. I detangle with a tangle teezer wet brush instead of using my hands/fingers, this I hate too. Since it’s not helping me at all with the knots abyway.
So there that’s my story :DD
I am 39 years old, caucasian with curl patterns ranging from 2B-3A. I have a LOT of fine curly hair. For years, I blow dried and flat ironed, on top of frequent blonde highlights on my dark brown hair, trying to attaint this societal ideal of hair beauty (sigh). Needless to say, I was damaged beyond belief at this time last year, with dermatitis on my scalp as a result of using very harsh shampoos and major hair breakage from daily straightening. I looked horrible in pictures with my flat hair, as it just isn’t how I was “meant” to look.
I now use a modifeid CG routine; I got carried away after reading Lorriane Massey’s book, which is really a fun read, but I went overboard buying natural products that are just overall, way too heavy my fine curls. I do like “As I Am” cowash, but not for daily or weekly use, as it’s very heavy and builds up quickly.
As someone who needs to wash daily, if not every other day, my curls really take to the Garnier Curl Nourish line of products (gentle and do not build up!) as well as OGX’s Quenching Coconut Curls line, which smells amazing and has this Curling Milk that is light and defines finer curls while boosting their volume.
As long as you don’t brush hard, never brush dry, towel dry gently and find products that work for YOU, you will rock any curly style, and rock it well.
I’m from the Philippines and lots of curlies here, too!
Totally relate! I love coloring my hair and use heat stylers once in a while! But I appreciate the learnings on which products to avoid to achieve a healthier hair!
I’m just starting out with CG, but I hate the strict words to!
I do use shampoo (CG friendly ofc) and I would not give that up anytime soon. I just don’t know why I should.
Plus I totaly agree, everyone has there own type of hair, so just use what you like.
I am starting strict > no sulfates and stuff, but hey.
let people be people…
{Warning: Long, Rambly Comment}
I am a newly-epiphanied curly, who had spent my whole life thinking my hair was just a very chaotic, messy wave that was too big, too fluffy^, too everything, and that had to be struggled against daily (with paddle-brushes when I was younger, and then straightening irons when I was older; I know they’re awful, but I never did master the whole blowout thing) – largely due to being informed so by my family, and from the age my Mum was brushing for me. I never knew that those stubborn, close but flat sort of corrugations actually wanted to be ringlets until a few months ago, when a girlfriend recently dropped by unannounced on a washday whereupon I wasn’t expecting anyone and was letting it dry, picked up a skein from off my shoulder, peered at it, and then bemusedly informed me as much and asked why I always had them brushed out.
Obviously, the CG Method was the first thing my tentative Googlings for hair-care and styling tips brought me upon, because it’s so well publicised at this point. I got the book, read it, said to the part about no-‘poo, “Well, obviously I’m not going to do that, then; what else have you got?”
I feel pretty secure in dying on this hill, seeing as how science has proven that the scalp, like every other area of skin on our bodies, has pores – or in that specific case, hair follicles – which (while the stats say that the average US woman [no idea about us Aussies] does wash her hair way too often, being every 1 to 2 days (who has the energy? who has the *time*? how early do these women wake up, each morning before work?), do still need to be cleansed with some sort of Ph-balanced but distinctly soapy cleanser. And this because – especially when you factor in styling product buildup (and dear *Lord*, most of the CG community uses *so, many. products*), but not only limited to that element – no emollient alone, no matter how vigorously rubbed around, can remove all the gunk that otherwise starts to back up the holes, ultimately leading to chronic blockage causing the follicles to begin to die off, and thus resulting in *thinning* (what a nightmare).
Also, apple cider vinegar and baking soda may be safe for the scalp (as long as you have a healthy acid mantle already in place, which is iffy if you’ve – as statistically likely – previously been over-shampooing), but clinical testing indicates that they ultimately do strip the *hair* something awful. Sure, it makes it shiny – *lots* of things make your hair look better in the short term that aren’t actually good for in the long – lemon juice is another example in the acidic column, and over here in the alkaline corner, we have this contender; *my* hair always feels softer immediately after bleaching, doesn’t mean that’s good for it. A lot of this wasn’t known in the ’90s, though, and your average shampoo was quite a lot harsher then as well, so fair enough to the author…
But since I’m not in the habit of joining an evangelical fringe group at the cost of firm science, but am not a “baby out with the bathwater” sort of person, either, and I *did* note that the point about parabens, sulfates, drying alcohols and sealing silicones (for some people) was a good one, I just searched around until I could find a shampoo/conditioner set I liked the look of and that was well reviewed across multiple platforms, that *didn’t* cost the Earth. Then I went out to my local Chemist Warehouse and just picked them up, along with a new deep conditioner, which also fit the bill. I was so sad about my old one; Schwartzkopf Extra Care Hair Repair Ultimate Repair Anti-Damage Mask, which has served me faithfully for years, was extremely effective and cost under $8 for a big tub that, for a lady who only washed her very-and-ongoingly-bleached hair once every 10 days, lasted a really long time…but I balked at stopping using my Cureplex system – of course it’s not going to be CG approved, it’s some very complicated chemistry but it takes admirable care of me and *I need it* (worth noting that even Naturally Curly, a site that is easily one of the hubs of CG activity online, recommends Olaplex, which is in no way CG Approved[tm]).
The ‘poo and ‘dish were those cute, squat little blue bottles of OGX original recipe, you know the ones, which made up for the lack of silicones involved by a significant proportion of haircare’s sweetheart, Argan oil; and the deep ‘dish (…henh) was Garnier Fructis Hair Food in the Repairing: Papaya variety, which not only had none of the aforementioned naughties, but also was so intelligently designed that not only could it be used as a deep conditioner but apparently also a leave-in, in a reduced dosage . It was similarly good value to my former love, and smelt deceptively like something I should be eating, which the label prudently warns explicitly against doing (because sure, we may tell ourselves we’re adults, but we’re all still just smooth-skinned apes deep down, and when something inedible triggers all of our “edible” sensors, it’s anyone’s game).
…I was later to discover that neither of these new products are Curly Girl Approved[tm], though given that they hit all of those base requirements, precisely *why* was a mystery to me, and I decided that it wasn’t my problem.
So then I decided to tentatively poke my head into the massive online fandom that has grown up around the CG Method – or rather, as it quickly became clear, the distortion of it that takes the book’s instruction to “Keep it simple,” and basically that says all you need is a good gel, deep conditioner, and everyday-type conditioner for co-washing, to everyone having to try every possible cocktail of every possible, mostly expensive, *styling* product that fits the no ‘fates, ‘no ‘bens, no ‘cones, no drying ‘hols bill, otherwise how will you know your curls are truly the best they can be?
This seemed pretty extreme to me, and most of the recommended products care products, as well as those styling ones, were pretty damn dear (when I later discovered that the ones I had chosen, based on the elementary rules, were not approved, and after a bit of scrutiny I couldn’t discern why, I cynically just quipped to myself that it was most likely because they were affordable). Plenty of the Youtube videos from CG gurus shilled for a product regime that it seemed like probably even they couldn’t even afford *all* of, if they weren’t being sponsored by the companies in question.
And I laughed outright when I came across “plopping”; not because the name is hilariously scatological (it is), and not because it looks hilarious (it does), but because as a technique, it is held in such reverence by that specific community and spoken of as though it is such a revolutionary concept into the mysteries of which any newcomer must be formally initiated…when all it is is good ol’ towel-turbaning from a slightly sharper angle, and with a bit more poking of the wet hair with the hands to try to manipulate the soggy pile of skin-noodles a little closer to the top of the head before the towel being tied, perhaps a little tighter than normal to support that packing-in. Switching to a tee-shirt was heavily encouraged, but all of mine were too small, so I just continued to use my existing turban-type hair-wrap that’s made out of chamois. And I have to admit, I don’t really see what’d be so wrong with using an already-owned microfibre toweling one, as long as you didn’t rub it around.
And so much of the culture was so into nurturing their hair’s evolution ever onward towards its ultimate zenith –
(Nobody:
No-one:
Absolutely no-one at all:
Your hair: “You fool, this isn’t even my final form!”)
– that it borders on religious; especially in the Youtube tutorials, one frequently sees claims like, “My washday routine; only two hours every three days!”
No longer did wash and go mean, literally wash and go, but rather I was to discover that here (where G_d does not pay attention) it stood for, “wash and then spend an indefinite period of time applying six or seven-” (for some reason, your average CGer doesn’t count their LOC as steps in their post-rinse styling regime, but I do) “-layers of products to the hair, which must be smoothed in but without disrupting the wave/curl clumps that are forming, thoroughly scrunched so that the pattern is encouraged but never overly-manipulated so that it causes frizz to occur, and conditioned and sealed to support the pattern as it dries…but never overloaded so that it’s weighed down”.
Combined with the necessity of refreshing the pattern each day, because only the washday-tight look is acceptable and curls naturally loosening and evolving over the time between washes is to be defied at all costs, and throughout the day whenever needed – but not touching the hair too much or too often for fear of incurring the dreaded frizz – the time and effort consumption seemed incredible. And always, one must be chasing that *perfect* curl – look at these photos of these women’s curl evolution over the years, and imagine how much better yours can become!
Meanwhile, Youtubers posted videos of themselves plopping at an angle so deep that it looked like I was watching WWE, and chatted cheerily about hair maintenance that seemed to have taken over their lives to the point of literally consuming roughly the amount of time one might devote to one’s absolute passion-hobby, or a second, part-time job.
It was all so aspirational and escalatory and demanding, that I was briefly overwhelmed. I had come looking for new knowledge and suggestions to experiment with on a journey to make peace with my natural hair texture, to spend *less* time and energy fiddling and fighting with it, and if anything the Curly Girl method as the subCULT…ure had taken and expanded it was the exact opposite of that; it was a sh!t-tonne *more* work than I was currently doing.
I couldn’t be having with it.
Of course, once I got my level of intimidation under control, I was able to glean some useful tips from all the noise; scrunching with my plopping (-immature giggle-) towel, rather than my bare hands, *did* make a difference both to how quickly it dried and to how much I was able to play with and encourage the curl without causing it to separate and frizz.
Liquid -> Oil -> Cream did have more immediately quantifiable effect on the softness and shine of my dried hair than using those products in any other order.
Using a thermal cap *did* make my mask treatments more effective.
A quick spritz or sprinkle of water (or as I have found I like, distilled water with solubulised lavender and rosemary essential oils, and just a drop of glycerine for volume) the next day *did* reactivate my products, and allow me to quickly poke my hair back into better definition – though always, the spectre of frizz loomed large.
And rubbing product between my hands first to really mix it into itself (despite the CG-sphere’s love of the word, most products are *already* emulsified, in the container; if they weren’t, then they’d separate into layers, and you’d have to shake the container before every use) before application really *does* help it coat and/or penetrate my hair more effectively.
But any gel that was hard enough to lock the 2C ringlets on my fine, high density, high porosity, long-arsed hair was inevitably too heavy to *support* it unless I then pulled the clump up into a pincurl while it dried, and no matter which way I mixed it, anything lighter than gel simply didn’t give me the hold I need. The weight of custards and creams left me with beautifully defined waves, but at the expense of the ringlets that they had wanted to be, and the lack of guts inherent in mousses all but leave it straight.
And as much as my damaged hair cried out for moisture, feeding its high porosity thirst as recommended left it also weighed down. I’m still working out what the best products and techniques are for me, there – I’ve a sneaking suspicion that the answer may ultimately prove to be “use LOC to seal it against frizz, and then just let it dry naturally, without interference from hairbrushes or tension”. If that’s the case, I’m going to be so mad; I’ve bought so many products.
I decided to keep one foot in the Curly Girl community, but also to carry Lot’s wife around on my shoulder so I wouldn’t have to keep going back for refills, and as I started at the beginning – with going my own way over the cleansing and conditioning system – so I have continued. It’s how I generally approach any new fad that looks to have become a hotbed for tribalism and gatekeeping; I’ve never been much of a joiner, so I go in with my eyes wide open, one foot outside, and I sift the wheat from the chaff of information I’m presented with.
Very few systems are suitable for everyone, when followed religiously. A buffet approach is generally the only one that serves the individual best.
So, I’m not personally Curly Girl conforming. I keep up with the community, on certain sites and certain boards, and stay abreast of any new info that sounds to me like it might legitimately be worth an experiment, but I still bleach my signature colour, I still use Cureplex to maintain my hair’s health in spite of those effects, and I still use shampoo – and more than low ‘poo’s “apply small, massage big” rules recommend, since it’s also a fact that a little more product is actually a lot better for your wet, vulnerable hair than vigorous friction is.
It’s like anything else, really; you just have to use discernment and common sense. My advice to any other newly-minted curly about to take the plunge would be this; don’t get caught up in the hegemonic worship of obsessive perfectionism at the cost of life-balance, but look around for if there’s any valuables worth taking – just don’t *tell* the faithful you’re there to raid the temple, and you won’t have to deal with being called a heretic. 🙂
I really enjoyed this article and video. Thanks for creating them, it’s very cool to see how many non-CG-approved people are feeling emboldened to come out of the woodwork and admit their transgressions against the “rules” of having curly hair.
You have tremendous power, because of your reach, to validate people with whom you share this little resistance, to the massive presence of the trend, in common.
Thanks for using your influence for good works. <3 <3 <3
Apologies for any typos, I am very tired and this got so long that now attempting to proofread it has sent me literally cross-eyed (in fact, if anyone's read this whole thing, wow, congrats for your patience), so I think it's time for bed. -lol-
^I've often been heard to joke that after my hair first dries, for the first day or so I look like a Chinchilla Persian that licked a light socket.
I enjoyed reading this comment – you’re very witty and insightful! I wholeheartedly agree, especially with your conclusion: “look around for if there’s any valuables worth taking.”
Recently I’ve been researching the curly girl method and gotten some ideas. For example I’m applying any styling products while my hair is still soaking wet, and I’m finally giving up my stubborn (and awful) habit of rubbing it with a towel. I’ve also eliminated silicones and sulfates, but I’m not happy with the results so far and I need to find a lightweight styling product that works for me without making it stringy. I’m willing to experiment a little but I’m not going to break the bank, so if I can’t seen to find a good solution then it’s back to silicones, no hard feelings. Shhh!
My hair has medium volume, but each strand is very fine. When I use gel, it makes my hair look very stringy and when I break the cast by scrunching, it doesn’t work. It still looks stringy, so I gave up using gel. The only hair product that works for me is hairspray. When I use hairspray, it looks good for the first dsy and ok for the 2nd, but then I have 2 wash the hairspray out. So because I do this, I am not able to follow the curly girl method. I do use sulfate and silicone free products that are cruely-free. I think the curly girl method works best for women who have alot of volume and thicker strands of hair because they can put products in their hair without it looking so tiny + stringy.
I hadn’t considered just using hairspray, but I’m going to try that. Gels and other products often make my hair stringy as well, so I need something lightweight. Thanks for sharing the idea!
I have wavy, curly hair. It’s thick and course. I shampoo it (Reputed shampoo because all the expensive salon type brands are way too perfumey and cause me to have an allergic reaction), no conditioner in the summertime, towel dry just to squeeze the water out, I use a Jojoba Oils and Hemp seed oil to silken my hair (its a light product in texture, not a cream), and then use the diffuser very briefly. Let air dry the rest of the way.
We here the people, has great trust towards ORS, (www.orshaircare.com) The renowned Haircare brand as all thier products are paraben free, Sulphate free and high reviews .
What are some of your favorite products that include silicone?
ooh good question! Mostly heat protectants, serums and some texture products too. I need to do a post on this! x