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
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
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
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!!
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!