Having curly hair is a blessing and a nightmare. The struggle of detangling the strands is real and can drive you into frustration. Whether you have coily or wavy hair, you need to be careful with the products you use and how you style your hair because both can change how you look.
Ask anyone, and they will tell you not to use shampoos that have alcohol and sulfate in them. These ingredients cause immense breakage by drying out your hair and creating frizz.
Introducing the Curly Girl (CG) Method.
What is the Curly Girl Method?
Created by Lorraine Massey, this method tells curly-haired girls how to cleanse and dry their hair by shampooing once or twice a week and avoiding heat styling. It guides you through using only conditioner and gel. You can modify this method according to your daily routine.
Things to Avoid in the Curly Girl Method
There are plenty of hair practices that we have been using for quite a while without knowing how damaging they are. When it comes to the CG Method, here’s what you shouldn’t do:
- Don’t use shampoo and heat styling tools
- Avoid using brushing and combs
- Ditch any hair care products that have sulfates and alcohol in them
- Don’t buy a hair product if it’s overly fragrant
What About Shampoo?
A question that curly-haired girls often ask is, “Do I need to give up shampoo?”
Not necessarily! However, we do recommend that you cut down its use. Sulfate-free shampoos, known as “low-poo,” help your scalp retain moisture, preventing dryness, frizz, and itching.
At first, not using shampoo will feel like your hair is a bit greasy. However, over time, your scalp and hair will balance out.
Now that you know what the CG Method is, let’s take a look at its steps:
How to Follow the Curly Girl Method
Step #1 Cleanse
Depending on your hair type (wavy, curly, or coily), cleanse your hair. Since we are all about the curls today, shampoo your hair once a week. In between the washes, cowash with water and conditioner.
Step #2 Condition
Coat your hair with conditioner and ensure it is distributed evenly. The strands should feel slimy. Wash your hair and leave a small amount of conditioner in for moisture.
Step #3 Dry
This is the most important step in the Curly Girl Method. Please do not flip your hair over your head and wrap it in a towel. That will destroy your curls.
Take a cotton T-shirt and blot dry your hair by cupping the curls. Then, let your hair air-dry.
Step #4 Style
You can use a gel or hair cream especially made for curly hair to set the curls in place. Use a small amount and gently massage it into the curls. When your hair has absorbed the cream, bend forward and create lift by fluffing from underneath.
And there you have it ― beautiful curls unlike you have ever seen before. Not many girls are familiar with the Curly Girl Method. So, if you are just discovering it, it’s time to say goodbye to your hair troubles.
Want to experience how the Curly Girl Method works? Visit Missouri College of Cosmetology’s Student Salon. Apart from offering hair coloring services, they also provide hair care and styling. To know how to apply for cosmetology school or information about the salon, dial (888) 887-1501.