All you need to know about the curly girl hair method (2024)

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What is the curly girl method?-

The curly girl method is a routine to create the best waves, curls, or coils while reducing breakage, dryness, and frizz.

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What is the curly girl method?-

Hairstylist Lorraine Massey published 'Curly Girl: The Handbook' in 2011 as a guide to getting the best out of curly hair using specific products and styling techniques.

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Who is the curly girl method for?-

The curly girl method works for all hair types, from wavy to coily. You may need to adapt the products and routine to suit your hair type.

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Who is the curly girl method for?-

Despite its name, the curly girl method is for anyone and everyone with curly, wavy, or coily hair.

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Understand your hair type and porosity-

Before you start, get an idea of your hair type and porosity (how well it absorbs and retains moisture,) as this will help when choosing products and techniques that work best for your hair type.

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Shampooing-

Shampooing is one of the first things to avoid when embarking on your curly girl method journey. Traditional shampoos strip the hair's natural oils and cause frizz.

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Hair tools-

You'll want to avoid putting as much heat as possible on your hair, which means no more flat irons or curling irons.

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Silicones-

Silicones or polymers are found in 90% of hair products to give a smooth and shiny finish. However, they often can cause buildup in your hair and leave curls lank, dry, and oily.

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Sulfates-

Avoid sulfates (often found in traditional shampoos) when practicing the curly girl method,
as they strip hair of moisture.

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Alcohols-

Alcohols found in aerosol sprays like hair spray and dry shampoo can cause your hair to become dry and damaged, so you'll need to ditch them while on your curly hair method journey.

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Towel-drying-

Avoid using regular towels to dry your hair, as they are too rough and can lead to damage and frizz.

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Brushes-

Avoid using brushes, particularly those with bristles, as they often disrupt curl patterns and cause frizz.

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How often should I wash my hair?-

The frequency of washing your hair will depend on your scalp and hair texture. If you have coilier hair, try co-washing (i.e. conditioner washing) once per week, and if you have fine, oil-prone hair, try every other day. Conditioner is gentler and helps retain moisture

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Sulfate-free shampoo-

Depending on the thickness of your hair, you may wish to cleanse your hair with conditioner (co-wash) or sulfate-free shampoo.

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Detangling-

Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to detangle hair while it's wet and covered in conditioner.

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Style-

After washing, style your hair with gel or mousse. Scrunch a palmful into dripping-wet hair from root to tip.

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Scrunching-

Cupping and scrunching your hair will encourage curl formation and volume, especially if you do it upside down (by bending at the waist and flipping your head over).

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Plopping-

Wrap your tresses in a t-shirt or microfiber towel to ensure curl patterns aren't disrupted while your hair air-dries.

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Diffusing-

While heat styling is generally avoided during the curly girl method, diffusing your hair on a low heat setting can enhance curls and create volume.

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Refresh-

Use a water-based spray or conditioner to refresh your curls between wash days.

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Sleeping-

Protect your curls or waves while sleeping by using a satin or silk pillowcase. You could also wrap your hair in a silk scarf or bonnet.

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Sun protection-

Protect your hair from sun damage by wearing a hat or using sprays or conditioners with UV protection.

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Experiment-

Be open to experimenting with different techniques and products to figure out what works best for your hair type.

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Regular trims-

Regularly trim split ends to maintain healthy hair and prevent breakage.

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Healthy lifestyle-

While products can help keep your hair in good condition, healthy hair starts from within. Balanced nutrition and regular exercise can have a positive impact on hair quality.

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Cost-

A downside to this method is that curly girl method-approved products are often more expensive than generic hair care products, making it difficult for those on a budget to follow.

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Research-

Join online communities and forums dedicated to curly hair care to swap reviews, advice, and tips on products, techniques, and styling methods that work best for your hair type.

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How long does it take the curly girl method to work?-

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