The curly Hair Method (CGM) has been an incredible asset to many curlies. It has revived tired locks while turning the heads of people who didn’t realize they had curly locks before starting CGM. However, CGM can be intimidating for new curlies or those transitioning from flat ironing – it takes patience and experimentation to find what works for you!
Washing
Curly hair can become dry quickly, so frequent washings with warm or room-temperature water are essential to keeping it feeling soft and manageable. Hot water strips the natural oils out of its cuticle layer and will damage its protective barrier; using it instead would strip its natural oils off too soon, damaging its condition.
Curly hair needs special care after shampooing to maintain its shape. It includes adding leave-in conditioner or curl cream and using a microfiber towel to absorb excess moisture before being left to air dry naturally. Curl-specific shampoo should contain no sulfates, silicones, parabens, or dyes, as these ingredients can clog your scalp pores, leading to itching, flaking, and possibly follicle damage and hair loss. Furthermore, it should be washed every three days to let natural oils of your scalp travel along your hair strands and moisturize them – this helps avoid overwashing, which could make curls frizzy and unruly.
Conditioning
Curly hair tends to be drier than other forms, so regular conditioning treatments must be applied to preserve moisture levels and keep your curls healthy and happy.
Make time each week for a clarifying conditioner (not part of the curly girl method) to ensure your locks have a fresh start and clear away build-up that may contribute to dryness. Ensure your chosen product is free from silicones, drying alcohols, waxes, and parabens for best results.
“Squish to Condish” (also known as Squish to Condish or ‘squish to Condish) is one of the most popular techniques used for conditioning curls, and it works! Place your dampened hair into a cotton T-shirt and allow it to air-dry for stunning coil definition. Plopping also increases hydration by allowing post-shower products like oils and leave-in conditioners to absorb your locks instead of being soaked through towels.
Styling
Curly hair can be challenging to manage, particularly if you want it to appear more full. But there are steps you can take to create the style you’re after without needing an arsenal of tools.
Start by applying styling products to damp hair while it is still wet; this allows it to set into your curls without frizzing up as it dries. For added definition of crown curls, try “plopping” it over a cotton t-shirt or shower cap before letting it dry – either method should produce great results!
Based on your curl type, a messy bun may effectively control curls (just be sure to detangle before bed). Braiding, pin curls, or Bantu knots are other great styles for creating relaxed styles that stay put all day long. Finally, deep conditioning treatments tailored for curly hair should be performed once every week to restore moisture balance and replenish hydration levels in your locks.
Drying
Curly hair tends to be naturally drier than other varieties, making it more prone to frizz. Furthermore, curly tresses have difficulty with natural oil-producing glands distributing evenly along all their strands; thus, it may become easier for greasiness once using the Curly Girl Method instead of shampoo.
CGM involves selecting products without silicone, drying alcohols, and waxes that could dry and stiffen your curls. Instead, look for conditioners formulated for your hair type that contains shea butter, jojoba oil, panthenol, and vegetable glycerin to nourish and hydrate them – keeping your coils soft and manageable!
Once the conditioner has been applied, curly hair must be dried gently by either air drying or using a diffuser set on low heat. Touching your wet locks until after it has completely dried can disrupt their curl pattern and cause frizz – the feeling can disturb this cycle and result in frizzy locks!
