The Curly Girl (or Guy!) Method is a hair care routine developed by Lorraine Massey, and is a uniquely tailored method focused specifically on caring for curly hair. It’s so named because it’s geared toward people with naturally curly, wavy, coily, or kinky hair. The Curly Girl Method is a bit different from other hair care routines because it’s focused on caring for your curly hair, embracing and enhancing its naturally curly nature, rather than fighting against it. It’s based on the belief that curly hair has different needs and requires different care when compared to straight hair, and that through a curly-focused hair care routine curly hair can be both healthy and beautiful.
What exactly is the Curly Girl Method?
The Curly Girl Method is a set of guidelines and a general approach to caring for curly hair that was created by Lorraine Massey. The method is based on the idea that curly hair is naturally more prone to dryness and is therefore more delicate and fragile than straight hair. Therefore, the best way to care for it is to work with the curl rather than against it.
To follow the CG Method, begin by avoiding shampooing your hair on a daily basis and use products that are sulfate-free. Sulfates are ingredients that are found in most shampoos and can be very drying to curly hair.
The Curly Girl Method also advocates using a wide-tooth comb (or your fingers) instead of a brush to comb out tangles and that you should air dry your hair whenever possible.
One of the most important parts of the Curly Girl method is the “plopping” technique, in which hair is folded into a microfiber towel or t-shirt and to begin the process of drying after styling or washing.
Styling products shy away from silicones, which make your hair look shiny but add no real nourishment or hydration. Instead, CG styiling products include hydrating leave-in conditioners, natural hair gels (such as aloe vera or flaxseed gel), and specially formulated CG-friendly (read: water soluble products only!) styling mousses and serums.
How long does it take for curly girl method to work?
The curly girl method is a great way to keep your hair healthy and beautiful. It helps prevent damage by eliminating the use of shampoo, which can strip your hair of its natural oils. The method is easy to follow and works well for most hair types. Most people begin see results in about a month, but you may notice the effects even sooner than that. The longer you stick with the method, the healthier your curls will be and the better they will look!
Can anyone do the Curly Girl Method?
Yes, anyone can do the Curly Girl Method, but the most striking and immediate results will be for those with naturally curly hair. It's not a hairstyle or a specific set of products, it is simply a way to keep your hair healthy, frizz-free, and looking the way it’s naturally supposed to look. If you have naturally curly hair, give the Curly Girl Method a try for a month or two and see how your hair transforms into beautiful, lustrous, radiant curls!