The Curly Girl Method (CGM) has simplified the hair care regimen for curly girls everywhere. And with so many people trying the method, there are now lists of products that can be used, depending on the texture of the curls. There are no hot tools needed, unless you’re short on time and need the assistance of a hand dryer. Air drying will suffice in locking in your curls. And without the styling, you can be done with your hair care process in less time! Now that we have your attention, here are the steps and best products used for the curly girl method.

Curly Girl Method: Step By Step

Hair stylists have confirmed that the curly girl method can range from four to six steps, depending on your preferences around washing, conditioning, styling and drying. It’s recommended that you start by washing the scalp and hair. The six-step CGM recommends using a clarifying shampoo first before shampooing a second time with a regular, sulfate-free shampoo. Second, you’ll need to condition the hair, leaving a bit of it on once you’re finished. This adds moisture and smooths the cuticle significantly. Next, you can style the curl by adding a moisturizing, flake-free gel to the hair and working it through. This defines the ringlets or coils, in addition to the finger motions of forming the curl and/or crunching it.

The drying step, as previously mentioned, can be achieved via air dry or a hand dryer, using a cotton T-shirt or microfiber towel to carefully remove excess water and products. The less heat, the better for the hair and more natural the curls.

Best Products For Your Version of the CGM

Said to be from Lorraine Massey’s book Curly Girl: The Handbook, the Curly Girl method removes the more damaging steps of traditional hair care regimens and replaces them with moisturizing conditioners, gels and a natural, air dry process. The product use can vary, but here are some recommendations according to stylists’ favorites and what’s popular among curly girls.

Cantu has an apple cider vinegar and tea tree soothing shampoo for curlies dealing with hard water or a dry and itchy scalp. Kinky-Curly has a product called Knot Today that can be used as a rinse-out conditioner or leave-in conditioner. Lastly, Camille Rose has a natural aloe-whipped butter gel that’s highly regarded for a light-but-strong finish.

Embracing Your Curls

Stylists say that it takes around six to eight weeks before the natural curl pattern will start coming through via your custom curly girl method. Some who have tried the method say that they could see the change in their hair texture sooner than the six-to-eight week prediction. The CGM will only help enhance your natural curl or wave pattern. It cannot form curls in naturally straight hair. Along the same lines, waiting for your curls may test your patience but proves to be worth it. Enjoy the wait. Embrace your curls because they’re a part of who you are!

curly girl method

Get relevant content delivered to you once a week