If you have curly hair, you know very well that it does not come with a manual and requires some control to look perfect. And so the wonderful curly-haired humans of the world came up with one, called the Curly Girl Method, or CGM for short and it can really transform your hair. Try it!
Surely you ask yourself, what is this? The Curly Girl method officially developed by hairstylist and curl expert Lorraine Massey who wrote Curly Girl: The Handbook which is a guide to getting really great hair using specific styling products and techniques. It is a multi-step method that provides and preserves maximum hydration in the hair, to achieve defined, natural curls without the frizz. With this method, you will be able to amplify your natural wave, curl, or coil pattern while reducing frizz, dryness, and breakage. Incredibly beautiful!
Does the Curly Girl method work for everyone?
Sadly not. Since the whole point of CGM is to get healthier, fuller, and more defined hair - basically to see the full potential of what your hair can actually do - you have to have quite a distinct wave pattern to start with, but that doesn't mean that I can't experiment with if you have straighter or more coiled hair.
You should take theses aspects during the Curly Girl Method:
- Massey states that the method must be followed consistently, for at least 3 weeks, to begin seeing results.
- Only products categorized as 'clean' can be applied to the hair, one product that does not contain alcohol, parabens, sulfates, or silicones, as well as some of their derivatives. Nor can you use any 'clean' product for your hair. You will choose this one based on its porosity: if it is low, you need a formula that provides more hydration. If it is medium, you should apply 50% moisturizing and 50% nutritious products. If it is high, you have to nourish it with protein-rich treatments.
- It is not possible to use brushes. To detangle you will use the fingers or combs with wide and spaced bristles, always with wet hair. And of course, heat tools are prohibited, period!
How to do the Curly Girl Method?
Before starting the method, Lorraine indicates that all hair residues should be cleaned with a clarifying shampoo. Afterward, it is necessary to cut the split ends so that they do not divide the strands to the root.
Once you decide to start, you will ditch the traditional shampoos and switch to sulfate-free cleansers. The rest of the time, the conditioner is applied to the ends and extends to the roots, then the hair is detangled and rinsed with cold water to seal the cuticle.
Afterward, the styling products, such as cream or gel, must be applied to each strand and it must be dried with gentle touches of the towel WITHOUT RUBBING. The rest is essential: let it dry in the open air, or for a long time, with a diffuser at low temperature.
Before finishing, the curls should be arranged so that they do not have a ‘stiff’ look and lastly, it is important to get into the habit of sleeping with silk hats or pillows to combat frizz and keep the Chinese for longer.
Ready to start?