The Curly Girl Method is a recently popularized method of hair care that focuses on natural, healthy, and effective curling. While this method is titled “curly girl,” it is a method people of all genders with diverse hair types can use.
The method has grown and expanded, as all trends do, with a plethora of different techniques, products and hair types being thrown into the mix. This is a beginner’s guide, which includes some common notes about the method as well as some widely accepted things to avoid. These techniques are perfect for beginners looking to change their curling methods, or, like me, looking to get some natural curl from your already wavy hair. The journey begins on your hair-wash day!
1. USE Sulfate-free shampoo
Sulfates strip your hair, which, while good for dirt and other stuck oils, strips the natural oils and moisture. Try a curl-specific shampoo, a volume shampoo or one formulated for hydration and rejuvenation. Or the same sulfate-free shampoo you’ve always used! Any scent will do.
2. Conditioner
Coat your hair, don’t be afraid to use a lot and avoid the roots! I personally like to glob the conditioner on and run it through my hair, then clip it up while I shower the rest of my body. This gives the conditioner some time to deepen and process your hair. To each their own!
3. Comb it through and rinse
Using a wide-toothed comb, or your fingers, detangle your hair while rinsing out the conditioner. Some chose to leave a bit of conditioner in their hair for extra product support and moisture, though my particular hair gets oily fast if there is too much product.
4. Scrunch to dry
While your hair is still sopping wet, begin scrunching your hair from ends to roots. This will ring out the water while starting to help your curls take form.
5. Scrunch to form curls
Once the scrunching process has begun, the curls are going to start coming out naturally. At this point, methods often diverge. I prefer to apply a leave-in conditioner cream to help keep my hair healthy and a stabilizing product on top. Others suggest using a curl cream, gel or combination of products that work to simultaneously curl and hydrate your hair while holding it in place. Some use no product! You can play around with the products you have available and see what works best for your hair type. No matter your method, keep scrunching!
6. T-shirt scrunch
Using a cotton t-shirt, or other light cloth (preferably not a normal towel, unless that is all you have), continue to scrunch. This will help push the product deeper into your hair, while also drying it.
7. Optional
Diffuse. Many curly-haired and thick-haired individuals choose to also dry their hair using a diffuser that keeps the curls intact while gently drying the hair. I personally air-dry, but this method is especially great if you are on the go and in need of a quick curl!
8. Style
Once the hair is dry, you may notice some new curls and body in your hair. Congrats, you made it past the first day of the curly girl method! Some like to scrunch and crunch, others prefer to style as usual, and some even brush their hair. It’s all up to you, just be careful about counter-acting all of your hard work with heat-related styling, like using a curling or straightening iron. There’s no need for that. Your hair is now healthier and curlier anyway.
The longer and more consistently you use the Curly Girl Method, the more your hair can get used to the products and natural shape, and thus the more it will be willing to move (aka, the more natural it becomes). Your hair is about to go through a transformative journey. I can’t wait to see you on the other side, with beautiful hair and a smiling face!