The Curly Girl (CG) method is an approach to hair care designed for naturally curly and wavy hair that has not been chemically or heat straightened. In 2001 the CG method was introduced to a wider audience by hairstylist Lorraine Massey, in her bestselling book, ‘Curly Girl: The Handbook’.
The basic aim is to care for naturally curly hair gently, minimising damage to the hair cuticle and keeping the hair completely hydrated at all times. Curly hair is more prone to dryness than straight hair and with adequate moisture and water the CG method will accentuate rather than interfere with the hair’s natural curl and wave pattern.
To protect the moisture in curly hair the idea behind the CG method is to remove all harsh ingredients and any ingredients that unnecessarily coat the hair shaft. When these ingredients are removed there is no need for strong sulfates to clean the hair and this leaves only the ingredients that can easily be washed away with water.
The first major step to the CG method is to remove the ordinary shampoo from your hair care routine which is described as going “no poo”. A no poo cleanser provides virtually no lather enabling a light cleanse that will remove dirt, oils and build up without causing the hair to tangle or dry out which can happen due to harsh detergents found in ordinary shampoo.
An alternative cleansing option is to replace your ordinary shampoo with a “low poo”. A low poo provides a deeper cleanse with a mild lather. The CG method does not advocate a low poo cleanser, however we understand every Curlfriend is different and may want to use low poo in their routine. Our sister brand, EverEscents Organic Hair Care, has a wide selection of low poo cleansers.
A very common approach by curly girls following the CG method is the use of a cleansing conditioner in place of shampoo and this is called “conditioner washing” or “co-washing”. This process can’t be undertaken with any variety of conditioner, the formula needs to be capable of performing a light cleansing action whilst conditioning.
The CG method also incorporates key guidelines to help achieve the perfect result for curly and wavy hair such as; no sulfates, no silicones, no waxes, no oils, no drying alcohols and no film-forming ingredients that may block moisture from penetrating the hair. When blow drying, the use of a diffuser is mandatory and no brushes, combs or regular bath towels are allowed. There are even special tips for how to apply the right leave in creams, foams and hair gels.