What Is the Curly Girl Method?
The Curly Girl Method (CGM) was first outlined by stylist Lorraine Massey in her 2001 book Curly Girl: The Handbook. At its core, the method removes three things from your routine: sulphate shampoos, silicones, and heat styling. Sulphates strip the natural oils curly hair depends on for definition. Silicones coat the hair shaft and block moisture from entering. Regular heat breaks down the protein bonds that give curls their spring.
How to Start Today
Begin with one final clarifying wash using a sulphate-containing shampoo. This removes all silicone build-up so you start from a clean base. From that point on, use only CGM-approved products. Cleanse with a co-wash or sulphate-free low-poo, apply a leave-in conditioner, style with a curl gel or mousse, and let your hair dry naturally or with a diffuser on low heat.
Surviving the Transition Phase
The first two to four weeks can look rough. Your natural oils are returning, your curl pattern is reforming, and your scalp is adjusting. Push through. Most people see noticeable improvement by week four. Keep products simple during this phase and give your hair time to recalibrate its moisture balance.
Common Beginner Mistakes
- Applying products to damp hair instead of soaking wet
- Raking products in instead of scrunching upward
- Touching hair while it dries
- Not scrunching out the cast once dry