What Is the Curly Girl Method?
The Curly Girl Method (CGM) is a hair care philosophy developed by stylist Lorraine Massey. The core principle is eliminating ingredients and practices that cause frizz, dryness, and definition loss in curly hair, replacing them with moisture-preserving alternatives. Millions of people have dramatically transformed their hair using this approach with no salon appointments required.
What to Eliminate Immediately
Sulfates in shampoos strip moisture so aggressively that many CGM followers switch to co-washing or sulfate-free shampoos entirely. Silicones coat the hair shaft and without sulfates to remove them they build up over wash cycles, blocking moisture from entering. High-heat tools are restricted because direct heat from flat irons can permanently alter curl patterns over time.
The CGM Starting Protocol
Start with a single clarifying wash to remove all silicone build-up from previous products. From this point forward, use only CGM-approved products. Your hair may look worse before it looks better. This transition phase typically lasts 2 to 8 wash days as your hair adjusts to the new moisture balance.
The 5 Most Common CGM Mistakes
Applying products to towel-dried hair instead of soaking wet hair. Using too many products at once rather than mastering three basics first. Not raking products through sufficiently so every strand is coated. Scrunching gel in too early before the leave-in has distributed. Touching your hair while it dries, which breaks curl clumps and creates frizz at every contact point.