Curl Girl Method

How Do You Start The Curly Girl Method?

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Before you start the Curly Girl Method, there are a few things you should know. Firstly, Rome wasn’t built in a day- and your curls won’t be either! The Curly Girl Method takes a lot of effort and is time-consuming but the results will be worth it and your hair will thank you.

Secondly, you have to have the right products. You need to avoid any products that include sulfates, silicones, wax, or mineral oils. These all add to build up to your hair and strip your hair of its natural, healthy oils.

You should also avoid any excessive heat on your hair such as straighteners, curling irons, and hair dryers. You will also need to avoid excess friction, which generates heat and frizz, caused through towel drying.

Following these rules, you will need a shampoo, conditioner, mousse or gel, a diffuser (if you want to use heat), and an old t-shirt/microfiber towel.

Identify your hair type, density, and thickness so that you can make sure that you have the correct products for your hair. Also, check your hair’s elasticity to see how hydrating products will need to be.

Now that you are all set up, start by cleansing your hair from all of the previous build-up by using your regular, sulfate-filled shampoo for the last time. After this ‘Final Wash’, it is sulfate-free all the way.

Follow the steps detailed in the Curly Girl Method and be consistent to achieve the best results. It is worth taking regular photos and keeping track of what you have done and when so you can see what is working for you. Not everyone’s hair is the same and it may take time for you to find the method that works best for you.

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How long does it take for the Curly Girl Method to work?

The Curly Girl Method works at different paces for everyone as everyone’s hair is unique. This means that your hair will respond differently to products than someone else’s hair will. If you have got the right products mapped out, you may see some benefits almost right away.

If nothing else, your hair should certainly feel better and healthier quite soon after starting the Curly Girl Method. Typically, the process will take at least a few weeks to show more of a difference. Give yourself three months of consistent use before you evaluate your progress fully.

curly girly method

The amount of time it has taken your hair to suffer damage has been far longer so do keep this in mind. This is especially true if your hair has been severely dehydrated by regular use of heat and chemicals, or colored. The best advice is to think of this method as more of a marathon than a sprint.

A great way of keeping track of your progress and monitoring what is and isn’t working for you is to take pictures, take note of the date, and make a note of what products you try out.

There are several applications that you can use on your smartphone or tablet that will help you keep a hair journal. It will take dedication on your part and you will probably have to switch up your routine and products for what works best, but it will all be worth it.

Does the Curly Girl Method work on straight hair?

Yes. The Curly Girl Method promotes healthy, natural hair care at its core. The method is centered around curly hair because often people do not realize that their hair requires extra TLC to look its best.

There are a huge amount of products available in stores that claim to be great for curly hair when, in reality, the chemicals and sulphates that they contain may be the root of your hair’s issues.

These same sulphates and chemicals can be found in most readily available hair care products and are potentially damaging to any type of hair. The products approved by the Curly Girl Method minimize harsh ingredients and promote enhancing your hair’s natural oils and health.

If you spend a lot of time straightening your hair with a flat iron, the heat your hair is being subjected to will be drying it out and causing damage. Be prepared to fully commit to the Curly Girl Method by ditching the heat, for best results.

By using this method, you will not suddenly have a full head of curls if your hair is naturally straight. You may find, however, that you have natural waves or a slight curl to your hair that you never knew existed.

Even if your hair remains straight, your hair will feel and look healthier by using the Curly Girl Method. You may just have to adjust the method to best suit your hair care needs.

Curly Girl Approved Products Used in Video Below

How many products do you need for the Curly Girl Method?

There are a wide variety of products that you can use for the Curly Girl Method but at the most basic level, you only need an approved co-wash (conditioner) and a gel or mousse.

If you prefer to also use a shampoo, make sure it is Curly Girl approved and avoid any silicones, waxes, sulphates, parabens, or alcohols. Try and avoid using towels to dry your hair as the friction can dehydrate your hair, add frizz, and dampen your curls.

If you like to dry your hair, you are allowed to use a diffuser. You can also gently use a microfiber towel or old t-shirt to help with excess water after washing your hair.

You may also like: LCO vs LOC Method

How do you check if a product is Curly Girl approved?

It can be overwhelming to try and find products that are approved by the Curly Girl Method. The last thing you want is to accidentally use products with sulphates and have to start the process over.

As the Curly Girl Method has grown in popularity, there has been a range of resources developed to help you choose approved products. You can use a website featuring a Curly Girl ingredient checker.

There are also several applications that you can download to help you on the go such as Curl Scan. As a bonus, these also usually offer a hair journal so you can track your progress, too!

If you don’t have access to these resources while you are shopping, Curly Girl Method approved products are free from parabens, sulphates, wax, alcohol, and silicones.

Beginner Curly Girl Method Routine

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