The Curly Girl Method – Revitalize Your Curls in 3 Steps
Curly heads everywhere know the struggles of maintaining the natural bounce, jaw-dropping definition, and striking shine that comes with healthy, happy curly hair. Braving the elements , dealing with stress, and experiencing buildup from all the wrong products can certainly leave your curls looking dull and worse-for-wear.
Fortunately, there are hair care methods suited specifically to curly hair to help you revitalize your curls and carry on with confidence. One such method is the Curly Girl Method – a patented fan favorite among curly girls and stylists alike.
What is the Curly Girl Method?
The Curly Girl Method is a term introduced by author Lorraine Massey. Essentially, this hair care method avoids the common damaging habits associated with many curly care routines (like harsh shampoos and over utilizing heat styling) and instead focuses on cleansing, conditioning, and natural hair styling.
The Curly Girl Method has been shown to breathe life back into naturally curly hair; restoring curl, volume, and shine. The effectiveness of this method can be attributed to what we refer to as “The Golden Rules” of the Curly Girl Method.
The Golden Rules of the Curly Hair Method:
- Avoid shampoos that contain dangerous sulfates – namely, sodium lauryl sulfate and ammonium laureth sulfate.
- Avoid over-applying heat – limit the use of styling tools like blow dryers and flat irons.
- Utilize Wide Tooth Combs – which can prevent breakage, frizziness, and tangled curls.
- Avoid harsh fragrances – which often contain alcohols/chemicals that can dry out your hair.
- Avoid non-water soluble silicones.
- Avoid high amounts of alcohol – products containing alcohol as a main ingredient can dry out and damage your hair.
Basically, the Curly Girl Method is all about what NOT to do with your hair – i.e. avoiding the damaging everyday hair practices curlies have been taught to use over the years. It’s the ultimate “hair diet” that eliminates buildup while restoring that essential curl-saving moisture.
Once you follow these hair care “don’ts’, you can move on to the method’s 3-step process for healthier, happier hair.
“We believe that your curls can be sleek, bouncy, and vibrant – not to be dulled by techniques that dry out your locks, turn up the frizz, or take the life out of your hair.” – Christo Curlisto , Curly Hair Expert
The Curly Girl Method – 3 Steps to Happier, Healthier Curls
Curly hair mastermind Christo Curlisto recommends the following routine when it comes to the Curly Girl Method. These steps vary slightly based on hair type, as he has specific suggestions for curly, wavy, and coily hair.
Step 1: Cleanse
Avoiding over-bearing sulfates by using a naturally formulated shampoo , gently massage your entire scalp to lift residue, sweat, and oil.
The friction of your fingertips (not fingernails) will allow you to loosen debris and rinse your hair clean while avoiding the drying effects of traditional shampoos.
How Often Should You Wash?
Curly : Wash your hair with water and non-sulfate shampoo once or twice per week to avoid buildups and hair loss. Condition after each time you use shampoo.
Wavy: You can use regular shampoo, but again only once or twice a week. Condition after each time you use shampoo.
Coily: In between washing days, wet your hair and go on to Step 2.
Step 2: Condition
Next, smooth a natural conditioner over your hair in sections. Do this until each strand is thoroughly coated in conditioner.
Curly: You can choose to rinse the conditioner out or leave it in, depending on how much moisture you need.
Wavy: Rinse your hair for just a few seconds. Leaving a bit of conditioner on your hair will help retain moisture for a longer period of time.
Coily: Deep conditioning is highly recommended for coily hair. Then, rinse completely to avoid any unwanted film/buildup.
Step 3: Dry & Style
After the correct stylers have been applied, using your fingers turn your head over and give your curls a shake. Blot – never wring or rub – your hair, maintaining your natural curl. Then, let your hair air dry. You may also use a diffuser on low heat.
The awesome thing about the Curly Girl Method is that it can be customized by hair type and your unique styling preferences.
Curly: Let your hair air dry, bend forward, and fluff your roots to create lift. Avoid touching the top layer of your hair, as this can create frizz.
Wavy: If you have wavy hair, scrunch your hair using a microfiber towel to avoid frizz while soaking up excess water. You can also form your hair using pin curls.
Coily: The main recommendation here is to avoid heat. You can style your hair as you please or go with an easy wash-and-go style.
Curly Girl Method Before & After Photos
The Curly Girl Method has a well-known reputation for revitalizing even the most finicky of curls, restoring moisture, and maintaining that coveted bounce and shine.
But we know that seeing is believing, so check out the Before & After photos for yourself!
Shop Curly Girl Method Approved Products
The Curly Girl Method keeps things simple by utilizing minimal products that pack a punch in terms of maintaining moisture and restoring definition.
While you may be bummed to toss out your regular hair care go-tos, you won’t regret using these Curly Girl-approved products to achieve your best curls ever.
The Curlisto Line of products offer numerous variations of botanical derived cleansers & conditioners. The “Natural line” of products is a good option that was designed to work with all curl types.
Not sure which products to choose? Characteristics such as porosity, density and width all play a role in determining which products are best for your hair, so be sure to contact our team of curly hair experts.
You can email us a photo of your hair and we’d be happy to prescribe our suggestions when it comes to finding the best curly girl products for you!
The post The Curly Girl Method – Revitalize Your Curls in 3 Steps appeared first on Christo Fifth Avenue.
