7 Simple Tips to Start the Curly Girl Method Today

Girls with straight hair usually have an easier time. Besides dealing with flatness, they don’t have to worry much about caring for, styling, or brushing their hair. But for those with wavy or curly hair, it’s a different story.

Wavy and curly hair can be unpredictable and hard to control. Humidity makes it even worse. Every day, you have to deal with moisture in the air, rain, or drizzle. It can feel like a constant battle!

Good news! The Curly Girl Method can help fix this problem.

The Curly Girl Method was created by Lorraine Massey, a hairstylist and author of Curly Girl: The Handbook.

McKennah Chafin is a hairstylist and the founder of Kennah’s Kreations in Germantown, TN. She also has curly hair. She shared, “The Curly Girl Method has lasted so long because it offers special ways to style and care for curls. These techniques really help curly hair grow strong and stay healthy.”

Are you ready to give this a try on your own? I’m here to help you get started.

In this article, you’ll learn:

What the Curly Girl Method is. The Curly Girl Method is an at-home haircare system invented over a decade ago.

Why you should try the Curly Girl Method. This system reduces frizz, improves moisture, and boosts curl– all while being an incredibly low-maintenance routine.

Who can benefit the most from the Curly Girl Method. If you have wave or curls of any kind, you should try the Curly Girl Method.

How, where, and when to do the Curly Girl Method yourself. From washing to styling, I’ll walk you through everything you need to get the look yourself.

Buying and mixing advice for Curly Girl–approved products. It’s not just how you do the steps– the products you use make a huge impact, too.

Frequently asked questions about the Curly Girl Method. Still got questions? I’ve got answers!

Let’s jump straight in!

What is the Curly Girl Method?

The Curly Girl method is a way to style hair designed for people with curly or wavy hair. It works for girls, boys with long hair, and everyone else.

This hair care routine means avoiding products and styling methods that harm your curls. It skips harsh shampoos and too much heat styling, which can damage or change how your curls look.

Instead, it centers on washing, conditioning, and styling natural hair using products approved by the Curly Girl method.

These products boost your curls with more volume and shape. They do this safely because they don’t have sulfates, silicones, harsh alcohols, waxes, or artificial oils.

Is the Curly Girl Method Good for Hair?

The Curly Girl Method is one of the safest and most effective ways to style non-straight hair. It helps people with curly, coily, or wavy hair, no matter their background. This is because curly and wavy hair respond differently to heat than straight hair. (source)

The Curly Girl Method uses products free from harsh ingredients like sulfates, silicones, drying alcohols, waxes, and unnatural oils. Avoiding these chemicals helps keep your curls healthy and prevents dryness, split ends, hair loss, and dandruff.

Additionally, the Curly Girl Method avoids using heat-styling tools such as straighteners and curling irons because they can harm your hair. (source) It also recommends not using harsh towel drying, chemical relaxers, or brushing dry hair.

The aim is to care for curly hair gently and naturally. This helps reduce damage to the hair cuticle and keeps the hair well-moisturized.

These reasons make the Curly Girl Method both safe and good for your hair. That’s why it’s one of the most popular routines for curly hair!

In short, these are some of the main benefits of using the Curly Girl Method for your hair:

Combats frizz, resulting in better curl definition

Prevents moisture loss thanks to chemical-free curly-hair products (source)

Eliminates the need for damaging hairstyling techniques, such as hair straightening and blowouts

Produces consistent, voluminous curls that look healthy and vibrant

Low-maintenance styling

Reduces the need to wash hair

Sounds great, right? It may not be perfect, but it is a much healthier choice than using harsh hair products and damaging heat tools every day.

The Curly Girl Method removes all the hassle. It uses simple styling steps to make your curls look lively and clean.

Who is the Curly Girl Method Good For?

The Curly Girl Method is great for all types of non-straight hair, including wavy and coily. When I asked McKennah about this, she said, “Anyone who wants to love and care for their curly or even wavy hair can use this method! Straight hair is easier to manage because it has less texture.”

This product works best on Type 3 curls, including 3a, 3b, and 3c. However, I have also seen amazing results on 2c and 4a hair types.

If your hair has not been chemically treated or changed, the Curly Girl Method will likely work well for you. (source)

McKennah shared with me, “Curly hair is like a box of chocolates—you never know what you’ll get. There are many ways to style curls, along with tips and routines for each curl type. What helps one person might not work for someone else!”

Feel free to adjust the Curly Girl Method to fit your unique curls. The main goal is to create a routine that works best for you!

Curl Type

Not sure about your hair type? Here’s the important information you should know:

Type 2 Wavy Hair

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Type 2 wavy hair is known as “in-between” hair. It sits in the middle of the hair types. It is not very straight or very curly. It is also not too dry or too oily.

Type 2 wavy hair comes in three different categories:

Type 2A: fine and thin; has a loose S pattern that falls into gently tousled “beach” waves. Typically straight from the roots until near the eyes.

Type 2B: medium thickness; has a defined S pattern. Prone to frizziness, especially when brushed. Flat and straight at the root, but gets wavier towards the middle of the hair.

Type 2C: thick and coarse, almost curly with a prominent S pattern. Ultra-defined natural waves that aren’t easily ignored or erased. Texture doesn’t lose its shape even when wet, and gets extremely frizzy when brushed.

Type 3 Curls

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Type 3 curls are divided into three main types:

Type 3A: fine to medium texture with tight, S-shaped curls that can appear flat if not styled.

Type 3B: medium texture with bouncy, spiral curls. Has more definition and volume than 3A curls.

Type 3C: densely packed spiral curls that have a tendency to coil. Has the most volume, but struggles with shrinkage. Strands are packed together, thus creating a lot of texture.

To find out your curly hair type, try the pencil, marker, and chalk method.

Take one of your curls and gently wrap it around a pencil, a marker, and a piece of sidewalk chalk. See which one matches the size of your curl the best.

If your curls wrap best around a piece of chalk, you have type 3A hair. If they fit well around a marker, your curls are 3B. If they curl most easily around a pencil, you have 3C hair.

Type 4 Coils

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Type 4 hair, often called coily, kinky, or afro-textured hair, is naturally dry and feels spongy. It can be soft and fine, or it might be coarse and wiry.

It falls into three different sub-types:

Type 4A: tightly curled with the least amount of shrinkage. When pulled, 4A coils form a tight S-shaped pattern.

Type 4B: tightly coiled with a high level of shrinkage but the most definition, especially with styling products. Without styling products, the coils appear extremely frizzy. When pulled, 4B coils form a tight Z pattern.

Type 4C: tight, close curls with the least amount of definition but the highest level of shrinkage. Has a dense texture and natural lift.

Afro vs. Curly: What’s the Difference?

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Afro hair and curly hair are often confused, but they are actually quite different from each other.

Afro hair has a unique texture with small, tightly coiled curls that look like tiny spirals. This pattern makes the hair appear thick and full. (source)

This hair type has tighter, thicker curls that usually grow upward instead of downward like curly hair. It also looks fuller and has more volume, even without any styling.

Curly hair forms spiral or corkscrew shapes. When it is wet, it may look wavy. It usually has less volume than afro hair and often needs styling to make it look full and bouncy.

Curly Girl Method: The Golden Rules

If you have wavy or curly hair that is hard to style, you might need to adjust your hair care routine. Here are some key tips and tricks to follow with the Curly Girl Method to help you get the best results:

Tips and Tricks for Wavy Hair

Use these simple tips to make your curls look better and healthier:

Get It Wet

Wavy and curly hair need a lot of moisture. Even if you use conditioner daily, your curls may not last all day without the right method. This method often requires plenty of water.

When you style your hair, put on your moisture-rich products while your hair is still wet. This includes conditioner, cream, or gel. Keep your hair wet during the drying process, too. This helps seal in moisture and makes your curls more defined.

Use Cold Water, If Possible

You might be wondering, cold water? Seriously? Who even takes cold showers these days?

I get it—I was surprised too when I learned this tip. I always took showers with water so hot it almost burned my skin. Many of you with curly hair probably do the same. But here’s the tough truth: using hot water to wash your hair can make your curls dry and brittle.

Hot water opens your hair cuticles, which lets moisture leave your hair. (source)

Cold water does the opposite. It closes the cuticles, which helps your hair keep its moisture. This also makes your hair stronger and gives it a shiny look.

Next time you wash your hair, use cold water or at least lukewarm water. Your curls will be happier and healthier!

Use Curly Girl-Approved Products

To make your curls look their best, use hair products that are approved by the Curly Girl method.

Most regular shampoos sold in stores have foaming agents like sulfates. These harsh chemicals remove your hair’s natural oils.

For girls with straight hair, these chemicals usually do not cause much damage.

For those of us with wavy or curly hair, it’s a different story. Our hair tends to be drier than straight hair, so these chemicals can cause more damage.

That’s why it’s important to use hair products made for wavy or curly hair. These products avoid harsh chemicals that can dry out or harm your hair. Instead, they use gentle, moisturizing formulas that help control frizz and enhance your natural waves and curls.

Don’t Skip the Conditioner

If you have curly hair, using conditioner is essential. Curly hair is usually dry, so conditioner helps keep it soft and healthy. Without it, your curls may become frizzy and untidy.

When choosing a hair conditioner, look for one without silicone. Silicone can block moisture, making your hair feel dry and look dull. It also builds up over time and is difficult to wash out with normal shampoo.

If your hair is damaged, choose a silicone-free conditioner that adds extra moisture.

Use conditioner both before and after shampooing to make your curls soft and easy to comb. On days you skip shampoo, revive your curls by gently scrunching a small amount of conditioner into your hair.

Balance Moisture and Strength

Curls may seem strong and tough, but they are actually very delicate. They need gentle care and lots of attention. If not treated well, they can easily become damaged and break.

That’s why it’s important to keep your hair both strong and well-moisturized. Pick a product that hydrates and feeds your hair, and make sure it suits your hair’s needs.

If you lose a lot of hair, pick a product made to help with hair loss. If you often get dandruff, use products that fight dandruff. Choose products that match your hair needs.

Pick products with important silk proteins and nutrients. They help your curls stay strong, shiny, and well-moisturized while keeping their shape.

Natural Oils Are Your Best Friends

If you have tight, kinky curls like Type 3C or Type 4 Coils, your hair often needs extra moisture. Using natural oils is a great way to lock in that moisture for a longer time. These oils go deep into your hair strands to hydrate, soften, and nourish your curls.

Here are some of the top oils that help keep curly hair healthy and moisturized:

Tea tree oil

Lavender oil

Coconut oil

Argan oil

Lemon oil

Ylang Ylang oil

Geranium oil

Rosemary oil

These oils help make your hair stronger and support healthy growth. They also add a soft, shiny look to your curls and leave your hair smelling great!

Wrap Your Hair Before Going to Bed

If you like to style your hair before sleeping, use a silk scarf or pillowcase. This helps your curls stay neat and keeps their shape, even if you move around a lot at night.

If you don’t usually wrap your hair, try sleeping with a pineapple hairstyle. This means putting your hair in a loose, high ponytail on top of your head. It helps prevent frizz, keeps your curls smooth, and stops tangles while you sleep.

Use the Right Comb (Yes, It Matters—A Lot!)

Different hair brushes are made for detangling, brushing, and styling your hair.

Before you twist, braid, or shower, gently detangle your hair using a wide paddle brush with plastic bristles that have ball tips.

Use a wide-tooth comb to gently define your hair and remove light tangles.

Use a boar bristle brush to make your low buns and topknots look smooth and neat.

Choose your brush based on how you want to style your hair. This helps protect your hair from damage and keeps its shape.

Begin brushing your hair at the ends, then slowly work upward. Avoid forcing the brush through knots. Take your time and handle your curls gently!

What to Avoid

These are the things you must avoid when caring for and styling curly hair:

Using Products With Curl-Damaging Ingredients

Women with curly hair need to be very careful when picking hair products. The right products help keep curls looking great. Do not just believe labels that say “for curly hair.” Always check the ingredients to make sure there are no harmful chemicals.

Some ingredients can be harmful, such as:

Sulfates

Harsh detergents

Silicones

Drying alcohols (ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, alcohol denat, etc.)

Mineral oils (petrolatum, paraffin wax, paraffin oil, petroleum jelly, etc.)

This list may look long, but many brands support the Curly Girl community. Plenty of these options are affordable, so you can care for your beautiful curls without spending too much.

Brushing Dry Hair

To avoid frizzy hair, do not brush your hair when it is dry. Brushing dry hair can mess up your curls and make them look wild and messy.

After washing and styling your hair, let it dry fully without touching it. Avoid playing with your curls during this time.

Also, avoid pulling apart your curls after you put on cream or gel. Let them air dry or use a diffuser on low heat.

Drying With Rough Towels

Rough towels work well for drying your skin, but they are not good for your hair. The extra rubbing can damage hair, leading to breakage, split ends, and frizzy hair.

They also take away too much moisture from your hair, making it dry and tangled. Instead, try using microfiber towels.

Microfiber towels are soft and gentle. They help prevent frizz and protect your hair from damage. They also soak up enough water from your hair but leave in the moisture it needs.

Over-Applying Heat

Heat often causes dryness and damage. Because curly hair is already dry, using heat can make it worse. So, heat and curly hair usually do not work well together.

Heat-damaged curly hair often looks dry and lifeless. The curls lose their shape and become hard to manage. Using flat irons, curling irons, or blow dryers too much can cause lasting harm to curly hair.

Using heat to straighten or style your hair can be fun sometimes, but it may damage your curls. Try to avoid heat whenever you can. If you must use a diffuser, set it to low heat.

Using Harsh Fragrances

Hair styling products with strong scents can make your hair smell good. However, using them for a long time may lead to dryness and hair loss. It is better to choose gentle, lightly scented products that are free of phthalates.

The Curly Girl Method – 3 Steps to Happier, Healthier Curls

Excited to begin your curly girl journey? Just follow these three easy steps:

Step 1: Cleanse

To get well-defined curls, start by using the proper way to wash your hair.

Wash your hair with a sulfate-free shampoo made for curly hair. Use cold or lukewarm water for best results.

Put a golf ball-sized amount of shampoo in your hand. Gently massage it into your scalp for at least 60 seconds. Move your fingers back and forth softly to avoid tangling your hair.

First Wash Routine

During your first wash, start by cleaning your scalp since most oil, dirt, and buildup collect there. Next, use your fingers to gently spread the shampoo through your hair, carefully detangling it as you move along.

After you cover your hair well with shampoo, rinse it out. Run your fingers from the roots down to the ends while the water washes through your hair.

Second Wash and After-Routine

Washing your hair a second time is optional, but it helps. Shampooing twice cleans your scalp better and removes all dirt and buildup. This is very helpful if you have thick or curly hair.

How Often Should You Wash?

There is no simple answer to this question. Some people wash their hair three or four times a week. Others wash it only once a month. How often you wash your hair depends on your hair type, the styling products you use, and how active you are.

Two to three times a week: If you style your hair with heavy oil, hairspray, and gel that might flake after several days, you might need to wash your hair two to three times a week. The same is said if you have a naturally oily scalp.

Once a week: If you style your hair with a diffuser, a curling wand, or a blow dryer throughout the week, it’s beneficial to wash your hair at least once a week so it doesn’t appear flat or oily. This frequency also applies to wavy hair.

Once or twice a month: If you don’t use a lot of products or your hair is on the normal to dry side, you’ll likely only need to wash your hair twice a month. Of course, you can change this frequency as you see fit. For example, if you’re an active person, you might want to wash your hair every week.

Step 2: Condition

Once you finish shampooing, put a palm-sized amount of conditioner in your hand. Work it through your hair by scrunching it in. Repeat this until your hair feels soft and slippery. Avoid putting conditioner on your scalp. Only apply it from your chin down to the ends.

After finishing, use a wide-tooth comb to gently remove any tangles from your hair. If you don’t have one, you can simply use your fingers instead.

Leave the conditioner on your hair for two to five minutes, based on how much moisture it needs. If your hair is thick and curly, keep the conditioner in longer for better results.

Rinse out most of the conditioner, but leave a little in your hair. Be careful not to leave too much, as it can cause buildup.

Step 3: Dry & Style

Now it’s time for the exciting step—drying and styling your hair!

While you’re still in the shower, use your hand to gently squeeze out extra water from your hair. Next, use a cotton T-shirt or a microfiber towel to cup and scrunch your hair until it stops dripping. Your hair should remain slightly damp.

Apply a small amount of mousse or your favorite styling product to your palm. Then, rake and scrunch it through your hair, starting from the tips up to the roots.

Next, allow your hair to dry naturally or use a diffuser on a low heat setting.

The Simplest Curl Application Method: Scrunching + Upside Down

For the best results, flip your head upside down and scrunch your curls.

Scrunching is a way to style your hair by gently squeezing or cupping it with your hands or a towel. This helps your curls form naturally, making them more defined and less frizzy. If you scrunch your hair upside down, it can also add extra volume to your curls.

Follow these simple steps:

After shampooing your hair, bend forwards and rake your hair down.

Squish the conditioner in your hair in this position.

Rinse your hair then dry with a microfiber towel (yes, still in the same position!), then squish in palmfuls of mousse or gel.

Let air-dry. If diffusing, diffuse upside down.

When done right, this technique can add a lot of volume to your curls. You’ll be surprised by the difference.

5 Stunning Curly Girl Method Before and After Photos

Here are some real-life stories of people who followed the Curly Girl Method:

Transform frizzy, wild hair into full, bouncy curls

Curly hair styled using the Curly Girl Method

In only a few months, an incredible change happened

Get amazing volume and clear curls by using the upside-down scrunch technique

Curly Girl Method for hair with a gentle wave

Buying Advice for CG-Friendly Products

Here are some things to think about when choosing Curly Girl-friendly products:

Gentle Cleansing Shampoo

Curly Girl-approved shampoos avoid silicones and harsh alcohols. They use mild cleansers like:

Behentrimonium methosulfate

Cocamidopropyl betaine

Sodium cocoyl isethionate

Decyl glucoside

Caprylyl glucoside

Curly Girl-approved shampoos often do not contain sulfates, so they create less foam than normal shampoos.

Moisturizing Conditioner

Curly Girl-approved conditioners help prevent breakage and make tangles easier to manage. They provide good slip, so your hair strands glide smoothly past each other. Stay away from conditioners that contain parabens, formaldehyde, or triethanolamine (TEA).

I strongly suggest trying the Davines LOVE Curl Conditioner. Out of all the Curly Girl-friendly conditioners I have used, this one is the best. It contains many natural plant-based ingredients that feed and care for your waves and curls. The creamy formula soaks into hair easily without leaving it greasy or heavy. My curls always look great after using it.

Curl Creams, Gels, and Oils

Curl creams and gels use styling polymers to keep your curls well-shaped. Choose a moisturizing curl cream that makes it easy to detangle and define your curls.

I use the Ouidad VitalCurl + Define & Shine Styling Gel Cream myself, and it always works great! Ouidad has made excellent curl products for many years, and this one is just as good. I like it because it gives me the hold and control of a gel without feeling sticky or crunchy. The cream also adds a light, natural shine.

When it comes to oils, Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil is a great choice. It has a light texture—not too heavy or too watery—and a mild scent. It also helps shield your hair from heat when you style it.

FAQs About the Curly Girl Method

What if the Curly Girl Method isn’t working?

If the Curly Girl Method isn’t giving you good results, you might be using the wrong products or applying them incorrectly. Finding the right products and technique takes some testing, so keep trying. The Curly Girl Method can work well for anyone with wavy or curly hair.

Can the Curly Girl Method work on straight hair?

Sadly, no. The Curly Girl Method is designed for wavy or curly hair only. It cannot make straight hair become curly.

Can the Curly Girl Method cause dandruff?

If you wash your hair the right way and choose the correct products, the Curly Girl Method should not lead to dandruff.

Does the CG Method work on permed hair?

Yes, you can use the CG Method on permed hair. Scrunching helps your perm hold its curls for a longer time.

How often do you co-wash with the Curly Girl Method?

Co-wash your hair only once or twice a week. How often depends on your hair type and how much styling product you use.

Is dry shampoo OK for the Curly Girl Method?

You can use dry shampoo occasionally while following the Curly Girl Method. But keep in mind, it won’t shape or style your hair like wet shampoo does.

Does the Curly Girl Method make your hair curly?

The Curly Girl Method helps enhance your natural curls. It will not make straight or slightly wavy hair curly.