The curly girl method (CGM) has completely changed how people with curls care for their hair—and the results are amazing. While you’ve probably heard about it, you may not know all the details of this haircare method just yet. That’s where we come in. We’ve put together a handy guide to the method, including the best techniques and curly girl products to embrace your natural curl pattern and bring those curls back to life. The curly girl method isn’t going anywhere, so let’s dive in…
What is The Curly Girl Method?
The curly girl method focuses on co-washing, short for “conditioner-only washing,” where you skip shampoo and cleanse your hair with conditioner instead. Curly hair tends to be drier, and traditional shampooing often strips hair of its natural oils, leaving it dull and brittle. Co-washing cleans your scalp and hair without the harsh detergents found in many shampoos, and your curls will thank you for it.
But there’s more to CGM than just co-washing. The method also promotes minimal brushing, avoiding heat styling, and incorporating moisturising products into your routine. Every curl is unique, so the curly girl method encourages you to find what works best for your specific curl pattern. Here’s a quick breakdown of how it works:
Co-Wash: Replace shampoo with a silicone-free conditioner to cleanse your hair. Massage it into your scalp and let it soak in.
Clarifying Shampoo: Use this once or twice a month to remove build-up without stripping natural oils.
Detangle: No brushes. Use your fingers or a wide tooth comb to gently detangle knots in the shower, adding more water or conditioner if needed.
Cup and Rinse: Cup your hands to gently rinse out conditioner, leaving some product in for tighter coils and curls and rinsing more thoroughly for looser waves.
Dry Without Heat: Let your curls air-dry or use a cotton wrap to avoid frizz. No hair dryers here.
Style with Gel: Choose a water-based hair gel to define curls, then fluff them out when dry.
Sleep on Silk or Satin: Choose your hair accessories wisely. Use a silk pillowcase, satin bonnets, and wraps or satin hair ties to reduce friction and protect your curls overnight.
The Curly Girl Approved Products To Use
Curly hair can be temperamental, with issues like frizz, dryness, and breakage being all too familiar. But with the right products, you can hydrate, define, and protect your curls. Here are some of our favourite CGM-friendly products, from shampoos and conditioners to hair masks and hair treatments.
Curly Girl Shampoos
Co-washing is key to CGM, but sometimes your hair needs a deeper cleanse to remove dirt, grease, and product build-up. Here are some curly girl method-friendly shampoos that won’t strip your hair’s natural moisture:
OLAPLEX No.4C Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo: This is one of the best OLAPLEX products for curly hair. It removes impurities while repairing damaged hair bonds, leaving curls deeply cleansed and easier to manage.
Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo: A quick-fix for detangling and hydrating, this protein-rich shampoo leaves curls smooth, bouncy, and frizz-free. You’ll find plenty of CGM approved products from Shea Moisture.
Umberto Giannini Scalp Restore Scalp Soothing Dry Shampoo: A great alternative between washes, this dry shampoo refreshes your scalp without drying out your curls.
The Best Curly Girl Conditioners
Choosing the right conditioner is kind of a big deal for those embracing the curly girl co-washing method. As the primary product in your curly haircare routine, it’s essential you nail this purchase. Our faves include…
Davines LOVE Curl Enhancing Conditioner: Super hydrating but lightweight enough to keep your curls voluminous. It’s packed with proteins, vitamin B, and almond extract for soft, defined curls.
OLAPLEX No.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner: Another OLAPLEX product that is great for curl care. Known for repairing and protecting damaged curls, this formula tackles split ends and frizz by re-linking broken hair bonds. Free from sulphates, parabens, phthalate and phosphate, with a Ph balance between 4.0 – 5.0, it’s a dreamy co-washing option.
By BEAUTY BAY Strengthen + Hydrate Conditioner: Perfect for curly or coily hair, this conditioner is packed with rice protein and amino acids to deliver deep hydration for ultra-soft curls.
Curly Girl Method Hair Masks
When your curls need some extra TLC, a hair mask can be a game-changer. Not only does it provide much-needed, restorative hydration, but it’s also a perfect excuse for some self-care time. We love incorporating a hair mask into our weekly everything shower routine, often paired with a face mask for double the glow-up potential. Ready to treat yourself? Here are a few of our favourites that are perfect for the curly girl method…
By BEAUTY BAY Curl + Define Hair Mask: Use once a week for stronger, more defined curls. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes for best results.
OLAPLEX No.8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask: A salon-level repair mask that softens and smooths curls while boosting body and shine.
Umberto Giannini Curl Jelly Mask: Enriched with coconut oil and shea butter, this budget-friendly mask enhances curl definition and hydrates without weighing hair down.
Curly Girl Method Hair Treatments
We’ve cherry-picked a selection of other products to supplement your core CGM line-up with. Once you’ve got your new curly hair method routine sorted, you can begin to introduce other haircare treatments and styling products into your routine to get the very best from your curls…
Sol De Janeiro Brazilian Joia ™️ Milky Leave-In Conditioner: If you didn’t know, Sol de Janeiro haircare is wonderfully hydrating. And this lightweight leave-in conditioner detangles, fights frizz, and protects against heat damage—perfect for thirsty curls – all whilst smelling as good as you’d expect any Sol de Janerio product too.
Davines This Is A Curl Moisturising Mousse: A hydrating mousse that defines curls without weighing them down, ideal for daily use.
Noughty To The Rescue Anti-Frizz Serum: Smooths frizz and protects from heat, using a blend of natural ingredients like almond extract and argan oil.
Revolution Haircare Satin Hair Wrap Curl Protector: Protect your curls while you sleep with this satin wrap, reducing frizz and split ends.
The curly girl method has transformed how people care for their curls. Whether you’ve got loose waves or tight coils, these curly girl method products can help you achieve the curls of your dreams. Ready to give it a go? Let’s embrace those curls…
