How do you start with the Curly Girl Method?
Curly Girl Method
Attention curling balls: we tell you more about the hype of the moment, the Curly Girl Method! When you take care of your locks according to the CGM, your curls or beachy waves will shine like never before.
What is the Curly Girl Method?
According to this craze, it's better to say goodbye to harmful ingredients in order to take care of your curls in the best way. Harmful ingredients include sulfates, parabens, drying alcohol and mineral oils. The CGM-proof hair products consist exclusively of natural ingredients that embrace your curls.
Where do I start?
Before you start with the Curly Girl Method, it is important to know what type of curl your hair has. Every curl requires a different kind of care, so pay attention to this. Ultimately, you only know which products work best for you when you try them, so it is certainly not surprising if you switch a number of times. Trust us, in a while your hair will thank you!
To determine your hair type, answer the points below:
- Hair density : do you have a lot of hair on your head, so you can no longer see your scalp? Then you have a high hair density. Can you still see your scalp in some places? Then you have a low hair density. With a high hair density, choose thicker substances, such as creams or butters. Curly hair with a low density of hair, better use hair products in spray form.
- Hair Thickness : This one is a little trickier to answer, but try to figure out if your hair is thick or thin. An average hair is 0.06mm thick. You can often see for yourself whether your hair is thinner or thicker, maybe the hairdresser has told you? You can compare your locks with others to find out what applies to you. If you have thin hair, it is best to use a milky conditioner, which absorbs your hair type well. Curlies with thicker hair opt for a thicker, moisturizing conditioner.
- Porosity : This has to do with how well your locks hold moisture. Does your hair dry within two hours? Then you have a high porosity. It is best to use moisturizing products, such as hair oil or cream. Does your hair dry out after more than six to eight hours? Then your curls have a low porosity. It is best to use water-based moisturizing products for this.
- Elasticity : this is best determined when your hair is wet. Grab a curl and try to stretch it gently. Do you break her quickly? Then only use hair products that do not contain protein. Can you stretch your curl far without breaking your hair? Then you have a high elasticity and you choose hair products that are rich in protein.
| High | Low | |
| Hair density | Your curls will be happy with products with a thicker substance, such as creams or butters. | Try using spray hair products and your curls will revive. |
| Hair thickness | Use moisturizing conditioners for happy curls. | For you, the thinner the substance, the more curl your hair will have. Use a milky conditioner. |
| Porosity | Take care of your hair with moisturizing products, such as hair oil. | Your curls retain a lot of moisture, so it is best to use water-based hair products. |
| Elasticity | Hair products rich in protein will become your best friend! | For the most beautiful curls, avoid hair products that contain protein. |
Styling products based on curl type
Now that you know what your hair type is, let's look at your curl type. This is important to know when choosing styling products. Do you have beautiful beachy waves? Then it is best to style your locks with light products, such as hairspray or mousse. Coarse or spiral curls are happy again with heavier styling products, such as gel or cream.
final wash
We are almost ready to start! To get rid of it, wash your hair one more time with a shampoo that contains sulfates. This will thoroughly remove all the dirt from your hair, so you can start with a clean slate with the CG method. To care for your hair after washing with this "harmful" shampoo, it is best to apply a CG-proof hair mask. That is to say: a mask without, among other things, sulfates and parabens.
How often should you wash your hair?
That depends a bit on your hair, and how far you've come with the Curly Girl Method. We recommend washing your hair once a week, but of course it can get greasy much faster. Try to wash your hair as little as possible, your hair will get used to it after a while. For example, wear it the second or third day after washing in a nice bun or ponytail with dry shampoo, then you have postponed washing for another day! The longer you take care of your hair according to the Curly Girl Method, the more hydrated it will feel. This makes your hair less greasy, so you don't have to wash it as often.
Drying hair after washing
The best thing for your curls is to let your wet hair air dry, but we understand that's not always convenient. In any case, try not to use a regular towel when drying your hair. A microfiber towel (also known as a sports towel) is many times gentler on your hair, so it won't damage your curls. No microfibre towel nearby? Then use a t-shirt! Gently knead your hair dry with the microfibre towel or t-shirt, never make rubbing movements! You can possibly twist your hair in your shirt and let it dry on your head for a while.
Avoid your hairbrush
Let's be honest: we often brush our wet hair after washing, because it is still so nice and soft. Try what it does to your curls if you ignore the brush! You will notice that your curls will fluff less, they will have a nicer shape and will sag less quickly. Do you suffer from extreme tangles in your hair and do you really not want to brush your hair? Then you can use a wide-tooth comb in the shower. Gently comb your hair while letting conditioner or mask soak in to reduce the risk of damage.
Lee Stafford
That was a lot of information, wasn't it!? Fortunately, choosing products is a lot easier thanks to Lee Stafford's fantastic line: the For The Love Of Curls line has been specially developed for all types of curls, so you can get started right away! For example, wash your hair with the Cleansing Shampoo, which is suitable for both wavy and strongly curly hair. In the Lee Stafford range you will also find conditioners for wavy hair or curly and frizzy hair.
Do you have thin hair with high porosity? Then the Taming Oil probably works perfectly for you! Ladies with a high hair thickness are guaranteed to be happy with the Treatment Mask for Curls and Coils, which is also available in a variant especially for wavy hair.
Patience is a virtue
Your curls will have to get used to a new routine. Give them some time to get used to products, only after several uses can you conclude whether or not a product works for your head of hair. And we speak from experience: it sometimes takes a while before you have found the golden combination. Your curls will thank you!
As a real curly, do you still have a question about hair products? Speak to us in the live chat on the website and we will be happy to help you!