Q&A for How to Follow the Curly Girl Method for Curly Hair

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  • Question
    How should I fix my curly hair if it's been damaged by heat?
    Jenny Tran
    Jenny Tran
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Jenny Tran is a Hair Stylist and the Founder of JT Hair Lab by Jenny Tran based in the Dallas, Texas metro area. With over seven years of professional hair styling experience, Jenny specializes in hair coloring, haircutting, and hair extensions. JT Hair Lab is an authorized carrier of R+Co and of Milbon and is committed to using products with quality ingredients.
    Jenny Tran
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Expert Answer
  • Question
    What ingredients are bad for curly hair?
    Laura Martin
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Harsh surfactants such as sulfites are bad for curly hair because they cause dryness and frizz. You also want to avoid silicones and other ingredients that repel moisture.
  • Question
    What does CG mean for curly hair?
    Laura Martin
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    CG stands for "Curly Girl" and it is a book and a method of caring for curly hair. The curly girl method involves minimizing shampooing, combing, and other things that dry or disrupt your curl pattern.
  • Question
    How do you make your hair naturally curly?
    Laura Martin
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    The curly girl method brings out natural waves or curls by maximizing moisture and minimizing frizz. It also recommends wet styling methods, such as the use of clips that support curls without heat.
  • Question
    Can you use any conditioner to co-wash your hair?
    Laura Martin
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Deep conditioners and those with a lot of oils may be too heavy for co-washing. You also want to avoid protein conditioners which could make the hair look dull or brittle if used too frequently.
  • Question
    Will this work on itchy scalp and dandruff?
    Ashley Adams
    Ashley Adams
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Ashley Adams is a Licensed Cosmetologist and Hair Stylist in Illinois. She completed her Cosmetology education at John Amico School of Hair Design in 2016.
    Ashley Adams
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Expert Answer
    If you have an itchy scalp or dandruff, you can still try the curly girl method but use an anti-dandruff conditioner.
  • Question
    How can I remove the extra oil that I pour on my hair before wash? Will the conditioner alone remove it?
    Ashley Adams
    Ashley Adams
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Ashley Adams is a Licensed Cosmetologist and Hair Stylist in Illinois. She completed her Cosmetology education at John Amico School of Hair Design in 2016.
    Ashley Adams
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Expert Answer
    No. The conditioner alone will only mildly remove the excess oil from your hair.
  • Question
    How can I enhance my natural curls?
    Bianca Cox
    Bianca Cox
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Bianca Cox is a Hair Stylist, Licensed Cosmetologist, Owner of The Hair Throne, and Co-Owner of Bianchi Salon. Her salons pride themselves on their modernity, individuality, art, and professional services. You can check out The Hair Throne and more of Bianca's hairstyling on Instagram @hairthrone and on her personal Instagram @biancajcox.
    Bianca Cox
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Expert Answer
    To enhance your curls, make sure your hair is very moisturized. For instance, after you wash your hair, use a lotion-like cream or alcohol-free gel to hydrate your curls. Also, use a diffuser when you blow dry your hair, and set your hairdryer to cool or warm heat.
  • Question
    How can I make a leave-in conditioner?
    JAZMIN74743
    JAZMIN74743
    Community Answer
    In a spray bottle, mix two parts water and one part regular conditioner. You can add some shine serum if you like. Shake it well.
  • Question
    My hair is constantly frizzy no matter the product I use. Will the curly girl method fix my frizz?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Your frizz may be exacerbated by the ingredients in the products you've tried. Often, what's marketed as good for curly hair is actually opposite of what curly hair needs; for example, silicones are not good for curls. Research the ingredients in the products you are interested in, weighing the pros and cons. Once you have the right products and are treating your hair as gently as the CG method teaches, there is no reason why it wouldn't help you. Keep in mind, though, that the change won't be overnight. Consistency and patience are paramount.
  • Question
    How can I keep my hair and scalp clean and dirt free without shampoo?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Co-washing with still clean your scalp of any oil; you really do not need any shampoo. If you're still hesitant, try a sulfate-free shampoo.
  • Question
    Can I do this without cutting my hair?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Yes, but it's better if you do cut it. Split ends are harder to see when your hair is wet, so check to see if you have any before you wash your hair. Also, you don't have to chop off inches of your hair for this to work; you could even trim your hair yourself every month (by just cutting a little) and then get a professional haircut before a new season starts.
  • Question
    I've tried this method, but I still have frizzy dry curls. What's the deal?
    Sarah Eliza
    Sarah Eliza
    Top Answerer
    There is an adjustment period for many of a week to several weeks when they start using this method. And you may have to experiment with products to find the best ones for your curls.
  • Question
    What conditioners can you recommend for the Curly Girl method?
    Sarah Eliza
    Sarah Eliza
    Top Answerer
    For co-wash, use Suave Essentials or Alberto VO5 conditioners (the cheap ones). For conditioning the length of your hair, Sally's generic conditioning balm or TRESemme naturals are good ones.
  • Question
    Can I use this method if I have problems with dandruff?
    Sarah Eliza
    Sarah Eliza
    Top Answerer
    If you have yellow flakes, see a dermatologist. If white flakes, make sure you're using a dandruff shampoo, but go ahead and use the Curly Girl Method. Tip: mixing some sugar with your shampoo or co-wash makes a great exfoliating scrub to get rid of flakes and clean your scalp.
  • Question
    Will this help recover damaged heat curls?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You may have to trim the ends and if your hair is very damaged, you may have to grow out the damaged parts and cut them, but it will absolutely save your hair from future damage.
  • Question
    When do I brush my curls?
    Sarah Eliza
    Sarah Eliza
    Top Answerer
    The Curly Girl book does not recommend using brushes, but if you want to use one it's best to use it when you hair is wet and has conditioner in it. Start at the bottom of the hair and work your way up, remembering to be very gentle as the hair is a bit weaker when wet. NEVER brush your hair when dry, that causes a lot of damage.
  • Question
    Is it okay to layer curly hair?
    Sarah Eliza
    Sarah Eliza
    Top Answerer
    Yes, layers are usually best. Long layers are safe, just ake sure to go to a curly hair specialist to get them done. All one length can cause the curls to stack up on each other and cause dreaded cases of "triangle head," unless you have fine hair.
  • Question
    Why do I need to wash my hair?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    If you don't wash it, the oil will make the hair follicles overfilled and it will clump the hair together, making a sticky mess of tangles in your beautiful, curly hair.
  • Question
    I'm going natural and I don't want to put anything in my hair. I don't use shampoos and my conditioner is sulfate free, but when I don't put anything in my hair, it dries up and gets poofy and my curls are not defined at all. Any help?
    Sarah Eliza
    Sarah Eliza
    Top Answerer
    Try leaving in conditioner only. Curly hair will usually be frizzy if you don't put anything in your hair, but some people can style with just conditioner, which is the most minimalist routine.
  • Question
    Tresemme Natural lists straight "alcohol" as one of the ingredients. Is this a drying or moisturizing ingredient?
    Sarah Eliza
    Sarah Eliza
    Top Answerer
    Drying. But you use that product as a rinse-out conditioner, it's okay, since alcohol far down on the ingredients list.
  • Question
    Can the same process be used for colored hair? What colors are Curly Girl friendly?
    Sarah Eliza
    Sarah Eliza
    Top Answerer
    Yes ,you can do the Curly Girl method with colored hair. It may even preserve your hair for longer. Check your colors to make sure they are silicone free, but if it's not possible, just follow the instructions and do a shampoo after if necessary. However, look into natural plant dyes like henna and indigo, which are non-damaging and can help you achieve colors like brown, red, and black on your hair.
  • Question
    Do I have to use a sulfate-free shampoo occasionally?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Co-washing is sufficient. But if you aren't used to the 'no-shampoo' thing, a sulfate-free shampoo works too. One combination that I find best for people who wash their hair twice a day is to alternate between co-washing and using the sulfate-free shampoo
  • Question
    Will this method help straight hair become curly?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    No. Curly hair and straight hair have different structures. In order to make curly hair permanently straight or straight hair permanently curly, you have to change the makeup of the hair, which is what perms/chemical straightening techniques do.
  • Question
    Does the Curly Girl method use any parabens?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    No, it does not. The Current Girl method is based off of the idea that a curly girl should not use sulfates, silicones, or parabens in her hair.
  • Question
    Can I still oil my scalp with this method?
    Sarah Eliza
    Sarah Eliza
    Top Answerer
    Yes of course! Just try not to use castor oil or mineral oil. They are not water soluble and will not wash out with only conditioner. Some Curlies can get out oil by just co-washing, while some prefer to use a sulfate-free shampoo afterwards.
  • Question
    What do I do to my hair before bed?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    If you have looser curls or waves, do a pineapple and sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase; if you have tighter curls or short hair, then use a satin bonnet or a silk headscarf.
  • Question
    What can I do if I have oily roots but everything else is dry?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Oily roots are due to continuous washing with drying ingredients, and the scalp is over-producing oils to compensate. When first starting the Curly Girl Method, co-wash as often as needed, until the oil production subsides. The dry portion of the hair should become better with this method, since it avoids drying ingredients.
  • Question
    Can men with curly hair follow these tips, and what brand of conditioner would you suggest?
    Sarah Eliza
    Sarah Eliza
    Top Answerer
    Yes, you can. Sally's generic conditioning balm is very moisturizing and good for short hair. You can also use a cheap conditioner like Suave essentials (any scent).
  • Question
    How often do I need to use this method?
    Sarah Eliza
    Sarah Eliza
    Top Answerer
    It depends on your hair and it's up to you. Usually those with curly hair co-wash their hair 2-4 times a week. Some people like to co-wash less often if they have kinkier hair.
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