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What is the
Curly Girl Method?
Written by Clever Curl
The Curly Girl (CG) method is an approach to hair care designed for naturally curly and wavy hair that has not been chemically or heat straightened. In 2001 the CG method was introduced to a wider audience by hairstylist Lorraine Massey, in her bestselling book, ‘Curly Girl: The Handbook’.
The basic aim is to care for naturally curly hair gently, minimising damage to the hair cuticle and keeping the hair completely hydrated at all times. Curly hair is more prone to dryness than straight hair and with adequate moisture and water the CG method will accentuate rather than interfere with the hair’s natural curl and wave pattern.
To protect the moisture in curly hair the idea behind the CG method is to remove all harsh ingredients and any ingredients that unnecessarily coat the hair shaft. When these ingredients are removed there is no need for strong sulfates to clean the hair and this leaves only the ingredients that can easily be washed away with water.
The first major step to the CG method is to remove the ordinary shampoo from your hair care routine which is described as going “no poo”. A no poo cleanser provides virtually no lather enabling a light cleanse that will remove dirt, oils and build up without causing the hair to tangle or dry out which can happen due to harsh detergents found in ordinary shampoo.
An alternative cleansing option is to replace your ordinary shampoo with a “low poo”. A low poo provides a deeper cleanse with a mild lather. The CG method does not advocate a low poo cleanser, however we understand every Curlfriend is different and may want to use low poo in their routine.
A very common approach by curly girls following the CG method is the use of a cleansing conditioner in place of shampoo and this is called “conditioner washing” or “co-washing”. This process can’t be undertaken with any variety of conditioner, the formula needs to be capable of performing a light cleansing action whilst conditioning.
The CG method also incorporates key guidelines to help achieve the perfect result for curly and wavy hair such as; no sulfates, no silicones, no waxes, no oils, no drying alcohols and no film-forming ingredients that may block moisture from penetrating the hair. When blow drying, the use of a diffuser is mandatory and no brushes, combs or regular bath towels are allowed. There are even special tips for how to apply the right leave in creams, foams and hair gels.
The 4 major steps
The basics of the Curly Girl (CG) method can be summarised in 4 major steps, each coming with their own special techniques and some unusual terminology described briefly below;
CLEANSE – no poo or co-wash to cleanse away dirt, oils and build up.
CONDITION – with preferred amount of conditioner. Tip: A little bit goes a long way with the Clever Curl products (common techniques are the ‘squish to condish’ and ‘roping’ methods).
STYLING – most commonly with creams, foams and strong hold gels (common techniques are ‘praying hands’, ‘raking’ and ‘scrunching’).
DRY – slow gentle drying is imperative (common techniques are to ‘plop’ and then air dry or gently blow dry with a diffuser). Once the hair is 100% dry, apply the ‘scrunch out the crunch’ technique to reveal soft, bouncy curls.
— Lorraine Massey
"Curl knowledge and wisdom
equals curl love forever”
About Clever Curl Products
Created by a group of Australian curl specialists inspired by the Curly Girl Method.
The Clever Curl range is a highly specialised line of hair products carefully formulated to enhance and embrace naturally curly hair to hold the personality and individuality of curls.
Clever Curl provides exceptional quality, clever ingredients and is completely dedicated to the care of all curl types in any environment.
Clever Curl is your curl’s best friend!
All Clever Curl products are formulated with minimal ingredients to ensure that nothing gets in the way of beautiful natural curls.
Delivering moisture and the ability to hold a healthy hydrated curl are paramount functions across the range with the added benefits of Certified Organic Aloe Vera Juice and Rice Water Protein providing the perfect balance of nourishment and strength.
Clever Curl products are Australian Made, Vegan Friendly, Cruelty Free and made without sulfates, silicones or drying alcohols. The entire range of Clever Curl products are 100% CG (curly girl approved).
QUESTIONS ABOUT CURLS
Should I Wash my hair before coming for a hair cut?
Its a good Idea to have your hair clean and dry with minimal product in your hair to keep curls in a shape that it natural before going for a haircut. This ensures that the hair is in a natural state and can be easily trimmed and then restyled by the hairdresser.
How Much Clever Curl Product should I use?
Not much! A little bit goes a long way with Clever Curl products.
It is possible to over hydrate your curls with too much product regardless of the brand. Start with a little bit and add more as needed.
Trial and error is a part of every curly girl journey! So if you start with too much the first time simply start over. Your curls will still be there ready to pop and shine ✨✨
What Clever Curl Products should I use on my hair?
We recommend use of the Cleanser for all curly girls, this is the foundation of a clean and healthy scalp which in turn encourages beautiful curls.
For fine to medium curls, we recommend the Light Conditioner; for medium to coarse curls as well as coily hair, we recommend the Rich Conditioner for additional moisture.
The Curl Treatment provides a deep condition for all curl types, when further moisture is required.
For moisture and curl definition, choose either the Wonderfoam (light moisture with some hold, suitable for fine, medium and coarse curls) OR the Curl Cream (richer in moisture with no hold, which is particularly suitable for coily or textured hair).
Finally, for a cast and strong hold, choose either the Humid OR Dry Weather Gel, depending the moisture level and porosity of your hair and the current climate. 💜💜
How often should I get my curls trimmed?
I recommend coming in every 10-12 weeks to have a tidy up