Curly Girl Method (CGM) - Curly Girl what?

I have spent nights and nights scrolling over Instagram reels absorbing every single information about how to take care of our curls in the most natural ways!

And I stumbled upon the so well-known CGM. 

CGM Definition

CGM, or the Curly Girl Method (CGM), is a hair care approach specifically designed for individuals with naturally curly, wavy, or coily hair. Lorraine Massey introduced the method in her book Curly Girl: The Handbook and it has since gained a massive following, particularly within the curly hair community. CGM's main focus is: to embrace natural curls by minimizing damage from harsh chemicals, heat, and traditional hair care practices.

1. Avoiding Sulfates and Harsh Detergents

Many traditional shampoos contain sulfates, powerful cleansing agents that strip away the hair’s natural oils. Curly hair tends to be drier, which results in frizz and a lack of shine. The Curly Girl Method suggests using sulfate-free shampoos or opting for co-washing, where conditioner is used to gently cleanse the hair without drying it out.

2. Silicone-Free Products

Silicones, often found in conditioners and styling products, coat the hair to make it look shiny but causes buildup over time (not to mention other toxic side effects!). In CGM, silicone-free conditioners and styling products are recommended to prevent buildup and keep curls healthy.

3. No Heat Styling

Heat styling tools like straighteners and curling irons can damage the hair, leading to split ends and breakage. The Curly Girl Method encourages air-drying or using a diffuser in a cool setting to protect the natural curl pattern.

4. Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize

Curly hair tends to be drier than straight hair, so hydration is key. The CGM focuses on using moisture-rich conditioners, deep conditioning treatments, and leave-in products to keep curls soft and manageable.

5. Gentle Detangling

Curly hair is fragile, and detangling requires to be done with care. CGM suggests using a wide-tooth comb or fingers to detangle hair while it's wet and covered in conditioner to avoid breakage.

6. Defining Curls with Styling Techniques

CGM encourages specific styling techniques like scrunching, plopping, and finger coiling to define curls without using tools that cause damage. These methods help to enhance the natural curl pattern. You are not fluent in the curly hair jargon? You can check our simplified list here: Link.

7. Regular Use of Deep Conditioners and Masks

To maintain healthy curls, CGM suggests regular use of deep conditioners and hair masks, which help restore moisture, improve elasticity, and strengthen the hair.

8. Preserving Curls Between Washes

CGM also includes tips for refreshing and preserving curls between washes. Techniques like pineappling (tying the hair loosely on top of the head at night) or using a satin pillowcase help reduce frizz and maintain curl definition.

These 8 pillars of curly hair routine are the core values of our products at Glowrious!

Further Readings

Do you have more questions? No problemo, we have your back. Check our related blog posts: What Makes Our Products So Special?
And you can check: The Science Behind Curly Hair Care