How to Do the Curly Girl Method

Stop using sulfates and silicones, scrunch water out with a microfiber towel, and let your curls air dry for their natural pattern.

CGM works because it stops fighting your hair's natural texture instead of forcing it into submission with chemicals and heat.

1. Reset wash. Use a clarifying shampoo with sulfates one final time to strip all silicone buildup from your hair. This is the only time you'll use sulfates in CGM. Your hair needs a clean slate.
2. Switch to sulfate-free cleansing. Replace your regular shampoo with a sulfate-free cleanser or co-wash (conditioner washing). Sulfates strip natural oils that curls desperately need. Massage gently into your scalp, not the lengths.
3. Condition and detangle. Apply silicone-free conditioner from mid-length to ends on soaking wet hair. Use a wide-tooth comb or fingers to detangle while the conditioner is in. Rinse out most but not all of it.
4. Apply styling products to wet hair. On dripping wet hair, scrunch in a leave-in conditioner, then a curl cream or gel. The water helps distribute product evenly and prevents frizz. More water equals better curl formation.
5. Remove excess water gently. Scrunch out excess water with a microfiber towel or cotton t-shirt. Never rub or twist your hair. The goal is to remove water while maintaining the curl pattern you just created.
6. Air dry or diffuse. Let your hair air dry completely or use a diffuser on low heat and speed. Don't touch your hair while it dries. Once fully dry, scrunch out any gel cast for soft, defined curls.