Are you blessed with a head of gorgeous, natural curls but unsure of how to take care of them? While there are hundreds of articles and resources out there, it can all be a little overwhelming and confusing. While technique and styling methods matter, it also comes down to the products that you use on your precious curls. The CG or Curly Girl Method by celebrated hair specialist, Lorraine Massey, is the golden handbook of a curly girl’s journey to nurturing and loving curls. The author has researched and discovered a list of rules, Dos and Don’ts including ingredients in products that don’t belong anywhere near your curls!
Here are a few excerpts, tips and information on what products and ingredients to pick or push away on your CG journey:
The Basics:
To begin with, let’s look at the basic products you will need to start your CG journey right:
- A clarifying sulphate shampoo – Yes, you heard that right! A sulphate shampoo that does NOT contain any silicones is recommended for your first wash to clean your scalp and curls off previous silicone use and debris. You can move to a CG-friendly shampoo from the second wash. It is recommended to clarify once a month in your CG journey.
- A sulphate-free nourishing shampoo – A cleansing yet gentle enough shampoo which will not strip your curls off moisture is recommended for regular use.
- A moisturizing conditioner – Curls thrive on moisture; ensure that you pick a CG-friendly conditioner packed with moisturizing ingredients.
- A curl cream or leave-in conditioner – After you wash out conditioner, a leave-in goes a long way to keep your curls moisturized and soft until your next wash. The thicker your curls, the more moisturizing your curl cream needs to be.
- A setting gel – You will need this to form a cast around your styled curls. There are many inexpensive DIY options for this step.
Add-ons:
- Light Oil – Light oils such as Argan, Almond or Jojoba are packed with moisturizing properties without being too heavy on your curls like traditional oils. Pre-poo or lightly moisturize your curls post styling for some added moisture and shine.
- Detangler/Wide-toothed comb – While combing, especially dry hair is a big no, you still need to detangle to remove knots and provide a smooth base to style. Use either a wide-toothed comb or detangler in the shower while conditioning to get rid of tangles while you have good ‘slip’.
- Diffuser Dryer – Air-dry your curls as much as possible or diffuse at the roots after you wash and style your curls. Use the diffuser on low heat or with cold air for minimal frizz and damage plus added definition for your curls.
- Satin/Silk Bonnet – To protect your curls at night or during dusty commutes, wrap ‘em up in a silk bonnet or scarf which helps retain moisture and curl definition.
Now that we’ve covered the product list, how will you know what product to pick or toss? Since curls need moisture to be quenched, always look for products with moisturizing ingredients such as Argan Oil, Flaxseed Extracts and Shea Butter. The Curl Up Range is a simple three-step method to achieve the curls of your dreams.
The CG method is more about what not to use, so here are a list of ingredients a.k.a. baddies, that you need to steer clear of that include silicones, sulphates and parabens:
Silicones can be disguised in the below ingredients:
- Amodimethicone
- Dimethicone
- Dimethiconol
- Cyclomethicone
- Cyclopentasiloxane
- Behenoxy Dimethicone
- Bis-aminopropyl dimethicone
- Cetearyl Methicone
- Cetyl Dimethicone
- Phenyl trimethicone
- Stearyl Dimethicone
- Trimethylsilylamodimethicone
Same goes for the below sulphates:
- Sodium Laureth, Myreth, or Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth or Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Alkyl Benzene Sulfonate
- Ammonium or Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Ethyl PEG-15 Cocamine Sulfate
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
Staying away from drying alcohols and heavy emollients such as beeswax is also a good idea.
Still confused about what curly hair styling products are cleared for use and what aren’t? Simply Google the ingredients or use the below link to eliminate any red flags:
That’s pretty much it, Curlies! Follow and subscribe to the Curl Community across social media for more info and tips. Read blogs, product reviews and most importantly be patient while experimenting to arrive at what suits your curls best. Our curls are as individualistic as we are and require love, patience and support to keep them shining and look their best.
Here’s to a happy and fulfilling Curly Journey!
