Curly Hair Types: A Beginner's Guide to the Curly Girl Method
- OOF!
- Jun 19, 2024
- 8 min read
Updated: Oct 6
We've cracked the curly girl code—check out our step-by-step CGM guide.
It took me a very long time and a lot of trial and error to perfect—which is why I created this super-simple, step-by-step guide to CGM.
My Curly Girl Journey With The Curly Girl Method
For years, I relentlessly straightened my curly hair. I took so much time and so much product, but I didn't think my curls could be anything but frizzy and frustrating.
About a year ago, I heard about the Curly Girl Method (CGM) through a social media post, and decided to give it a try.
CGM Confusion
The first thing I learned was that it was so confusing! There was contradicting information, complex steps, and I had so many questions.
How long until CGM shows results? Exactly which products to use and which to avoid? The curly girl method suggests I actually not use shampoo? That was a tough one for me.
The OOF! CGM Takes Shape
Well, I jumped in and through trial and error (and asking a lot of questions on Reddit) I think I finally narrowed it down to a simple, doable curly girl routine.
This is a straightforward, stress-free, step-by-step guide into the world of CGM and caring for curly hair.
Here is everything you need to know about the how to's of the Curly Girl Method, including the top CGM curl products, styling tips, hair washing (and drying) tips, and more.
Take a moment to relax, settle in for an informative read, and be prepared to take some notes or screenshots. You've got this.
What is the Curly Girl Method for Curly Hair Types?
The Curly Girl Method (often called CGM) is a hair care routine designed to bring out your natural curl pattern. Basically, you eliminate harsh ingredients and practices that cause dryness, frizz, and damage.
Instead, it focuses on giving your curly hair moisture, gentle cleansing, and low-friction drying to help your waves, curls, or coils look their healthiest.
The Philosophy Behind CGM
The Curly Girl Method was originally developed by curl expert and hairstylist, Lorraine Massey, the author of Curly Girl: The Handbook.
The information available online, including here, are adaptations of Massey's original CGM approach, which has evolved over time to cater to a wider variety of wavy, curly, and coily (kinky) hair types.
Why So Many Curly Girls Love the CGM
The general idea behind the Curly Girl Method is that the ideal routine can create the best curls.
The Curly Girl Method will help you figure out the best products and techniques so you’ll be able to enhance your natural wave, curl, or coil pattern while reducing dryness, breakage, and frizz.
Curly Girl Method results often include improved curl definition, moisture retention, and less frizz over time.
First Things First...What to Avoid With the Curly Girl Method
When you're just starting out with CGM, the key is knowing what not to use. Many hair products and styling methods dry out or damage your curls leading to frizz, breakage, and buildup.
By removing these from your routine, you’ll help enhance your natural curl pattern. Here’s your beginner-friendly “bye-bye list” for CGM success.
Shampoos Containing Harsh Sulfates
Although you will use a clarifying shampoo to start your journey, and anytime you feel like your hair may be overconditioned or have build-up, you will want to stick to a sulfate-free shampoo for gentle regular cleansing.
What to use instead: A sulfate-free, low-lather cleanser that cleans without removing your hair’s natural moisture like the K.I.S.S. Daily Repair Shampoo.
Heat Tools
Put down the straightener and curling iron (I know, it’s hard at first!). Excessive heat damages curl bonds, making it harder for your natural pattern to bounce back.
If you must: Use a diffuser on low heat — or let your curls air dry with a T-shirt hair towel for the gentlest results.
Products Containing Silicones
Silicones might make your hair look smooth at first, but over time they create buildup that blocks moisture from entering the strand.
If you really love your silicone just make sure you don't use it that often and that you use a clarifying shampoo and start over if you start to notice your curls looking dry.
Stop Using a Bath Towel for Drying Your Hair
Traditional terry cloth bath towels and microfiber towels (plastic!) rough up the hair cuticle and can lead to frizz and damage.
Instead, try a 100% cotton t-shirt or t-shirt hair towel like the HALO, designed with smooth jersey-knit fabric to gently absorb water without disrupting your curl pattern.
Try hair plopping for curly hair to enhance your curl pattern We'll touch more on this below.
No Drying Alcohols
Not all alcohols are bad! Fatty alcohols like cetearyl and cetyl actually moisturize and smooth. But short-chain drying alcohols (often found in aerosol hairsprays or dry shampoos) can strip moisture from your hair and scalp.
🚫 Avoid: Alcohol denat., isopropyl alcohol, or ethanol.
The Beginners Guide to the Curly Girl Method: The CGM Step By Step
Ready to start your Curly Girl journey? Here’s your simple, stress-free, five-step routine to help you reset your hair and bring out your natural curl pattern.
RESET: The CGM “Reset” Wash
Wash your hair with a sulfate clarifying shampoo to remove all silicone and product buildup from your hair and scalp.
Repeat this step if you ever use a product containing silicone or you feel like your hair has product or oil buildup.
STEP 1: Cleanse or Co-Wash
Wash your hair with a sulfate-free shampoo or cleansing conditioner (also called a co-wash). Gently massage your scalp with your fingertips or a silicone scalp massager for at least one minute.
Why it matters: This step stimulates blood flow to the follicles and helps remove oil and buildup without stripping your natural moisture. A healthy scalp means happy curls.
STEP 2: Condition
Apply a generous amount of moisturizing conditioner from mid-lengths to ends, coating your hair until it feels silky and saturated.
Detangle gently with a wide-tooth comb or your fingers while the conditioner is still in your hair — this prevents breakage and helps curls clump naturally.
STEP 3: Style
Choose Curly Girl approved styling products such as alcohol-free gels, curl creams, or mousses that are free of sulfates, silicones, and parabens.
✨ How to apply:
Work into soaking-wet hair to lock in moisture.
Scrunch a generous amount of product from roots to ends.
Don’t be afraid to use more than you think you need — curls love moisture!
STEP 4: Dry
Gently scrunch out excess water, then plop your hair for 15–20 minutes or gently scrunch using a cotton T-shirt or 100% cotton T-shirt hair towel (like the HALO™).
Then let your curls air dry without touching them. If you’re short on time, use a diffuser on low heat and low airflow.
Once your hair is completely dry, lightly scrunch to break the gel cast and reveal soft, defined curls.
🌸 Remember: No rough towels, no high heat, and definitely no brushing once your curls have set!
Essential Curly Girl Method Products for Beginners
The right products make a huge difference when beginning the Curly Girl Method (CGM). You don’t need a cabinet full of fancy bottles — just a few curl-friendly staples that help your hair thrive.
Below are the basics every curly beginner should have in their routine (and a few of our favorites from the OOF! lineup 💗).
1. Gentle, Sulfate-Free Cleanser or Co-Wash
You’ll want a mild cleanser that removes buildup without stripping away natural oils. Look for labels that say sulfate-free and Curly Girl–approved.
OOF! K.I.S.S. Shampoo Bar — a solid, concentrated formula that creates a gentle lather to lift dirt and oil while leaving your scalp hydrated and refreshed.
💡 Tip: Massage your scalp for at least a minute to boost circulation and promote growth.
2. Moisturizing Conditioner
Hydration is everything for curls! Choose a conditioner rich in lightweight oils and butters (like coconut, argan, and jojoba).
OOF! K.I.S.S. Conditioner Bar — packed with cocoa butter, jojoba, and argan oil to soften, strengthen, and detangle your hair without heaviness.
💗 Pro tip: Gently detangle your hair while it's coated in conditioner.
3. Curl-Friendly Styling Products
To define and hold your curls, use alcohol-free gels, curl creams, or leave-ins that enhance your pattern without crunch or buildup.
🌸 What to look for:
“Curl-defining” or “moisture-rich” formulas
Humectants like glycerin or aloe for bounce
No silicones, sulfates, or waxes
🌀 Layer your styling products on soaking-wet hair and scrunch upward for best results.
4. A T-Shirt Hair Towel for Drying
Regular towels can rough up your cuticle and ruin your curl definition — that’s why switching to a T-shirt hair towel is one of the easiest (and most effective) upgrades you can make.
💗 OOF! HALO™ T-Shirt Hair Towel — made from soft, breathable jersey knit cotton that absorbs excess water without causing frizz or breakage.
It's perfect for plopping, scrunch-drying, or simply wrapping up your curls while you get ready.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Curly Girl Method
Still have questions about the Curly Girl Method? Let's go through some of the FAQs of the Curly Girl Method. I promise I will try to not go into too much detail. I know this has been a lot of info!
How Often Do I Wash My Hair With CGM?
It's usually recommended that you wash your hair once a week with the CGM. However, your scalp and hair may be different.
If your hair is prone to oiliness or you have low porosity hair, I would suggest cleansing every other day. for coily/kinky or high porosity hair, 1-2 times a week is best.
Will the Curly Girl Method Make My Hair Curl or Curlier?
The Curly Girl Method is designed to enhance your natural curl or wave pattern rather than create curls on hair that is naturally straight or only slightly wavy.
The main objective of CGM is to achieve healthier and more defined curls. So, it works for wavy or curly hair but will not make straight hair curly.
Can I Brush My Hair Using the Curly Girl Method?
The Curly Girl Method recommends only using a wide-tooth comb when it is saturated with conditioner to maintain the natural curl pattern and does not allow for traditional brushing, because it disturbs your curl pattern.
Tighter curls will often require a curly hair brush to detangle and distribute products for twisting, braiding, and protective styling.
What is the Best Way to Apply Styling Products Using CGM?
There are so many methods for applying product to enhance you're curls. You will probably want to experiment to find which works best for your hair.
I suggest trying one method at least 5 times before moving on to a new method. Each time, make sure to vary up how much product you use and how wet your hair is. Here is my favorite:
Upside Down Scrunching
Scrunching encourages curl clumps (which means well defined curls when dry). And if you want to do it upside down, you get the added benefit of volume if that is your goal.
After conditioning, flip your head over, rake all your hair forward, then squish in (cup and squeeze) the gel, mousse, or curl cream. The water in your hair will help dilute and distribute the product, while all the cupping and scrunching will encourage major curl or wave formation.
Regular Scrunching
This is just like upside down scrunching, but without flipping your hair over. If your hair tends to tangle or if you have tighter coils, you will want to do avoid the flip.
How long does it take the Curly Girl Method to work?
The Curly Girl Method can take at least six weeks to really start to work.
When you start using different products and drying techniques on your waves and curls, it's normal for your hair to react differently at first. However, as you've seen in the before-and-after photos, the majority of people see positive results when they persist with the new routine.
So, How Did the Curly Girl Method Work For YOU?!
I would love to hear about your magical hair results in three months (or, realistically, your frantic questions in approximately 24 hours). Send an email to anna@weareoof.com for questions or comments, or just to say hi!
