If you’re an avid member of the curl community or ever been to the Devachan Salon, then you’ve probably already heard of The Curly Girl Method and you’re most likely a fan.

The Curly Girl Method was created by Lorraine Massey, the founder and owner of Devachan Salon and Spa located in Soho, NYC. Lorraine’s passion for healthy curly hair inspired her to write her book, Curly Girl: The Handbook and her method took the curly world by storm.

The Curly Girl Method promises healthy defined curls by eliminating damaging habits from your hair care routine such as harsh shampoos, combs and heat styling.

Conditioner and gel are the only two products you will need on this routine. Eliminating damaging techniques and products, while feeding curls optimum moisture are the heart and soul to this method. 

Although many curlies in the community have raved about The Curly Girl Method providing incredible results for their hair, you should feel free to modify the routine to suit your own hair. 

6 Products to Avoid While Doing The Curly Girl Method:

When starting this routine it is important to note that many common hair care products and techniques we were taught growing up have actually been the cause of our damaged curls.

You can consider The Curly Method as a “hair diet”  for your curls, a detox from these bad habits and products. 

• No Shampoo

It’s best to avoid most [clarifying shampoos],  which contains sulfates and other detergents that can be harsh and drying to curls. 

If parting from shampoo may be difficult for you, you can opt in for a sulfate free or “low poo” alternative.

• No Combs

Use your fingers to detangle your curls with conditioner instead. While using your fingers you are aware of the tangles and can gently work your way through knots, preventing breakage and frizz. 

Finger detangling will also help massage moisture into your hair and thoroughly ensure every curl is covered.

• No heat styling

 Heat styling can be very damaging to curls, causing moisture loss, breakage, and loss of curl pattern.

• No non-water soluble silicones

Silicones prevent moisture from penetrating hair strands by coating the hair in a thick film causing hair to become dehydrated.

• No alcohol 

Alcohol is found in many popular hair care products today, however it’s a very drying products as well.

• No Fragrance 

Fragrances may smell nice but those chemicals used to make that strong scent can actually dry out your hair and irritate your scalp and skin. 

3 Steps for The Curly Girl Method?

 The curly girl method requires only a  few steps! Wash day will definitely be cut in half. 

Remember, you may switch out products as you choose, as long as they are Curly Girl Method approved products. 

Step 1- Cleanse 

Grab your conditioner cleanser, or co-wash and use your fingertips to gently scrub and stimulate your scalp. The friction will lift build up, residue and sweat from your scalp to be washed out.

How often to cleanse hair?

Wavy hair- Should use a regular shampoo once a week. 

Curly hair- Co-wash hair once a week or every 10days. 

Coily hair - Cleanse with a co-wash as little as possible. However I recommend every two weeks and when need be. 

Step 2- Condition

Use your fingers to detangle and smooth conditioner all over hair in sections. 

How to condition hair?

Wavy hair - Rinse the conditioner out of your hair for a few seconds. You may choose to leave a bit of conditioner as a leave-in.

Curly hair-  Rinse conditioner out completely  or leave in, depending if your curls need extra moisture.

Coily hair - Cover hair in a plastic cap and apply heat for 15 minutes for a deep conditioning treatment. Rinse completely or leave a bit of conditioner In. 

Step 3- Style

While hair is still wet bend over forward and blot hair dry by cupping curls in your hands with a towel. Try not wring or disturb your curls, as it may cause frizz. 

For a wash and go style, grab your gel and scrunch your curls  starting from your ends and working your way towards the scalp. Clip your roots for more added volume. Then let your hair air dry.

The curly girl method recommends low manipulation hairstyles for all hair types. If you prefer to style your hair other than a wash and go, you may do so, just try to avoid heat.

If you need to reboot your curly hair routine or want to detox your hair from harsh products and manipulation why not give The Curly Girl Method a try?