Unlocking Curly Girl Method Secrets: Is It CG Approved?

If you’re naturally blessed with curly hair, you’ve likely heard of the Curly Girl Method. However, it’s no secret that finding the ideal products for textured hair can be a daunting task.

We’ve put together a comprehensive list of verified curly girl products to aid you on your journey to embrace your natural curls. Whether you’re on the hunt for the ultimate product to enhance your curls or if you’re new to the Curly Girl Method, you’ve come to the right place. Read on!

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Understanding the Curly Girl Method

The Curly Girl Method is a hair care regimen created by Lorraine Massey in her book “Curly Girl: The Handbook.” This method is designed to help those with curly hair embrace their natural texture and work with it, rather than against it. CGM uses products and techniques specifically designed for curly hair to enhance and define natural curls, waves, and coils. It also means opting for sulfate-free shampoos, and avoiding products that contain harsh chemicals that can strip the hair of its natural oils and cause damage. Instead, curly girl products typically use gentle, moisturizing ingredients that help nourish and hydrate the hair. And aside from the products, CG method also involves specific techniques for washing, conditioning, and styling curly hair. For example, many people who follow the Curly Girl Method choose to co-wash (wash their hair with conditioner) rather than using traditional shampoo, as this can help to keep the hair hydrated and reduce frizz. By following this method and using the right products and techniques, those with curly hair can achieve healthy, defined curls.

Understanding Your Hair Type

Before you can fully embrace the Curly Girl Method, it’s important to understand your hair type. Hair types are typically categorized into four types: straight, wavy, curly, and coily. Each type has its own set of subcategories, which are determined by the tightness of the curl. Knowing your hair type will help you choose the right products and styling techniques, ensuring that your curls look their best.

The Importance of Moisture in Curly Hair

Moisture is key when it comes to curly hair. Without it, our curls can become dry, frizzy, and prone to breakage. That’s why it’s important to choose products that hydrate and nourish our hair. Look for ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and aloe vera, which are known for their moisturizing properties.

The Role of Styling in the Curly Girl Method

Styling plays a big role in the Curly Girl Method. The goal is to enhance your natural curl pattern, and the right styling techniques can help you do just that. Techniques like “scrunching”, “plopping”, and “finger coiling” can help enhance your curls and give them definition.

CG-Approved Products: What to Look For

So, what makes a product CG-approved? The only foolproof way to determine whether a product is Curly Girl Method approved is to check the ingredients list. Look for products that contain natural, nourishing ingredients like fruit extracts, avocado oil, and aloe vera. Here are the ingredients you need to avoid:

• Sulfates: A common ingredient in most commercial shampoos that can strip off natural oils. It can dry out the hair, making it brittle and more prone to damage.
• Silicones: These give a false coat to make the hair look shiny. But it prevents moisture from penetrating the hair, which can cause dryness and damage. Look for products with water-soluble silicones like dimethicone copolyol.
• Alcohols: This ingredient can be drying to the hair, making it more prone to dryness, frizz, and breakage.
• Heavy oils and waxes: While some oils and waxes can be beneficial for curly hair, heavy waxes and oils weigh down the hair, making it look greasy and flat. They can also cause product buildup on the hair over time, leading to dullness and lack of volume.

These culprits can strip your hair of its natural oils and cause buildup, which can weigh down your curls and prevent them from reaching their full potential. Instead, look for products with moisturizing ingredients, like shea butter and aloe vera.

Recommended Curly Girl Approved Products

Here are some recommended products that are Curly Girl approved and can help you manage your curly hair:

Shampoo

ABBA Pure Performance Hair Care – Gentle Shampoo

This gentle shampoo from ABBA is designed to cleanse and soothe your scalp and hair. It’s formulated with cherry bark and aloe vera to provide natural cleansing and conditioning. It’s also free from harsh chemicals, making it safe for color-treated hair.
Key ingredients: Cherry Bark, Aloe Vera, ProQuinoa Complex.

AG Care Balance Apple Cider Vinegar Sulfate-Free Shampoo

AG Care Balance Apple Cider Vinegar Sulfate-Free Shampoo is a CG approved hair product that offers a unique blend of natural ingredients. Enriched with apple cider vinegar, it gently cleanses the scalp, balances pH levels, and promotes healthier hair. Sulfate-free and nourishing, it leaves hair feeling refreshed and revitalized.
Key ingredients: Apple Cider Vinegar, Coconut Oil,Hydrolyzed Quinoa Protein,Silk Amino Acids

Conditioner

AG Care Conditioner

AG Care Conditioner is a nourishing hair product that delivers hydration and moisture to the hair, leaving it soft, smooth, and manageable. With its unique formulation, this conditioner helps to detangle hair, reduce frizz, and enhance overall hair health. It is designed to work effectively for all hair types.
Key ingredients: Keratin Protein, Argan Oil, Shea Butter, Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5), Aloe Vera Extract

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Olaplex No. 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner

This is a premium CG approved conditioner that helps to repair and strengthen damaged hair. It nourishes and hydrates, leaving hair smoother and more manageable. This professional-grade formula works to rebuild and restore hair bonds, promoting healthier and more resilient hair.
Key ingredients: Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate, Sodium PCA, Argan Oil, Avocado Oil, and Jojoba Seed Oil

Styling Products

AG Care CURL FRESH definer silicone-free soft-hold styling cream

AG Care CURL FRESH definer is a silicone-free soft-hold styling cream designed specifically for curly hair. This lightweight cream defines and enhances natural curls while providing a soft, flexible hold. It helps to reduce frizz and adds moisture for bouncy, well-defined curls throughout the day.
Key ingredients: Shea Butter,Coconut Oil,Aloe Vera Extract,Sunflower Seed Extract,Rice Bran Oil.

DevaCurl Styling Cream, Touchable Moisturizing Definer

This styling cream is a moisturizing alternative to gel that’ll give your curls frizz-free, touchable hold. It’s made with jojoba and tapioca starch for defined, touchable texture and frizz-control minus the crunch.
Key ingredients: Jojoba, Tapioca Starch, Hops Extract.

Hair Masks

AGADIR Argan Oil – Hair Treatment

This hair treatment from AGADIR is a rich, conditioning hair mask that hydrates and restores hair’s natural moisture balance. It’s enriched with Argan Oil, which is known for its nourishing and repairing properties.
Key ingredients: Argan Oil, Vitamin E, Antioxidants.

Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask

This luxurious mask deeply nourishes and moisturizes the hair, restoring its vitality and shine. It is formulated with a blend of high-quality ingredients to provide intense hydration and improve overall hair health.
Key ingredients: Argan Oil, Shea Butter, Glycerin, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, and Linseed Extract.

Other

ACTiiV Hair Science – Recover Thickening Cleansing Treatment for Hair Loss

This Thickening Cleansing Treatment from ACTiiV Hair Science helps combat hair loss. It’s formulated with natural ingredients that cleanse the scalp and hair, promoting healthier and thicker-looking hair.
Key ingredients: Green Tea Extract, Saw Palmetto, Red Clover.

Shea Moisture Coconut and Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie

This product is enriched with natural ingredients to give you soft, silky, and defined curls! It’s a great product to use for those who want to enhance their natural curls. Key ingredients: Coconut Oil, Silk Protein, Neem Oil.

Choosing the Right Products for Your Curly Hair

One of the most common issues that individuals with curly hair face is greasiness. This is often due to the use of products that are too heavy for your hair type. If you have fine, wavy, or low porosity hair, you may need lighter products. Think about the last time you spilled oil on clothing. It was hard to get out, right? When you use oily products, you’re doing the same thing to your hair.

Some common oily product lines include Shea Moisture (with some exceptions), Cantu, and Carol’s Daughter. Also, adding plain oil to your hair can contribute to the problem. Using lighter products will help your hair curl or wave better, and prevent it from looking greasy.

If you have naturally oily skin, oily products can exacerbate the problem. Removing them and adding in a sulfate-free cleanser (often called a low-poo) can make a huge difference. Another way to lighten up your routine is to limit your styling products to 1-2 products. Lighter products are mostly gels and mousses rather than creams and leave-ins.

Understanding the Impact of Hard Water on Your Hair

Another thing to consider is hard water. If your water is hard, it can turn products that are normally pretty light into oily buildup. Hard water contains high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium, which can build up on your hair over time, making it feel greasy and heavy.

How to Combat Frizz

Frizz is a common issue for those with curly hair. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including humidity, damage, and product buildup. The key to combating frizz is to keep your hair well-moisturized and to avoid products with harsh ingredients that can dry out your hair. Techniques like “plopping” and “squish to condish” can also help reduce frizz and enhance your curls.

The Role of Sulfates in Hair Care

Sulfates are a type of detergent that are commonly used in shampoos. While they’re great at removing dirt and oil, they can also strip your hair of its natural oils, leading to dry, frizzy hair. That’s why the Curly Girl Method recommends avoiding products with sulfates.

The Curly Girl Method: Is It Worth It?

The Curly Girl Method requires a bit of a commitment, but many people find that it’s worth it. By ditching the harsh chemicals and embracing your natural curl pattern, you can achieve healthier, more beautiful curls.

Olaplex: Is It Curly Girl Friendly?

Olaplex is a popular hair care brand that’s known for its hair repairing treatments. While not all of their products are CG-approved, many of them are, including their No.3 Hair Perfector.

How Often Should You Follow the Curly Girl Method?

The Curly Girl Method isn’t just a routine, it’s a lifestyle. It’s something that you should be following every time you wash and style your hair. However, everyone’s hair is different, so you might need to adjust the method to suit your hair’s specific needs.

Final Thoughts: Embracing Your Curls with the Curly Girl Method

The Curly Girl Method is more than just a hair care routine; it’s a way to embrace your natural hair texture and learn to care for your curls. It can be a journey of trial and error, but the results are worth it. Remember, the key to finding the right product for your curly hair is to understand your hair type and its needs. Always check the ingredients and avoid products that contain sulfates, silicones, alcohols, and heavy oils and waxes. With the right products and care, you can embrace your natural curls and keep them healthy and beautiful.

FAQs

What products are good for the Curly Girl Method?

Products that are free from sulfates, silicones, waxes, and drying alcohols are good for the Curly Girl Method. If you’re seeking some top-notch hair products, a few excellent options to consider are the DevaCurl Styling Cream, Cantu Shea Butter for Natural Hair Moisturizing Curl Activator Cream, and Shea Moisture Coconut and Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie. These products come highly recommended and are guaranteed to give your hair the care it deserves.

Is it worth doing Curly Girl Method?

In my personal experience, the Curly Girl Method is absolutely worth it. It has transformed my hair from frizzy and unmanageable to healthy and defined. However, it’s important to remember that everyone’s hair is different, and what works for me might not work for you. It’s all about finding what works best for your hair.

Is Olaplex curly girl friendly?

Yes, Olaplex is a curly girl friendly product. It’s a hair treatment that helps to repair damaged hair and is free from sulfates, silicones, and alcohols, making it a great choice for those following the Curly Girl Method.

How often should I do the Curly Girl Method?

The Curly Girl Method is more than just a routine, it’s a lifestyle change for your hair. It’s something you should follow every time you care for your hair. This includes every time you wash, condition, and style your hair.