Twenty years after introducing the groundbreaking CG Method in CurlyGirl: The Handbook, Lorraine Massey is pleased to share the most effective formula of ingredients to maximize the benefits of the CG methodology.
CurlyWorld products, developed specifically for use with the CG Method, have been tested and proven through years of collaboration with thousands of curly clients.
The quality of your results will be enhanced by practicing the following guidance:
oFollow the simple, three-step CG Method to cleanse, condition, and style your hair.
oUse the highest quality ingredients to protect and nurture your curls.
oAvoid harmful ingredients or tools that can damage your curls.
Whatever your type of curls, follow these general directions for cleansing, conditioning, and styling your hair. After you read this general overview, follow the daily routine for your unique curl-type(s).
How often you cleanse depends on the health of your hair and how long you have been practicing the CG method. If you’re weaning yourself off sulfates, you may want to stay on your usual cleansing schedule and just replace your regular shampoo with a water soluble, sulfate-free, cleanser.
Because your curls’ moods are so affected by weather and climate, you may have to adjust the amount of product you use when you travel or as the seasons change.
When cleansing, firmly massage the entire surface of your scalp using circular motions to get your scalp and hair clean. The friction of your fingertips combined with the water soluble,sulfate-free cleanser will loosen and break up dirt and product buildup, leaving the scalp cleansed and deodorized and your curls clean.
Early on you may need to use more conditioner because your hair is dry and thirsty. As your hair becomes more hydrated, you may use less.
Generally, the tighter or drier the curl, the more water soluble silicone-free conditioner you need. Hair that’s been damaged by blow-frying, coloring, or chemical straightening absorbs conditioner quickly and needs more. Let the condition of your curls guide you. Experiment with different amounts to figure out what’s best for your hair, but err on the side of more conditioner rather than less.
For most curl types, leave some or all of your conditioner in your hair. This may sound unorthodox, especially since we’re so conditioned to rinse thoroughly for fear that product will weigh our hair down. But curly hair needs that extra moisture to stay hydrated and frizz-free.
Use the “squeeze-quench” method of gliding conditioner downward through your hair with your fingers. A squishy sound and hair that feels like wet seaweed means that “hydration penetration” has been accomplished.
Avoid rubbing or agitating your curls with a conventional towel, because the towel will absorb too much moisture and its harsh fabric will ruffle the sensitive hair cuticle, causing frizz. Instead, use a paper towel, an old cotton T-shirt, or a bamboo towel.
Gently rotate the fabric as you blot the hair, just like blotting a sweater in a towel after washing. Precious hair fibers need gentle care.
Gel is an important part of every curly routine because it gives definitive hold but is light to the touch. It’s important to use a gel that’s water soluble and silicone-free, as it lives in your hair for 2 to 3 days.
As your hair begins to dry and the gel hardens, don’t be alarmed by the crystallized curl cast, or “gel cast.” This helps hold the natural curl formation until the hair dries, protecting it from outside interference. Once hair is completely dry, you can dissolve and release the gel cast by tilting your head forward and gently scrunching hair upward toward the scalp. The result will be soft, defined, touchable curls.
Sulfates strip the hair and deprive it of moisture, making it look dry, dull, and unhealthy. Instead, a water soluble, sulfate-free cleanser, like Sham-Free, will hydrate, replenish, and protect your hair without causing build-up, allowing your curls to thrive.
Silicones, frequently used as a detangler, have a nasty side-effect. They build up a film barrier along the hair cuticle, attracting dirt and preventing conditioners from penetrating the hair, further drying it out. Instead, a silicone-free conditioner, like Terms & Conditions or With or Without Hue, will provide the detangling your curls require without the damage.
Brushes or combs interfere with your curls’ formation and cause breakage and dispersed curls—otherwise known as frizz. Instead, use your fingers to comb through your hair only when it’s wet and drenched with conditioner in the shower. This approach will respect each fragile curl’s natural placement and enable a more personal and tactile connection with your curls.
Hair dryers and flat irons can subject your hair to heat levels as high as 450 degrees, which blister, burn, and dry out your moisture-loving curls. Instead, a more gentle approach to drying your hair (air drying, diffusing, or hood drying) will help preserve the hydration provided by cleansing and conditioning.
When you practice the 3-Step CG Method with the right products and tools, you will be cleansing, conditioning, and styling your hair regularly, but in a way that will keep it healthy, hydrated and beautiful. Learn more about the CG Method in Lorraine's blog post.
