What is the Curly Girl Method?
CGM emphasizes gentle cleansing, intense moisture, and protective styling. The method has transformed millions of people's relationships with their natural texture by helping them understand what their curls actually need.
The CGM has been around since 2001 and has evolved with input from the curly community. Many people follow a "modified CGM" that adapts the rules to their specific hair needs.
Core CGM Rules
Look For These
- +Gentle cleansers (sulfate-free shampoos, co-wash)
- +Water-soluble ingredients (easy to rinse)
- +Natural oils & butters (coconut, shea, argan)
- +Humectants (glycerin, aloe vera)
Avoid These
- −Sulfates (harsh cleansers that strip oils)
- −Silicones (create buildup requiring sulfates)
- −Drying alcohols (denat alcohol, SD alcohol)
- −Waxes (mineral oil, petrolatum)
- No heat styling — Air dry or use a diffuser on low/cool
- No brushing when dry — Only detangle when wet with conditioner
- Use a microfiber towel or t-shirt — Regular towels cause frizz
- Sleep on silk/satin — Protects curls while you sleep
Basic CGM Routine
Cleanse (Weekly or As Needed)
Use a sulfate-free shampoo or co-wash (conditioner washing). Focus on your scalp, not the lengths.
Browse CGM ShampoosCondition (Every Wash)
Apply a silicone-free conditioner generously. Use this time to detangle with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb. "Squish to condish" to encourage curl formation.
Browse CGM ConditionersStyle (While Soaking Wet)
Apply leave-in conditioner, then a curl cream or gel. Use the "praying hands" method or scrunch products in. Don't touch until completely dry.
Dry & "Scrunch Out the Crunch"
Air dry or diffuse on low heat. Once 100% dry, scrunch your hair to break the gel cast and reveal soft, defined curls.
The Reset Wash
One-Time Reset
Many people notice a "transition period" where hair adjusts over 2-6 weeks. During this time, your hair is learning to produce the right amount of natural oils since you're no longer stripping them with harsh sulfates.
Modified CGM: When to Adapt the Rules
Strict CGM doesn't work for everyone. Here's when you might need to modify:
Low Porosity Hair
You might need lightweight products and occasional clarifying washes. Heavy butters and oils can weigh down low porosity hair.
Fine or Thin Hair
Skip heavy creams and butters. Stick to lightweight gels and mousses. You may need to wash more frequently.
Scalp Issues
If you have dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, or buildup, you may need to use a gentle sulfate shampoo occasionally or add a clarifying wash to your routine.
- CGM eliminates sulfates, silicones, drying alcohols, and waxes
- Do a one-time reset wash with sulfate shampoo before starting
- Basic routine: cleanse → condition → style → dry → scrunch out crunch
- Avoid heat styling and brushing dry hair
- Use microfiber towel/t-shirt and sleep on silk/satin
- Modify the method based on your porosity and hair type
- Transition period of 2-6 weeks is normal