Curly Girl Method - Before and After

Hey,
Well I never believed the shampoo fast worked. Seeing what it's done for your hair though i'm trying it! It's been 3 days....I feel proud though! I love straightening my hair and I have been doing it too often for 2 years now and my back of my hairs ok but the front of my hair is straight now UGH! I hope doing the six week fast is going to help my hair! I cant wait to use some of the sweetest strongest smelling shampoo at the end of it though! hah! you are very pretty and your hair looks amazing thank you very much for posting and keeping up to doing a photo each week and showing the progression. I hope mine looks as cool as yours in 6 weeks!

Thanks for all of the great tips! I have curly type 2b hair (I think) which kind of has a mind of its own. It's about the same length and curl as yours but not as even. Tends to be more curly up front...but only on one side where it's thinner. :-( I have occasionally gotten the back to be like your hair after CG method, but w/o a lot of work it just tends drop or to hang more like your before pics only not as nice or even.

On a good day I can get it looking pretty good AT FIRST,...but here is the question that I CANNOT seem to find an answer to ANYWHERE, even on curly sites. Since trying to go natural I've been using Giovanni's light leave in conditioner, sparingly, and then Giovanni's LA gel, sparingly. Since my hair is 2b I HAVE to use a diffuser to blow dry (after nearly dry already) to get nice curls, but they always seem to fall out and no matter what I do I get the frizzies up top. But this is my biggest problem...if I follow all the curly hair "rules" for letting it dry natually, no touching, etc., my hair ALWAYS stays flat to my head and my curls are more like very uneven waves. I can't seem to get any answers on how to let my hair dry naturally and still have lift and bouncy curls. When I use a diffuser I can get some greeeeat curls, but it causes me to get frizz on top and my hair eventually falls. I can't use oils cause it just makes my hair stick flatter to my head. Pleeeeeease, if anyone has the same problem, I need advice!!!

I started the curly girl method myself but I did not use a light conditioner and I did not feel my hair washed properly, I will go and buy one. The results for your hair are obvious.

I have been battling my curly hair ALL my life!!! A couple of years ago I decided to stop fighting with it and decided to let it go curly. On my journey to figuring out what works and what doesn't I have discovered some things... I agree that regular shampoos containing sulfates are much harsher on curly hair. I tried the whole "no shampooing" trick and didn't care for it. My hair just never felt clean. However, they now have a lot of products out advertised as after care products if you have had a Brazilian blow out, reason being that sulfate and alcohol based products strip the keratin out of hair. That is what I use. And no, I haven't had a Brazilian blow out. But my hair is definitely less frizzy, my curls are more defined and my hair feels CLEAN! The trick is to pay attention to the label. "Low sulfate" and "sulfate free" are two different things. I recommend the "sulfate free" products. Sally's Beauty supply store has a nice range that is priced reasonably.

Interesting read, thanks for sharing your experience. I have naturally wavy hair and the only time I ever tried to wear it curly was on the weekends when I'm just lounging around the house (since it didn't look so great). It wasn't until I switched to Suave Professionals Almond & Shea Butter shampoo & conditioner that my hair started looking nice when I let it air dry. I then added a mixture of Vitamin E oil with Castor Oil hair & scalp conditioner to my hair and voila, no frizz curls. Despite what almost everyone else advises, I do wash my hair on a daily basis. My scalp and hair just feel disgusting if I don't and I tried the "no poo" method before and it destroyed my hair.

Hello. I have a question. Please reply! I have been doing the CG method for a month or so and my curls are a lot better. But lately, I have had to shampoo about once a week because, for some reason, my scalp has been getting oily. I use the same conditioner as you said you use. I am starting to think it's my method of applying the conditioner and rinsing it. I usually section my hair and apply the conditioner to my roots. Then I have to rinse forever. And it still feels greasy. How do you do it? and how long does it take to rinse it all away from your scalp?
Thank you.
-Hailey

That was a great blog! Love the curls you now have in your hair!
I naturally have bouncy curls and always dreaded going into the store to see which product would work best in my hair.

Over the years, I noticed that these combinations work best.
I shampoo only once a week since it dries out curly hair a lot. Conditioner wise-I switch off. I use Garnier Fructis, Pantene Pro-V, and Herbal Essences- None of your frizzness. Once one bottle of conditioner is gone, I switch to another bottle. This allows my hair to not get completely used to one conditioner. If it does...HELLO FRIZZ! :/ After my shower, I immediately put detangler it in, use a wide tooth comb to comb through it, and add Pantene Pro-V Curls Mousse and LA Looks Gel to my hair.

This works very well on my hair. Anyone reading this:
Experiment with different products just like this blog. :)

Thanks for your inspirational post and all the wonderful, helpful comments above. I start today. I've bought my products--Tresemme, V05, and argan oil and claimed one of my husbands t-shirts. And I'm looking forward to using some of the Curly Girl home brews when I need to remove buildup later on. They sound fun! Some years ago I tried the Wen system, but was unimpressed with the results--and it was so expensive to keep it up.

I do wonder what my colorist/haircutter is going to say--do I tell her not to use shampoo when I go next week? I'll search the interwebs for some advice on that....

You're a goddess! Honestly, I think this is the most straightforward CurlyHair guidelines that I've ever read/seen. We'll be waiting for more updates.

I used WEN when my hair was relaxed and it worked great. I am doing the curly girl method, the one silicone in WEN is making my hair dry, and hard, and trying to hydrate and get curl definition is like going through a firewall. I tried to hang in there because I spent big bucks on something that no longer works for my current hair routine. I guess I will shower with it.

The shake and rake works good and I don't know if anyone has mentioned paper towels work really great getting moisture out of hair, and boosts my natural curlyness. (My hair is alot like yours in curl & length) I gently wrap my hair in a thin towel first out of the shower, and then I use 2 paper towels after every time I shampoo and condition it helps to get the final bit of water out so my hair isn't damp for hours. I also use the same damp paper towels after I scrunch Diva Curl gel into my hair. I think the damp paper towel helps to distribute the gel thru my hair. I think it keeps me from overloading my hair with my gel and that could help with the flakes & build up on yours? Good luck, your hair looks marvelous !

I highly highly HIGHLY recommend Hawaiian Silky. It is the best thing I have ever ever found for my curly hair. It's a moisturizer and a detangler and a curl activator. It is hair crack. I love that it doesn't give me the wet look. Nor does it make my hair crunchy. I can run my finger through my hair all day and my curls stay pretty and defined. They have it is Sally's and on Amazon

I noticed WEN was listed in your product tags, WEN has silicone in all the products and is not Curly Girl friendly. Silicone suffocates the hair from being able to absorb moisture and leaves hair limps and reluctant to create ringlets.
You have lovely hair and a beautiful curl pattern.
Thank you

I loved this article, I have long curly hair. I've been putting gel in and twisting it up on top of my head, held by a scrunchie, until it dries. I get great curls and they stay in for days. My big find though, is a brush called the knot genie (knotgenie.com) ... it is AMAZING! So easy to brush out the tangles!! I highly recommend it ...

I have naturally curly hair which requires frequent battling in this Alabama weather. The spiral of my curls are about the width of my thumb, but are not tight, nor loose. Growing up, I looked like a human q-tip because my hair would grow out, not down. It wasn't till I had 2 relaxers put in my hair that I was actually able to have some sense of style. It seems, I have spent more money and went through more hair products than I can count. I don't want to even think of the staggering dollar amount. Curling products (shampoo, gels, etc.) frizzes my hair. So, naturally, I a stay away from such products. For years, my only product of choice was mousse. I would wet my hair in the mornings and apply mousse. This would set my hair, but had the "wet" look to it. Afterwards, during my trial and error period, I was willing to try anything. After a long and expensive search, I found a Whipped Wax defining cream (Wal-mart salon $12) an amazing and VERY convenient solution. Two pumps of the wax actually acted as a repellent to the Alabama humidity and my curls would stay defined and bouncy. I couldn't believe it. After I washed and conditioned my hair at night, I would thoroughly apply 2 pumps of the wax and let it set for about 30 minutes before I went to bed. In the morning, I would run wet fingers through my hair and let it air dry as I put on make-up and got dressed. Then, I would style it with a pick and go. Many times I would not use hairspray. If it was going to rain, I would use Garnier Ant-Humidity hair spray (slender, green, aerosol can) as an extra defense to the humidity. Like several others who posted, my curly hair dries out. I found that Dove Conditioner works best for me (the stronger the conditioner, the better). Eventually, conditioner was not enough. Currently, I am using a very intense conditioner every 2 weeks or when I notice the frizzies were coming back (not as frequent during winter). I purchased a 6.6 oz tub of Ojon Dry Recovery at Ulta for $25. Yes, this is expensive, but it has lasted for almost a year. The best investment I've made so far. I would definitely buy it again. Before I found the Ojon, I was using Hask Placenta (yes, you are reading that correctly). This came in a spray bottle that can be purchased at Sally's Beauty Supplies. The results were immediate for my dry, pine-straw hair. I hope this helps someone. I am glad to see a post for curly hair. I think we all share a mutual battle with curly hair and to share what works for me, may be the solution for someone else.

I have VERY curly hair and could never dream of not washing it . . .icky. But I don't wash every day. VERY important as curly hair is naturally dryer than straight hair. Also layers cut into your hair will help add spring to your curls instead of all on length which will weigh them down. I use a mousse specifically for curly hair, which is more light weight than gel. Most gels are made up of alcohol, which is more drying. Letting curls air dry will give you the most curl and is way less damaging and less frizz producing than a blow dryer. I straighten sometime and go curly sometimes. Straightening your hair with a flat iron once in a while isn't going to kill you curl for future curliness.

After finding this blog accidentally, I bought the Curly Girl method book. The book convinced me to give up all products with sulfate and silicone and I started using DevaCurl products. That was about three months ago and the results are really nice. My curls have a lot more definition whereas before my hair was mainly just waves. I make the lavender spray (the recipe is in the CG book) and use that every other day to refresh my curls. One thing I want to mention is that I was using WEN products, but after reading the label carefully, I found that the products contain an ingredient which is basically a variation of silicone (anything that ends in "cone" is related to silicone). I quit using that and have seen an improvement in the texture and curl formation of my hair.

Wow... I have been a curly girl for over a year now. I love the carefree way of embracing my curls and not dreading our humid South florida weather. I cant wait to try the "rake and shake". it took me about two months to figure out what worked with my curls. I still struggle with the front hairline being flat and hanging in my face. I use my sunglasses or a headband to keep it back. I occasionally -about 4 times in the past year- blow out my hair (which takes about 50 minutes and is a true shoulder work out) and it makes me appreciate the convenience of curly girl lifestyle. Thanks for your info!

what if your hair isn't curly? will it still curl if your hair is more like a straight/barely wavy?

Hey :D I freakin' love your hair and the fact that you're sticking to your curls and the CG method:D
Your hair looks so shiny and helathy:D Your ringlets are bouncy, what else would a girl ask for? ^^
I have tight curls which don't really look like yours, but I still love them :)
I haven't started this method yet, but I wanna ask , are there some unwanted effects that might appear on the first week -maybe- ?
I have shoulder-lengh hair, and I used to blow dry it weekly, it tends to get frizzy and unmanagable, >< I hated it but I had to accept it this way .That was stupid xD And I was kind of not slef-confident.I hated those days,and I aim to start this method :D
Good luck ^^ and I hope it works :) <3 I believe that God has created us the best way we can ever look :D

Awesome! Now the no shampoo I could see for a few days but not that long. Sulfates aren't good for colored hair and the lather really dries them out. So my hairdresser gave me deva curl. It's awesome! The shampoo is creamy and there are no suds to dry your hair out. It's almost like conditioner. Then there's the conditioner and you follow up with their gel. I've used a lot of mousse and creams but by the end of the day, your hair poofs out in spots. Gel is always crunchy and hard. But not this stuff. It's AMAZING. My curls are prettier than I've ever gotten them and it makes me feel beautiful. You want a lot on your hands and rub it through your ends. Once you have less on your hands, you work in into the rest of your hair. Not crunchy, or stiff, but controlled and frizz free. I'm in love and just wanted to share! Us curly girls need to stick together haha

I really enjoyed reading this. I've seen the Curly Girl Method on a few different websites and had thought about trying it, but some of what it said didn't seem to make sense to me. I liked being able to see your experiences with it week by week.

I understand your dislike of abandoning shampoo altogether. I usually shampoo mine twice a week, and that seems to be enough to prevent it from getting greasy without ever drying it out. I also use a high quality conditioner (I use Organix moroccan argan oil conditioner) and focus on using it on the middle and tips of my hair, applying anything that's left after I do that to the top. I do that at the beginning of my shower and rinse it out at the end. I also do a deep-conditioning treatment twice a month.

I don't use a gel, because I don't like having crunchy curls, but have started using a texturizing putty. It's hard to find the perfect amount to use (too much leaves my hair feeling greasy), but when I mix that in with some leave-in conditioner, I find that it works well.

Love your last pictures with the rake and shake thing- the curls look so beautiful!

Love the tips! I use natural olive oil soap (made locally in Turkey) for a "shampoo" and it makes soft bouncy curls. I love Frederick Fekkai's Glossing Cream but I can't get it in Turkey and ended up just using extra virgin olive oil: apply about a quarter-size amount onto wet hands and starting at the ends slowly scrunch up until you reach the roots. My hair is naturally baby fine but extra curly and most commercial products make it frizzy, fluffy or an afro/bouffant style. I also buy 100% pure apricot oil and use that occasionally if I don't have EEVO available. I will try the no shampoo method - in the past I've always just rinsed my hair after a sweaty/salty workout and reapplied EEVO at the ends so I'm almost there already! also for those with cowlicks... if you have a side part, try parting on the left side instead! when my hair is still damp, I apply a bit of product to the bangs, sweep them over to the side and fasten in place with a bobby pin - adjusting the pin slightly until dry.
Off Topic: Extra virgin olive oil is also (btw) excellent for your skin! I use it every night as a cleanser and face cream. As a cleanser: apply to DRY face with DRY hands and rub in a circular motion, then splash your face with warm water - it really cleans the pores. After your face is dry, apply the EEVO in 2 very light layers - the first all over the face and then the "trouble spots" for dryness (under the eyes, laugh lines, etc) and lightly massage in. I'm 46 and my skin is still baby smooth!

your hair looks a lot better and less frizzy. more like salon hair vs. do it yourself. good job for hanging in there during experiment

She's not a model, that's Seanne Corne, a yoga teacher. I haven't tried this method yet.

Hi! Found your post in a google search on Curly girl. I just started and can totally relate...I miss being able to run my fingers through my hair. It feels so tangled and nappy that I keep thinking I need to wash it again. Uck! I'm hoping with time, it won't feel so bad. Thanks for sharing your experience.

Thanks soo much for this info! my daughters curls are starting to go limp... I am hoping this method will bring the life back! Thanks again!

Andrea,
Thanks so very much for sharing your curly hair experience. I too am still experimenting on what routine works well for my locks, and I am getting slowly but shirley. Must run out and get the book you spoke of though!!!