Curly Girl Method - Before and After

PAST TECHNIQUES:
I used to LOVE coconut oil and used it for many years. However, when I started going to a new stylist and told her how I had a constant problem with a dry, flaky scalp, she told me that it was probably the coconut oil. I couldn't believe it but decided to experiment and stopped using it. After a few weeks of no coconut oil, I had, for the first time in eight years, a scalp that wasn't itching and flaking within two days of shampooing. Not sure what the problem was but I think she said it had to do with the oil clogging the pores in my scalp.

I also had the same success with Frizz Ease but also, unfortunately, had the same dandruff-type issues.

CURRENT TECHNIQUES:
These days (although I long to return to the coconut oil), I use Carole's Daughter sulfate-free shampoos. I tried the Loreal brand but don't believe it is as sulfate-free as they claim because it lathers pretty easily and sulfates are what cause lathering. And for conditioner, I use my Grandmother's tried and true practice of rinsing with vinegar.

Aside from my bangs, I never blow dry my hair however I always knot it up in a bun and dry it with a bonnet cap dryer. THIS HAS BEEN A LIFE SAVER AND IS THE ONLY THING THAT HAS EVER GIVEN ME TRULY FRIZZ-LESS HAIR. A diffuser also works but it is a pain to spend so much time trying to dry thick hair and not touch it. If you touch it at all, you get frizz.

Great idea to photo journal your curl experiment! I have always had curly hair & have gone through phases of hating (mostly as a young teenager) & loving it. I've also spent years trying out all sorts of products.

For me I wash my hair every 3-4 days (any more often & my hair becomes too soft & fluffy); I shampoo, rinse then apply conditioner (Aussie, Dark & Lovely or Nivea Curls)& leave in while I shave, exfoliate etc. I then comb my hair through before rinsing out the rest of the conditioner.

After my shower I wrap my hair in a towel (although from reading these comments I will now be using a t-shirt!) & leave for about 10-15 mins. I then toussle out my curls with my fingers, scrunch some leave in conditioner & mousse (i don't like any gel i've ever tried) & a small bit of serum & leave to dry.

I don't tend to blow dry my hair but if I need to I always always turn my head upside down first (otherwise the blow drying causes frizz).

It is also really easy to create looser curls & beach waves from curly hair. I tie my hair back in different ways while wet & once it dry let it down, add some serum & /or hair spray & it's done. Some ideas...1, 2 & 4 tend to give a slightly straighter top that progresses into loose curls.

1. gather your hair at the nape of your neck as if you are about to tie a low pony tail, instead of securing in a band twist the hair all the way to the end & then pull up against your head & secure with a clip.

2. gather your hair at the nape of your neck as if you are about to tie a low pony tail, instead of securing in a band twist braid the hair & then secure with a band.

3. french braid your hair, tie with a small band at the end.

4. in the day i'll often pull my hair back, twist & then secure with a bull dog clip.

I think for most people with curly hair it is trial & error until you achieve a look that you like.

GREAT POST FOR CURLY HAIR. I went from beach wavy hair to curly curly hair when I stopped using sulphate shampoo. I get one that is sulphate free. I also use coconut oil in my hair and it makes my curls awesome :)

I am so thrilled to read this post on Pinterest, along with all of your replies about the various challenges and successful treatments for curly hair!

I am bi-racial and have very dry, kinky and curly hair (currently sported in an afro, thank you very much, LOL) and have had great difficulty with taming the frizz, major scalp dryness/irritation issues and maintenance of my curls.
I have been using WEN products for about 2 months now and am finding *some* help with their conditioning treatment, although I'm still having issues with my extremely dry scalp (itchy, dry and irritated)...so I may try that suggested combo of vinegar water for that to find relief.

And to you, Curly Girl...you're curls are lovely and frame your face beautifully!

If anyone on here has more suggestions for my hair, my ears are wide open :)

I have a very oily scalp with regular dandruff, so going without shampoo doesn't work for me. But what DOES work--even in Southern humidity--is Dove Mousse--either Body&Lift or Curl&Sculpt. I love them both, though Body&Lift does tend to work a little better for me (especially in really humid weather). I use a wide tooth comb in the shower to make sure I am mostly detangled, and then when I get out I wrap my hair in a towel for about a minute so that the bulk of the drippy water is gone. Then I squeeze a health portion of mousse into my hand (size of a lemon?) and run it through my hair starting about three inches below my part. Once it's through the hair, I flip my head upside down and use the excess mousse on my hands (plus another squirt) to scrunch up my hair and make sure the ends are very moist with water and mousse. In the summer, I left this air dry and make sure to fluff my hair an hour later. In the winter, I blow dry my hair with a diffuser (curly girl's best friend: http://www.amazon.com/Revlon-RV544-Tourmaline-Lightweight-Silver/dp/B000...).

I can totally relate - figuring out what works is quite a journey. I found Curly Girl about a year ago when the author Lorraine Massey came to speak at a local author event. I bought a travel pack of her DevaCurl products that evening to try out, and had great results after the first use, though like you, I had to refine my process over time. I used DevaCurl products exclusively for several months, but it was a little pricey for me, so I tried some other options.

Now I use Queen Helene's Royal Curl Moisture Rich Conditioner, and Curl Shaping Creme (gel), which I can usually find at natural food stores, like Whole Foods. I haven't been able to find a replacement I like for a sulfate/phthalate/petroluem/paraben-free shampoo, so I still indulge in using the DevaCurl No-Poo. I order it through Amazon, which saves me a few bucks over buying it at Beauty Brands.

I hadn't heard of the Rake-n-Shake method - I'll have to give that a try!

Thanks for the info! I read the curly girls aren't supposed to wash their hair, but I have a predicament: I have "wavy" hair. This means that when I air dry, it is wavy and frizzy. When I scrunch it, it curls well. It also straightens nicely. I only have curly hair when it is shorter. Any longer and my thick hair gets pulled straight by the weight but retains frizz. Ugh.

I used to have a long pixie, which I loved. I gelled the back and straightened the front. I could spike it, wave it, sleep on it, and it was always perfect. :3 But I'm letting it grow longer again and it is finally to my shoulders. Unable to do much else than scrunch it during the annoying growing out phase, I've been looking for better ways to do my curls.

I have a sulfate free shampoo I will use. I did this once, and it really does work, but it drives me crazy!!! I love the feeling of having my hair stripped of all product. Your post has inspired me to keep up the good fight! Thanks!

Great experiment.... check out http://www.frizzoff.com

The products are great and the technique is very helpful! Look at the gallery of curly hair transformations and the how to videos!

I have been a happy customer for 3 years now. I used to have to switch up products all the time because either my hair was getting used to them or they stopped working but their Curl Keeper product is great and reactivates with water in a spray bottle so I don't have to wash my hair everyday.

My other secret is to sleep on a satin pillowcase, no more frizzy bed head!
Good luck,
joanne

My hair has been like a roller coaster ride. Following a hysterectomy it has curled more than ever. I remembered a tip from another curly time that helps with the tangled look after sleeping on curls. Mix condotioner with the water in your spray bottle. Spray it in the morning and run your fingers through it. I use herbal essence totally twisted mousse before drying part way with a dryer. I use their gel after spraying in the morning. Seems to be working. I'm been shocked at the number of people who comment and compliment. Loving my curls!

I started using DevaCurl a couple years ago when I also learned how to do my curly hair correctly. After changing to no poo & conditioner I realized that my hair is no longer frizzy. I don't use any gel. I no longer wrap my hair in a towel but instead scrunch with a microfiber towel. After I've get my curls the way I want I scrunch with the towel again then scrunch with a little conditioner on my hands & let dry. After it's almost dry I turn over & shake. My hair is now the softest & frizz free than it's been since I was a kid.

I have had the privelege of having two completely different hair types in one lifetime. I used to have straight, smooth hair that I still miss. Now, 8 months after chemo, I have extremely curly, frizzy hair. After reading the Curly Girl book and trying a bunch of products, I have the curly girl technique down. I use a generic WEN conditioning cleanser from Sally called Hair One for curly hair and condition with Kinky Curly Knot Today(the scent is wonerful). After blotting my wet hair with a t-shirt, I run a dime size amount of 100% pure argan oil and use a small amount of Kinky Curly Custard gel and air dry. In the morning I revive my curls with Ouidad Botanical Boost spray (a wonderful product). I have tried numerous gels and Kinky Curly Custard is definately the best for me. It is all natural. It is concentrated so one small jar will last me for a year.

May I also recommend Jessicurl.com? They have a great shampoo that doesn't strip the oils from your hair, but helps scalp feel CLEAN! Using it, and the Curly Girl book, I love my curls for the first time in my life!

I've recently started my Curly girl Journey.... check it out here.... http://fitzconfab.blogspot.com/

I just saw your post! I am happy for you. I am on the same journey as well. Please check out my blog post!

http://joliluja.wordpress.com/2011/10/13/going-shampoo-free-the-curly-gi...

Hi!

Just wondering what the result of using your flat iron was? Did your hair bounce back the next day...or did it take a few days to recover?

my daughter has natural curly hair and we use basically the same method. once you get your hair growing back curly it will continue to grow in spirals until you become bored and dumb and try to wear it straight for a week. We also are firm believers in Rave Hairspray and LA Looks, but also olive oil protein treatments (VO5) and the VO5 stuff your grandpa uses for frizzy days. One other thing we do (her hair is to her waist) at night she does the conditioner thing like you and uses scrunchies, sections her hair on top of her head and scruches it into balls then puts a sock over it. In the morning before she takes it down she uses a hair dryer on low to heat it up and make sure it's dry. Lastly on days when she's in a hurry and has to wash that day, scrunch it up and dry with the dryer for 5-10 minutes, then drop them carefully, flip head over put a cloth in your hand or better get one of those hot gloves for the oven and scrunch with your hand holding the dryer (with a diffuser if you have it) on low until each section is dry, spray lightly with hairspray, and then scrunch/squeeze until dry. do this for 6 months and you will have perfect tight spirals.

I used The Curly Girl Handbook for probably 5 years. My hair was much better than it had been through high school and college, but then I found Ouidad  (www.ouidad.com). How you wash and condition your hair if very similar to the Curly Girl Method, but how you finish/style your hair is completely different. I used the product for close to two years before there was a Ouidad certified hairstylist in my area. The carve and slice cut along with a professional demonstration of the Rake and Shake styling method CHANGED my hair's life. It has never looked better! I get compliments every time I'm out. There is something about curly hair that makes complete strangers want to touch it. It's very strange, but I just have to remember that it's a compliment, I think. Definitely check it out!

Love the post. I have naturally curly as well. I never ever blow dry my curls. If I find that I am in a rush and need my hair dry then I turn on the heat in car and turn the vents so they are pointed at my head. I have tried many products to control frizz. The product that I find maintains the shape of my curls and controls frizz is Aveda's Brilliant Anti-Humectant Pomade. Plus it doesn't have the stiffness of a gel. I put it on my hair once I have towel dried it and brushed out the knots (so many knots). I turn my head upside down. I put the pomade on the tips of my fingers/palm and individually wrap the curls around my fingers. Once I have do all my curls then scrunch.

This is a great post! Thanks for sharing your experiment. My sister has recently switched to washing her hair with baking soda and not using shampoo as well. I may have to give it a try! Your hair is beautiful, btw! :)

You NEED to go to naturallycurly.com!! There is an entire community of us curly girls there. You can read about different methods and products and good heat protectant stuff for your hair for when you do decide to use heat to style. That way, you aren't putting silicones back in your hair... :)

I've had naturally CURLY hair since I was 13 (puberty is a mysterious thing) but I've noticed my hair goes through phases of being wavy vs curly. I did a LOT of research looking for a truly sulfate free shampoo and found that there are honestly only about 3 of them out there and that a lot of the products that say they are sulfate free really aren't. Including the sulfate shampoos from Loreal...they contain sulfoacetate which is a sulfate. Just consider that if it starts with sul...and ends in ate...it's not good for the hair.

I thought I would share the products that I have found to be totally natural and curly hair safe/friendly. I use Hugo Naturals Vanilla and Sweet Orange Shampoo (truly no sulfates only a lot of extracts, oils and a little bit of glycerin to make this shampoo). I only shampoo every third evening as well (pony tails are my friend on day three). I do not use conditioner...instead after shampooing I use Pooka Pure and Simple Nectar Hair Oil and Treatment. I scrunch a very small amount into my hair as soon as I rinse the shampoo out then I gently squeeze the excess water from my hair and then use a towel or tshirt to wrap my hair in. The heat from your hair after the shower will work nearly like a hot oil treatment on the curls. I release the hair then after 20 minutes of drying or so and then scrunch with fingers and air dry from there. You want to be careful to not use anything with alcohol in it as it can actually dry the hair out more. Most gels have alcohol in them. If you are willing to try something else...I highly recommend these. I found both of the items at our Whole Foods market and the great thing about their company is if you don't like the products after using them, return to Whole Foods for a refund.

I get tons of compliments any time I fix my hair curly and oddly have people asking to touch it because it comes out looking so silky and soft.

Can I just say Thank you for finally someone having an awesome curly hair blog post! It was nice to read about someone who has hair just like mine but needed some help because the normal process just isn't cutting it anymore!
Thank You!

It took me 30 years to stop fighting my curl and just let it be. When I fight it, it gets angry! LOL I'm 41 now, and here's what has helped me the last 10+ years:

• sleep on a satin pillow case: cotton dries out your hair but satin doesn't
• I do shampoo once or twice a week, but otherwise just condition--basically following the method you describe (combing while conditioner is still in my hair, with a wide tooth comb)
• I apply gel when my hair is still dripping wet, then scrunch, then wrap in a MICROFIBER towel

I think your curls are beautiful! Thanks for sharing your experiment.

I've been no-poo for about a year, I have no issues running my fingers through my hair. In fact, it's hard for me NOT to,because my curls are so soft and smooth. You mention at the beginning to go "cold turkey" pretty much immediately, but that's not true. I'm wondering if this is why you had issues with greasiness and buildup.

The first thing you're supposed to do is a final wash with the shampoo. The reason is because most people wash with sulfate shampoo and use silicone-based conditioner to put back the stuff the sulfates stripped away. The bad thing is, the only way you can remove the silicones (and thus, the potential buildup) is by using sulfate shampoo, thus beginning a cycle.

So you wash one final time with the sulfate shampoo, and DO NOT use the silicone based conditioner. It sounds like you didn't do that. (basically, because if you didn't, you'd have the issues you mentioned: greasiness,itchy scalp, "dandruff" that's not really dandruff, because you didn't get rid of the 'cones)

You also might want to go to YouTube and look up some videos on "plopping", which makes the "squeezing out the water" issue dead-easy. I never squeeze out water...curly hair LOVES moisture. I retain as much as I can by plopping.

Hope that helps!

Try using WEN conditioning shampoo. When I want to wear my hair curly, I use WEN, comb out while in shower and do not comb again. Hair is cleaned, conditioned and curly.

Excellent tutorial. I would add: Yes, sulfates are bad for curls, but there are several sulfate-free shampoos out there. Look for one for curly hair. And get a diffuser with 'fingers'. That will save you all the scrunching. Your hair look beautiful! :) I didn't read all of the posts (my 1.5 year old is tugging on my pant leg as I type) but wanted to make sure you knew about the curly hair shampoos available! I use TiGi's. It used to be called Foxy Curls and they've changed it... I think it's HiDef curls now. Thanks! : )

I didn't get a chance to read all the posts on the site. But I did want to add my two cents in. :) I have wavy hair, not curly. However, I've always idolized the girl in the Michael Jackson video, The Way You Make Me Feel, for her beautiful curly hair. Anyhow, I experimented in high school and found that using gel and hairspray with a diffuser works best in making my hair super curly. Now, I typically spray gel evenly into my hair and spray with a little hairspray before diffusing. When dry, I scrunch it with a little water and add a little more gel and hairspray. Especially on the sections that didn't get enough product before. I like doing it twice because I noticed it makes my hair pretty curly. I typically don't wash it for a few days but revamp it up by scrunching with water and adding a little more gel. I straighten my hair in between and found that it doesn't really affect my curl. I think it's because the diffuser really helps in bringing out or creating a curl. Anyhow, I hope this helps someone. I've been doing this for so many years now and think it's a pretty effective method. Enjoy!

So I also have REALLY curly hair and am addicted to my flat iron. But owning the curls is something that I have to do all summer long due to the humidity as well. I have done some research on different styling products that are paraben, silicone, and dye free. (These are the things that destroy curls!) I used to spend TONS of money on salon products. Then Garnier Frutis saved my wallet. They have an entire line of earth/wallet friendly products that are designed for curly hair. I swear by their styling cream. It leaves my curls bouncy, soft and most importantly NOT CRUNCHY! There is no product build-up because it doesn't have the parabens or silicone.
I shampoo my hair every other day. I use a brush, flat iron and blow dryer. Though when I scrunch in the curl cream into to wet hair you would never guess the torture that my hair goes through. I figure if we are going to rock the curls we were given we might as well do it as gently to our head and the environment as possible.

You are right in the statement that Sulfates in your shampoos are not good for curly hair, but there are sulfate FREE shampoos that are amazing and ideal for curly hair.

Your curls did improve in the pictures, but but you saying you had itchy scalps and your head felt icky, that is because conditioners are oils, and they over produce when you apply them directly to the scalp.

I would defiantly recommend trying a sulfate free shampoo. If you're still doing this process try it maybe once a week, once ever two weeks. I can guarantee that you will feel an improvement in your scalp and hair.

-a Paul Mitchell Hairstylist, and a girl with lots of natural curls of her own.

I found the curly girl book about six or seven years ago and had a similar shocked reaction about no shampoo and I'm selective about whom I tell that to since some people have given me REALLY funny looks, including my husband. I do think your curls look GREAT. I am anti-flat iron for many of the same reasons as the Curly Girl book, but also just don't want to take the time. :)

This was great info and I thank you for sharing your experiment!

Amanda

Hi - LOVE your curls!!! Another great product line to try for beautiful curls is MOP TOP "unruly haircare"... www.moptophair.com. A good friend of mine happens to be the creator, and she has gorgeous curls (you'll see her pics on the site, and I think she just started selling it on amazon too).

LA Looks is the only way to go! I have incredibly curly hair and LA Looks is a KEY component to keeping it tame. I had never heard of this book, but found your post on Pinterest. I am definitely going to look into it, my curls have been disappointing me lately! Thank you for this great experiment!

OMG! This post is hilarious! I have naturally curly hair and almost never straighten it (but I love running my fingers through it when I do), so I will definitely have to look into this book. BUT, I've had amazing results with Tigi "Curls Rock" cream. It is the absolute ONLY product I use on my hair. My hair is never frizzy and never dry. For shampoo/conditioner, I use the Dove Moisturizing line. Hair stylists always comment on the health of my hair... but I've also never dyed my hair either... that helps!

Honestly, you're results are absolutely stunning! Your curls look so soft and beautiful! Rock on curly girl!

Enjoyed reading about your experiment! I have curly hair too and have sworn by Ouidad products and her "rake and shake" method. In the past I tried not using shampoo but found the build-up on my scalp to be unbearable. I have also tried the Deva products but found it made my curl crunchy and a bit 80s-ish looking. Good luck on your curl-journey and congrats for embracing the natural you!

Great post! Your hair looks amazing! Good for you for sticking to it and not shampooing your hair (that would drive me nuts). I have naturally curly hair, too. I'm tempted to try this to see if my curls would turn out differently. Right now I wash my hair every 2-3 days with Paul Mitchell extra body shampoo and conditioner. I've used Redken 08 contouring lotion for 12 years (since I was 14), but they discontinued it this summer. Not gonna lie-- I'm heart broken. I've tried endless brands of gel, but Redken has always done the job for me. I'll have to try the LA Looks gel when I run out of my stash of Redken. After I put on the gel, I flip my head over, scrunch my hair, and blow dry with a diffuser. I know heat isn't the best for curly hair, but it's what I've always done. Thanks for the inspiration to try something new!

I saw you featured over at Ginger Snap Crafts and had to stop by and read about your "experiment". I give you so much credit for following through with it. I have such similar hair to you and I have given up on the curl working for me. When I was in my twenties curly hair was very in and so I wore it curly and totally embraced it. That was twenty years ago and my hair is so much drier and frizzier. In fact Friday I am getting my first keratin treatment. Now I'm thinking I should try your method first. Definitely food for thought. I'd love for you to link up to my party. I bet my viewers would love to read about this as well.

I am speechless. This post is so incredible! I don't have curly hair (frizz/wave/straight is mine), but I have some friends who would pay GOOD money for this information! It's brilliant! If there was any doubt that this is working, let there be none. I think it has made an incredible difference. Thank you for sharing!

You hair is beautiful! Love the experiment. I might have to give it a try, although I won't TOUCH gel. It clashes with the PB&J my kiddos mash into my hair.

My hair is wavy. I am impressed with how great your curls look. I think it is they way we all think the grass is greener on the other side. Those who have curls want straight and vice versa. :) I tried the no poo method by using baking soda and apple cider vinegar, but didn't like how the baking soda made my scalp feel. I had been thinking of trying WEN, but now since I just happen to have a bottle of Suave Naturals Conditioner that someone gave to me, I think I might give it a try. Thank you for doing a week by week picture. You do have beautiful curls!

I have exactly like yours, and I have found the BEST product! It's Paul Sebastian's Potion 9. I get the generic at Sally's (the one in the white tube with black lettering -- very generic looking). It's not as crunchy as gel and works even better. Give it a try. You will be pleasantly surprised.