Freshly starting CG--advice?

modelKTford · 09-09-2011, 03:59 PM

I read up on the CG method and decided to go for it! Yesterday, I took my last shower with shampoo (I heard that's necessary) and then co-washed with Suave Naturals Coconut for the first time. I also used another conditioner that seemed to fit CG requirements (Garnier Color Protect, or something?) and a little bit of soy protein conditioner. Then, I used Aussie Catch the Wave (I am actually NOT sure if this is CG friendly, or what a better option is...ideas?) and tried this "plopping" thing I heard about

So...thus far, my hair feels softer, and the curliness looks a LITTLE different...but I've seen some before and afters, and they are DRASTIC! So my question is, how long before I start seeing THOSE kinds of results? What more can I do?

I'm very excited to try becoming CG! I just want to make sure I've got the right idea, so that I know what to do next!

curlyjenn10 · 09-09-2011, 07:08 PM

Welcome

I'm not sure about the Garnier, but the ingredients list I saw for Aussie does have a water-soluble silicone so it should be ok. Remember that these end in -cone, -conal, and -xane.

I noticed results within the first week, but it took about six weeks to reach my curl potential. Even then, there are certain techniques and products that will bring out the curl.

My advice is to be patient and take things slow. It can take a while for the transition period to end (it can get gross, so use a low-poo if you have one!). It's also easy to see everyone's posts about different products and want to try them all at once! Try not to do this. Stick with one conditioner (for co-wash and rinse-out) and a styling product (gel) for a few weeks. That way you can get a baseline for what your hair likes and can really judge how your hair likes a new product when you try one.

Plopping, final cold water rinses, and pixiecurl diffusing are my musts! Good luck!

Devushka · 09-09-2011, 09:24 PM

Yeah, be prepared in case your hair goes through a freak out transition period (Mine sure did, but hopefully yours won't!

). The transition period will end, and your hair will be much better off in the long run.

If there are any products you're curious about as far as whether or not they're CG-friendly, click on "Products" at the top of the page and then on the far left of the menu bar, click on "Product Reviews". You can check individual products for whether they are sulfate and silicone-free. And there are also often reviews from curlies who have used them which I find helpful.

If you haven't already familiarized yourself with your hair's properties (texture, density, porosity, and elasticity), that would be really good to do. You'll want to choose products and routines that work well for your hair's properties. I learned a lot about all of this stuff by reading LiveCurlyLiveFree.com.

Hope you have lots of fun being curly!