No Heat
When following the CG Method, it is best to avoid heat styling tools. That being said, if it is the middle of winter and freezing, by all means do not go outside with your hair wet! There is a proper way to blow dry hair and that is with an attached diffuser which spreads the heat more evenly on the curls.
It is highly encouraged to let your hair air dry naturally as often as possible on the CG method. This is easier to do in the warmer months. You do not want to direct blow dryer air directly on one spot of your hair for any length of time and do not use any styling irons such as flat irons and curling irons. Doing so will cause severe damage to your hair. Ms. Massey affectionately refers to blow drying as “blow frying” because you are frying your tresses.
Some other things to consider with The Curly Girl Method
- More Frizz – Some people may experience more frizz at the beginning of the Curly Girl Method than before. This is because your hair is finally able to “breathe” and is not trapped under silicones and bad stylers. With proper use of co-washes, hydrating conditioners and silicone free stylers, it should subside within a few weeks.
- Mushy Hair – If your hair feels mushy, soft, and frizzy, you probably have over conditioned hair. While curly hair tends to be dry and need a lot of moisture, some products can overload hair, especially if it is fine or less dry. If this happens, clarify with a sulfate free shampoo and using lighter conditioners and moisturizers on your hair. Make sure not to deep condition too often.
- Seasonal Care – Different seasons call for different care methods. In the summer, use more liquid-based products so you do not suffocate the hair. Leave less conditioner or leave-in cream in your hair to prevent frizz and increase definition. In the winter, it is the opposite. Use a heavier, creamier products and more conditioner or leave-in to combat dry, wintry air.
Not everyone follows the Curly Girl Method 100% all the time. Not even me. I consider myself to be “mod CG” or “modified CG” meaning while I use the Curly Girl method as a base, I may wind up using products with castor oil or a non water soluble silicone for product testing purposes. And it’s okay. Over the years though I have learned that, for me personally, following the CG method as close as possible makes my hair its happiest. The biggest thing for me is avoiding sulfates because they do dry my hair out terribly. But my hair is longer than it has even been thanks to it not breaking off from excessive flat ironing and being properly hydrated. When I am strict about avoiding cones, I notice my 2c/3a curly wave definition is increased and frizz is decreased.
If you decide to try the CG Method (or even take some principles of it”>, let us at NaturallyCurly know how it works out for you.
