Over 20 years ago, author and hairstylist Lorraine Massey published her book, “Curly Girl: It’s More Than Just Hair…It’s An Attitude,” which she called “The Curly Girl Method,” a blueprint for many when it comes to caring for curly hair.
And the habit is still popular: The “Curly Girl Method” TikTok hashtag has been viewed more than 1.3 billion times, with people sharing their success stories and favorite products.
So what exactly is the Curly Girl Method, and who should try it? We asked the experts to tell us everything you need to know.
What is the Curly Girl Method? | Who is the Curly Girl Method suitable for? | How often should I do the Curly Girl Method? | How to achieve the Curly Girl Method | How to choose | Meet the experts
What is the Curly Girl Method?
The Curly Girl Method is a hair routine for people with curly or coily hair, shared by hairstylist Brendnetta Ashley. The method consists of five main steps – washing, conditioning, styling, drying and maintaining – which, when followed, will ensure your curly hair gets the care it needs.
“Curly hair is delicate and without proper care and haircare, it can become dry and brittle, leading to breakage,” says Ashley.
Who is the Curly Girl Method suitable for?
Ashley says this method is great for all curly or coily hair types, and even works for those with wavy hair – just adjust the products you use. “If you follow this method, you’ll see your curly or coily hair look and feel its best,” she says.
How often should I do the Curly Girl Method?
“You should do these steps every time you wash your hair,” says Ashley.
Below, Ashley breaks down each step and picks some of her favorite products to use at each step based on her recommendations.
Just one thing to keep in mind: “Be patient with your hair and commit to the process,” says Ashley. “The results will come, and your curls and coils will flourish!”
How to achieve the Curly Girl Method
Step 1: Cleanse
The first step in this method is to wash your hair. To do this, Ashley recommends using a sulfate-free shampoo that won’t strip your hair of its natural oils. “You should wash your hair at least twice a day to ensure your hair and scalp are properly cleansed,” Ashley says.
According to CurlyWorld, when washing your hair, it’s a good idea to use circular movements while massaging your scalp firmly. The friction of your fingertips and the cleanser will help break down and wash away dirt and buildup.
L’Oreal Paris Evercurl Sulfate Free Shampoo
What we like
Accentuates curl pattern. Nice scent.
Points to note
Some people don’t feel any moisturizing effect.
Product Type: Shampoo | Size: 8.5 oz | Main Ingredient: Coconut Oil
Formulated free of sulfates, parabens, and other unnecessary ingredients, this affordable shampoo is made for those with curly hair, and according to the brand, it’s infused with coconut oil to deeply moisturize without weighing down hair.
OGX Nourishing + Coconut Milk Moisturizing Shampoo
What we like
Nourishes and softens hair. Nice scent. Great for damaged hair
Points to note
Might be too heavy for fine hair
Product Type: Shampoo | Size: 13 oz | Key Ingredients: Coconut Oil, Coconut Milk, Egg Protein
Formulated with coconut milk, whipped egg proteins, and coconut oil, this sulfate-free shampoo is said to tame frizz and protect hair from humidity for up to 24 hours, plus it’s designed to leave hair “irresistibly deliciously scented.”
Malibu C Andu Goo Shampoo
What we like
Eliminates product build-up and enhances shine
Product Type: Shampoo | Size: 9 oz | Main Ingredient: Glycerin
Two experts previously recommended this shampoo for curly hair to us, saying it helps remove styling product buildup.
“It’s a must-have in the Curly Girl Method to clear out product buildup,” one shopper wrote. “I always follow with a deep conditioner afterwards. It brings my curls back to life. It leaves my scalp so clean!”
Step 2: Conditioning
According to CurlyWorld, when you first start incorporating this process into your daily routine, your hair may be dry and you may need to use more conditioner.
Ashley says that when applying conditioner, you should always work it from the ends of your hair up towards your scalp. “This is also where you need to detangle,” she adds. “You can do this with a wide-tooth comb or your fingers. I especially like to use my fingers. This allows the conditioner to fully penetrate your hair.”
She instructs you to leave the product in your hair for at least 15 minutes, then rinse it out with cool water.
Shea Moisture Conditioner Curl & Shine
What we like
Super moisturizing. Great for thick hair. A little goes a long way.
Points to note
Too much can make your hair greasy
Product Type: Conditioner | Size: 13 oz | Key Ingredients: Neem Oil and Coconut
More than 17,000 Amazon shoppers have given this conditioner a perfect five-star rating, with several of them pointing out that it works with the Curly Girl Method, which is said to instantly soften and detangle hair and moisturize curly hair.
DevaCurl One Condition Original Rich Cream Conditioner
What we like
Great for Coarse Hair Reduces Frizz
Points to note
Some say the packaging is finicky
Product Type: Conditioner | Size: 3 oz | Main Ingredient: Coconut Oil
Made for hair with medium to coarse curls, this conditioner is said to prevent tangles, tame frizz, soften and nourish hair, and is free of silicones, parabens and sulfates, according to the brand.
HYOJIN Large Wide Tooth Comb
What we like
The wide teeth make it easy to detangle hair and can be used on wet hair.
Points to note
It takes time to get used to
Product Type: Tools | Best for: All Waves and Curls
If you don’t want to use your fingers, you can detangle with this wide-tooth comb, which is made to be used on wet hair, making it perfect for detangling your hair while in the shower.
Step 3: Styling
When styling, always work with damp hair, says Ashley. The product you use will depend on whether your hair is wavy, curly, or coiled. “If you want definition, use gel. If you want a lightweight hold, use curl mousse or curl foam,” she adds.
Apply the product in sections, then toss or massage your hair. “Once you’re done applying, don’t touch your hair; you need to let it set to create a cast on your hair,” says Ashley. “The cast helps tame frizz; the more you touch it while it’s wet, the more frizz you’ll create.”
Ouidad Curl Shaper Out of Thin (H) Air Volumizing Jelly
What we like
No frizz, perfect for wavy hair, light hold
Points to note
May not maintain thick curls
Product Type: Gel | Size: 2.2 oz | Key Ingredients: Aloe Vera, Lightweight Polymers, Red Algae
Unlike other gels, Shop TODAY production staffer Jill Ortiz says this curl gel doesn’t make your curls look frizzy. “After it dries, your hair feels like hair, not straw-like. And even though it’s meant for fine hair, it helps add volume to curls, too. I like to use it on second-day hair to tame frizz.”
Shea Moisture Curl Mousse
What we like
Perfect for frizzy hair Adds volume and shine No residue
Points to note
Some people say they can’t hold it well
Product Type: Mousse | Size: 7.5 oz | Key Ingredients: Coconut Oil and Silk Protein
Ortiz is also a fan of this lightweight mousse. In fact, she says she was “lucky” to have found it: “I spend a lot of money on any SheaMoisture product and this mousse is no exception. It gives the perfect hold without making my hair feel frizzy when it dries or sticky from the amount of product I use to tame my curls. Plus, it smells so good!”
Step 4: Drying
You have two main options for drying: air drying or using a diffuser. “Your hair needs to be completely dry before you separate your curls,” says Ashley; otherwise, they’ll end up frizzing. “When using a diffuser, make sure to dry the outer cast before holding the diffuser to your hair. Use medium heat; this will allow the curls to dry without the damaging heat of a hairdryer.”
If you prefer to air dry and use a towel to remove excess water, CurlyWorld recommends using paper towels, an old cotton t-shirt, or a bamboo towel instead of a regular towel.
When blow drying your hair, Ashley says it’s important not to touch it until it’s completely dry: “Once your hair is dry, use a lightweight serum or oil to break up the curls. Separate the curls a little. Use a pick comb to create volume at the scalp.”
Black Orchid Hair Diffuser
What we like
Adds volume to dry roots
Points to note
Does not fit all dryers. Small size
Product Type: Tools | Best for: All Waves and Curls
This popular diffuser comes with numerous drying vents that, according to the brand, allow air to flow from roots to ends simultaneously, helping hair dry faster. It’s designed to fit hair dryers with a 1.8-inch diameter nozzle.
Aquis Wrap Hair Drying Towel
What we like
It is said to be gentle on wet hair and helps dry hair faster.
Product Type: Hair Wrap, Microfiber | Best for: All Waves and Curls
While you can use any towel to dry your hair, microfiber towels like this one from Aquis are said to be gentler on your hair, especially when it’s wet. Just wrap your hair in it and “scrub” it dry. The brand claims your hair will dry faster and become healthier and less frizzy over time.
OGX Renewing + Moroccan Argan Oil Penetrating Hair Oil
What we like
Nice scent. Improves hair softness. A little goes a long way.
Product Type: Hair Oil | Size: 3.3 oz | Main Ingredient: Moroccan Argan Oil
Once hair is dry, use this oil designed to lock in nutrients and boost shine. Featuring cold-pressed Moroccan Argan Oil, it’s designed to leave hair with a floral, woody scent.
Step 5: Maintenance
Washing and drying your hair isn’t the end of the story; maintenance is also key. Ashley says you should always sleep in a silk or satin bonnet or use a silk pillowcase to prevent frizz. In the morning, lightly fluff your hair to revive your curls.
Bedsure Satin Pillowcase
What we like
Amazon Best Sellers: Great Deals for Hair and Skin
Points to note
Mixed opinions on quality
Product Type: Pillowcase, Silk | Best for: All Waves and Curls
This best-selling satin pillowcase (the #1 best-seller in Amazon’s pillowcases for beds) has received more than 231,000 five-star reviews from shoppers. Customers call it a “must-have for anyone with curly hair,” saying it helps tame tangles and frizz.
Bonnet Queen Silk Bonnet
What we like
Gentle on hair and does not fall out easily
Points to note
Mixed opinions on quality
Product Type: Bonnet, Silk | Best for: All Waves and Curls
“This bonnet is perfect for keeping my hair safe and well-groomed!,” one shopper wrote. “I have very curly hair and this bonnet keeps it in place and means I don’t have to style it when I wake up in the morning.”
Reasons for choosing
Shop TODAY editors and writers scour the internet to find the best products. We interview experts, scrutinize customer reviews and even use our own personal experiences to make shopping easier for our readers.
As an editorial team, we create our own content and decide what to write about based on research, reporting and what TODAY.com readers want to read. The goal of our content is to serve and inform readers who are looking for the latest products to make their lives better. Products are sold by retailers, not TODAY. Prices and availability are accurate at the time of publication. Learn more about Shop TODAY here.
Meet our experts
Brendnetta Ashley is a hairstylist and a member of Schwarzkopf’s digital artist team.
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