Q&A for How to Follow the Curly Girl Method for Curly Hair

Harsh surfactants such as sulfites are bad for curly hair because they cause dryness and frizz. You also want to avoid silicones and other ingredients that repel moisture.

CG stands for "Curly Girl" and it is a book and a method of caring for curly hair. The curly girl method involves minimizing shampooing, combing, and other things that dry or disrupt your curl pattern.

The curly girl method brings out natural waves or curls by maximizing moisture and minimizing frizz. It also recommends wet styling methods, such as the use of clips that support curls without heat.

Deep conditioners and those with a lot of oils may be too heavy for co-washing. You also want to avoid protein conditioners which could make the hair look dull or brittle if used too frequently.

If you have an itchy scalp or dandruff, you can still try the curly girl method but use an anti-dandruff conditioner.

No. The conditioner alone will only mildly remove the excess oil from your hair.

To enhance your curls, make sure your hair is very moisturized. For instance, after you wash your hair, use a lotion-like cream or alcohol-free gel to hydrate your curls. Also, use a diffuser when you blow dry your hair, and set your hairdryer to cool or warm heat.

In a spray bottle, mix two parts water and one part regular conditioner. You can add some shine serum if you like. Shake it well.

Your frizz may be exacerbated by the ingredients in the products you've tried. Often, what's marketed as good for curly hair is actually opposite of what curly hair needs; for example, silicones are not good for curls. Research the ingredients in the products you are interested in, weighing the pros and cons. Once you have the right products and are treating your hair as gently as the CG method teaches, there is no reason why it wouldn't help you. Keep in mind, though, that the change won't be overnight. Consistency and patience are paramount.

Co-washing with still clean your scalp of any oil; you really do not need any shampoo. If you're still hesitant, try a sulfate-free shampoo.

Yes, but it's better if you do cut it. Split ends are harder to see when your hair is wet, so check to see if you have any before you wash your hair. Also, you don't have to chop off inches of your hair for this to work; you could even trim your hair yourself every month (by just cutting a little) and then get a professional haircut before a new season starts.

There is an adjustment period for many of a week to several weeks when they start using this method. And you may have to experiment with products to find the best ones for your curls.

For co-wash, use Suave Essentials or Alberto VO5 conditioners (the cheap ones). For conditioning the length of your hair, Sally's generic conditioning balm or TRESemme naturals are good ones.

If you have yellow flakes, see a dermatologist. If white flakes, make sure you're using a dandruff shampoo, but go ahead and use the Curly Girl Method. Tip: mixing some sugar with your shampoo or co-wash makes a great exfoliating scrub to get rid of flakes and clean your scalp.

You may have to trim the ends and if your hair is very damaged, you may have to grow out the damaged parts and cut them, but it will absolutely save your hair from future damage.

The Curly Girl book does not recommend using brushes, but if you want to use one it's best to use it when you hair is wet and has conditioner in it. Start at the bottom of the hair and work your way up, remembering to be very gentle as the hair is a bit weaker when wet. NEVER brush your hair when dry, that causes a lot of damage.

Yes, layers are usually best. Long layers are safe, just ake sure to go to a curly hair specialist to get them done. All one length can cause the curls to stack up on each other and cause dreaded cases of "triangle head," unless you have fine hair.

If you don't wash it, the oil will make the hair follicles overfilled and it will clump the hair together, making a sticky mess of tangles in your beautiful, curly hair.

Try leaving in conditioner only. Curly hair will usually be frizzy if you don't put anything in your hair, but some people can style with just conditioner, which is the most minimalist routine.

Drying. But you use that product as a rinse-out conditioner, it's okay, since alcohol far down on the ingredients list.

Yes ,you can do the Curly Girl method with colored hair. It may even preserve your hair for longer. Check your colors to make sure they are silicone free, but if it's not possible, just follow the instructions and do a shampoo after if necessary. However, look into natural plant dyes like henna and indigo, which are non-damaging and can help you achieve colors like brown, red, and black on your hair.

Co-washing is sufficient. But if you aren't used to the 'no-shampoo' thing, a sulfate-free shampoo works too. One combination that I find best for people who wash their hair twice a day is to alternate between co-washing and using the sulfate-free shampoo

No. Curly hair and straight hair have different structures. In order to make curly hair permanently straight or straight hair permanently curly, you have to change the makeup of the hair, which is what perms/chemical straightening techniques do.

No, it does not. The Current Girl method is based off of the idea that a curly girl should not use sulfates, silicones, or parabens in her hair.

Yes of course! Just try not to use castor oil or mineral oil. They are not water soluble and will not wash out with only conditioner. Some Curlies can get out oil by just co-washing, while some prefer to use a sulfate-free shampoo afterwards.

If you have looser curls or waves, do a pineapple and sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase; if you have tighter curls or short hair, then use a satin bonnet or a silk headscarf.

Oily roots are due to continuous washing with drying ingredients, and the scalp is over-producing oils to compensate. When first starting the Curly Girl Method, co-wash as often as needed, until the oil production subsides. The dry portion of the hair should become better with this method, since it avoids drying ingredients.

Yes, you can. Sally's generic conditioning balm is very moisturizing and good for short hair. You can also use a cheap conditioner like Suave essentials (any scent).

It depends on your hair and it's up to you. Usually those with curly hair co-wash their hair 2-4 times a week. Some people like to co-wash less often if they have kinkier hair.