What Is The Curly Girl Method? Here Are All Your Queries Answered By The Expert, Asha Hariharan

Do you want bouncy, springy curls that are defined? If the answer is yes, switch to this method that’s quite popular among the curly-head community. It’s the ‘Curly Girl Method’ (popularly known as CGM). Listen up, curlies! If there’s one thing in common that all curly hair stylists will advise you to lean on, it’ll just be CGM.

To be honest, the days of worrying about unruly curly mane are long gone. Enter: Curly Girl Method. But before you switch to this method, take a look at the advice spilt by Asha Hariharan, the Education Director of Enrich Beauty. Curious about this? Keep scrolling to get the scoop.

Q. What Is A Curly Girl Method? What Are The Products Required To Start My CGM Journey?

We all know that having curly hair can be both a blessing and a curse. The “Curly Girl Method” is primarily a haircare routine that is free of artificial ingredients inorder to enhance and preserve your curls. The general thumb rule is to stay clear of sulphates, parabens, and silicones. According to curl specialist Asha Hariharan, switch to products without scent, sulphates, and formaldehyde to make your curls shine.

• If you wish to try a CG-friendly routine, start with a shampoo that does not contain sulphates. This step will keep your curls moisturised while gently cleansing them.
• Next, use moisturising, deep conditioners and hair masks to restore the lustre, softness, and strength.
• You can also control or tame the frizz with anti-frizz products (like fragrance-free styling gels, mousses, and creams) and lightweight hair sprays to define your locks.
• Include a leave-in conditioner or curl cream in your routine to add moisture to your hair if you still have frizzy hair after utilising the products and the right techniques for a few washes.

Q. What Ingredients Should I Specifically Look For In A Shampoo And Conditioner?

“While beginning your CGM journey, there are certain ingredients to check for in shampoos and conditioners,” says the education director, Asha Hariharan. She also states that some products aren’t supposed to be a part of the CG method. Hence, she has listed down a few ingredients to avoid while buying any CG-friendly products.

• Sulphates (sodium lauryl sulphate and ammonium laureth sulphate, respectively)
• Silicones that are not water-soluble
• Drying alcohols
• Fragrance

More ingredients to avoid in the CG method

• Waxes: bees wax, candelilla wax
• Petrolatum
• Mineral oil (paraffinum liquidum)

Shea butter, olive oil, or vegetable oils and proteins like wheat, wheat germ, or soy can be a part of your CG-friendly ingredient list. “You can also use products that contain humectants like panthenol or vegetable glycerine and moisturising ingredients like amino acids and aloe vera,” Hariharan adds. Experimenting with your hair is fine, but it is all about finding that one routine that works for your specific hair type and your lifestyle.

Q. How Frequently Should I Deep Condition My Hair To Control The Frizz And Dryness?

This procedure works towards adding moisture and keeps your hair from losing its smooth and shiny texture while retaining volume. Over a period of time, deep conditioning helps to minimise frizz, roughness, and dryness to bring back your hair’s lustre. “The type of scalp and condition your hair is in, will decide how frequently you should condition it,” says the hair expert, Asha Hariharan. Those with coarse, curly, or dry hair should condition twice or thrice a week. While they are at it, they should leave the conditioner on for a couple of minutes as it will be beneficial for optimal hydration.

Q. What Is The Biggest Misconception About Curly Hair?

Many of us curly girls had no idea how to take care of our hair for a significant chunk of our lives. And today, with so much information available, it can be difficult to determine what is reliable and what is not. Prior to anything else, it’s critical to comprehend the type of curls you have and the density of your hair.

• The most important step in controlling curly hair is to start with a trim. But not every hairstylist is familiar with curly haircuts. Find a reputable hairstylist who is known for being an expert in styling curly hair. Depending on your hair’s density, length, degree of frizz, and tightness of curl – they will expertly construct the ideal cut.
• Use non-oily, lightweight styling products on your hair. After shampooing, apply a leave-in conditioner, gel, or mousse to wet hair and scrunch until dry. You’ll have by far the most stunning, well-defined, and lustrous curls, minus the frizz, she says.
• Use CG-friendly shampoos and masks that are nourishing and moisturising.
• To detangle curly hair, get a large-toothed comb. This particular hair-type requires lovely side tooth combs at all times.
• To style your curly mane, use a lightweight hairspray that will lock your curls and add definition.

Now, make your curls ready to twirl!

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