Hair

Curly Girl Method: A Beginner Walkthrough

Ready to embrace your natural curls? This beginner's guide to the Curly Girl Method covers essential techniques like co-washing and gel casting to help your curls shine.

Watch it done Video: Camryn's Curls on YouTube

Why this worksThe Curly Girl Method focuses on hydration and defining curls without harsh ingredients. Techniques like co-washing hydrate your hair while minimizing frizz. Methods such as squish-to-condish and gel casting help lock in moisture and enhance curl formation, giving you bouncy, defined curls.

The ritual, step by step

Co-Wash Your Curls Instead of shampoo, use a silicone-free conditioner to cleanse your hair. Apply it generously to wet hair, massaging your scalp and lengths, then rinse thoroughly to remove product buildup without stripping moisture.
Squish-to-Condish After rinsing out your co-wash, apply a leave-in conditioner while your hair is still soaking wet. Use the 'squish' method by gently scrunching the conditioner into your curls to ensure even distribution and hydration.
Plopping Technique Use a cotton T-shirt or a microfibre towel to 'plop' your curls after applying styling products. Lay the fabric flat, flip your head over, and gently place your curls in the centre, then wrap and secure the fabric to help absorb excess water while preserving curl shape.
Gel Casting Apply a curl-defining gel to your damp curls using the 'praying hands' method or scrunching. This creates a cast around your curls that will set as your hair dries, helping to define and hold your curls in place without crunchiness.

60-sec versionCo-wash with a silicone-free conditioner, squish in leave-in, plop with a T-shirt, and apply gel for defined curls.

Where people go wrong

Many people overuse products, leading to weighed-down curls. Forgetting to apply products on wet hair can also result in frizz. Finally, skipping the plopping step often means losing curl definition and moisture.

The pro moveExperiment with different gels and conditioners to find the perfect combination for your unique curl type; everyone's hair is different!

Check out the tutorial video titled 'DISCOVERING MY CURLS AT 18 - HOW TO FIND YOUR NATURAL CURLS' for a visual guide.

Shop the routine

Silicone-free Conditioner Cleanses without stripping moisture. Amazon → Leave-in Conditioner Provides hydration while curls are wet. Amazon → Microfiber Towel Absorbs water while preserving curl shape. Amazon → Curl-Defining Gel Defines and holds curls without crunch. Amazon →

As an Amazon Associate, BeautyCorner earns from qualifying purchases. Links open Amazon search results — compare options and reviews before you buy.

Good questions

What is co-washing?

Co-washing involves using a conditioner to cleanse your hair instead of shampoo, which can strip natural oils.

How often should I follow the Curly Girl Method?

You can follow the Curly Girl Method daily, but adjust based on your hair's needs and how often it feels dry or greasy.

Can I use heat styling with the Curly Girl Method?

It's best to avoid heat styling as it can damage curls; embrace your natural texture instead!

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