What is the Curly Girl Method?
The Curly Girl method is a gentle hair care routine that is free of sulfates, silicones, and drying alcohols. The method pays special attention to the products used, as well as how the hair is washed and treated.
The Curly Girl method includes, for example, washing hair with a special “co-wash” technique, avoiding brushing dry hair, using a hammam towel or cotton shirt instead of a terry towel, and minimizing heat treatments.
Curly Girl is designed to enhance the natural curliness and vitality of your hair. If your hair is naturally wavy or curly, the method can help it become even curlier and healthier. Although this method will not turn perfectly straight hair into curls, it can still improve its softness, shine, and overall condition.
What products do you need for the Curly Girl method?
Curly Girl hair care is based on gentle, moisturizing products that support the natural structure of the hair. Users of the method recommend the following for hair care, among others:
1. Conditioner for co-wash
Choose a silicone-free and sulfate-free conditioner that gently cleanses the hair and scalp without drying ingredients.
👉 Saaren Taika 3 in 1 Curl Care conditioner is perfect for this stage.
2. Gentle shampoo (low-poo)
If your scalp needs a deeper cleanse, choose a sulfate-free shampoo that contains natural oils and moisturizing ingredients.
👉 Saaren Taika Curl Care shampoo is designed specifically for the needs of curly hair.
3. Leave-in conditioner
Helps retain moisture and separate curls beautifully.
4. Shaping foam or gel
Supports curl formation and prolongs its duration without stiffness.
5. Sparse comb
Suitable for straightening wet hair without breaking the curl.
6. T-shirt or hammam towel for plopping
Replaces a terry towel and helps curls form naturally without frizz.
How do you start the Curly Girl method?
The Curly Girl Method begins with a gentle hair washing routine known as a Co-wash (conditioner wash). This step teaches your hair and scalp a new, more natural way to cleanse and curl without drying agents.
Co-wash – washing according to the method
The Curly Girl method usually involves washing your hair 1-2 times a week. After you have done the first “Final Wash” (the last sulfate wash to remove old product residue), you no longer use regular shampoo, but wash your hair with the method’s conditioner.
Wet your hair thoroughly and massage the conditioner into your scalp with your fingertips for a few minutes. This step will remove sebum and impurities without drying out your scalp. Finally, rinse thoroughly to avoid irritating your scalp with any remaining conditioner.
If your hair is prone to frizz, wavy, or only slightly flexible, you can wash it with a sulfate-free shampoo every third wash, for example. This way, you will gradually find a rhythm and cleansing method that suits your hair.
👉 Try: Saaren Taika Curl Care shampoo – a sulfate-free shampoo containing natural oils that gently cleanses and supports curl formation.
👉 Try: Saaren Taika 3 in 1 Curl Care Conditioner – a silicone-free conditioner that is perfect for washing according to the method.
Conditioner and Squish to Condish Method
Apply conditioner to the lengths of your hair and leave it in for a few minutes. Instead of rinsing out the conditioner normally, use the Squish to Condish method.
Add water to your hair by squeezing it with your hands – press the strands of hair between your palms and squeeze them briskly towards your scalp. The squeeze should make a wet, squishy sound. If you can’t hear it, add a little water or conditioner. Continue squeezing for about five minutes.
This step helps moisture and conditioner absorb into the hair structure, allowing curls to form beautifully and remain vibrant.
👉 Try: Saaren Taika 3 in 1 Curl Care conditioner – treats, detangles and moisturizes curls without silicones and mineral oils.
Leave-in conditioner
While your hair is still wet, apply a small amount of leave-in conditioner. This step will help lock in moisture and reduce frizz.
👉 Try: Saaren Taika 3 in 1 Curl Care Leave-in Conditioner – a moisturizing, leave-in conditioner made from natural oils for curly hair care.
Hair styling
Styling products are an important part of the Curly Girl method. They help curls maintain their shape and prevent frizz. You can use styling mousse, gel, or wax, depending on your hair type.
Apply styling product to wet hair immediately after leave-in conditioner. Press product into hair with your hands and lift strands towards the scalp. Don’t skimp on product – curls need support!
Blow drying – drying hair without heat
Squeeze out excess water from your hair and dry it with a T-shirt or hammam towel , never a terry cloth. This will prevent your hair from becoming rough and frizzy.
You can also wrap your hair inside a T-shirt for a while – this is called a plop. It helps the curls retain their shape and prevents them from straightening out under the weight.
Finally, let your hair dry naturally or use a diffuser attachment and cool air flow.
Final Step – Scrunch Out The Crunch
When your hair is completely dry, it may feel stiff at first due to styling products. This is normal!
Gently squeeze the hair with your hands or a T-shirt until the “bumpy” surface softens and the curls are released. The end result: soft, bouncy and naturally shiny curls.
