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How to Follow the Curly Girl Method for Curly Hair

How to Follow the Curly Girl Method for Curly Hair

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Editfrizzy, uncontrollable hair? Do you spend an excessive amount of time blow drying and styling your hair? Does the weather tend to dictate your hair style and your mood? Say good-bye to the frizz and split ends and hello to soft, healthy curls! As Lorraine Massey says, "Blow-dry straight, you're happy for a day; stay curly, you're happy for life."

Photo Courtesy of No-Poo Jillipoo



Do you suffer from dry, damaged,

Steps

1. Understand what the curly girl or no-poo method is. The curly girl method is based off a book of the same name, which was written by Lorraine Massey: "Say no to shampoo, unplug the dryer, and find your inner curl!" It includes not using a brush to avoid frizz and breakage. "No-poo" alludes to not using a sulfate shampoo, because it strips the hair of its natural oils. Many curlies decide to be modified CG and toe outside of the guidelines (e.g. using light silicones, straightening hair with a flat iron, clarifying with a sulfate free shampoo, etc.), because it works for them.


2. Clarify with a sulfate shampoo before beginning. This will cleanse your hair of any silicones--ingredients in some hair products that are not water soluble (see the Warnings section below).


3. Have your hair trimmed. This will get rid of any damage or split ends. If you don't want to visit a hair salon you can always trim your own of course.


4. Stop using a brush. It damages your hair whether it is wet or dry. It causes frizz and makes dry hair tangle. Use a wide-toothed comb instead, or even better, use your fingers. If it is difficult to untangle your hair this way, add more conditioner to your hair when wet or trim unruly ends. sham + poo =phony + poop


5. Stop shampooing your hair. Most shampoos contain harsh, drying sulfates that are extremely damaging for curly hair (ammonium laureth sulfate, ammonium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate, sodium lauryl sulfate, etc.). They make curly hair frizzy and uncooperative. Using conditioner in place of shampoo will cleanse the hair just as effectively without stripping it of moisture. Gentle shampoos that contain mild cleansers (i.e. cocamidopropyl betaine or coco betaine) can be used occasionally.
   
   • "You'd never dream of washing a good sweater with detergent. Yet most shampoos contain harsh detergents (sodium lauryl sulfate or laureth sulfate) that one finds in dish washing liquid. They're great for pots and pans because they cut grease so effectively. Your hair on the other hand, needs to retain some natural oils, which protect your hair and scalp. Stripping them away deprives the hair of necessary moisture and amino acids and makes it look dry and dull." (LM)
   
   
   
   


6. Give your hair time to adjust. It takes 2-4 weeks for your hair to adjust to the no shampoo. It may even look worse at first. Hair is a long-term project and it may take a couple weeks for it to regain its health after being stripped of moisture for years by shampoo.


7. Wash your scalp with conditioner. Begin your routine by wetting your hair in the shower. Distribute conditioner on your entire scalp and massage your scalp with the tips of your fingers (not your fingernails). This will cleanse the scalp of any dirt and get rid of dandruff. (Be sure to avoid silicones in your hair products, see the Warnings.) Thoroughly rinse your scalp. Depending on how dry your scalp is, you can conditioner wash once or twice a week or every day.
   
   • "The curly-haired can leave their hair hydrated with natural oils and clean their scalps quite well by rinsing only with hair conditioner once a week or less. Rubbing the scalp firmly with fingers is enough to loosen dirt."(LM)
   
   
   
   


8. Distribute conditioner throughout all of your hair and untangle gently. Use your hands or a wide-toothed comb. Start by untangling bottom sections of your hair and then gradually move upwards. Let the conditioner sit in your hair for five minutes or so for extra moisture. You also may want to part your hair at this point with a comb. Part your hair to the side to prevent "triangle-shaped" hair.


9. Do the final rinse of your hair with cool or cold water. This will decrease frizz and add shine. Leave some conditioner in your hair, especially in dry sections like the ends. It is fine to run your fingers through your hair gently, but do not comb your hair after this point.


10. Apply products to your hair. Do it while it is soaking wet if you have curlier hair, but wait five minutes or so if you have medium to wavy curly hair. Put product in your hands and rub them together to emulsify. Then, smooth or rake the product into your hair by sections. A common method is to begin with a leave-in cream or conditioner to decrease frizz and then follow with a gel for hold and definition. (Using your normal conditioner as a leave-in is fine too.[1]) However, use whatever type and order of products you like. Next, finger shape the curls by scrunching them (cup your hair in the palms of your hands and scrunch in an upward motion) and/or twisting individual curls around a finger.


11. Gently scrunch your hair with a t-shirt, paper towels, or a micro-fiber towel to remove excess moisture, as a generic terrycloth towel will make your hair frizzy. You may wish to finger shape your curls at this time instead. Next, wait five or so minutes so the hair can permanently assume its current shape.


12. Decrease the drying time of your hair by http://www.naturallycurly.com/tips/to-plop-or-not-to-plop" rel="nofollow">plopping. Spread an old t-shirt or micro-fiber towel onto a flat surface (such as the toilet with seat down). Bend over at the waist and position your hair in the middle of the cloth. With your head touching the cloth, drape the back section of cloth over your head. Twist the sides until they form "sausage rolls" and clip or tie them at the base of your neck. After 15-30 minutes remove the cloth.[2] If your hair is frizzy after plopping lightly graze the hair with gel. A hair dryer with a bowl diffuser


13. Dry your hair. Air drying is the easiest and gentlest way to dry your hair. If you must blow dry your hair use a diffuser to avoid frizz. Only dry your hair partially (about 80% dry) and air-dry the rest of the way.[3] Do not touch your hair while it is drying or it will mess up and frizz. Both types of diffusers work well in terms of diffusing and decreasing frizz:
    
    • A bowl diffuser with fingers causes more volume and clumping (curls sticking together instead of going every which way), is bulky and heavier, and will probably only fit on the hairdryer it comes with. Place a section of hair in the bowl and press the bowl to your head. Then turn on the "warm" setting of your blow dryer. Press the cool shot if your head gets too hot.[4]
    
    
    • A sock diffuser is lightweight, fits on any hair dryer, and is portable. Aim the diffuser at different parts of your hair while you scrunch your hair with your hands. Stop scrunching when your hair is about 50% dry.[5] Not all hair dressers were created equal.
    
    
    
    


14. Find an experienced http://www.naturallycurly.com/curlsalons" rel="nofollow">hairstylist. Ask him/her in advance if they are experienced in cutting curly hair and what products they are going to use on your hair. Unplanned haircuts can be disastrous for curly hair. If their products contain silicones insist on bringing your own. If your hairstylist uses a razor to thin out your hair it will make your ends ratty and prone to split ends. Remember, it takes a skilled hairdresser to successfully cut layers or other haircuts in curly hair.


15. Have your hair trimmed every four to six months. A 1/2-inch or 1/4-inch trim is usually enough to get rid of split ends. Long, rounded layers are more suited to curly hair--short layers tend to stick up and look funny. Curly hair usually consists of a combination of textures, with the crown being the curliest part. For this reason it's hard to tell what dry curly hair looks like when wet--consider having your hair cut dry. Also, take into account that curly hair is much shorter when dry than wet. You may lose only two inches while wet, but that could be four or five while dry!


16. Consult the book. "Curly Girl - The Handbook A Celebration of Curls: How to cut them, care for them, love them, and set them free" by Lorraine Massey with Deborah Chiel has hair care recipes, tips and tricks, and stories about curlies, not to mention it's very inspirational. Check your local library or bookstore, or consider ordering it online.


17. !]]Show off your glamorous, beautiful curls! "Free your hair and the rest will follow." (LM)

Things You'll Need

• Curly hair


• Hair gel


• Leave-in cream


• Wide-toothed comb


• Old t-shirt, microfiber towel, or paper towels


• Blow dryer and diffuser (optional)


• "Curly Girl" by Lorraine Massey (optional)

Sources and Citations

• "Curly Girl - The Handbook A Celebration of Curls: How to cut them, care for them, love them, and set them free" by Lorraine Massey with Deborah Chiel


• http://www.ylcf.org/gotcurl/" rel="nofollow">Got Curl? - A website based on the book


• http://www.naturallycurly.com/" rel="nofollow">Curly forums and articles at naturallycurly.com


• http://youtube.com/watch?v=HtnLEHCQ8iA" rel="nofollow">Devacurl Video

1. ↑ http://livecurlylivefree.com/curl%20care.htm" rel="nofollow">http://livecurlylivefree.com/curl%20care.htm


2. ↑ http://www.naturallycurly.com/tips/to-plop-or-not-to-plop" rel="nofollow">http://www.naturallycurly.com/tips/to-plop-or-not-to-plop


3. ↑ http://youtube.com/watch?v=cyyOypbTHI0" rel="nofollow">http://youtube.com/watch?v=cyyOypbTHI0


4. ↑ http://healthycurls.awardspace.com/drying.html" rel="nofollow">http://healthycurls.awardspace.com/drying.html


5. ↑ http://youtube.com/watch?v=cyyOypbTHI0" rel="nofollow">http://youtube.com/watch?v=cyyOypbTHI0


6. ↑ http://www.naturallycurly.com/curly-q-a/whats-the-scoop-on-silicones" rel="nofollow">http://www.naturallycurly.com/curly-q-a/whats-the-scoop-on-silicones


7. ↑ http://www.naturallycurly.com/curl-products/ingredients-commonly-found-in-hair-care-products" rel="nofollow">http://www.naturallycurly.com/curl-products/ingredients-commonly-found-in-hair-care-products


8. ↑ http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/79245/what_causes_hair_loss.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/79245/what_causes_hair_loss.html


9. ↑ http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/hair-loss/tc/hair-loss-topic-overview" rel="nofollow">http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/hair-loss/tc/hair-loss-topic-overview

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Follow the Curly Girl Method for Curly Hair. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

Men, Locs & Corporate America

  As a lover of all things natural, I found it interesting that many African American males who wear or wore locs felt the need to shave their hair in efforts to conform to “Corporate America” standards of acceptability.  I believe we all know that brothers that had incredible long, well groomed locs but in pursuit of a job felt it deemed necessary to cut his hair.  I have challenged the myth that natural styles are unprofessional for women (Read Here for More) but are men the exception to the rule.  On the Natural Hair Rules!!! Facebook page, I asked this question of men with natural hair: Is it true that men with locs are less likely to be taking seriously as a job applicant?  In response to this question with have Houston natural hair specialist, Marcus Alexis who also wears locs.

Marcus Alexis of Nature’s Course response

I was just approached about this the other day. A friend of mine stated that 'locs were unprofessional. As a natural hair stylist, I told him that we have very professional clientele (engineers, doctors, etc) that have 'locs and come in to get their hair maintained on a regular basis. However, if the applicant doesn't make it their intention to keep clean, maintained hair then I can understand why employer are leering about hiring. Anyone that can not take care of their personal hygiene, in accordance to normal customs, needs not to be hired.

Yet, at the same time I refuse to cut my hair for any job, where my hair has nothing to do with the safety and job requirements. I have worked quite a few jobs (part time) and have not had any major issue's about my hair in obtaining a job. There are times when hiring companies have tried to play that card during the interview, but I just reiterate that this is my "natural" hair. There is no reason that I need to readjust my hair to fit your misconceived notions.
Yet, the real issue lies in that most African-Americans and minorities find 'locs more unprofessional then those of the majority. That in itself is SICKENING to me...

 

Marcus Alexis is a natural hair specialist serving the Natural Hair Community of Houston, TX.

About Nature’s Course

http://naturalnaturescourse.blogspot.com/

We are a small shop located in the heart of Third Ward Houston, Texas. We are walking distance from Texas Southern University. We specialize in all your natural hair care needs and maintenance. We are here to empower, encourage and expel any myths and educate on healthy hair. Thank you for joining and feel free to comment, share, add or come by!

3117 Isabella St, Houston, TX 77004

#Naturalhair

Courtesy of http://reseecup.tumblr.com/

Me and my #naturalhair are having quite the love affair.  Since July 5, 2010 I’ve been wearing my *gasp* NATURAL HAIR OUT sans weave, wigs, braids etc. Verdict: I’m loving it.

After deciding to go natural back in 2006, me and my hair have been on an emotional rollercoaster.  I just couldn’t seem to trust it on its own. The thought of having a TWA?!?  Nah SON! So I hid it under braids, weaves and wigs…and it responded with breakage, breakage, more breakage, sprinkle in some bad haircuts and hairdressers, then finally folliculitis!!! That was the last straw.  If I was going to make this natural thing work, I had to get serious about our relationship.  I couldn’t keep stepping out with weaves, braids and wigs and then expect it to do what I wanted it to do…lol sound familiar fellas?

Me and my Natural Hair are having quite the love affair.

I’ve stalked fotkis, natural hair blogs and youtube videos. Dreamed of the products I would use, literally stopped and questioned every natural I’ve seen until I finally realized that they may have some answers but I’ll never see my own hair’s potential until I stop hiding it and actually get to know and love it.

Since unveiling my hair I’ve had questions looks and anything else you can think of.  One person asked me if I was African.  I was rocking a pretty fly sarong and I wasn’t offended.  I am African lol.  I really don’t care what other people think because I know that I don’t want to wear weaves or braids to have pretty hair. The hair that grows out of my head IS BEAUTIFUL.

I’m not sure if other women have had the same struggles with their natural hair but I hope that my sordid lack of appreciation turned genuine LOVE for my natural hair can help someone!

 

If you enjoyed this post also read: Hair Envy

Frizz is Not the Enemy

 As a natural woman, I loathe frizz. For me, my hair is usually perfect except for the front which usually transforms into a “hot frizzy mess”. The front of my hair that is more wavy than curly tends to frizz quickly while the rest of my hair remains intact. From my experience with different styling techniques and products, I have come to  the realization that frizz is not the enemy but your hair’s indication that some very simple changes should be made minimize frizz. Frizz is a sign that:

1. Hair needs more moisture.

2. Its time to clip hair ends.

3. Hair is damaged.

4. Products are drying the hair.

5. Styling techniques are leaving the hair shaft unsmooth and unmanageable.

In some cases, in climate with extreme humidity for instance it is almost impossible to avoid a little bit of frizzness but it can be minimized by using some of the techniques in the following post: Frizz

Single Strand Knots can result in frizz…read more

Need to laugh? A humorous look at frizz & natural hair…read more

Natural Small Business Highlight – Karma of KarmaSoul International

Karma Soul International specializes in handmade and original works of wearable art. Our Goal is to provide creative and exciting pieces that speak to the Souls of Funky People Around the World! We stand by our products and guarantee that you will reap what we SEW.............

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Dry Twist Out

Step by Step Tutorial of Dry Twist (with video)

Products and Use:

Curly Pudding- Styling Product

Water with Vegetable Glycerin and Olive Oil

 

A dry twist out is not very different from a wet or regular twist out.  The major difference is the hair is styled when the hair partial dry.  Water is need to stretch and detangle.  The water also help your product penetrate into the hair.   

You begin by parting the hair in to medium sized sections.  Once you have made your part, spray the loose hair with water.  I mix my water with olive oil and vegetable glycerin.  This mixture optimizes the moisturizing characteristics of water.  The vegetable glycerin helps in the detangling process by adding a little sleek making it easier for the comb to slide through hair. 

Run your fingers through your hair to ensure the hair is evenly saturated with water.  When the section is fully wet you can detangle the hair  by starting from the ends and working your way up to the roots. While detangling hold your hair close to the scalp to avoid unnecessary breakage.  Remember never comb natural hair dry, you will only torture yourself and break your hair. 

  

After your hair is detangled, you can apply product by finger combing your favorite styling product from root to tips.  To eliminate frizz it is important to make sure your hair is covered with adequate amount of product.  For my length I used about a quarter size for each section. Finally, divide the hair into two strands and begin to twist. You will see the whole process in the video below.  Repeat this process until the whole head is plaited. 

I encourage sitting under a hooded dryer* until hair is completely dry.  If you don’t like the dryer sit under the dry for 30 mins to an hour to let the style set but still do not untwist hair until completely dry for best results (minimizes shrinkages and frizz). 

If you cover hair with a satin scarf and re-twist at night your hair should last 4 to 7 days. See post for retwisting

*Hood dryers dry natural hair with less concentrated compared to heat of a blow dryer.  Using a hood dryer will NOT damage natural hair when used in moderation.  I do not recommend daily use. 

Other Natural Hair Styles