As a professional hairdresser, you might have heard of the famous “Curly Girl Method”. This method has been gaining popularity over the past few years. We believe it it important that you know what this method is all about, for you to help your clients.
Is the Curly Girl wave here to stay?
During Corona, when all the salons were closed and clients had extra time at home, women and men with all types of hair experienced a self-care wave. However, even though the world has returned to its pre-pandemic state, the Girly Girl Method still continues.
You may have had clients in your salon who have asked about the method. But what is the method exactly and how can it be implemented in your salon? We will explain it to you in this blog post.
Please note: the Curly Girl Method is absolutely not for all and it is not the “one-right-way” for curly hair. We believe that it is important for hairdressers to educate themselves on trends in them market and the Curly Girl Method is surely a big trend right now, which is why we are choosing to address this in this blog post.
Table of content
01 / What is the Curly Girl Method?
02 / The Art of Curly Girl Method Consultation
03 / Washing and caring
04 / Rules when following the Curly Girl Method as a hairstylist
05 / Technical tips
06 / What is a low-poo?
07 / Ingredients and products to avoid when using the Curly Girl Method
08 / Curly Girl Approved Products
What is the Curly Girl Method?
The Curly Girl Method is a hair care routine specifically designed for people with naturally curly or wavy hair. It is all about embracing those luscious locks and maximizing their potential!
So, what is the secret? The Curly Girl Method is all about avoiding products that can be harsh on curly hair – Like sulfates, drying alcoholes and silicones and staying away from heat tools, and brushing hair while dry, and instead, focuses on using specific products and techniques that promote hydration, definition, and curl retention – and to keep those curls defined and bouncy.
But that is not all – The Curly Girl Method also involves a unique approach to washing and styling curly hair. For example, you might “plop” your hair with a t-shirt to help define your curls, or “scrunch out the crunch” to soften your hair after applying a gel. It might sound a little wacky, and it is, but it can work wonders for some of your curly clients!
And. It is not going away.
So, whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newbie to the curly hair game, the Curly Girl Method is definitely something to consider. And hey, who doesn’t love a good excuse to embrace some wild and free curls? So go ahead, join the curly hair revolution!
👀 TL;DR
The Curly Girl Method is an effective hair care technique for curly and wavy hair, focusing on the use of specific products and techniques to promote hydration, definition, and curl retention.
Hairdressers can benefit from this guide by understanding the steps and incorporating the method into their salon services.
By offering Curly Girl consultations, product recommendations, and tailored haircuts, hairdressers can cater to a growing market and help their clients embrace their natural curls.
Curly Girl Method Steps:
Tips and Tricks for Success
In this section, we’ll share some essential steps and useful tips for successfully implementing the Curly Girl Method.
Whether your clients are just starting out or need some guidance on refining their routine, these tips and tricks will help them achieve the best possible results for their curly hair.
Washing and caring
Proper washing and caring for curly hair is crucial in maintaining its health and appearance.
Here, we’ll discuss the Curly Girl Method’s approach to washing and caring for curly hair, focusing on the importance of hydration, gentle cleansing, and avoiding harsh ingredients.
We’ll also provide recommendations on how to address common challenges faced by those with curly hair.
Start with the last wash
The last wash is a critical first step in transitioning to the Curly Girl Method.
This process involves using a sulfate-containing shampoo to thoroughly cleanse the hair of any lingering silicone and product buildup.
In this section, we’ll explain the importance of the last wash and offer guidance on how to properly execute it to ensure a smooth transition to the Curly Girl Method.
The first thing for your client to do, when they want to start with the Curly Girl Method, is a “last wash”.
Your client will have to wash their hair in a shampoo that contains sulfate and has no silicone in it.
This is supposed to remove all the silicones and the built-up in your client’s hair, so your client can start from scratch.
After this, your client can begin washing their hair only with Curly Girl-Approved products.
Remind your client to be patient
Some clients may find that their hair can be dry, unmanageable or greasy at first if they are used to washing their hair in shampoos that contain sulfates. However, they just need to be patient. The hair may need a period of adaptation, so just give it some time.
Remember: It can take two to six weeks for your client’s hair to get used to not being shampooed with a normal shampoo with sulfate.
Remind your client to be patient
Some clients may find that their hair can be dry, unmanageable or greasy at first if they are used to washing their hair in shampoos that contain sulfates. However, they just need to be patient. The hair may need a period of adaptation, so just give it some time.
Remember: It can take two to six weeks for your client’s hair to get used to not being shampooed with a normal shampoo with sulfate.
When the hair is to be dried
After a hair wash, it is important that your client does not use a regular towel. This can result in making the hair frizzy and may break the strands.
Instead, use a cotton t-shirt or a microfiber towel to squeeze out the water by gently squeeze the hair in the towel. Do not scrunch the hair in the towel as it makes the hair frizzy (Also remind your client to do this at home)
Always try to avoid blow-drying your hair. If you or your client need to blow dry the hair in an emergency, use a diffuser. Blow dry the hair until it is approx. 80% dry and let the rest air dry. The diffuser distributes the heat and is gentler on the hair.
Avoid using heating tools
If your client uses the Curly Girl Method, it is important that you do not use heating tools in general. Heat styling tools can cause damage to curly hair by stripping away moisture and disrupting the natural curl pattern, which can lead to frizz, dryness, and breakage.
Heat can also cause the hair to lose its natural shape and bounce, which is counterproductive to the Curly Girl Method’s goal of enhancing and maintaining natural curls.
Make sure your client uses a hair mask once a week
According to the Curly Girl Method, it is important to keep your curls moisturized so they don’t look dry and sad. That is why it is important to use a nourishing hair regimen that moisturizes the hair in depth.
Your client can use a good curly-girl-approved light and nourishing hair mask once a week, which is recommended by the Curly Girl-Method.
Leave the mask in the hair for 15-60 minutes or longer. Perhaps while they are doing some practical things at home or while they are just relaxing and watching TV. You can also suggest they even sleep with the mask – Maybe during the weekend as a little and ‘hyggeligt’ self-care project.
☝️ Tip!
Dry the hair upside down for extra volume and lift
Rules when following the Curly Girl Method as a hairdresser
- No brushes or combs in dry hair. Always finger comb or or wide-toothed comb in wet hair
- No cutting when hair is wet. Instead, cut curl by curl in dry hair (Curly hair shrinks many centimeters when it dries)
- No cutting, thinning or ‘razorering’. Only cutting with scissors.
- No blow drying on high heat or high air speed. Only light blow drying with a diffuser.
- No washing with shampoo. Only wash with low-poo or co-wash.
- No drying with a normal towel. Air only, cotton t-shirt or terry cloth.
In this section, we delve into the technical aspects of the Curly Girl Method that can help hairdressers enhance their clients’ curls and waves.
By understanding and implementing these tips and tricks, you can elevate your salon services and provide your clients with the best possible curly hair care experience.
From plopping and refreshing curls to cutting techniques, these technical insights will empower you to unlock the full potential of the Curly Girl Method in your professional practice.
Plopping
Plopping is a method that you and your client can use when drying the hair, and which promotes the shape of the curls significantly.
How? You wrap your hair in either a cotton T-shirt or a terry towel. You have your head down and then ensure that the hair is collected on top of the head in the cloth while it dries for anywhere from a few minutes to an hour.
Refresh the curls between washes
If your client uses the Curly Girl Method and uses silicone-free styling products, you can recommend this trick to them.
If they need to remove styling products or anything else from their hair between shampoos, they can just use lukewarm water. Massage the scalp well to loosen dirt and product residue, and finish with conditioner.
☝️ All of our NATULIQUE conditioners are Curly Girl-Approved, so your client can use them if they use the method
Refresh the curls during the day
If your client needs to refresh their curls during the day, they can mix ¼ conditioner with ¾ spring/boiled water in a spray bottle. This also makes it easy for them to carry it in their bag during the day. Shake the bottle, spray a little refresher in the hair and give it a little hug, and the curls will be renewed.
There are also a lot of Curly Girl Approved Spray and Leave Conditioners on the market that your client can also use if they don’t want to play chemist at home. Then your client can easily and quickly refresh their curls.
Why you always have to finish the hair wash with conditioner
The outermost layer of the hair shaft is called the cuticle. When the hair is wet, the scales lift and allow water and shampoo to penetrate and clean the hair of dirt and product residues.
The conditioner makes sure that the cuticle layer is closed once again, so that the nourishing ingredients are encapsulated, and the hair remains strong and soft. Because of that conditioner is necessary for healthy curls.
Cutting curly hair (according to the curly girl method)
According to the Curly Girl Method, you must not cut the hair when it is wet. Instead, you must cut the hair when it is dry and cut the hair curl by curl with scissors. This makes it easier for you to control the length and shape of the curls.
Before you cut a Curly Girl, you can read this step-by-step guide on how to cut curly hair.
What is a low-poo?
A low-poo is a shampoo that does not contain harsh sulfates, silicone or harmful alcohols. It is a shampoo that cleans the hair, but does not contain the ingredients prohibited by the Curly Girl Method. So if your client uses the Curly Girl Method they must only wash their hair in low-poos.
Ingredients and products to avoid when using the Curly Girl Method
Sulfates
Sulfates are found in many shampoos. Sulfate is a surfactant that cleans the hair. Sadly, the sulfates also strip the hair and scalp of its natural oils. Especially curly and gray hair, which is naturally more dry, will lose its shine and instead become dry and frizzy.
Silicones
When using the Curly Girl Method, your client must also stay away from products with silicone. Silicone can clog the scalp and seal the hair inside. Silicone can make the hair look healthy and shiny, but it actually acts as a barrier so that the hair cannot absorb moisture.
Drying alcohols
Alcohol is where it becomes a bit more tricky and we have to pay even more attention to the ingredient list.
Because according to the Curly Girl Method, it is okay to use products with cetyl alcohol, as this is rinsed out with water. Some of the many alcohols found on the ingredient lists are also fatty alcohols, which are actually nourishing and caring.
Dehydrating alcohol is the kind that Curly Girls should stay away from. These alcohols are often called “alcohol”, “alcohol denat”, “ethanol” or “methanol”. This is especially found in gel and sucks the moisture out of the hair.
Hair wax and styling cream
Hair wax and styling creams are also something you should avoid, according to the Curly Girl Method. The rule is that you must not break products that make the curls stiff. Therefore, you can test the products in your hands. If the product sticks and stays sticky, it’s a no-go for Curly Girls.
The Curly Girl-Method Approved Products
If you use NATULIQUE in your salon, it might be nice to know which NATULIQUE products are approved for the Curly Girl Method.
Then you can quickly and easily guide the Curly Girls who come to your salon.
- All of the NATULIQUE Conditioners
<liaria-level=”1″>Intensive hair mask
- Rejuvenating Hair Mist
- Beach Wave Ocean spray
- Root lifter Volume Tonic
- Spray and Leave Conditioner
The NATULIQUE Curls & Waves Duo
We are proud to present this Sulfate- and Silicone-free duo – The new Curly Girl-Approved members of our wonderful NATULIQUE family.
NATULIQUE Curls & Waves Shampoo
It is a luxurious sulfate-free shampoo for maintaining vibrant curls. This shampoo is formulated to cleanse while strengthening and defining the natural structure of curly and wavy hair. A combination of Aloe Vera, Blueberry, Glycerin and Oat Extract softens and moisturises the hair, effectively securing hair hydration and fighting frizz. Added extract from the Guar Plant contributes anti-static and hair-conditioning qualities, resulting in bouncing, soft and well-conditioned curls.
NATULIQUE Curls & Waves Conditioner
This conditioner is designed specifically to provide the best conditions for curly and wavy hair. It hydrates the curls with Aloe Vera, Glycerin and Panthenol without leaving them stretched out or weighted down. Certified organic Avocado Oil and Sunflower Extract help push moisture into curls and seal it in, without feeling heavy. Added extract from Mango has a softening and nurturing effect, securing beautiful, well-defined curls and waves. When showering, always finger-comb or detangle curls to prevent breakage.
Published On: October 10th, 2023Last Updated: November 7th, 2023Views: 3783Categories: Blog13.4 min read2491 words
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