Get perfect curls and healthy hair with the Curly Girl Method!

The Curly Girl Method is perfect for everyone, from wavy to strong curls and everything in between. You start with the Curly Girl Method by first discovering your curl type. From there, you choose the starter kit that best suits your curls and hair needs. We explain step by step how to proceed, so that you can transform your hair into the most beautiful curls that will make you happy and confident again!

What can you expect?

  • Haarclips paars in het haar voor en na foto
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Photos 1 and 2 are the result of Curls By Babs with the products of CurlyTools. On the right you see Tess, an ambassador of CurlyTools.

About the CG Method

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What is the CG Method?

The CG Method stands for the Curly Girl Method . It is a method that prescribes how to properly care for all kinds of curls and which products to use. The method was introduced in 1991 by means of the book: 'The Curly Girl Handbook' written by Lorraine Massey .

Since the method has been around for a while, it has undergone many improvements and modernizations in recent years due to a lot of content about curls being shared on social media such as Instagram, Tiktok and Facebook groups.

The method is still very current and is used by women and men all over the world who want to give their curls the best care!

Is the CG method right for you?

Have you tried different hair products, but your curls remain frizzy, dry and not as desired? The CG Method is the solution you are looking for! This care method is specially designed for all types of curly hair, from wavy to strong curls. Anyone can start with the CG Method at any time.

What types of curls is the CG Method intended for?

The CG Method is for every curl type. Whether you have a light wave, a strong curl or a curl type somewhere in between, everyone can start with the method.

How do you start with the curly girl method?

When you start with the Curly Girl Method, you switch completely to CG-proof products . This means that you use hair care products that are free of drying alcohol , wax , mineral oil , silicones andsulfates .

Why do we avoid certain ingredients in hair products?

We avoid these ingredients because they are too aggressive for our hair or because they can close your hair. Did you know that you can also find sulphates in cleaners that you use for your kitchen or floor, for example?

They can damage your hair, dry it out and even make your natural curls disappear.

How to change your hair care routine with the CG method?

By switching to CG-proof products, you will change more than just your hair products. You will also learn how to properly wash, condition and style your curls.

In addition, you will discover which tools you can use to get the most out of your curls, which is essential to optimally care for and define your curls. Think for example of a styling brush, special towel and pillowcase.

Determining your curl type

Take a look at the following images and determine which curl type most closely matches your own hair. Then click through to find the right starter kit.

We divide curly hair into 3 main categories: type 2, 3 and 4. Each type also has an a, b and c part, so you can define your hair even better.

  • Curl type 2A

    Lightly wavy, low volume: This curl type is the loosest curl pattern within type 2 curls. The hair has very loose S-waves and some strands can also be straight. A characteristic of type 2A curls is that there is little to no volume. Look for products that are very light for your curls and use stylers with a firm hold.

  • Curl type 2B

    Wavy and more pronounced S-shapes: This curl type is similar to curl type 2A, but has slightly more pronounced loose S-shapes. This hair is characterized by the fact that it curls more at the bottom than the top of the hair. With type 2B curls, it is also wise to avoid heavy products and focus on light products.

  • Curl type 2C

    Smaller, more defined S-shapes : Curl type 2C has more defined S-shapes that bend more than the previous two curl types. Curl type 2C has more definition but still benefits from lightweight products.

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  • Curl type 3A

    Bouncy curls : This hair type has a clear spiral shape and the curls will be easier to style than type 2 curls. Type 3A curls can use heavier products if the hair is thicker.

  • Curl type 3B

    Tighter curls and more natural volume: This curl type also has a clear spiral shape and can have more volume, as the curls are very bouncy. The curls are even tighter compared to type 3A and start at the roots. You can also use heavier products with this type of curls, depending on the hair texture.

  • Curl type 3C

    Tight, small spirals: Curl type 3C shows more and more volume and definition. These are tight, smaller spirals that quickly come into shape and are bouncy. You can also use heavier products with this type of curls, depending on the hair texture. This type of curls can be drier.

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  • Curl type 4A

    Small, bouncy spirals: This curl type has incredibly small S-shapes. They have a lot of bounce and are strongly spiraled. Often this curl type is drier than the other curl types and is more fragile.

  • Curl type 4B

    Frizzy with very dense texture: In this type, the S-shape changes into a Z-shape. The texture in this type of curls also becomes somewhat coarser and is less defined than, for example, type 4A curls.

  • Curl type 4C

    Frizzy almost no pattern: This hair type has clear Z-shapes that are almost invisible, which makes the definition difficult to see. This hair type also has the property of being fragile and has a great ability to shrink when wet.

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CG Method Step-by-step plan

If you are starting the Curly Girl Method for the first time, follow these steps. All products from step 1 are included in the starter kits on our website.

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Step 0: Final-Wash

Before you start with the CG method, you do a one-time wash with a final wash. The final wash is actually just a shampoo with which you can remove dirt and old residues from your hair and scalp because it contains a sulphate. The final wash is therefore not CG! You only use it before you start with the CG method (your first wash).

Please note! Keep the final wash. You can use it again if you dye your hair regularly or if you have used a product that is not CG.

Step 1: Mask

Have you rinsed out the final wash shampoo completely? Then you can apply the mask to your hair. You don't have to cover the roots of your hair: really focus on the hair lengths. Leave the mask on for about 10-30 minutes and then rinse it out completely unless otherwise indicated on the label.

Step 2: Leave-in conditioner

Apply a small amount of the leave-in to soaking wet hair. Comb through your hair with your fingers and brush the last bits that are on your hand over your hair. Then use a brush to distribute the leave-in well through your hair.

Step 3: Gel

Blot the excess water from your hair with a microfiber towel. You don’t have to blot it completely dry, but make sure your hair is no longer soaking wet. Now apply the gel . Take a generous amount and spread it between your hands. Then apply it in the same way as the leave-in conditioner (the step before that). Now apply a little more water to your hair, bend your head forward and squeeze the gel well into your hair. Make sure you hear a kind of squeeze sound when you squeeze your hair after spraying the water .

Step 4: Drying

Are you done with the gel? Then your first wash day is almost over! Pat your hair dry again with a towel. Now it is time to let your hair dry further. You can do this by letting it air dry or by using a special hair dryer for curly hair. With a hair dryer you will experience less frizz and your hair will keep its shape better after drying.

Step 5: Oil

When your hair is dry, it may feel a little harder than normal. Don't worry! This is called the 'cast ' and it is because the gel has now completely dried on your hair. You can squeeze this out with a little oil. This is also called scrunching .

Start now with the Curly Girl Method

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn more about the Curly Girl Method

How do I start with the CG Method?

To start with the CG Method, it is important that you have the right hair products at home, that you use them in the right order and apply them correctly. With the information that we have previously shared on this page, you can choose a package based on your curl type.

You can also determine your hair properties yourself and choose products based on that. You also look at your porosity and what your texture is. Then you can get started and learn better and better how to style and care for your curls.

How do I determine what kind of curls I have?

Before you start with the method, it is important that you know the condition of your curls. Based on this, you can choose the right hair care. If you search online for the term “hair properties,” you will see many tests: from measuring your elasticity to your porosity. We prefer to keep it simple: it is more convenient if you first know which products you are going to use and in what order. Then choose a kit based on your curl type.

Which products can I start with within the CG Method?

Maybe you have already taken a look in our webshop. There are a lot of products for curly hair. Fortunately, you do not have to buy everything right away to get started. It is important that you start with a certain base of products, such as the products that you receive with a starter package. This makes it clearer for you and ensures that you do not have too much at home right away. This way, your curls can get used to the products that fit within the CG Method.

Why did you put together CG starter sets?

When you start with the CG Method, the information can be very overwhelming. You often read that in addition to the curl type and porosity, the texture, elasticity and amount of hair are also determined. This is a lot of information, which sometimes makes it difficult to start with the CG Method. Many hair products are suitable for multiple curl types, which is why we have created special starter kits. For example, our wavy kits only contain light hair products, while the type 3/4 kits contain slightly heavier products.

What CG Products are there?

(Mild) shampoos

Mild shampoos are best for curly hair. You can safely use them weekly and contain mild cleansers.

Clarifying shampoos clean more strongly than mild shampoos. That is why we advise you to use this shampoo occasionally (for example once a month). This shampoo can help you if you suffer from build-up (characteristics: sagging hair, dull or oily scalp).

Conditioner

After shampooing, always (!) use a conditioner . A conditioner protects your curls and makes it easier to brush your hair.

Deep conditioner (hair mask)

A deep conditioner is a mask. They are more concentrated than a conditioner and can therefore nourish your hair extra well. Do not use a deep conditioner too often, at most weekly or once every 2 weeks.

Leave in conditioner

A leave-in conditioner is used after rinsing the conditioner out of your hair. It provides care for your hair before you start styling it.

Gel

A gel is perfect to keep your curls in shape and reduce frizz. It is really an indispensable product for curly hair and wavy hair. A gel creates a layer around your hair that dries quickly, so that your hair stays in shape well and beautifully.

Oil

An oil is multifunctional. Use it before washing to protect your hair or to knead the hard layer of gel out of your hair. We only sell mixed types of oil, because these are a lot lighter than pure oils and can therefore be used for every curl type.

Treatments

In addition to the above products, there are also bond builders (which repair damaged hair and dyed hair) and treatments for sensitive skin, for example.

Tools

In addition to the right hair care, certain tools are also needed to style your curls even better and more beautifully. Think of special clamps to secure your hair, scrunchies, towels and special brushes.

How do you proceed?

How should I wash my hair next time?

The next time you wash your hair, replace the final wash with a CG Shampoo. Then use a conditioner or a mask. The other steps remain the same. Want more information about this? Then take a look at the CG washing schedule. Do you have finer hair or a looser curl pattern? Then you can also apply a mask before washing it. This is called a 'Dirty Deep-Co'. You do this because the mask is then a little less heavy for your hair. You first use the mask and then a shampoo and conditioner.

What do I do on the days I don't wash my hair?

The days when you don't wash are called a refresh day. Make your hair a little damp with a water spray. Apply a tiny bit of leave-in to your hair. Then smooth the gel over your hair and knead it well into your hair. Then blow-dry your hair completely dry. Does it feel a bit harder again? Knead it out with your hands.

When should I wash my hair again?

This depends on your own wishes. Some curlies can get by with washing once a week. You then follow the routine we have indicated for once a week. Do you prefer to wash your hair more often? Then you can use a co-wash or rinse it with a conditioner only. Do you want a slightly cleaner feeling? Then use a mild shampoo together with a conditioner.

What should I do if I want to wash my hair more often?

If you want to wash it more than twice a week, use a co-wash . This is an extra mild cleanser that you can use daily.

How do you sleep with curls?

Many curlies sleep on a satin pillowcase or use a bonnet (a nightcap). Want to know more about this? Read the blog aboutsleeping with curly hair .

What should I do if my curl routine isn't working?

Did you start the CG Method less than a month ago? Give your hair some time to get used to it. Check out our blog and social media for additional tips! Is it still a problem? Contact us!