Is Curly Girl Method healthy for hair?

Author: Jarret Shields PhD  |  Last update: Friday, December 5, 2025

The Curly Girl Method recommends using Curly Girl Method approved products and certain styling techniques in order to improve hair health, accentuate curls, and reduce frizz. Hairstylist and curl expert Lorraine Massey introduced the world to the Curly Girl Method in the early 2000s.

What are the side effects of the Curly Girl Method?

With the Curly Girl Method bacteria that cause odor or other potential health risks are allowed to build up on the scalp. Dead skin cells also can gather and form sores or scales on the scalp, also a breeding ground for bacteria like Propionibacterium and Staphylococcus.

What do you avoid for Curly Girl Method?

The main rules of the CG method are to avoid sulphates (sodium lauryl sulphate & ammonium laureth sulphate), alcohol, parabens and silicones in any of the products you use. Curly hair is naturally drier and sulphates strips the hair of natural oils drying it even further.

Are curly hair products damaging?

A: Yes, regularly using products with harmful ingredients like sulfates, silicones, and parabens can lead to long-term damage. These ingredients can cause dryness, frizz, and breakage, which weakens the overall structure of your curls.

How often should you do the Curly Girl Method?

Still, a good rule of thumb: If you have coilier hair, try co-washing once a week; if you have thicker, coarser curls or waves, try cleansing 1-3 times a week; and if you have fine, oil-prone waves or curls, try cleansing every other day.

Does the Curly Girl Method work on Wavy Hair? | TIPS FOR HEALTHY HAIR - STRAIGHT AND WAVY

What are the cons of the Curly Girl Method?

The cons of the curl girl method include: You are restricted as to which products you can use. Using a co-wash may not clarify your scalp as well as you'd like. Not all curly hair types will achieve the same results.

Does Curly Girl Method help hair grow?

Developed by hairstylist Lorraine Massey and documented in her book “Curly Girl: The Handbook,” the method aims to promote healthy hair growth, provide curl definition, and reduce frizz in naturally curly hair.

Is curly hair less healthy?

Curly hair is naturally drier than other hair types because the twists and turns of the curls make it difficult for the scalp's natural oils to travel down the hair shaft. This can lead to a dry scalp, which in turn affects the health of your hair.

Do curly hair products cause hair loss?

Various hair products can result in baldness if they include harsh ingredients, especially if they are used every day. Check your hair gel, shampoo, curl cream and other styling product bottles for ingredients in the following categories: Parabens. Formaldehyde.

How can I make my hair curly without damaging it?

How to curl hair without damage: 7 tips
  1. Use a curling wand or iron with tourmaline plates. ...
  2. Look for a hair styling tool with adjustable heat settings. ...
  3. Always use a thermal heat protectant. ...
  4. Start working on a clean base. ...
  5. Don't over-curl your hair. ...
  6. Section your hair. ...
  7. Keep your curling wand clean.

Does hair get curlier with Curly Girl Method?

Does the Curly Girl Method make hair curlier? The Curly Girl Method doesn't change straight hair into curls, but it enhances and defines natural curls. By promoting hair health and avoiding damaging practices, it can improve curl definition and texture for those with natural curls or waves.

What is the best shampoo for curly hair?

Our top picks for curly hair shampoos, at a glance
  • Best Overall: Curlsmith Essential Moisture Shampoo (12 oz.), ...
  • Best Value: Cantu TXTR Apple Cider Vinegar + Tea Tree Soothing Shampoo (16 oz.), ...
  • Best Clarifying: Olaplex No.4C Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo (8.5 oz.),

Do you ever brush your hair with Curly Girl Method?

A big rule of the Curly Girl Method is to finger detangle and to avoid brushes at all costs. The reason behind is the rule is due to hair fallout that occurs from using a brush. Every time you brush your hair, strands fall out and end up on the brush.

Does CGM cause hair loss?

CGM is a holistic way to nourish and pamper your curls with the right ingredients and no baddies such as sulphates and silicones that ultimately cause more damage and hair fall. At the beginning of your CG journey, you might feel like you're losing more hair, but fear not for this is not the case.

Is the Curly Girl Method protein or moisture?

When your hair feels dry, brittle, and lacks shine, it's yearning for moisture. It may also become difficult to detangle and may lose its elasticity. On the flip side, if your hair feels mushy when wet, stretches too much before breaking, or loses its curl pattern, it's a sign that it needs protein.

Why is curly hair so pretty?

Men are drawn to the soft, natural look of curly hair and how it frames a woman's face. Curly hair can also be seen as a sign of youth, which is a factor that many men find attractive. In addition to being seen as attractive, curly hair is also associated with health and vitality.

What is the DevaCurl controversy?

Many, who had for years, flat-ironed or styled their locks to conform to society's idea of professional hair. The New York-based company faced a class-action lawsuit after widespread complaints from women who reportedly experienced hair thinning, shedding, and “strange bumps” on their scalps.

Do curly hair girls lose more hair?

Curly hair is often more prone to thinning, which can be hard to manage. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to reduce thinning and keep your natural curls looking their best, including eating the right diet and following an effective hair care routine.

Is it bad to put product in curly hair every day?

Build-up: Using too much product or not washing it out properly can lead to build-up, which can weigh down curls and make them look greasy. Weighing Down Curls: Excessive use of curl cream, especially on fine hair, can lead to limp, lifeless curls.

How rare is naturally curly hair?

Human hair comes with all sorts of colors, textures and shapes. Notably, African hair is more coiled and dry; Asian hair is straighter and thicker; and Caucasian hair is somewhere in between with around 45% having straight hair, 40% having wavy hair, and 15% having curly hair.

What hormone causes curly hair?

Fluctuating Estrogen Levels Can Bring About Changes in Your Curly Texture. Estrogen levels often fall for curl changes as estrogen is key for maintaining those helical hair follicles. During menopause, plummeting estrogen is linked to the onset of mixed curl patterns and gradual straightening of previously curly hair.

Why is curly hair attractive on guys?

Long curly hair is a popular hairstyle for men because it can add volume & texture to a man's hair. Long curly hair can also make a man's face look more handsome. A long curly haircut can also make a man look younger and more stylish.

Is Curly Girl Method healthy?

Some products that are curly girl approved are not good for your hair and some products that are not curly girl approved can give amazing results. Instead look for products designed for your hair structure, choose natural ingredients over harsh chemicals, but look further that just the ingredients.

How to tell if curly hair is thinning?

If you think you're experiencing curly hair loss, your best bet is to look for a pattern. Keep a hair diary – take note of how many days you go between washes and how much hair you seem to be losing – is it marble sized, ping pong ball sized?

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