How To Start The Curly Girl Method (Beginner’s Guide)
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Ready to see what your natural curls can really do? The Curly Girl Method is your fresh start, without the overwhelm.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to start the Curly Girl Method, what to skip, what to focus on, and how to build a routine that works for your hair.
What Is The Curly Girl Method?
The Curly Girl Method (CGM) is a simple set of habits to help you ditch damaging products and routines so your curls can thrive. You’ll avoid sulfates, silicones, harsh brushes, and heat—while learning how to cleanse, condition, style, and protect your curls properly.
If you’re new to it, don’t overcomplicate it. Here’s how to get started step by step.
Step 1: Do a Final Wash
Before you start your new routine, you’ll do one last shampoo with sulfates (or a clarifying shampoo) to remove any silicones and buildup.
Why? Silicones coat the hair and stop moisture from getting in. A clean slate helps your new products work better.
Do this once, then switch to a sulfate-free cleanser.
Tip: Look for sulfates like sodium laureth sulfate in your clarifying shampoo or pick a clarifier with olefin sulfonate.
Step 2: Learn Your Hair Basics
You don’t need to know your curl pattern right now, but you do need to know:
- Is your hair fine or coarse?
- Is it low or high density (lots of hair or thin spots)?
- Does it get weighed down easily?
This will help you pick the right products and avoid heavy buildup.
Want help? Take my Curly Hair Type Quiz for a quick start.
Step 3: Pick Your Starter Products
Here’s all you need to begin:
- A sulfate-free shampoo or co-wash
- A conditioner
- A simple styling product (gel, custard, or mousse)
- A clarifying shampoo (for monthly resets)
- An optional deep conditioner (if your hair is very dry or damaged)
Check your current stash first! Use curlscan.com to see if your products are CGM-approved.
✅ Keep it simple: You don’t need 10 products. 3–4 basics is enough.
Step 4: Build Your Routine
Stick to this basic wash day plan:
- Cleanse (co-wash or low-poo)
- Condition (finger detangle or use a wide-tooth comb)
- Apply your styling product on wet hair
- Let it dry or diffuse on low heat
- Protect overnight with a silk pillowcase or hair buff
Don’t brush dry curls, it causes breakage.
Don’t wet your hair every day, this can weaken curls over time. Aim for wash days every few days to start.
Step 5: Clarify & Deep Condition
- Clarify at least once a month to remove buildup.
- Deep condition once a month (more if your hair is dry or colored).
This keeps your scalp fresh and your curls bouncy.
Step 6: Track Your Progress
Pay attention to what works. Keep notes of:
- Which products you used
- How your hair felt
- What the weather was like
Your hair will change with seasons, so tracking helps you adjust.
Want an easy system? Use my Curly Journey Journal to make tracking simple and clear.
If you prefer a digital tool and like using Google Sheets, then this is the right option for you.
You can track from any device and record all the same stats, plus you can add photos.
What Happens Next?
Your curls won’t transform overnight, but with a simple routine and patience, they will get healthier and more defined.
Key mindset: Don’t chase “perfect.” Aim for progress.
✨ Download my Quick Start Guide To Mastering Your Curls if you haven’t yet. It has my full step-by-step system to make this easy.
