I just wanted to check in and let everyone know I’m officially trying the Curly Girl Method (CGM). I’m taking this seriously and not just picking up information from here and there from others and from the web. I’ve seen too much of that already and some are even passing on information that they don’t even know if it’s right! I wouldn’t do that to you nor would I do it to myself. Everything I discuss about the CGM will be from Lorraine Massey (and others in the book) and I will let you know if I veer off from the book.
I ordered the book at Amazon.com and it came about a week ago. I was excited since it was right on time for some new habits I planned on doing for the new year and actually for the rest of my life! I am drinking more water and taking Hairfinity vitamins along with doing the CGM. I was taking the vitamins off and on last year and saw results but since I wasn’t consistent I didn’t see as much as I should have. I also haven’t been drinking enough water so I decided to get the book, up the water intake and stay on my vitamins that have some great ingredients like Biontin and Horsetail Extract 7% Silica.
I’ve been happy with what I’ve seen so far. I’ve eliminated shampoo from my routine and instead I am using a cleansing conditioner AS I AM Cooconut CoWash I got from Sally’s a while ago. I got the tip from a local blogger, Mahogany Curls. She’s got some gorgeous hair and she really embraced this method. I decided to do this method since I’ve been dealing with dryness at the end of the night (every night) despite what I used! I knew something wasn’t quite right. Since I’ve started the CGM I IMMEDIATELY noticed additional softness at night and much more movement with my curls. They are even more defined with this method. I’m quite pleased.
Now, I’m JUST starting out so we have to see how this goes. I’ll be checking in from time to time sharing what I’ve learned and what’s ACTUALLY in the book. Now, of course I will be tailoring it to me but I will let you know what Lorraine Massey and others suggest and let you determine what is best for YOU!
I just gotta say once again I truly don’t like that there is so much information out there that is veering off from the original method and still being touted as what’s in the book.m Now don’t get me wrong….I truly believe many (if not all) of the bloggers and vloggers who are sharing the CGM mean well and are even well-informed. I just feel some have missed the important point of giving information that is accurate. No hate…honestly.
I do suggest getting the book and my book even came with a 24 minute DVD with step-by-step instructions on daily routine, clippings, trimming tutorials and tips. I haven’t checked out the DVD yet but I will and I will let you know about it when I have. The book was $10.98 before taxes and shipping and it’s a really easy read. I’ll be sharing more in upcoming weeks and months of pictures and recipes.
Next week I’ll discuss her very insightful chart on hair typing. I think you will be very pleased!
Take care of those curls Naturals,
Sabrina
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Hi Sabrina, I did follow the curly girl method and I tell you it is a wonderful thing when your curls are at maximum hydration. The frizz is minimal and all. I just did not just wear my hair curly. As for Mahogany curls, she just has lovely hair and does not follow the cg method any more and really to me has gotten quite gimicky and financial with her recommendations. I would definitely go with the Book and stick to that method although I have plenty of Diva Curl product as well that I can take or leave. Was not impressed for the $$ I spent. Believe it or not I have gotten away from the curly girl and don't mind using a cone or two to tame my frizz as long as I still continue my LOC method as well as use water soluable cones. I definitely like a few cones in the summer time because of the humidity in Maryland. Good Luck with your CGM and I am sure you will do fine with it.
I haven't tried the Diva Curl line and doubt I will. I'm happy with the products I use. I'm still in the beginning stages of the CGM and I'm having ups and downs. I need to make a few recipes, like the Lavender water mix, and give this method time. I like not using shampoo anymore and I'm not going to have a problem keeping my hair only curly. I don't like it straight. As far as Mahogany Curls, I haven't followed her long enough to know if she's changed but I've seen MANY bloggers and vloggers who have become more money driven. IDK….if I could make money off of this I would try but I hope I wouldn't change.
You gotta do what works for you and don't feel bad about using a cone or two!
I like this method because it is simple and works for most people. My issue is that CG recommends using gel all the time. I find that I get great results just using conditioner. Good luck and don't be afraid to modify to meet your own hair needs.
Now mind you, I've been only doing this for over a week but I have good and bad days and I am trying to find what works for me. So far I see I need to use less conditioner but still use the gel. I use Kinky Curly Curly Custard (gel) all the time so I have no problems with that. I may try your method as well. Just figuring out what works for me. Thanks for the pointers.
I've been following this method for a while now and I've eliminated the gel step. Idk if its the condish and gel combo I'm using but I hate how my hair feels after it dries. So I just use condish and still seal my ends with some type of oil. its been working for me. I also bought the book for my Nook and love it. read it last year and soon as I take these braids out I need to revisit it and try a few of those recipes. I hope you find a regimen that works for you and your hair girly!
Second time someone mentioned just using a conditioner…hmmm…gonna have to give this a try. Thanks for the advice.
I've just started reading this book and plan to practice it properly this Spring. So glad I read this post and the responses though, because last night I tried the whole gel thing, but I wasn't happy with the out come. It felt much better with just the leave-in conditioner. Glad Im not the only one. I'll give it another go, but its good to hear other peoples experiences. Thanks for sharing xx
I'm glad neither of us is alone on this journey. I'm still figuring this all out myself and it takes times. The book is a great guide.
I love conditioner only but in the more humid months conditioner only just doesnt do it unless you use cones. The gels that I like to use are usually either a liquid gel like curl junkies curls in a bottle or curly solutions curl keeper and aloe vera gels. These are very light but give just enough hold to keep the frizz at bay.
Jen was talking about the same thing and I think I will be following in those footstep. No gel during the winter months for me. Not a lot of humidity here but more during the summer months here in Denver. We all have to use what works for us.