Curly Girl Method – Part 2

In the previous article, which you can find here. We've described the Curly Girl Method and its phases. This time we'll go into a little more detail about some of the fundamental phases of the Method!

Washing:

Curly hair needs gentle washing, so as not to be weighed down and to maintain definition and volume.
For washing, no-poo, low-poo , or co-wash products are allowed . In the first case, no shampoo is used, but rather 100% natural products, without sulfates or silicones (for example, cleansing herbs). Low-poo , on the other hand, is less radical: you can choose a shampoo with a physiological pH, but it must absolutely not contain parabens, sulfates, or silicones.
Co-washing refers to washing hair with products specifically designed for this purpose, or simply using conditioner exclusively.
Occasionally, you can use a purifying shampoo , sulfate-free and with anionic surfactants, which thoroughly but gently removes all the residues accumulated on the hair, such as those from styling products.

Styling:

There are many different styling techniques, from the simplest and quickest to the most complex and time-consuming. Here are the most popular among those who follow the CGM (Curly Girl Method):

• LOC ( Liquid Oil Cream ): This method involves using a liquid product, an oil, and a cream, all made with controlled and natural ingredients, in this specific order. This is because the liquid hydrates, the oil seals in moisture and nourishes, and the cream provides definition.
• Pulsing : This involves applying the product using the so-called "praying hands" method, i.e., squeezing the strands between your hands and dragging them downwards, then scrunching the hair between your hands.
• Fitage : Divide the hair into sections and apply plenty of product from roots to tips. Then, run your fingers through the strand as if it were a comb, dividing it into many small strands. Finally, do a light scrunch .
• Finger coils : This involves creating small curls with your fingers after applying your styling products to all your hair. You need to roll each strand between your fingers, trying to make them as large as your natural curl. Once all the hair is rolled, proceed with scrunching .
  A bit challenging, but worth it for the result!
• MGM (mousse-gel-mousse): combines the setting power of gel and mousse. Start by applying the mousse using the praying hands technique, then scrunch . Next, apply the gel and scrunch again. Finally, apply the mousse again as in the first step.
  
  It's best not to use this technique entirely if you have fine hair, as it may weigh it down. In that case, just use the gel + mousse combo, in the order of application that works best for you.

Drying:

Drying is a very delicate phase; doing it incorrectly risks nullifying all the previous steps. The best method is simply to let the hair air dry. Obviously, this is not always possible for everyone. Alternatively, a diffuser can be used, preferably at low temperatures and speeds.

An alternative technique recommended for drying perfect curls is " plopping ," which involves wrapping the hair in a microfiber towel or a t-shirt and leaving it tied for one or two hours.
When it's cold, or if you don't want to keep your head wet for a long time, you can use this technique for just 20-30 minutes, and then finish drying with a diffuser.

Of course, every head of hair is different, and for each one there is a technique that may be better than the others. So, dear curly-haired friends, all you have to do is experiment and see which one will give you a mane that would make the Lion King envious!