Do you suffer from curly hair that's dry, damaged, frizzy, or uncontrollable? Are you open to trying something new?
The curly girl method (also referred to as "no-poo")
is based on the book "Curly Girl" by Lorraine Massey.
The nickname "no-poo" alludes to not using a sulfate shampoo, because sulfates' tend to strip the hair of its natural oils. Once you take away the sulfates, your hair can retain its natural moisture…which is what “curly” hair needs!!
ALL THE MOISTURE IT CAN GET!
Like many beauty regimens, the results will vary from person to person, but this method just might work for you. So, say good-bye to the frizz and split ends and hello to soft, healthy curls!
Lets Start With Some Basic Steps:
- Have your hair trimmed. This will get rid of any damage or split ends. If you don't want to visit a hair salon you can always trim your own of course.
- Replace your brush with a wide-toothed comb. It is easier to damage curly hair with a brush, whether wet or dry. Untangling hair while dry with any tool is not a good idea; separating the curls dry just causes more frizz. Instead of a brush, switch to a wide-toothed comb, or even better, just use your fingers (when the hair is wet). Using your fingers to untangle curly hair helps to bring out the curls much better than running your hands over your head to prevent frizz.
- Stop shampooing your hair . Most shampoos contain harsh, drying sulfates that are extremely damaging for curly hair (ammonium laureth sulfate, ammonium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate, sodium lauryl sulfate, etc.). These common detergents found in shampoos make curly hair frizzy and uncooperative.
- Conditioner can be used sufficiently to clean the hair. More gentle shampoos that contain mild cleansers (i.e. cocamidopropyl betaine or coco betaine) can be used occasionally for wavier hair types....BUT Conditioner alone is just as good!
This rubbing action and the resultant friction will loosen dirt, product residue, and dandruff which can then be rinsed away. (Be sure to avoid silicone in your hair products, see the Warnings.) Thoroughly rinse your scalp afterward, still massaging with your finger tips as you do so.
Depending on how dry your scalp is, you can conditioner wash, once a week, twice a week, or every day, but watch out for hair build-up!
"The curly-haired can leave their hair hydrated with natural oils and clean their scalps quite well by rinsing only with hair conditioner once a week or less. Rubbing the scalp firmly with fingers is enough to loosen dirt." - Lorraine Massey
- Distribute conditioner throughout all of your hair and untangle gently. Use your hands or a wide-toothed comb. Start by untangling bottom sections of your hair and then gradually move upwards. Let the conditioner sit in your hair for five minutes or so for extra moisture. You also may want to part your hair at this point with a comb. It's recommended that you part your hair to the side to prevent "triangle-shaped" hair.
- Do the final rinse of your hair with cool or cold water. This will decrease frizz and add shine. Leave some conditioner in your hair, especially in dry sections like the ends. It's fine to run your fingers through your hair gently, but do not comb your hair after this point.
- Apply products to your hair. Do this while your hair is soaking wet if you have curlier hair, but wait five minutes or so if you have medium to wavy curly hair. Put product in your hands and rub them together to emulsify. Then, apply the product into your hair by sections. A common method is to begin with a leave-in cream or conditioner to decrease frizz and then follow with a gel or mousse for hold and definition. (Using your normal conditioner as a leave-in is fine too. However, use whatever type and order of products you like. Next, finger shape the curls by scrunching them (cup your hair in the palms of your hands and scrunch in an upward motion) and/or twisting individual curls around a finger if you want.
- Gently scrunch your hair with a t-shirt, paper towels, or a micro-fiber towel to remove excess moisture.
A generic terrycloth towel will make your hair frizzy. You may wish to finger shape your curls at this time instead. Next, wait five or so minutes so the hair can permanently assume its current shape.
- Dry your hair. Air drying is the easiest and gentlest way to dry your hair. If you must blow dry your hair use a diffuser to avoid frizz. Only dry your hair partially (about 80 percent dry) and air-dry the rest of the way. Do not touch your hair while it is drying or it will mess up and frizz.
IT TAKES 2 TO 6 WEEKS FOR YOUR HAIR TO ADJUST TO THE NO SHAMPOO AND IT MAY EVEN LOOK WORSE AT FIRST.
HAIR IS A LONG-TERM PROJECT AND IT MAY TAKE A COUPLE WEEKS FOR IT TO REGAIN ITS HEALTH AFTER BEING STRIPPED OF MOISTURE FOR YEARS BY SHAMPOO.
