The problem with the CGM is its practitioners, mostly - the message boards are harsh! LOL Every head is different, and practiced strictly it just doesn't work for everyone. My "journey" is atypical - my hair went curly with pregnancy at 34, then more about two years ago (COVID curls?!), and I've never colored or used heat. My hair was as healthy as could be; I just didn't know how to style it. It's also fine, and my scalp gets oily. So most of the rules didn't apply to me. I don't use silicone because I don't like it, and I don't brush or comb it dry, but there's a lot of flexibility otherwise.
No silicones is my only hard rule. Based on personal experience, and before I knew about the CGM, I noticed that my hair was very dry and frizzy if I didn't use silicone in my styling products. It was a rough detox period but I stopped using silicone products regularly over 20 years ago. I like to periodically go product free and I couldn't do that when I regularly used silicones.
sometimes you have to go with what you have; my mum lives in rural Greece, one of the few places Amazon can't find! she has to use what the local store has in stock, it's no use telling people to use X product if it's not available.
I was very strict with CGM when I first started transitioning but I was very disappointed with my results 😕 My scalp was always dirty due to build up and lack of clarification, my hair was very knotty, my hair was shedding crazily and honestly the list goes on. So thanks to finding you and other curly youtubers like manes by mell and jayme jo, I was able to understand and learn how to properly care for them without necessarily having to follow a strict method! ♥️
Love your videos Gena. I've been following the CGM for a year and I have never had a bad experience with it. That's mainly because I don't follow the original one. I only follow the ingredients related rules. No silicones, no drying alcohol, no paraffin/wax, none of that, but I love to use my shampoo with sulfates or surfactants weekly. I do dry detangle, I brush style and do what makes me happy ♥️😍🥰
It's seborrheic dermatitis. I have it, and it's the sole reason I am not sulfate free with my cleansers. Only harsh sulfates (a good cleanse) keeps it at bay. I "compensate" by conditioning twice (only the lengths). I don't let anything else touch my scalp but my cleanser. It works for me and it keeps my Nizoral (ketaconazole) 2% bottle in the cupboard for longer.
100% agree!! I have a prescription Ketoconazole shampoo that I NEED to use sometimes. Thankfuly, not ALL the time. But inbetween using that, I still need to use a clarifying shampoo or a super lathering shampoo to keep my scalp itch and 'ant hill' (its what I call the sebum mound build ups on my head) free. I still use Head and Shoulders blue bottle pretty much every wash to keep the sebum build up at bay. The prescription shampoo I use if I notice scabbing along my hairline. But I use all CGM products after that. Such as As I Am Cowash (yes after normal shampooing), then I skip a reg conditioner and instead opt for just going to the leave in product after my cowash is rinsed out. And then a gel or custard for styling. I also use a Tangle Teezer Brush in the shower after putting my co wash in. My hair is so healthy and my curls are more beautiful than ever before! I LOVE MopTops Leave in and their Custard Gel. Its seriously....changed my life. I love that there are other people out here talking about different CG methods that work for them, because there is NO way my scalp would EVER appreciate only washing with cowash or conditioner....or using both every time.
I'm not sure if my sulphate free shampoo removes all silicones. However I know that once a month I do clarify. Based on the fact that my hair needs clarifying because I have always loved using heavy creams, butters, oils and more recently silicone. I feel that once you understand your hair and the signs of buildup. You can more easily nevagate silicones.
I think the CGM is a great start but after awhile it's best to follow what's best for your hair. I can't use silicones or waxes but I definitely have to shampoo weekly or else I get build up.
I dry detangle with a "wet brush / straw brush" before washing. It saves my drain, for one! It helps with trying to finger detangle wet (so much easier), and then when my hair's been in the microfiber towel for 15 minutes at minimum, I brush it one more time, before putting my stylers in. I do have "only" wavy hair, though!
This wavy, almost curly old girl (66 years) just discovered your channel. I love it and your wonderful laid back approach and great usable tips and information. Keep it coming!!!!
I have super high porosity hair and you’re the only person that mentioned in a video to try a smoothing lotion followed by a gel. That was the winning combination for me. Before it was always try one or the other. I would’ve thought it would weigh down my fine hair, but not at all. I use Kevin Murphy “Smooth.Again” followed by Mop Top Curly Hair Custard. I also use Olaplex 4 & 5 and some other good products.
I started my curly journey a little less than a year ago and dude - the damage I have done from wet brushing and brush styling. My hair has like no slip. I think maybe it’s because I don’t have any silicones. I’ve been trying to learn how to make brush styling work for me. Especially a big patch at my crown that is basically unbrushable. I noticed so much shedding and since I’ve reigned back it’s reduced. Ugh!!! Your channel is really helping me figure out how to damage control… and still be able to incorporate new products etc. Being mindful of how much protein moisture I need. I have level 2-3 porosity hair. It’s a ramen noodle wave with sections of looser ringlets. It looses moisture each day and is extremely strong (like my strands are thicker and hard to break). Such a journey - it’s rough. I now know why people don’t like wash day 🤣 also refreshing has hurt my hair. I’d have a bad wash day and the next day wet it again completely and yank on it with a styling brush lol I’m learning.
Hi Gena, I love the sub-titles. It is easy to take notes. Could you pls indicate if you have a wash day with no clarifying video? I have fine, low density, high porosity. Using a pre-poo protein mask should I use heat? which pre-poo moisture mask would you recommend? Thank you. I have learned so much from you.
I always thought the no brushes rule meant not brushing hair dry because it messes up your curls. I can't brush dry curls the same way I brush dry hair when I've straightened it. If I brush dry curls, I lose all curl definition.
I like a good lather. I use Curlsmith's Bond Curl & Strength Recipe 2x month. I use a detangling brush. The CGM has some good ideas but I don't adhere to them all...some just don't work for me. Thanks for sharing this video.
I love this! I believe that everyone's hair is different, and therefore you should do what is best for you. That's what I've been doing for awhile now. I take the tips and tricks I've learned from all the videos I watch and use what's best for me.
Great super informational video Gena! I definitely agree that everyone has to adjust their routine to what fits their hair and lifestyle. Also, what works some days might not work another so you have to tweak it every now and then.
I’ve realized on my curly hair journey (1 year in July) that silicone more often than not gives me a sticky feeling on the hair. Some silicone products are formulated extremely well (Ouidad for example) and don’t leave me sticky. My problem with silicones is that I feel like I’m in a never ending cycle between using the silicone products and stripping my hair to get them out. So what I have personally done is that when the weather gets particularly humid outside so spring and summer, I do use silicone products to seal in all the moisture. The other half of the year I go silicone free! Love your videos Gena ♥️
Hi Gena as far as I know "the curly girl method" is a trademarked term and only Lorraine Massey's actual products are "curly girl approved" as such. Apart from the price they are loaded with fragrance/essential oils and are most certainly not suitable for me. The "rules" are also based on the formulations of products available at that time period, where shampoos were not gentle on the hair and the more modern gentle surfactants weren't yet available. Silicones were also far less complex and heavier. All in all a lot of it made a great deal of sense back then, with what was available at that time. Newer silicones can be used to help to repair damaged hair and even gentle sulphates will remove most of the lighter silicones used nowadays. I do use silicones in my finishing product and sometimes in my styling products - depending on the weather and how my own hair looks/feels. I have an extremely dry scalp with eczema and dry/course hair. My scalp never gets greasy and my hair loves oils/butters and anything moisturising. I shampoo once a week with a gentle shampoo and pre poo with oil to start my detangling process. In the warmer months if necessary I will co wash mid week. I do clarify every six to eight washes depending on how my hair feels, but I deep condition every second wash. I also apply serums and oil to the hair throughout the week to tame frizz and improve shine/health. We all have to work out what suits us, once we have become comfortable in looking after our curls. I stopped fighting with my natural texture around six to seven years ago. I still get just a few highlights to blend in the whites (that are finding more friends every few months lol). I'm 50 with natural mid blonde hair and skipped grey straight to white - once there is more white all over I'll stop the highlights, as they are only through the top sections to blend them into my non white hairs. Having that t bar of highlights and already having dry/course hair, means my hair is high porosity and prone to frizz. i live in Scotland and it's a wet place. Having that bit of silicone in my routine helps my curls to look better longer. Best wishes.
I do avoid silicones. I used to use them regularly and found they don't really cut down the frizz. They seem to work when first applied, but if you live in a humid climate, as I have done, they are ineffective and my hair starts frizzing pretty badly over the course of the day. So they're gone from my routine and I don't intend to use them again. I don't know anyone personally who follows the CGM to the letter. I think Lorraine Massey gave us some good basics to build on for curly hair care and that when she said to avoid styling creams, there weren't many styling creams around that were good for curly hair, as there are now. I have been using mostly non-sulfate shampoos for curlies, with occasional clarifying shampoos as needed, a conditioner, and a styling gel, sometimes a styling cream for curly hair. Lorraine also said you could diffuse if you're short on time. I recently tried the diffusing technique demonstrated in a Manes by Mell video and my hair came out fantastic. I've watched a bunch of your videos recently, Gena, and I've enjoyed your good common-sense information and approach to curly hair care. Thanks for all the great information and techniques you're providing!
Every head is different and I think everyone needs to figure out what works for their hair. The CGM can be a good guideline though, especially in the beginning. One point where I do agree with the CGM is in avoiding silicones. Not only for the sake of my hair but for the environment: silicones are not readily biodegradable (as most / all mineral oil products). I try to only use beauty products that are ecofriendly and luckily, there are enough products to choose from :)
I love your positive attitude towards experimenting with what works beyond the "prescribed" rules. My hair type is wavy/curly and going prematurely gray while also prematurely thinning out (I'm not even 30 yet). I also get a super itchy scalp if I don't wash my hair every day or at most every other day (yes I know scalp training is a thing but I tried it and it gets so itchy that I scratch until I bleed). If I followed all the rules exactly as they are, my hair and scalp would be in shock. Some people call that shock "transition" but that's the thing, I ALWAYS air dry my hair and I rarely heat style and I haven't dyed my hair in over 10yrs so there's not much to transition from except a lack of silicones. But I have found that no silicones leaves me to be a frizz ball and gels weigh down my thinning hair. So what seems to work best for me is to only leave a small amount of silicones in my hair. A lot of the curls I do have are from your videos about plopping and squishing in the conditioner. I'm still working on styling my low density part, but that will come with time. I've only been at it for a few months now. Thanks again for all of your information and encouragement.
Jessicurl Gentle Lather Shampoo is sulfate free and lathers nicely. 🙂 Yes, thank you! 🙏I have a looser curl pattern and I’ve tried damp styling and wet styling. For me, wet styling gives me more curl definition which I need. Love your videos! 😍
Oh yeah I’m not CGM. Haven’t been for years and my hair is much happier now. I wash daily (mostly with sulphate free) but I’ll use sulphates a few times a week. I have to use lots of styling products and with my fine low porosity hair I get tons of build up quick so I need to shampoo a lot, plus I use cones. I use a Tangle Teezer brush daily too. Yeah I break tons of rules! 😂😂
Hi Gena, Your video is absolutely amazing! Very helpful and informative. I’m so grateful for your reviews on the Curlsmith line. I started purchasing it when you reviewed the Scent free line. Which I LOVE! Then I ventured out and purchased the “travel sizes” of all the leave in and gels you reviewed on “which Curlsmith products are right for you” series. So far non of their scents have triggered any migraines. So I’m very happy with this brand and has become my favorite brand. My hair is a 3B with low porosity and based on my experience, my hair doesn’t do well with protein. After watching this video, I went ahead and ordered the travel size protein (purple line) bond salve, 3 in one conditioner and mask. Not going to incorporate all at once. Again, thank you for all your research, time and videos. Your makeup & eyeshadow looks amazing! Can you do a video on how you achieved your eyeshadow look? Again, thank you and have a wonderful day. Liz
I used to use any & all type of products on my relaxed hair, I honestly didn’t know anything abt the ingredients on my products & because of that my hair was always weight down & had a lot of build up. 3yrs ago I decided to stop relaxing my hair & then a year later I did the big chop. Since then I have been more conscience on the products that I use on my hair. At the moment I’m trying clean products. No sulphates, silicones, parabens & any other crap they said is bad for hair. I did TRY the curly girl method.. but that probably lasted like a mth & it probably didn’t work since at that time I didn’t detox my hair not until Curlsmith came out with their scalp detox line (I love that line) it really brought my hair & scalp back to life!
Unfortunately, silicones are a no go for me... They build up on my low porosity hair so so fast, and they dry out my hair... Maybe it works for some hair types but for me is terrible. I don't follow the CGM though... Great video, thanks Gina!! 😊😊
I have dry, coarse , thick hair so with that said I find I can’t go longer than 3 days between washes before it’s a frizzy dry mess. I have found that when I need to wash but not want a full wash day routine I will use the Curlsmith Co wash in between. I do however also love using the Ecoslay brand for my leave in and stylers as it gives me moisture and curl definition. I do clarify , deep condition and use either Olaplex 3 or the Curlsmith Bond salve monthly.
Thanks for a great video. Today i decided to stop using Curl Smith Souffle. When I wore my hair straight i never had split ends or breakage but two months in following curly girl method and Curlsmith, my ends are snapping off so badly every time i wash and shake my hair. The curls are looking great but even after 3 trims, no brushing, no colouring and following the rules, it's a disaster. Going to go back to no product and hope that helps
I just bought the strength line last week. I love how it smells. I havent been able to do the bond treatment yet because getting ready for work I dont have time and I dont wash my hair on weekends. Can you put it in your hair, rinse it out and then wash it the next day?
And I wash all my hair. Not just the roots. Everyone of course is different but if you use a lot of stylers creams etc. I suggest wash all your hair at least every other time. I just bought a diffuser for the first time in my life. Henna and indigo have been straightening my hair out. It’s better than chemical hair dye for my gray though. My scalp will catch on fire if I did that. Hopefully a diffuser will put some ompf back in my hair. Team silicone 🙌🏼
I used silicones, but my hair gets frizzy from it. I think because it's coating my hair instead of going in my hair. I love silicones in my serum, but only in my serum
Thanks again for your articulate, well researched video. I heard you mention using a heat protectant when diffusing. I hover diffuse and then pixie diffuse both on low heat and never considered that I should I use a protectant. Is there one that you recommend?
You may not need one if you're mainly hover diffusing. But if you do touch the diffuser to your hair, a heat protectant can help. I haven't tried a ton but this one I have. I'm not the best at remembering it! rstyle.me/+E69Ij2y13dE7wKJpdYDxMQ
One Facebook group I'm in that is very strict about no silicones regularly recommends a low poo with cocamidopropyl betaine in the first 5 ingredients to remove a "one time silicone use". An "oops", if you will. But, logically, if that same low poo is used regularly, wouldn't that make using the silicone just fine? I never bring it up because they are so strict, but I haven't had any issues when I've used silicones with such a shampoo like that in play. And I've been playing with a finishing oil with dimethicone and several other silicones as it's primary ingredients.... 🤷♀️
Hi, Gena, great video! I'd like to know your opinion about petrolatum, paraffin and mineral oil on hair products. In theory, these components are even worse than silicones when it comes to build up once you just can remove them with strong sulfates.
So thankful that you talked about breaking these "rules". I have looser curl pattern and i can't do a pony or updo without running com through my hair. My hair looks messy and undone without it. However I don't use a brush or comb with narrow tooth. I use a wide tooth comb and run it through gently avoiding any possible breakage. Is it okay to continue doing this?
I just have to say that I LOVE your videos and how you explain things so that I can actually understand it. So I could of missed it, but I'm so confused on where to start. My curls used to be beautiful ringlets that were not as tight as yours, kinda like a medium ringlets. But as I've gotten older, I'm 46, I've been losing my curls so they're closer to just being wavy. Please help me by telling me where to start or ideas on where to start. I would greatly appreciate any and all help. Thank you in advance!!!
Hi, I haven't had any success with sulfate-free shampoos removing silicones, particularly dimethicone. I once trialed a very high-end product with silicones and had to use Dawn dish detergent to remove it.
Amazing video as usual! I have a question about the Curlsmith Bond Curl Salve... it says you can use it on dirty hair, does that include styling products that are already in the hair?
I'd like to try the bond cream but when I used olaplex no.3 it temporarily made my hair go straight. It took about a month for the curls to come back so now I'm reluctant to try bond creams. I've never coloured my hair but I do use heat with the diffuser and I live in the tropics so there's a lot of sun. Do you think the curlsmith bond cream would have a better effect for me than the olaplex? Interested in your thoughts if you know of anything that could help me decide. Thank you! Always love your great videos 💕
I have a few! Curlsmith (the best for scalp issues): bit.ly/3rgufXV Twist (the strongest): bit.ly/3z4EAYx Bounce Curl (the most gentle): www.bouncecurl.com/collections/shampoo-conditioner/products/enzyme-gentle-clarifying-shampoo?aff=6
Thank you Gena, I did get a travel size of the scalp one by curlsmith and I do like it. However I feel I need something for my hair overall as I moved from near the ocean with great water to a place much hotter with hard water!! I also color my hair so I worry about stripping the color
I have hair similar to yours....I've listened and gotten so many products - narrowing them down...thank you...one question! Should I use a conditioner if I am using a leave on conditioner? I only wash my hair 3 times a week...
Yes, i recommend always using a conditioner and rinsing it. I usually go for a curl cream over a leave-in because it's also moisturizing but styles too.
I follow CGM groups because they do have great tips but the one size fits all advice is verry narrow-minded and results in a lot of fearmongering of ingredients so I don't subscribe to this anti-science rhetoric at all. I dry detangle before I shower, use a sulfate shampoo to clarify every second wash, detangle again after conditioner with a tangle teezer and on occasion I use medium high heat to dry my hair when I'm in a rush and when I do this, I apply a tresemme heat protectant with silicones in it. That is the only product I have with silicones in it because silicones weigh my hair down. I also avoid drying alcohols in my products. I do still use websites like is it cg or curlscan to learn about what certain ingredients do moreso than to avoid them out of fear.
Hey genaaaa, I hope all is well! Do you have any idea whether dimethicone in cantu Shea butter leave in repair cream would build up? It comes as the seventh ingredient so maybe it doesn't build up? I shampoo withmild lathering surfactants every 3 days
I dont mind hair picks for creating volume. I think work better on tighter curl patterns because they don't do much for me. I've never heard of a hard shell bonnet but I'm intrigued 🤔
@@GenaMarie my hair is a little longer than yours, but I am transitioning it from wearing it straight for many years and coloring it. I am using your suggestions which are incredibly helpful. The pick I have always used for wet hair, but I am starting to use my fingers more. The hard shell bonnet I just bought because I was curious if it dried my hair faster than a diffuser. I have only used it once, but it seemed to make the curls longer instead of tighter. I may see how it does in the next few weeks. I appreciate all you videos and blog content. I have the routine printed out on my mirror! Thanks again!
What rules do you disagree with, or agree with, when it comes to the curly girl method? Let's chat! ★ Get 10% off your first Curlsmith order with code GENAMARIE10: glnk.io/lmlq/genamarieco
Rules I disagree with: One. It’s just simply not plausible for me to do curly girl method every day and style my hair. I’m recently graduate from high school and I have college and I have a pixie cut. It’s fine. Too. I brush my hair. I use sulfates. And I use silicones. And you know what? Nothing happened to me. Our mother/grandmother‘s used sulfate/silicones in our hair and I don’t know about you guys but I had long, thick curly hair to my ass as a child. Three. I heat style if I want to. What’s gonna happen? Lorraine Massey gonna come and arrest me? I think not. Four. I hate gel! There! I said it. Curl cream all the way. Five. I simply don’t care! I use what I want. I styled the way I want.
I just do what works for my hair. I probably break all the rules of the CGM. If a product works for me, I use it and if it doesn't, I don't. I also brush style my hair.
Hi Gena! I need some advice. I recently started using the Cantu cleansing shampoo, and my scalp started to get oily one day after washing, and I lost more hair than usual. I tried using smaller amounts of shampoo, but it didn't help. What could I do?
If that is a "'co-wash" I would recommend switching to a sulfate-free, lathering shampoo for the reasons I mentioned in this video, which are what you are experiencing it sounds like.
It is a sulfate free, lathering cleansing shampoo. I also got dandruff, which I never had before. I use it in every wash, and I wash my hair twice a week. Would it help if I only used it in every second wash?
@@frieda3482 I use this shampoo too. I always have to double wash with it and use a scalp scrubber. I also use a sulfate shampoo once a week that helps too.
@@erinmeadows14 ok. I thought about getting a scalp scrubber, but I'm probably gonna buy one. I heard that people find this shampoo is super cleansing, but I didn't really notice that.
omg I feel like you’ve been telepathically picking up on my hair questions 😂 this is literally the third video now on a topic I’ve been thinking about. You are a gem + thank you for these tips! -@doortovalue
The problem with the CGM is its practitioners, mostly - the message boards are harsh! LOL Every head is different, and practiced strictly it just doesn't work for everyone. My "journey" is atypical - my hair went curly with pregnancy at 34, then more about two years ago (COVID curls?!), and I've never colored or used heat. My hair was as healthy as could be; I just didn't know how to style it. It's also fine, and my scalp gets oily. So most of the rules didn't apply to me. I don't use silicone because I don't like it, and I don't brush or comb it dry, but there's a lot of flexibility otherwise.
No silicones is my only hard rule. Based on personal experience, and before I knew about the CGM, I noticed that my hair was very dry and frizzy if I didn't use silicone in my styling products. It was a rough detox period but I stopped using silicone products regularly over 20 years ago. I like to periodically go product free and I couldn't do that when I regularly used silicones.
Totally know what you mean!
Mine gets very dry and impossible to refresh when using cones
sometimes you have to go with what you have; my mum lives in rural Greece, one of the few places Amazon can't find! she has to use what the local store has in stock, it's no use telling people to use X product if it's not available.
That's so true! We are so fortunate in the US to have access to things online. I will be sure to keep accessibility in mind more. Thank you!
I was very strict with CGM when I first started transitioning but I was very disappointed with my results 😕 My scalp was always dirty due to build up and lack of clarification, my hair was very knotty, my hair was shedding crazily and honestly the list goes on. So thanks to finding you and other curly youtubers like manes by mell and jayme jo, I was able to understand and learn how to properly care for them without necessarily having to follow a strict method! ♥️
Love your videos Gena. I've been following the CGM for a year and I have never had a bad experience with it. That's mainly because I don't follow the original one. I only follow the ingredients related rules. No silicones, no drying alcohol, no paraffin/wax, none of that, but I love to use my shampoo with sulfates or surfactants weekly. I do dry detangle, I brush style and do what makes me happy ♥️😍🥰
Same! I feel like the vast majority of us follow a modified version of it anyways and it works for us 😊
It's seborrheic dermatitis. I have it, and it's the sole reason I am not sulfate free with my cleansers. Only harsh sulfates (a good cleanse) keeps it at bay. I "compensate" by conditioning twice (only the lengths). I don't let anything else touch my scalp but my cleanser. It works for me and it keeps my Nizoral (ketaconazole) 2% bottle in the cupboard for longer.
Thanks for sharing!
100% agree!! I have a prescription Ketoconazole shampoo that I NEED to use sometimes. Thankfuly, not ALL the time. But inbetween using that, I still need to use a clarifying shampoo or a super lathering shampoo to keep my scalp itch and 'ant hill' (its what I call the sebum mound build ups on my head) free.
I still use Head and Shoulders blue bottle pretty much every wash to keep the sebum build up at bay. The prescription shampoo I use if I notice scabbing along my hairline.
But I use all CGM products after that. Such as As I Am Cowash (yes after normal shampooing), then I skip a reg conditioner and instead opt for just going to the leave in product after my cowash is rinsed out. And then a gel or custard for styling.
I also use a Tangle Teezer Brush in the shower after putting my co wash in.
My hair is so healthy and my curls are more beautiful than ever before!
I LOVE MopTops Leave in and their Custard Gel. Its seriously....changed my life.
I love that there are other people out here talking about different CG methods that work for them, because there is NO way my scalp would EVER appreciate only washing with cowash or conditioner....or using both every time.
I'm not sure if my sulphate free shampoo removes all silicones. However I know that once a month I do clarify. Based on the fact that my hair needs clarifying because I have always loved using heavy creams, butters, oils and more recently silicone. I feel that once you understand your hair and the signs of buildup. You can more easily nevagate silicones.
So true!
I think the CGM is a great start but after awhile it's best to follow what's best for your hair. I can't use silicones or waxes but I definitely have to shampoo weekly or else I get build up.
I dry detangle with a "wet brush / straw brush" before washing. It saves my drain, for one! It helps with trying to finger detangle wet (so much easier), and then when my hair's been in the microfiber towel for 15 minutes at minimum, I brush it one more time, before putting my stylers in. I do have "only" wavy hair, though!
Me too!
This wavy, almost curly old girl (66 years) just discovered your channel. I love it and your wonderful laid back approach and great usable tips and information. Keep it coming!!!!
I love the curl smith bond salve. I paired it with the eco slay matcha boost on the weekend and my hair feels so much better
I have super high porosity hair and you’re the only person that mentioned in a video to try a smoothing lotion followed by a gel. That was the winning combination for me. Before it was always try one or the other. I would’ve thought it would weigh down my fine hair, but not at all. I use Kevin Murphy “Smooth.Again” followed by Mop Top Curly Hair Custard. I also use Olaplex 4 & 5 and some other good products.
So glad it helped!
I started my curly journey a little less than a year ago and dude - the damage I have done from wet brushing and brush styling. My hair has like no slip. I think maybe it’s because I don’t have any silicones. I’ve been trying to learn how to make brush styling work for me. Especially a big patch at my crown that is basically unbrushable. I noticed so much shedding and since I’ve reigned back it’s reduced. Ugh!!! Your channel is really helping me figure out how to damage control… and still be able to incorporate new products etc. Being mindful of how much protein moisture I need. I have level 2-3 porosity hair. It’s a ramen noodle wave with sections of looser ringlets. It looses moisture each day and is extremely strong (like my strands are thicker and hard to break). Such a journey - it’s rough. I now know why people don’t like wash day 🤣 also refreshing has hurt my hair. I’d have a bad wash day and the next day wet it again completely and yank on it with a styling brush lol I’m learning.
Glad its helped!
I agree, refreshing can be damaging. I think a lot of my damage was from refreshing and trying to detangle damp matted hair.
I love your videos, so informative and helpful! And THANK YOU so much for providing subtitles, I'm deaf and they help so much
Hi Gena, I love the sub-titles. It is easy to take notes. Could you pls indicate if you have a wash day with no clarifying video? I have fine, low density, high porosity. Using a pre-poo protein mask should I use heat? which pre-poo moisture mask would you recommend? Thank you. I have learned so much from you.
I always thought the no brushes rule meant not brushing hair dry because it messes up your curls. I can't brush dry curls the same way I brush dry hair when I've straightened it. If I brush dry curls, I lose all curl definition.
Yes, that's included too. The book just forbids brushes altogether though, so even for styling.
I like a good lather. I use Curlsmith's Bond Curl & Strength Recipe 2x month. I use a detangling brush. The CGM has some good ideas but I don't adhere to them all...some just don't work for me. Thanks for sharing this video.
I love this! I believe that everyone's hair is different, and therefore you should do what is best for you. That's what I've been doing for awhile now. I take the tips and tricks I've learned from all the videos I watch and use what's best for me.
Great super informational video Gena! I definitely agree that everyone has to adjust their routine to what fits their hair and lifestyle. Also, what works some days might not work another so you have to tweak it every now and then.
So true! 🥰
I’ve realized on my curly hair journey (1 year in July) that silicone more often than not gives me a sticky feeling on the hair. Some silicone products are formulated extremely well (Ouidad for example) and don’t leave me sticky. My problem with silicones is that I feel like I’m in a never ending cycle between using the silicone products and stripping my hair to get them out. So what I have personally done is that when the weather gets particularly humid outside so spring and summer, I do use silicone products to seal in all the moisture. The other half of the year I go silicone free! Love your videos Gena ♥️
That makes total sense! I could see myself doing the same
Hi Gena as far as I know "the curly girl method" is a trademarked term and only Lorraine Massey's actual products are "curly girl approved" as such. Apart from the price they are loaded with fragrance/essential oils and are most certainly not suitable for me.
The "rules" are also based on the formulations of products available at that time period, where shampoos were not gentle on the hair and the more modern gentle surfactants weren't yet available. Silicones were also far less complex and heavier. All in all a lot of it made a great deal of sense back then, with what was available at that time. Newer silicones can be used to help to repair damaged hair and even gentle sulphates will remove most of the lighter silicones used nowadays.
I do use silicones in my finishing product and sometimes in my styling products - depending on the weather and how my own hair looks/feels. I have an extremely dry scalp with eczema and dry/course hair. My scalp never gets greasy and my hair loves oils/butters and anything moisturising. I shampoo once a week with a gentle shampoo and pre poo with oil to start my detangling process. In the warmer months if necessary I will co wash mid week. I do clarify every six to eight washes depending on how my hair feels, but I deep condition every second wash. I also apply serums and oil to the hair throughout the week to tame frizz and improve shine/health. We all have to work out what suits us, once we have become comfortable in looking after our curls. I stopped fighting with my natural texture around six to seven years ago. I still get just a few highlights to blend in the whites (that are finding more friends every few months lol). I'm 50 with natural mid blonde hair and skipped grey straight to white - once there is more white all over I'll stop the highlights, as they are only through the top sections to blend them into my non white hairs. Having that t bar of highlights and already having dry/course hair, means my hair is high porosity and prone to frizz. i live in Scotland and it's a wet place. Having that bit of silicone in my routine helps my curls to look better longer. Best wishes.
I do avoid silicones. I used to use them regularly and found they don't really cut down the frizz. They seem to work when first applied, but if you live in a humid climate, as I have done, they are ineffective and my hair starts frizzing pretty badly over the course of the day. So they're gone from my routine and I don't intend to use them again. I don't know anyone personally who follows the CGM to the letter. I think Lorraine Massey gave us some good basics to build on for curly hair care and that when she said to avoid styling creams, there weren't many styling creams around that were good for curly hair, as there are now. I have been using mostly non-sulfate shampoos for curlies, with occasional clarifying shampoos as needed, a conditioner, and a styling gel, sometimes a styling cream for curly hair. Lorraine also said you could diffuse if you're short on time. I recently tried the diffusing technique demonstrated in a Manes by Mell video and my hair came out fantastic. I've watched a bunch of your videos recently, Gena, and I've enjoyed your good common-sense information and approach to curly hair care. Thanks for all the great information and techniques you're providing!
I respect you so much for this video - love the science backed thoughts here!
Every head is different and I think everyone needs to figure out what works for their hair. The CGM can be a good guideline though, especially in the beginning. One point where I do agree with the CGM is in avoiding silicones. Not only for the sake of my hair but for the environment: silicones are not readily biodegradable (as most / all mineral oil products). I try to only use beauty products that are ecofriendly and luckily, there are enough products to choose from :)
agreed that its a good starting point!
I love your positive attitude towards experimenting with what works beyond the "prescribed" rules. My hair type is wavy/curly and going prematurely gray while also prematurely thinning out (I'm not even 30 yet). I also get a super itchy scalp if I don't wash my hair every day or at most every other day (yes I know scalp training is a thing but I tried it and it gets so itchy that I scratch until I bleed). If I followed all the rules exactly as they are, my hair and scalp would be in shock. Some people call that shock "transition" but that's the thing, I ALWAYS air dry my hair and I rarely heat style and I haven't dyed my hair in over 10yrs so there's not much to transition from except a lack of silicones. But I have found that no silicones leaves me to be a frizz ball and gels weigh down my thinning hair. So what seems to work best for me is to only leave a small amount of silicones in my hair. A lot of the curls I do have are from your videos about plopping and squishing in the conditioner. I'm still working on styling my low density part, but that will come with time. I've only been at it for a few months now. Thanks again for all of your information and encouragement.
I'm also getting grays, so totally know what you mean.
Jessicurl Gentle Lather Shampoo is sulfate free and lathers nicely. 🙂
Yes, thank you! 🙏I have a looser curl pattern and I’ve tried damp styling and wet styling. For me, wet styling gives me more curl definition which I need.
Love your videos! 😍
Oh yeah I’m not CGM. Haven’t been for years and my hair is much happier now. I wash daily (mostly with sulphate free) but I’ll use sulphates a few times a week. I have to use lots of styling products and with my fine low porosity hair I get tons of build up quick so I need to shampoo a lot, plus I use cones. I use a Tangle Teezer brush daily too. Yeah I break tons of rules! 😂😂
Love a tangle Teezer brush!
Hi Gena, Your video is absolutely amazing! Very helpful and informative. I’m so grateful for your reviews on the Curlsmith line. I started purchasing it when you reviewed the Scent free line. Which I LOVE! Then I ventured out and purchased the “travel sizes” of all the leave in and gels you reviewed on “which Curlsmith products are right for you” series. So far non of their scents have triggered any migraines. So I’m very happy with this brand and has become my favorite brand.
My hair is a 3B with low porosity and based on my experience, my hair doesn’t do well with protein. After watching this video, I went ahead and ordered the travel size protein (purple line) bond salve, 3 in one conditioner and mask. Not going to incorporate all at once. Again, thank you for all your research, time and videos.
Your makeup & eyeshadow looks amazing! Can you do a video on how you achieved your eyeshadow look?
Again, thank you and have a wonderful day.
Liz
I used to use any & all type of products on my relaxed hair, I honestly didn’t know anything abt the ingredients on my products & because of that my hair was always weight down & had a lot of build up.
3yrs ago I decided to stop relaxing my hair & then a year later I did the big chop. Since then I have been more conscience on the products that I use on my hair. At the moment I’m trying clean products. No sulphates, silicones, parabens & any other crap they said is bad for hair. I did TRY the curly girl method.. but that probably lasted like a mth & it probably didn’t work since at that time I didn’t detox my hair not until Curlsmith came out with their scalp detox line (I love that line) it really brought my hair & scalp back to life!
Unfortunately, silicones are a no go for me... They build up on my low porosity hair so so fast, and they dry out my hair... Maybe it works for some hair types but for me is terrible. I don't follow the CGM though... Great video, thanks Gina!! 😊😊
I have dry, coarse , thick hair so with that said I find I can’t go longer than 3 days between washes before it’s a frizzy dry mess. I have found that when I need to wash but not want a full wash day routine I will use the Curlsmith Co wash in between. I do however also love using the Ecoslay brand for my leave in and stylers as it gives me moisture and curl definition. I do clarify , deep condition and use either Olaplex 3 or the Curlsmith Bond salve monthly.
Thanks for a great video. Today i decided to stop using Curl Smith Souffle. When I wore my hair straight i never had split ends or breakage but two months in following curly girl method and Curlsmith, my ends are snapping off so badly every time i wash and shake my hair. The curls are looking great but even after 3 trims, no brushing, no colouring and following the rules, it's a disaster. Going to go back to no product and hope that helps
I just bought the strength line last week. I love how it smells. I havent been able to do the bond treatment yet because getting ready for work I dont have time and I dont wash my hair on weekends. Can you put it in your hair, rinse it out and then wash it the next day?
Thank you thank you!! Love how you explain and demonstrate with video. This is so helpful!
And I wash all my hair. Not just the roots. Everyone of course is different but if you use a lot of stylers creams etc. I suggest wash all your hair at least every other time. I just bought a diffuser for the first time in my life. Henna and indigo have been straightening my hair out. It’s better than chemical hair dye for my gray though. My scalp will catch on fire if I did that. Hopefully a diffuser will put some ompf back in my hair. Team silicone 🙌🏼
I just started using a diffuser about a week ago. Still learning it but liking the results.
Great job Gena!!
Thanks Gena Marie!.. as always so thorough and informative 🥰.. would you recommend the bond rehab during coloring (roots) after or before?
Thanks!! I would use it after coloring, like on your next wash
I used silicones, but my hair gets frizzy from it. I think because it's coating my hair instead of going in my hair. I love silicones in my serum, but only in my serum
I've been watching you for a while now and I've got to say...your hair looks a lot thicker! You've got thicker curl clumps too. 😍❤
Thank you! That new brush I've been using from Briogeo has been creating bigger clumps!
Thanks again for your articulate, well researched video. I heard you mention using a heat protectant when diffusing. I hover diffuse and then pixie diffuse both on low heat and never considered that I should I use a protectant. Is there one that you recommend?
You may not need one if you're mainly hover diffusing. But if you do touch the diffuser to your hair, a heat protectant can help. I haven't tried a ton but this one I have. I'm not the best at remembering it! rstyle.me/+E69Ij2y13dE7wKJpdYDxMQ
@@GenaMarie Thanks!
One Facebook group I'm in that is very strict about no silicones regularly recommends a low poo with cocamidopropyl betaine in the first 5 ingredients to remove a "one time silicone use". An "oops", if you will. But, logically, if that same low poo is used regularly, wouldn't that make using the silicone just fine? I never bring it up because they are so strict, but I haven't had any issues when I've used silicones with such a shampoo like that in play. And I've been playing with a finishing oil with dimethicone and several other silicones as it's primary ingredients.... 🤷♀️
That’s unfortunate they’re that strict lol! It can take the fun out of it. I agree, seems like it would be fine since it removes it
Hi, Gena, great video! I'd like to know your opinion about petrolatum, paraffin and mineral oil on hair products. In theory, these components are even worse than silicones when it comes to build up once you just can remove them with strong sulfates.
Great suggestion!
So thankful that you talked about breaking these "rules". I have looser curl pattern and i can't do a pony or updo without running com through my hair. My hair looks messy and undone without it. However I don't use a brush or comb with narrow tooth. I use a wide tooth comb and run it through gently avoiding any possible breakage. Is it okay to continue doing this?
Awesome video
have you tried design me? the bounce me line?
I just have to say that I LOVE your videos and how you explain things so that I can actually understand it. So I could of missed it, but I'm so confused on where to start. My curls used to be beautiful ringlets that were not as tight as yours, kinda like a medium ringlets. But as I've gotten older, I'm 46, I've been losing my curls so they're closer to just being wavy. Please help me by telling me where to start or ideas on where to start. I would greatly appreciate any and all help. Thank you in advance!!!
Hi, I haven't had any success with sulfate-free shampoos removing silicones, particularly dimethicone. I once trialed a very high-end product with silicones and had to use Dawn dish detergent to remove it.
Thank you for sharing! I’m going to experiment some with it
Can you do styling video with a deeper part and more volume on top
Do u have a Lus tutorial? Specially irish sea moss gel....
I used it in my recent video here! czcams.com/video/AA7zaz5xABs/video.html
Amazing video as usual! I have a question about the Curlsmith Bond Curl Salve... it says you can use it on dirty hair, does that include styling products that are already in the hair?
Yep! I section my hair then spritz it with water and apply it. Then let it sit then shampoo
@@GenaMarie Thanks!
I'd like to try the bond cream but when I used olaplex no.3 it temporarily made my hair go straight. It took about a month for the curls to come back so now I'm reluctant to try bond creams.
I've never coloured my hair but I do use heat with the diffuser and I live in the tropics so there's a lot of sun. Do you think the curlsmith bond cream would have a better effect for me than the olaplex? Interested in your thoughts if you know of anything that could help me decide. Thank you! Always love your great videos 💕
How do you get your hair too grow down? Mine is less curlier than yours but it keeps getting up
Hey Gena, I was wondering what your favorite clarifying shampoo is?
I have a few!
Curlsmith (the best for scalp issues): bit.ly/3rgufXV
Twist (the strongest): bit.ly/3z4EAYx
Bounce Curl (the most gentle): www.bouncecurl.com/collections/shampoo-conditioner/products/enzyme-gentle-clarifying-shampoo?aff=6
Thank you Gena, I did get a travel size of the scalp one by curlsmith and I do like it. However I feel I need something for my hair overall as I moved from near the ocean with great water to a place much hotter with hard water!! I also color my hair so I worry about stripping the color
I have hair similar to yours....I've listened and gotten so many products - narrowing them down...thank you...one question! Should I use a conditioner if I am using a leave on conditioner? I only wash my hair 3 times a week...
Yes, i recommend always using a conditioner and rinsing it. I usually go for a curl cream over a leave-in because it's also moisturizing but styles too.
@@GenaMarie Yes, I am using a leave in cream !! Thank you....I'm still experimenting...it's fun!!
I follow CGM groups because they do have great tips but the one size fits all advice is verry narrow-minded and results in a lot of fearmongering of ingredients so I don't subscribe to this anti-science rhetoric at all. I dry detangle before I shower, use a sulfate shampoo to clarify every second wash, detangle again after conditioner with a tangle teezer and on occasion I use medium high heat to dry my hair when I'm in a rush and when I do this, I apply a tresemme heat protectant with silicones in it. That is the only product I have with silicones in it because silicones weigh my hair down. I also avoid drying alcohols in my products. I do still use websites like is it cg or curlscan to learn about what certain ingredients do moreso than to avoid them out of fear.
Hey genaaaa, I hope all is well!
Do you have any idea whether dimethicone in cantu Shea butter leave in repair cream would build up? It comes as the seventh ingredient so maybe it doesn't build up? I shampoo withmild lathering surfactants every 3 days
It should be fine if you’re using a shampoo that contains the surfactants I named in the video ☺️
@@GenaMarie Thank you so much 😍😍😍
What is your opinion on hair picks and hard shell hair bonnets to dry your hair? Thanks again for your content!
I dont mind hair picks for creating volume. I think work better on tighter curl patterns because they don't do much for me.
I've never heard of a hard shell bonnet but I'm intrigued 🤔
@@GenaMarie my hair is a little longer than yours, but I am transitioning it from wearing it straight for many years and coloring it. I am using your suggestions which are incredibly helpful. The pick I have always used for wet hair, but I am starting to use my fingers more.
The hard shell bonnet I just bought because I was curious if it dried my hair faster than a diffuser. I have only used it once, but it seemed to make the curls longer instead of tighter. I may see how it does in the next few weeks. I appreciate all you videos and blog content. I have the routine printed out on my mirror! Thanks again!
What rules do you disagree with, or agree with, when it comes to the curly girl method? Let's chat!
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Rules I disagree with:
One. It’s just simply not plausible for me to do curly girl method every day and style my hair. I’m recently graduate from high school and I have college and I have a pixie cut. It’s fine. Too. I brush my hair. I use sulfates. And I use silicones. And you know what? Nothing happened to me. Our mother/grandmother‘s used sulfate/silicones in our hair and I don’t know about you guys but I had long, thick curly hair to my ass as a child. Three. I heat style if I want to. What’s gonna happen? Lorraine Massey gonna come and arrest me? I think not. Four. I hate gel! There! I said it. Curl cream all the way. Five. I simply don’t care! I use what I want. I styled the way I want.
I just do what works for my hair. I probably break all the rules of the CGM. If a product works for me, I use it and if it doesn't, I don't. I also brush style my hair.
I use some of the method but mostly my own thing. I don't like taking forever on my hair. Mostly it's wash, condition, leave-in, gel and a balm.
Hi Gena! I need some advice. I recently started using the Cantu cleansing shampoo, and my scalp started to get oily one day after washing, and I lost more hair than usual. I tried using smaller amounts of shampoo, but it didn't help. What could I do?
If that is a "'co-wash" I would recommend switching to a sulfate-free, lathering shampoo for the reasons I mentioned in this video, which are what you are experiencing it sounds like.
It is a sulfate free, lathering cleansing shampoo. I also got dandruff, which I never had before. I use it in every wash, and I wash my hair twice a week. Would it help if I only used it in every second wash?
@@frieda3482 I use this shampoo too. I always have to double wash with it and use a scalp scrubber. I also use a sulfate shampoo once a week that helps too.
@@erinmeadows14 ok. I thought about getting a scalp scrubber, but I'm probably gonna buy one. I heard that people find this shampoo is super cleansing, but I didn't really notice that.
I was wrong, sorry. I am medium hair. Not fine. Thanks
Only using conditioner works well with me.
Never using shampoo is disgusting😅
First to comment
omg I feel like you’ve been telepathically picking up on my hair questions 😂 this is literally the third video now on a topic I’ve been thinking about. You are a gem + thank you for these tips! -@doortovalue
Aw so glad!
Awesome video