Curly hair care routine

{{whyLabel}}: Porosity determines how your hair absorbs moisture and which product weights will work best for you.

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• Take a clean, dry strand of hair and place it in a glass of water.
• Wait 2-4 minutes: if it sinks immediately, you have high porosity; if it floats, you have low porosity.
• High porosity needs heavier creams; low porosity needs lightweight, water-based products.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: You know if your hair is low, medium, or high porosity.

{{whyLabel}}: Knowing your pattern helps you set realistic expectations for definition and volume.

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• Observe your hair when wet and product-free.
• Type 2 is wavy (S-shape), Type 3 is curly (loops/spirals), Type 4 is coily (Z-shape or tight kinks).
• Use this as a reference for styling techniques rather than a strict rule.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: You have identified your primary curl type.

{{whyLabel}}: Traditional products often contain silicones that suffocate curls and sulfates that strip them of natural oils.

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• Check labels for sulfates (e.g., Sodium Lauryl Sulfate).
• Look for non-water-soluble silicones (anything ending in -cone, -xane, or -conol).
• Avoid drying alcohols like Ethanol, Isopropyl, or Alcohol Denat.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: All non-compliant products are set aside or discarded.

{{whyLabel}}: You need one last wash with sulfates to remove existing silicone buildup before starting the method.

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• Look for a 'Clarifying' or 'Deep Cleansing' shampoo.
• Ensure it contains sulfates (to clean) but NO silicones (to avoid new buildup).
• This is the only time you will use sulfates in the routine.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: You have a silicone-free, sulfate-rich shampoo for the reset wash.

{{whyLabel}}: These are the core tools for moisture and definition without the plastic-like coating of silicones.

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• Choose a conditioner with 'slip' (slippery feel) for easy detangling.
• Select a hard-hold gel or foam that is alcohol-free to lock in the curl shape.
• Opt for botanical-based ingredients like aloe or marshmallow root.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: You have a CGM-approved conditioner and styler.

{{whyLabel}}: Regular towels have rough fibers that raise the hair cuticle, causing instant frizz and breakage.

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• Find an old 100% cotton T-shirt or buy a dedicated microfiber hair wrap.
• These materials absorb water without disrupting the curl clumps.
• Avoid terry cloth towels entirely for your hair.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: You have a smooth fabric ready for drying.

{{whyLabel}}: This 'Reset Wash' creates a clean slate by removing all water-insoluble silicones from your hair shaft.

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• Thoroughly wet your hair and apply the sulfate-rich (but silicone-free) shampoo.
• Scrub the entire length of the hair, not just the scalp.
• Rinse completely until the hair feels 'squeaky' clean.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Hair is free of all previous product buildup.

{{whyLabel}}: The reset wash is drying; a deep treatment restores the moisture balance immediately.

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• Apply a generous amount of deep conditioner to soaking wet hair.
• Focus on the mid-lengths and ends where hair is oldest and driest.
• Use a shower cap to trap natural heat and help the product penetrate.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Hair is fully saturated with a deep treatment.

{{whyLabel}}: Curly hair should only be detangled when wet and 'slippery' to prevent snapping and frizz.

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• Use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb while the deep conditioner is in.
• Start from the ends and work your way up to the roots.
• Never brush curly hair when it is dry.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Hair is smooth and knot-free.

{{whyLabel}}: Cool water helps lay the hair scales flat, increasing shine and trapping moisture inside.

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• Lower the water temperature to lukewarm or cool.
• Rinse until most of the product is gone, but leave a tiny bit of 'slip' if your hair is very dry.
• Avoid hot water, which can cause the hair to swell and frizz.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Hair is rinsed and feels soft and hydrated.

{{whyLabel}}: Regular cleansing removes sweat and environmental dirt without the harshness of sulfates.

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• Apply a sulfate-free shampoo (Low-poo) only to the scalp.
• Use your fingertips (not nails) to massage vigorously for 3 minutes.
• Let the suds run down the lengths as you rinse; do not scrub the ends.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Scalp feels clean and refreshed.

{{whyLabel}}: This technique forces water and conditioner into the hair shaft for maximum hydration.

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• Apply conditioner and then cup water in your hands.
• Scrunch the water into the hair repeatedly until you hear a 'squelching' sound.
• This encourages the hair to form 'clumps' (groups of curls).

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Hair looks like 'seaweed'—slimy, clumped, and fully hydrated.

{{whyLabel}}: Applying gel to wet hair traps the moisture and prevents frizz before it starts.

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• Do not towel dry yet; your hair should be dripping.
• Use the 'Praying Hands' method: smooth the gel over the outside of your hair clumps.
• This ensures even distribution without breaking the curl pattern.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Hair is coated in styling product while still very wet.

{{whyLabel}}: Scrunching helps the hair remember its natural shape and creates definition.

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• Tilt your head forward or to the side.
• Cup your hair in your palms and squeeze upwards toward the scalp.
• Repeat until the curls are well-defined and excess water is squeezed out.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Curls are defined and clumping together.

{{whyLabel}}: Plopping removes excess water and sets the curls on top of your head to prevent gravity from stretching them out.

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• Lay a T-shirt on a flat surface.
• Bend over and 'plop' your curls onto the center of the shirt.
• Tie the sleeves around your head and leave for 10-20 minutes.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Hair is damp and curls are 'set' in their shape.

{{whyLabel}}: High heat damages curls; a diffuser disperses air to dry hair gently without blowing the curls apart.

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• If using a dryer, use the 'Low Heat' and 'Low Air' settings.
• Place curls into the diffuser bowl and hold against the scalp for 30 seconds.
• Do not move the diffuser constantly; 'hover' it first to set the cast.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Hair is 100% dry to the touch.

{{whyLabel}}: The gel creates a hard 'cast' to protect the curl; you must break it to reveal soft, bouncy hair.

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• Ensure hair is 100% dry (crucial!).
• Gently scrunch the 'crunchy' sections with your hands or a silk scarf.
• The hard cast will disappear, leaving soft, defined curls.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Hair is soft, bouncy, and no longer feels crunchy.

{{whyLabel}}: Friction from cotton pillowcases causes frizz and tangles overnight.

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• Gather your hair loosely at the very top of your head (like a pineapple).
• Use a silk or satin scrunchie to secure it—do not wrap it tight.
• This keeps you from sleeping directly on the curls.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Hair is secured safely for sleep.

{{whyLabel}}: Curls often lose shape by Day 2 or 3; refreshing adds moisture without a full wash.

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• Mix 90% water and 10% conditioner in a spray bottle.
• Lightly mist frizzy areas and scrunch gently.
• Let air dry to reactivate the styling products already in your hair.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Curls look revived on non-wash days.

{{whyLabel}}: Traditional wet cuts don't account for how curls spring up; a dry curly cut shapes the hair in its natural state.

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• Search for stylists certified in 'DeVa' or 'Rezo' cutting techniques.
• Ask for a 'dry cut' where they cut each curl individually.
• This prevents the 'triangle hair' shape and encourages volume.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: You have an appointment or a fresh, shaped haircut.