The Curly Girl Method for beginners: What it is, how to do it, and where to find products in the Philippines

Words and photos by Rae Angelei Regalado.

During most of my childhood I had pin straight hair that needed little to no management. Then right before high school, my curls happened! My hair started growing out curly to my surprise. I would try to hide with wide headbands and ponytails because people said it was buhaghag. In high school I was regularly rebonding my hair during the summers. By the time I was in college, my hair was fried, so I chose to stop getting my hair treated. College was more than five years ago at this point and while my hair is more alive, I wasn’t completely sold on how it looked. I knew I had curly hair; I just didn’t know what to do with it.

I discovered how to care for my hair in tidbits and pieces. Ditching towels. Washing with shampoo only twice a week. Using a wide toothed comb. And then suddenly, it had a name: the Curly Girl Method. I finally had a resource for all my questions and hair concerns. And since discovering CGM, I wouldn’t say I’m an expert, but I have built a routine that I can work with.

What is CGM?

CGM is a complete method approach to hair care designed for natural hair of different curl types and textures. It calls for no silicones, no combs, no brushes, and no terrycloth towels! A lot of nos, indeed, and a big departure from the hair routine you may currently have. 

The aim of CGM is to treat natural curly hair gently by minimizing damage to the cuticle, keeping it moisturized, and accentuating the hair’s natural curl. In the following step by step guide we’ve simplified it for you. Let’s go!

CGM Step by Step

STEP 1: Reset Wash

This wash is to remove any product buildup in the hair such as silicones and sulfates. To do this you need to wash your hair with a regular foaming shampoo. This should be the last time you’ll need to do this as CGM approved products do not use silicones and sulfates meaning less product buildup.

STEP 2: Cleanse

Wash the hair with a co-wash or a sulfate-free shampoo. A co-wash is a lightweight conditioner that can be used as cleanser. You’ll then need to massage the co-wash into the scalp for at least 60 seconds to get clean. This is essential to cleanse the hair without stripping it of essential moisture, which usually happens when your shampoo has foaming detergents.

STEP 3: Condition

Scrunch conditioner into the strands until fully saturated and then detangle. To scrunch your hair, cup and squeeze the hair in your hands and bring it towards your scalp. You’ll need to repeat this process until your hair is fully saturated with conditioner. Scrunching gives added volume and definition to the curl. It’s important to detangle while your hair is fully conditioned to prevent friction that can damage the hair cuticle.

STEP 4: Style

Rake and scrunch gel in soaking-wet hair from roots to tips. You’ve just worked so hard to add volume and definition. You need the gel to hold the curl as your hair dries!

STEP 5: Dry

Cup and scrunch excess water from hair then air dry. You’ll need a t-shirt or microfiber towel for this. A regular terry cloth towel absorbs too much moisture, and the harsh fiber ruffles the hair cuticle which causes frizz.

STEP 6: Maintain

Scrunch to get rid of any crunchy gel texture. Because you don’t have to wash your hair every day you can add a curl spray or curl cream to refresh the curls until your next wash.

CGM-friendly hair products in the Philippines

So where can you find the products you need? There are classic products that have had our backs for years, we’re looking at you V05 and Suave! Recently, a lot of major brands have been coming out with products specifically for curly hair. Kerastase, the French luxury hair care company produced the Curl Manifesto line to fill the glaring gap in their product line. Local brands have also been getting their share of the spotlight with amazing products specifically catered to us Filipino curlies.

We’re especially loving Curls by Zenutrients! Curls by Zenutrients is locally produced and a 100% Filipino brand. All their products are cruelty-free, vegan and contain no sulfates, silicones, dyes, parabens, phthalates, or proteins, making them CGM-approved. 

Sulfate-Free Shampoo: Avocado & Tea Tree Sulfate-Free Shampoo (Php790 / 1L), Conditioner: Avocado & Tea Tree Protein-Free Conditioner (Php913 / 1L, Leave-in Conditioner: Avocado and Tea Tree Protein-Free leave-In Conditioner (Php345 / 200ml), Deep Conditioner: Avocado & Tea Tree Protein-Free Deep Conditioner (Php450 / 300g)

I’ve been doing CGM for a few months and for my current hair care routine I use a mix of products. Here’s what I’m currently using.

Sulfate-free Shampoo: Renpure Originals Argan Oil Luxurious Shampoo (Php499.75 / 1L). This shampoo boasts no sulfates, parabens, dyes, gluten, phthalates, or propylene glycol making it CGM approved. And with the addition of argan oil, it helps to reduce friction and protects from UV rays.

Conditioner: Renpure Solutions Cleansing Conditioner (Php499.75 / 1L)). This cleansing conditioner melts into the hair which reduces unnecessary rubbing motions that can damage the hair cuticle. Using a cleansing conditioner preserves my natural oils keeping my hair cleaned and moisturized.

Curl Cream: Davines Curl Cream (Php1,350 / 150ml). I use this as a leave-on for better definition of my curls. It’s lightweight and doesn’t weigh the hair down, keeping my curls soft and bouncy.

Curl Spray: Davines Curl Revitalizer (Php1,350 / 250ml). In between washes I use a curl spray to revitalize and hydrate my hair. This helps reform any curls that have relaxed and also reduces frizz that may have built up.

I know that I’m not finished with my curly hair journey just yet and have a ways to go until I get my crown of curls but since embracing my natural hair I’ve definitely been happier. CGM has helped me accept that I have curly hair and that there’s more to it than endless rebonding and chemical frying. When my hair doesn’t come out perfect I get inspiration from other people’s success.

Dei from Curly Girls Philippines had a hard time accepting her curls but started CGM and just look at the difference a few months can make. She now says that she is confident and loves her curls. Check out her hair journey at Curly Girls Philippines or follow her on Instagram @deinasurrr!

If you’re lost, need advice or just getting started, the Facebook page Curly Girls Philippines is where you can learn from others who have been right where you are now. It’s a place where you can learn, share tips and tricks, and show off your curl journey. In your journey you may feel lonely or discouraged as you ride the waves (or curls) of your day to day but remember the community will always be here for you.

Stay curly!  Let us know what your routine looks like, and why it works for you!