13 Curly Girl Method Approved Hair Products

Curly hair is finally having its moment in the spotlight, thanks to the curly girl method, a series of tips and techniques that help you embrace and enhance your natural curl pattern. The method encourages minimal hair washing, no heat tools, brushing, or towel-drying, and the use of moisturising formulas and ingredients. It’s important to remember that everyone’s curls, coils, and waves are different and what may work for other curl patterns, may not be the best for your routine. The curly girl method (CGM) allows you to get to know your curls and what works best.

It’s no secret that curly hair tends to have a mind of its own and with issues like frizz, protein overload, dryness, and breakage being so common, it’s important to make sure you find the right products that define and boost your curls. That’s why we’ve found the best products for curly hair, from shampoos and conditioners to hair masks and refresher sprays.

When your hair is in need of a little extra TLC, Haircare By BEAUTY BAY’s Curl + Define Hair Mask is a go-to. We recommend using it once a week maximum to avoid protein overload. Apply to the hair pre shampoo and leave for about 15-20 mins (use that time to treat yourself to a face mask or to catch up on your favourite show). Over time, you’ll see your curls looking stronger and more defined.

Les Secrets De Loly is the latest curly hair brand that we’re obsessed with, which is why the Cocktail Curl remedy has made it onto the list. This conditioning spray is the perfect formula for hydrating and refreshing your curls, defining your curl pattern, reducing frizz, and sealing split ends. Enriched with hydrating ingredients such as mango butter, pure keratin, raspberry vegetable oil, and aloe vera, this is the spray you need to revive all curl types.

The OLAPLEX range just keeps getting bigger and bigger, and the No.8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask is rightfully curly girl method approved. This intensely reparative mask gives you a softness that can only normally be achieved fresh out of the salon. The four-in-one formula works to repair bonds, soften, and smooth while still enhancing body and shine, giving you frizz-free, damage-free waves, curls, and coils.

Briogeo is a favourite amongst many curly-heads and the Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Avocado Hydrating Shampoo will soon become an essential part of your hair routine. This product does exactly what it says on the tin and provides the perfect amount of hydration to leave your curls looking better than ever. The combination of amino acids and oils breaks down build-up on your scalp and smooths your hair cuticles.

Another curly girl method fave from Davines is the This Is A Curl Moisturizing Mousse. This caring and hydrating formula has been designed to define your curl pattern while minimising frizz and flyaways. It’s a simple formula but one that won’t stress out your curls, making it a go-to every day of the week. If you’re looking for something that gives your curls a boost and shine, then this is it.

The LOVE Curl Enhancing Conditioner is perfect for dryness prone curls. Not only is it super hydrating but it also provides enough moisture to make sure your hair stays elastic and packed with volume without weighing curls down. It’s formulated with a blend of proteins, vitamin B, and almond extract so not only will your hair look good, but it will also smell great.

Curly girl method products don’t have to break the bank and the Umberto Giannini Curl Jelly Mask proves that. It’s specifically designed to add curl definition and reduce frizz, giving your hair the hydration it needs to look its best. Enriched with coconut oil and shea butter (two curly hair must-haves), you can be sure that this mask will leave you with lightweight, healthy curls.

I can’t get enough of the Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo by Shea Moisture. It’s perfect for days when you’re in a rush and don’t have time to spend on your haircare routine. It has a special blend of proteins and oils that detangle your hair and give the perfect amount of moisture and bounce. It’s another silicone and paraben free product so comes with the CGM seal of approval.

Frizz is probably the main concern for anyone with curly hair, so it’s important to have a serum on side for the days when frizz takes over. Noughty To The Rescue Anti-Frizz Serum uses a blend of 97% natural ingredients, including sweet almond extract and argan oil, to smooth frizz with moisture, protect from heat, and nourish every strand. 

If you’re used to daily shampooing, it can take a while to get used to only washing hair once or twice a week (as recommended with CGM), but you’ll soon see the benefits. If you feel your roots are in need of a touch-up and some extra volume, this is exactly what you need. This scalp refreshing dry shampoo uses natural starches to absorb excess oil, leaving hair and scalps looking clean and fresh until your next wash day. Use it 2-3 days after your washday to give your roots a little refresh.

You might be wondering how Revolution Haircare’s Satin Hair Wrap Curl Protector can play a role in your curl routine, but this product is definitely a gamechanger. If you find your curls separating and damaging during your sleep, this will fix all your problems. It uses mulberry silk to protect your hair and prevent frizz or split ends. Not only will you find yourself needing fewer washdays, but you’ll notice happier and healthier hair overall.

If the name ‘Cantu‘ is on the bottle, then the chances are it’s curly girl method approved. This Hydrating Cream Conditioner helps your hair retain its natural oils, reducing frizz and stressed-out curl patterns in the process. Made for curls, coils, and waves, this sulfate-free formula is infused with shea butter to help prevent split ends and breakage.

Making sure your curls stay strong and don’t break is one of the main concerns for anyone with coily and curly hair. Cantu’s Coil Calm Detangler effortlessly softens and conditions curls, making them easier to comb and style. The formula features a pure shea butter to add slip to prevent breakage, softens brittle strands and infuses the hair with long-lasting shine and moisture.

FYI: The article was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.