The Curly Girl Method has transformed the way millions of people around the world care for their curls — and Australia is catching up fast. If you have wavy, curly, or coily hair and have never heard of the CGM, this guide is for you. And if you have tried it but felt overwhelmed, read on — we break it all down simply.
What is the Curly Girl Method?
The Curly Girl Method (CGM) is a hair care approach developed by stylist Lorraine Massey, introduced in her book Curly Girl: The Handbook. The core idea is simple: stop doing the things that damage curls, and start doing the things that support them.
At its heart, the method involves:
- Eliminating harsh sulphates that strip natural oils
- Eliminating silicones that build up and block moisture
- Eliminating heat tools (or minimising them significantly)
- Using hydrating, curl-friendly products
- Adopting techniques that enhance your natural curl pattern
Is the Curly Girl Method Right for Australians?
Yes — but with some important local considerations. Australia has a unique climate, and what works for someone in the UK or the US may not work the same here. In Queensland especially, humidity is a major factor. High humidity can cause frizz and definition loss if your product routine is not dialled in correctly.
The good news: the CGM is entirely adaptable. Many Australian curlies find that lighter gels and creams work better here than the heavier butters popular in cooler climates.
Step-by-Step: How to Start the Curly Girl Method in Australia
Step 1: The Final Wash (Clarifying)
Before starting CGM, do one final wash with a sulphate shampoo to remove all silicone buildup. After this, you will switch to sulphate-free cleansers only.
Step 2: Choose CGM-Approved Products
Look for products free from:
- Sulphates: sodium lauryl sulphate, sodium laureth sulphate, ammonium lauryl sulphate
- Non-water-soluble silicones: dimethicone, cyclopentasiloxane, amodimethicone (unless it appears very low on the ingredients list)
- Drying alcohols: isopropyl alcohol, alcohol denat, propanol
Australian-available CGM-approved brands include Clever Curl, EverEscents, Kinky Curly, and As I Am. At Hair Love Artistry we stock Clever Curl and EverEscents — both are excellent choices for Australian curl types and climate.
Step 3: Learn the Core Techniques
Co-washing — Washing with conditioner instead of shampoo. This retains moisture while still cleansing the scalp gently. Not everyone needs to co-wash; some curlies do better with a sulphate-free shampoo 1–2 times per week.
Squish to Condish (STC) — While conditioner is in your hair, scrunch handfuls of water upward into your curls. This helps your hair absorb moisture and form clumps.
Plopping — After washing, place a microfibre towel or cotton T-shirt on a flat surface, flip your hair into it, and wrap it up for 10–20 minutes. This removes excess water without disturbing curl formation.
Diffusing or air-drying — Use a diffuser on low heat or allow hair to air-dry completely. Avoid touching curls until they are fully dry (the crunch, if any, will scrunch out after).
Step 4: The LOC or LCO Method
For moisture retention, layer products in this order:
- L = Leave-in conditioner
- O = Oil (e.g. argan, jojoba, coconut)
- C = Cream or curl defining cream
Or try LCO (Leave-in, Cream, Oil) — experiment to find what your hair absorbs best. In humid Queensland summers, many curlies skip the oil or use only a very small amount.
Step 5: Refresh Between Washes
On non-wash days, revive your curls with a spray bottle of water mixed with a small amount of leave-in conditioner. Scrunch gently. This is especially useful in Queensland where heat can cause curls to deflate overnight.
Common CGM Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
- Using too much product — Start small. A 50-cent piece of gel is usually enough. Too much product weighs curls down.
- Not doing the final wash properly — If you skip this step, silicone buildup will prevent moisture from penetrating.
- Touching hair while it dries — This breaks curl clumps and causes frizz. Hands off until fully dry.
- Giving up too soon — Your hair goes through a transition period of 4–8 weeks as it adjusts. Stick with it.
Do I Need a Special Haircut for the Curly Girl Method?
Not necessarily — but a haircut from a curly hair specialist will significantly improve your results. A dry curl cut shapes your curls in their natural state, removing bulk and weight in exactly the right places to help your curl pattern thrive with the CGM.
At Hair Love Artistry in Buderim, Danielle works exclusively with curly and wavy clients and is experienced in cutting for the Curly Girl Method. Book a consultation here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I follow the Curly Girl Method with coloured hair?
Yes. Many people successfully combine CGM with colour. The key is to use bond-protecting treatments and deeply hydrating conditioners post-colour, and to work with a colourist who understands curly hair needs.
Is the Curly Girl Method suitable for 2A/2B wavy hair?
Absolutely. The CGM works across all curl types from 2A (loose waves) to 4C (tight coils). Wavy hair types may find they need lighter products and less conditioning than tighter curl types.
How long before I see results?
Most people see noticeable improvement within 4–8 weeks. Full results — once the hair has adjusted and you have found the right product routine — can take 3–6 months.
