WHY I DON'T FOLLOW THE CURLY GIRL METHOD

A lot of you have noticed in many of my videos that I do not abide by certain curly girl method rules. You have seen me break rules like brushing curly hair, diffusing curly hair with heat, bleaching and colouring curly hair, using non-curly girl method approved products and more. Due to a lot of these actions, I noticed that I have seemed to stir up a lot of controversy in the curly hair / natural hair community.
So in this week's video, I thought I'd let you guys GRWM as I do my favorite curly hair routine, share my opinions about the cgm (what I agree with and what I don’t agree with), share some of my best curly hair tips, and answer your questions about why I don’t follow certain curly girl method rules!
❤️ Products mentioned ❤️
Aveda Be Curly Curl Enhancer:
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Aveda Flax Seed Aloe Strong Hold Sculpting Gel
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Aveda Cherry Almond Softening Shampoo:
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Aveda Cherry Almond Softening Conditioner:
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Sheamoisture Manuka Honey Treatment:
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Wet Brush Pro Epic Quick Dry Hair Brush:
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Denman Classic Styling Brush 7 Rows - D3:
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Segbeauty Spray Bottle:
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Dyson Supersonic:
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Dyson Diffuser Attachment:
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[@ManesByMell]

What I encourage all of you to do is; do what feels right to you. The curly girl methods can seem like very strict rules and guidelines and make it seem like that is the only way to do things, when EVERYONES hair is so unique. So basically, if theres something you want to try, don't be afraid to do so. it will not kill you. Use a product or try that technique to see if it works for you, even if it isn't "allowed" . Also, just because something, a product, a technique, a style did not work for one person, do not be afraid to try it for yourself. You never know, it just might change your life. Take charge of your own journey and HAVE FUN DOING IT! It's just HAIR! And it's YOUR hair, so take charge of your own journey, stay educated by watching informative, life-changing KZbin videos, and again, DO WHAT FEELS RIGHT! XOXO, Mell

[@karenn993]

Amen, sister!

[@LaissezLesBonTempsRoulerCher]

I’m so happy you did this video! I’ve been wearing my 2c-3a curls natural for over 30 years, while using sulphates and silicones, and my hair is healthy. I totally agree with you. I’ve kept flat irons to a minimum and get regular trims, even while getting root touch up semi-permanent color on my grays. I tried the curly girl method, but TBH my hair struggled, so I’ve gone back to my favorite products and my hair looks good again: Biolage Gelee and Aveda Confixor! 👍🏻🤗

[@ellisabell7944]

I agree entirely with your video, but I like to use natural and organic products just because I like the idea of that.

[@EvieNicolaidou]

I started the CGM, because I was trying to get my curls back and just using products for curly hair wasn’t helping. CGM really helped I always shampoo, brush my hair (in the shower) and defused. My hair is bleached and still healthy. I’ve tried your methods (on applying products) BUT they are not working on my hair 😢

[@Katatawnic]

CGM made my hair dry, frizzier, limp, and dull. I stuck with it for 11 months, waiting for the _Mystical Transition_ that never happened. My hair was healthy before CGM; it was styling products and techniques that I needed to learn. (My hair was straight as an arrow until 4 years ago, so I had no clue how to manage my suddenly 2c/3a hair.) Looking up "how to diffuse" on KZbin last autumn is what sent me down the CGM rabbit hole in the first place. I was getting ready to move to Maine, which is a lot colder than Southern California, so I needed to learn how to dry my hair instead of air drying. (And yes, it's a LOT colder here! lol) Now I never ever air dry, because I don't like how it turns out that way. There are indeed some good things about CGM, but I stopped "following" it dogmatically like a religion. My hair is improving again! I still participate in a CGM group on Facebook (the "uncensored" one that won't literally ban you for speaking about anything not strictly CGM!), as there is frequently good advice on products or styling methods there, but I've brought silicones back into my routine, and I don't freak out when a product I used to love has "naughty" ingredients in it. I'm most likely going to bring back my good old reliable Biolage shampoo soon; I always loved what that did for my hair, but stopped using it because of CGM. Though I hated the thought, I stopped brushing for a couple months, at the behest of CGM. Oh no, that will not do! The tangles and frizz were off the charts without a brush! I now gleefully brush in the shower, after the shower, after applying products, and halfway through diffusing on a couple of stubborn spots. And my hair thanks me! Basically, I've taken what CGM methods work for me, and abandoned the rest.

[@bawngwawter]

I was never taught how to take care of my curls as a child, so I brushed my dry hair until it was frizzy and just treated it like straight hair because I was never taught different!! thank goodness for youtube.

[@katefox4313]

Ugh, same. I found out my hair was curly at 18 years old, and I'm 19 now. I love it, but still have to learn a shit load of things about caring for curls. Wish I had known those things when I was way younger, before damaging it so much :(

[@catherineharper3883]

Yes! This is exactly what happened to me it’s such a journey 😩

[@lillianal7374]

same...

[@itsmistyya8275]

Same

[@yanachmunevich1526]

No one in my family has curly hair and for literal years my mom bought me straightening products and she brushed my hair and braided it. Every day my hair was braided and every night I slept with a braid. I started taking care of my curls after about 7 years of braids. I love my natural hair!

[@quitatetion]

“Your hair is unique, just like you.” I don’t know why, but I needed to hear that. Thank you.

[@rk1182]

quitatetion that’s soo truee thankyou

[@theacan565]

go and buy some petroleum shampooooooo

[@Madnessmakes]

I totally agree, that made me smile and feel special! Mel you're awesome!!!!

[@neoneo4221]

Fuck you're shallow

[@omneyasalama4728]

S udy

[@e.oturgan8940]

Tbh..the curly girl methode is like a diet.i know silly comparison but it's true. It might work for a lot of people but at the same time it might not work for me. Its better to listen to your own body (in this case the hair) than listen to the majority. Just saying.

[@tess6047]

Little Panda I actually think that's a really great analogy!

[@mooninsignal]

This is accurate also in the sense that you can learn a lot from a diet and improve your routine without really sticking to the diet. You can learn useful things and just take what it works for you.

[@chelseascreatures]

ditto

[@mackenziedesire7515]

tbh that's a fantastic comparison and a really simple way to explain the message of this and a lot of other curly girls' videos about not following the curly girl method.

[@darhendricks]

I completely agree!

[@carissawright7249]

Mel's tips have transformed my hair. I'm nearly 32 and mixed race. I grew up with my gorgeous, white mum who has poker straight hair so she had no idea what to do with my 3B curls as a kid (bless her). I've watched a few of Mel's videos now and ordered some products. Before I was just using mousse and scrunching and diffusing alllll wrong. I nearly cried when I looked in the mirror after using some curl cream and gel, my Denman brush (hollah!) and drying my hair properly. For the first time I had perfect, frizz free ringlets! Thanks so much for my hair education Mel. You're an angel.

[@user-qp6mz2hm3p]

I just discovered Mel’s channel this morning, but have been on a journey to figure out how to take care of my 3b curly hair (mixed girl here who was raised by my white mom who has maybe a whisper of a wave to her hair) but I’m already learning so much!

[@tanyisha9045]

I'm mixed 2 and same with my mom that's y I urge people like when there gonna have mixed kids please learn how to take care of there hair 👶🏽👶🏾👶🏿😥♥️

[@7daysloveu]

i'm mixed too and live with my white mom

[@tacocatt6808]

Carissa Wright same! I’m mixed race and my mum’s white, she’s got thin straight hair. My hair strands are thin but I’ve got a LOT of it, and my dad basically buzz cuts his hair super short lol. So I’m beginning to discover how to sort out my hair!

[@WhatEver-mv6qi]

I am white and I have my mum's hair genetically, yet I feel your post on so many levels. She didnt know how to treat her hair either, because my grandma has straight hair which is why she never knew how to treat my mum's hair nor did she teach my mum what to do with it growing up, making me in turn treat my hair like straight hair as well. But this channel saved me.

[@ADayIn91]

Sometimes I get impressed how youtubers can talk for 25 min straight. When someone asks me something, I just give the shortest answers. 3 words tops.

[@shystudyspy]

Diana Perez Ruiz I agree. Actually I I find myself skipping forward all the time and still getting what KZbinrs are saying because they just repeat themselves a lot.

[@nithyajoanna2034]

Diana Perez Ruiz I really wish this video was shorter... can anyone just summarise what she said because she has beautiful curls and seems knowledgable but I can’t sit through a 25 minute video.

[@shystudyspy]

Nithya Joanna You don’t have to sit there and watch her, just put your phone somewhere and listen to the video while doing laundry, making dinner, fixing that lightbulb or whatever.

[@aliatheli]

Nithya Joanna basically, listen to what works for your hair. You can brush your hair, use sulphates and silicones, use heat (diffusing) and don’t have to be ultra strict on the ingredients you can and can’t use if they work for your hair. Silicones just like other natural products such as cocoa/shea butter *build up* and need to be cleaned with a good, strong enough shampoo. When drying, be careful with root clips as they can cause breakage, and wear you hair natural if you’re transitioning! And check the order you apply your products in for what works best.

[@cristelcueto-boutet726]

@@aliatheli People like you deserve an award.

[@mole_y_ajonjoli]

You should make a video of products like shampoo and conditioner you approve of that contain silicones and sulfates.

[@christinaobert5664]

Drugstore version please.

[@irie7iv]

@@christinaobert5664 all versions but yess...great idea 💡

[@marinamackach]

yessss need a product list

[@vickant]

@Rose Renee same

[@ramyaaaa]

Yes exactly. That’d be great

[@eluby]

I have ALWAYS, always brushed my curly hair.. in the shower...with heaps of conditioner in...with a wide toothed comb. Never had a single split end. Just took good care of it. That's all folks.

[@ebisu4870]

I think CGM is a good starter for really damaged shapeless curls, but there's a point where it doesn't help anymore

[@shaharunhaque6060]

That is what I am doing. I realized my hair is straight, wavy, and curly all at the same time... So I am slowly trying to figure out which is my actual natural hair and am trying to find out more. Starting with finding out if it's curly

[@lisazemelman5170]

Yeah I did CGM pretty well for a year and it got my hair so nice, but now I feel like I can graduate to regular products now that I know how to take care of it.

[@ebisu4870]

@@shaharunhaque6060 omg that texture is so hard, I'm still struggling 'cause one day they are pretty waves and others it just goes outwards

[@ebisu4870]

@@lisazemelman5170 Congratulations going back healthy ! Is a long hard path but you did it ! Remember hair is trial and error

[@NotJustMe]

EX. ACT. LY. I told my stylist a few years ago about everything I was doing CGM-wise after years of combing it out and heat damage (on already fine hair 😬), and she was like “lol girl why your hair is okay again and now you have a dry scalp.” 😐😑

[@douglasvilledarling2935]

The one thing I love about the curly hair method is it has the world embracing their curls instead of fighting against them

[@Candykisses0022]

True

[@lennybennyy]

I love how people tell a professional that she's doing it wrong 😂😂 Edit: Some people aren't getting what I'm saying which is ok i should explain myself, I'm talking about her dealing with her own hair. She's a professional so she would know how to properly take care of her own hair WAY more than the people telling her she's doing it wrong

[@iateyursandwiches]

Everyone's hair is different.

[@jadedguardgirl]

most professionals don't get our hair type. I'm Caucasian with ringlets and professionals advocated double straightening when I was a teen, and still offer it now if I don't ask in advance for someone with curly or ethnic hair experience. my own friends and family mock me for using 'ethnic' hair products but they honestly work better than something like l'oreal. it sucked when I was younger. most people I run into still assure me they can help me by straightening my hair. I hate them for it. curls are beautiful.

[@FeScully]

jadedguardgirl I’ve been told the same thing when I was eleven... sad reality

[@polly9048]

@@jadedguardgirl I live in Germany and I honestly feel like no local professional here knows how to treat non-straight hair properly and it's also soo difficult to find good products.

[@shantsee]

It's a shame people are bringing in arguments from the past to bash professionals. Trends educate us and I don't know about other countries, but here in Finland everyone wanted straight hair for the past 20 years. They bought products for straight hair and asked for straight hair at the end of the service. I know curls and waves have been a thing during that, but the curly girl method brought that hair type "out into the sunlight" again. But there's a downside - after reading a couple blogs and facebook posts about the method suddenly everyone is a curl professional. Personally I prefer not to follow the method (I have a short 2b hair) because I've found the products that work for me. Yes they might have some wax or alcohol, but they're the products I work with every day and I know how to handle them. And I get the "did you get a perm?" question almost daily. This shouldn't be a professional vs consumer - type of a situation, let's just have fun with out UNIQUE hair.

[@alysafalisha3730]

She’s bold for doing her hair with a cute sweater

[@CaliHinojosaVids]

The CGM honestly made me lose my mind. It’s so high maintenance. I also feel like it’s just toooo much moisture for us wavies.

[@lindenpeters2601]

Wavy hair has different CG rules. Check out Real Life+ Curly Girl's video called 10 Commandments for Wavies!

[@aleksandralempart8305]

It's not once you know what to do

[@Apixi]

@Lotte Ignorance is not bliss, sweetie!!! CURLY GIRL METHOD created by Lorraine Massey. There! I did the work for you. Now got research her. Number one she's not black, nor does she have a right curl. So stop spreading misinformation!!!

[@klerushka]

I know right.... I understand why kinky hair would need such maintenance but my opinion is that if looser curls (looser than kinky... Not necessarily loose) need to be "forced" (I don't mean that negatively) so much, are they really meant to be? I try so many different kinds of curly hair styling and the best my curls EVER look is when I don't touch them at all and let them dry on their own, no profuct whatsoever. Bouncy light soft curls that last longer than a day. And none of the hassle. But you know, that's ME. Idk what works for you all and that's none of my business because at the end of the day, we are washing OUR OWN hair.

[@queendeshanira138]

Claire Perreault your comment is just riddled with ignorance honestly. That’s like saying Mel shouldn’t be doing anything to her hair or finger coils because she’s faking her curls. What’s even more upsetting is the fact that you follow multiple black women with natural hair, yet you still seem to think that we can’t have curls...smh your ignorance is strong af.

[@PlunderingDesire1]

I've been trying to loosely stick to the CGM recently, and found that coconut oil (which seems to be in 99% of "approved" products) has DEFINITELY caused me more buildup/issues than silicones ever did! x

[@dianafoster4936]

Interesting

[@elizagaskell7957]

I tried the CGM and hated it. I also used coconut oil and found it was way toooooo heavy on my hair. I switched to Argan Oil, my curls love this oil.

[@beautyrochelle971]

I only use coconut oil as a base for my tea tree and peppermint oil mask. I also find coconut oil to be to heavy

[@palestar828]

OMG and IT'S IN EVERYTHING! I cannot stand that companies put coconut oil in literally every product along with dreaded aloe vera. Aloe DOES NOT work for me (flash drying and tangled hair) and I'm having a very hard time finding products, especially ones from the drugstore that are aloe free! It's the most annoying and frustrating thing to this entire method! Then the products I find that are without aloe, have silicones and sulphates so I'm just about to give up because of this aloe thing!

[@Squeebbles]

And not all silicones build up the same way! An example is amodimethicone. It has positively charged amine groups that repel and, as a result, dont cause the same buildup and weighing down that other silicones such as dimethicone cause. And like Mell said, silicones lock in the moisture. Not all silicones are made the same; i looked into them when i noticed a lot of products directed towards people with curly hair didnt count as CG friendly because of amodimethicone despite not ever really having issues with those products.

[@christabellaangel8196]

This gives me so much freedom. I hate how strict the CGM is and I feel guilty deviating from it. THANK YOU!

[@Yannarra]

I've been STRICT CG Method for the last year, and for the first time in my 30+ years, I feel like I have some semblance of control and cooperation with my hair. I'm glad I got to see your take on CG, because I've been considering straying (just to play with brushes .. maybe shampoo again .. perhaps a not-so-approved product or two ...) and really your simple message really lets me just give myself permission to play.

[@Galworld761]

The CG and Deva curl left me frizzy hair and dandruff.

[@biraru6842]

@@Galworld761 you're not alone, many are reporting the same issues with deva curl and how it damaged their curls. the brand is even being investigated right now, so anybody who sees this please stop using deva curl

[@Galworld761]

biraru i am fortunate that my hair and nails tend to grow fast. So I am sure I will be better by summer. The thinning hair led me to unnecessary blood tests.

[@Galworld761]

biraru i am fortunate that my hair and nails tend to grow fast. So I am sure I will be better by summer. The thinning hair led me to unnecessary blood tests.

[@chalseywilder937]

I thought you could still use non sulphate shampoo

[@lifeassil]

your hair actually looks better than any other youtuber who follows the CGM, I've done most of the things in the method and my hair looked awful, started watching your vids, and my hair already looks better after 2 weeks

[@corrigandavidson2356]

Especially for bleached hair! It looks awesome. 😍

[@theacan565]

CGM....OMG I wil call the FBI

[@edgeofsevnteen]

It don’t look better than Swavy curly Courtney’s, her hair is so magical, it almost doesn’t even look real!

[@josi_o]

@@edgeofsevnteen I do not find her hair looks magical or not real, beautiful but lots of youtubers have beautiful hair too. I think it's because I prefer a different curl pattern and more volume, I find them very pretty, so Courtney is nothing wooow to me. Everyone's taste is different :)

[@rhianna4752]

@@edgeofsevnteen I personally think Mel's looks much more magical than Courtney's but I love a good ringlet

[@JoyBeforeHer]

Girl yes, I’m right there with u! The CGM police would get so mad when I mention products I use with silicones 😩 lol. Glad I’m not the only one. This was a great breakdown!

[@reyno6826]

Both of you have amazing hair. I don't even know what kind of curls I have. 😆

[@saraberhanumolla8106]

@@reyno6826 feel u LMFAO

[@bunniebie9269]

"plopping can make your scalp itchy due to the product running onto your scalp" my itchy scalp while plopping: ... oh

[@btbudgets]

Yeah, that just made me go Ooooohhhhhhh

[@uditabhattacharya2824]

What is plopping?

[@lindenpeters2601]

That's precisely why I plop before products. Also it means when I put my products in, they don't get diluted by excess water and blotted out by the T-shirt I plop with.

[@KatieGrady1997]

OH that makes SO much sense

[@christabellaangel8196]

my scalp was soooo itchy from my gel! true

[@ASABEAUTY]

She basically predicted the deva curl mess with this video. We were warned!

[@shaneyfirth7066]

It's just common sence hun

[@ASABEAUTY]

shaney firth sense* and clearly it’s not seeing as the curly girl method literally promotes these issues and thousands of girls follow it, hun

[@flaviopons142]

As much as I appreciate Mell, I do NOT follow the CGM and I live in Europe so I never used DC, this is not true. If you really dig into the DC thing (I do it out of curiosity) you will see that even people like Mell, who only use one or two styling products, had big issues. Just because the brand is thought to be used in the CGM doesn't mean that the product formulation is bad. In a styling product CGM approved means no short chain alcohols and no silicones/mineral oils, just by itself this does not at all mean that the products will cause issues. I shampoo (with real shampoo) at least twice per week and I could easily buy a DC gel to complete the style, but for what I saw in many videos that alone may do the damage.

[@HunterLvyiXIII]

@@flaviopons142 yes, I agree. And definitely stay away from DC, I only (correctly) used two products (matcha mask, and heaven in hair conditioner) and my hair got severely damaged, some also fell out. I'm glad I didn't get burns from it and getting some better product today

[@kanoelani3425]

what happened with deva curl??

[@short.andcurly8772]

I think of the Curly Girl Method as a starting guide not a strict set of rules. Loads of people modify the original Curly Girl Method to suit their needs. I would never strictly cowash. I do use “sulfate free” shampoos that lather and I clarify at least once a month. I do follow the no silicones rule and I try to avoid waxes and drying alcohols in my products but if a product works it works. Love your reasoning why you don’t follow the Curly Girl Method

[@sewagg]

J Flo, please share the names of your sulfate - free shampoos that lather. I just can't give up my suds!

[@short.andcurly8772]

Sandra Walker There’s so many! I’ve used Innersense Organic Beauty, Inahsi Naturals, LUS (although I think that one is considered more clarifying), and the Not Your Mother’s Naturals line. There’s so many out there though.

[@sewagg]

@@short.andcurly8772 Thanks so much! You've given me a good place to start. ☺

[@short.andcurly8772]

Sandra Walker You’re Welcome! Not Your Mother’s has a line called Curl Talk. I haven’t personally tried the shampoo & conditioner but it’s one of my best friends faves. I think most if not all of Shea Moisture is considered “Curly Girl Approved” I’ve personally got my eye on trying TreLuxe , MopTop, and the All About Curls (I believe that’s the right name). The first two are available online and in some Whole Foods stores and the 3rd one is available at Sally Beauty Supply. Good luck finding something that works for you!

[@lillyyarney67]

@@sewagg Raw Sugar lathers really well for me.

[@ApRiL3706]

I encorporate some of your techniques and some of curly girls. Just like curly hair looks different with each wash. Every curly girl is different and we have to find techniques that work for us

[@rachabeff3212]

Same. About half n half

[@rachabeff3212]

@Rose Renee that's weird...?

[@hotjanuary]

Rose Renee, I wash my hair and scalp with hydrated pine tar soap (turn bar soap into liquid form by adding very hot water to soap shavings and letting it sit for 24 hours) and my scalp is good. I rinse and wash scalp with diluted apple cider vinegar after rinsing soap from my head (to balance pH and get rid of any soap residue). My dandruff is gone, and depending on how concentrated I make my liquid soap, I can even easily strip my hair from hot oil treatments (e.g. olive oil, coconut). In fact, I haven’t had dandruff since switching to soap. I used to be plagued with itchy scalp and severe dandruff when I used regular shampoos (including Head & Shoulders). Note: soap can’t get rid of silicone. Also: DON’T try soap if you have hard (alkaline = mineral heavy) water. You will get soap scum and have fun getting that out of your hair. People with hard water still do it but it’s not a pleasant hair washing experience.

[@tracemelater]

That sped up diffusing clip was so mesmerizing your curls literally came to life. I'm obsessed with you! (in a healthy KZbin way lol don't block me)

[@anitad4408]

Lolol

[@wall2wallphotos]

I just spit my drink! This comment, tho? 😍

[@soteriafrench5915]

Dont ever brush your hair ONLY finger detangle?...naw, who ever started that got too much time on their hands you can definitely brush your hair just do it wet or damp. Love this video! You are also funny as heck!!😄

[@StormyDay]

Plus gentle brushing is good for your scalp and so you don’t have to deal with all that hair that falls out washday to washday in the shower!

[@finecurls2291]

You are the reason I started using sulfate shampoo and silicones AGAIN..AND I FEEL FREE LMAO 😅

[@lagatita1623]

I go back and forth between sulfate & sulfate free. No sulfate just doesnt work for me.

[@finecurls2291]

@@lagatita1623 me either. I use sulfate free here and there too. But now I'm not afraid to use sulfate shampoos. 😅

[@raihanzabidi5044]

@@finecurls2291 hey, i am starting to have build-ups on my scalp. I am using a no-sulfate shampoo currently. Can you suggest a shampoo with sulfate but not as harsh? thanks!

[@kayelinbrooke]

Raihan Zabidi I just bought the aveda cherry almond softening shampoo (It was linked in one of Mel’s videos)! I wash my hair twice a week, once with this shampoo (has sulfate) and the other day with a sulfate free shampoo. Also, I have wavy hair not curly (2a/2b)

[@kayelinbrooke]

Raihan Zabidi also i use a scalp scrub when my scalp is starting to REALLLLY feel the build up

[@aracelischlosser6993]

"Listen to your hair." > Best curly hair advice I've ever received.

[@crownedone8837]

And it be sayin "Hair me out" lolllllllllll🤣

[@klerushka]

Crowned One Hahahah good one

[@entertain7us148]

i have to say, after a few months of experimenting with the CG method, the most important thing I've learned is that no method is universal and you should always do what's best for your own hair.

[@witnessinwonderland]

I'm so glad someone else is saying this. The curly girl method has NEVER worked for me personally

[@Katatawnic]

Me, either.

[@mooninsignal]

Some of the things worked for me like the co-wash, but the whole combo with all the rules was a no-no for me.

[@franceskeller4536]

Girl same. Too restrictive like the vegan diet lol

[@refrigeratorskates492]

It was hard and discouraging at first but after a few years my hair started to turn around. Not invalidating your experience, rather sharing mine.

[@witnessinwonderland]

@@refrigeratorskates492 yeah well I was doing it for 3 years and still no improvement. Just really dry unhappy hair.. I thought it was a "transitioning period" but no. It wasnt until I went back to what I was doing at first before the cgm that's when my hair looked great again. It doesn't work for everyone.

[@Josalynibeth]

I need wavy hair videos !! 😢😢

[@ManesByMell]

coming soon!

[@ludmilacole8420]

Manes by Mell can’t wait!!

[@rosalynhoseth6715]

Yesssss my hair looks great on wash day using your methods, but after I sleep with a bonnet it just looks messy in the morning ☹️

[@Josalynibeth]

Rosalyn Hoseth same !! Bonnets flatten out my hair as well

[@michellelewis4163]

@@rosalynhoseth6715 Have you tried pineappling it and sleeping on a satin pillowcase instead? That works better for me.

[@redhead2thfairy]

I found your channel yesterday. I lost a lot of hair while doing CG. I’m absolutely against it now. Thank you for spillin the tea!!

[@jam3alv]

Omg I can’t love you enough for this video! After 13 years of straightening my hair I finally decided I was ready to let my curls be free. Dived into the curl girl method and after 6 weeks it’s just causing me so much stress and anxiety about making sure I’m buying and using the right products! Wearing my hair curly is supposed to make me feel more free and more like myself! Though I learned a lot of helpful things through cgm, being so strict on what products was not one of them. So thank you for making me feel normal! ❤️

[@SuhannaDeSilva]

This video describes EXACTLY how I feel about the curly girl method, keep doing your thing Mell!

[@tess6047]

Does anyone else favorite day 1 hair and always hear everyone else hating day 1 hair?

[@Six_ofseven]

Me🙋‍♀️ I love day one hair.

[@vallmo2896]

I used to like day 1 the most but now my hair looks vetter the 2nd day

[@hanc724]

I prefer day 3 as it looks more worn in and not as structured as day 1

[@nairaarrieta4959]

I dont like day 1. My hair looks so "perfect", whilst I love day 3 because my hair looks so wild and so much volume

[@colombiancuurls]

Personally my day 1 hair doesn’t look as bouncy or voluminous so I prefer day 2 or 3. But it does look way more defined!

[@castroguzmanangie]

I literally tried the denman brush after I watched you and you said you loved it and it literally changed my life my curls are SO defined like never before THANK GOD I CAME ACROSS YOU bc I always thought brushing was a no no

[@livmedina5146]

This is the most helpful curly girl video I have EVER watched. I am Spanish mixed and no one ever seems to have my type of hair. THICCCCC and tight curls but not like “Afro” or African girl curls. They always say no sulfates but those honestly don’t give my curls the moisture they need and they are so drying and always seem to kill my hair

[@eventingmum]

I realize this video is a year old, but I love it. Since finding your channel you have made me feel much better. I normally have worn my hair naturally curly for years. You have demonstrated most of the same techniques I have used for years also. You have taught me a few better ones and shown me some new products. I am loving g watching you. Thanks for being real.

[@MichaellaSapphire]

Fairy knots! So that's what they're called. I detangle my hair with my fingers in the shower and I get a lot of fairy knots. Now I'm going to get myself a proper hair brush

[@rexhinaruci6204]

I believe in the *Mell curly girl method* 🤨 I tried it , Believe me 🤓

[@brittb8250]

Can you please do a video about how to cut curly hair, or the best haircuts for different type length, different curly hairs

[@PaolaRL]

Britt b that’s a great idea!

[@benitajones3165]

This!!!

[@joellerosales7208]

Need this!

[@JustMiraMe]

I think she said the right thing, "Listen to your hair." Ladies we really have gotten extra with this. I am guilty of it too. I am just trying to everything to see what's right for me.

[@krista3686]

I’m mixed and 55 yrs old. I was a licensed hairstylist for years. Everything you say is absolutely correct. Why do I say this ? I do the same thing. I will not give up my brush and I use what works. I don’t read ingredients and I change my products because I’m always trying something new. I also color my hair. Keep up the good work ✌🏽❤️✊🏽

[@danielac4200]

I wish KZbin existed when I was younger-Like many other Curlies, I struggled trying to find the right method/products etc... for DECADES!! Then I started “educating myself” with curly hair tutorials/wash day videos and got completely confused and deflated bc I tried all this stuff and my hair looked worse!!!!! We are not even going to get into the bad haircuts and how no stylists understanding how to work with curly hair... anyways, stumbled across Mel’s videos about 5mths ago, binge-watched every single one and implemented all her tips/tricks-my hair has NEVER looked this good. I’m due for another trim so I will see you soon Mel! Keep up the amazing work you are so appreciated 🇨🇦

[@domynoe]

The one thing I'm struggling with is diffusing the back of my head. The rest of my curls look good; the back of my head always comes out flatter.

[@mg3day]

Domynoe L YAS!!! I am struggling with this too! M

[@domynoe]

@@mg3day It's sad, but I'm glad I'm not the only one. lol

[@otherside9685]

Same

[@curlynella1011]

I think because in the back we subconsciously press down and hold our forward which causes tension and causes it to be pushed down 🤔

[@emmagavars6385]

maybe where u sleep on it ?

[@cellapaz]

CGM is almost a cult! Lol...I do agree with some of the method, but my hair is the boss. I do what works, I 86 what doesn’t.

[@lovebirdkissesft.leopoldka834]

it is a cult. Very sad to see so many brainwashed.

[@slimthuggamothafucka2909]

@@lovebirdkissesft.leopoldka834 what in the fuck???? Lmao trolling 😂I know you not serious

[@gladysfernandez718]

I started doing the CG method almost 3 years ago. When I first started, the method did not always work for me. I was great at first for the first month or so, but then my hair started to get oily faster and was more weighed down. I even started to get dandruff for the first time in my life. I remembered watching a video of Penny Tovar (I think that’s her name?) from YT, she does a lot of hair products and makeup tutorials type stuff. And I remember in one video she said something along the lines of sulfates aren’t all bad and actually help clean your scalp because just cowashing causes build up on her hair and eventually lead to dandruff. I believe she said she uses sulfates every once in a while to clarify her hair as well. After that, I decided to bring back some sulfates into my hair and I never looked back. My hair is the healthiest I have ever seen it and it wouldn’t have looked the way it does now if I would have just kept cowashing.

[@MrsAlchemist]

WHY did I discover you channel only 1 week ago?! I needed you 4 years ago! I straightened my curls, had to cut them short to the ear because of medication (massive hair loss) and started wearing my natural curls. Of course I was thankful for the CGM community but after a few month I got problems with frizz, scalp and no volume! All I heard was that it was MY fault because I didn’t tried hard enough - and because I was new to CGM I believed it! You said it right: everyone is different!! Yes! I started using mild sulfate shampoo again and guess what- solved my scalp problems which I had for years! That made me thinking and I didn’t skip CGM totally but 90% just isn’t for my fine short hair. I tried YOUR way of diffusing and it worked! And because of you I‘m thinking about some highlights again (which I had with straightend hair), because it makes me happy. What a relief this video was!! THANK YOU 💓

[@MrsAlchemist]

Oh and I had to comb trough my hair because without I would have bare spots of scalp shining through my short hair and a lot of „fallen out“ hair detangled in my hair. I got some big backlash for that! But the other girls had long thick hair- and nothing worked for my hair but it was „my fault“...

[@Shark-Malark]

You are a national treasure. I literally laughed to tears when your eyes rolled back in yr head brushing yr scalp after telling ppl they crazy for saying we have to give up brushing 😂

[@vibhab191]

*There is no universal Curly Girl Method that works for every curly girl. PERIODT* I don't follow CGM, I have my own set of products that work for me and I'm very happy using them.

[@danablackburn7288]

yasss girl! CGM was good for me when I was transitioning because my hair was sooo damaged! Now I'm starting to use different shampoos and conditioners that clean and moisturize my hair better, as well as other styling products that aren't CGM approved! My hair is looking so much better!

[@sewagg]

Dana Blackburn would you please share the names of products that you use? Thanks!

[@danablackburn7288]

I used mostly Cantu products. Switched between cowash and cleansing shampoo for washing, moisturizing conditioner, leave in conditioning repair cream, moisturizing curl activator, and the define and shine custard (used as a gel) and used all these products according to the cgm!

[@danablackburn7288]

I am in the process of changing and haven’t found any that I LOVE yet but its already looking better :)

[@sewagg]

@@danablackburn7288 thank you so much for the specifics! I'm just starting out and am in the trial and error phase. Your suggestions really help. ☺

[@breannakusko2530]

After researching the curly girl method and having MANY thoughts about it-I found your channel, where you and your seester helped your family members discover their wavy hair, and have been watching for 12. STRAIGHT. HOURS. I’m rejoining the curly community after not being curly in a decade! I’ve been sharing your videos all day and can’t wait to keep following❣️

[@SAS-mf7bf]

love the real talk and the humorous shade, people think this ridiculous made up so called method is a science and get so mad when other girls do it wrong when there is actually no such thing, every mane is different

[@terena8487]

Could you do a curly bangs “how-to”? Or how to know if you would be able to pull them off? How far back should the hair go on the head? Thank you!!! Love watching you every week! 😁😍

[@Wonderlandish]

By your profile picture, I'm sure you can rock some curly bangs. They'd look lovely

[@somegoodlooks680]

I am SO THANKFUL that you showed your hair fall!! My hair is almost down to my waist and I only detangle once a week (I’m in transitioning phase) and I loose SO MUCH HAIR!! 😭 and i always thought that it was unnatural because nobody is talking about it. It sets weird expectations about what’s natural or not. So thank you for showing that part as well ♥️

[@sharonnieves2283]

If you have long hair it gives the illusion that you're loosing more hair than what actually is!

[@somegoodlooks680]

Sharon Nieves that’s true! But I also wear my hair mostly in Dutch braids or buns etc so the hair has no opportunity to „fall out“. When I brush it wet all the hair that fell out over the week but got stuck in the rest of my hair is on the brush which makes me feel like going bald 😂

[@jessicataormina8833]

I do avoid sulfates and silicones and my hair has transitioned beautifully in the last 4 and 1/2 months. I do use sulfate-free clarifying shampoo. I do diffuse on medium heat (and love it) and I love using my wet brush in the shower. I also incorporate the Denman brush in my styling. This works for me. Everyone has to figure out and do what works for them.

[@AriannaHlavacBeauty]

Me too! There’s a way to modify the CGM to our needs! Many clarify with Sulfate free shampoo and use the denman brush! So is not so strict.

[@sueannwhitman5675]

Jessica Taormina what clarifying shampoo do you use?

[@jessicataormina8833]

@@sueannwhitman5675 As of now (since I'm only close to 5 months CGM) I use Cantu Shea Butter Natural Hair Cleansing Cream Shampoo because I got a big tub at BJ's. When I'm done I intend on using Trader Joe's Tea Tree Tingle Shampoo or Giovanni's Tea Tree Shampoo (found at Marshalls/TJMaxx).

[@lindenpeters2601]

That's CGM. It's not one strict method.

[@kathrynsanchez942]

Honestly, this video gave me a breath of relief! I used to use all non CGM products and they worked so great for my hair. This past year and a half I have been struggling to do CGM with no progress and crappy hair, but it was what is “best” for my hair. I’m going to the store tomorrow to pick up the old products and hopefully I can love my hair again.

[@LauraAnn1980]

I so agree with the brushing. Before I started styling my hair wavy, I used to finger detailed in the shower. When I bought my wavy hair styles, I also got a wet brush. Since I started using the wet brush, SOOOOOO much less hair comes out and it is soooo much easier to detangle.

[@bierwood4]

What makes the Denman brush so special? I've seen a LOT of videos praising this brush, but I'm still curious what makes it better than similar brushes by other brands. Is it truly one of a kind? Or is there a comparable brush, with perhaps a lower price tag? Thanks my dear! 😚

[@ManesByMell]

Like this comment if I should do a dedicated video on this 🧐🤔

[@Taikyaa]

I buy a denman dupe for about $5 at my local beauty supply .. I love it, defines my curls very well

[@Hello_Kayleigh]

Yes, pls do a video about the Denman brush, Mell! I keep hearing about it but I have no idea what the hubbub is all about!

[@Lily_of_the_Forest]

It is supposed the be really good at evenly distributing hair products better than your hands. My hair is so dang thin that the Denman brush doesn’t do anything for me. Plus my curl pattern is so weak, running, a brush, comb or fingers through my hair turns it into waves.

[@mynameisntchristine1006]

It’s not very expensive at Sally’s. $10 brush that last for years. I use it on my daughters hair (mixed curly girls) with 3c and 4b hair type. After I detangle with the wide comb And leave in conditioner or use the denman brush to define and distribute product. Although I have kinda curly hair, my hair is very long and fine. I have a mix of wavy to soft (flimsy) ringlets. this brush isn’t as defining on my hair. I find this brush more effective on type 3b-4c hair.

[@perpetual.learner]

My hair is wavy, so I've never tried the whole strict process of the Curly Girl Method (for example I use a sulphate shampoo but I usually not use silicones). Thank you for explaining a different view. I really need to get a diffuser though, because I air dry moving my head and these are some crazy hours 😁

[@Racquelle40]

Mine is more wavy as well. Can I ask what silicone free products you use?

[@OpinionatedScents]

Lol. Who mad? I have been saying these things for years. My hair hates oil. My hair loves aussie moist and that's blasphemy. Lol. Whatevs

[@Aliciadoriety]

TeraMichelle Boyland please help me , my hair is thin and I put oil in it and I wait all day for my hair to dry . I always wear it In a Afro but that sucks to cuZ it looks dried asf and ugly with a weird shape . Iam so desperate on trying to get my curls going . I seriously need help . My boyfriend saw my curls for the first time and he loved them and all my friends , but without product then it gets big . So it’s thin when wet and when it dries it’s big . Iam also afraid to cut trim my hair . What do you use can you help me too . Black girl with thin curly weird hair in distress .

[@TheShows247]

@@Aliciadoriety like she said in the video oil seals your hair it doesn't moisturize it. Use a deep conditioner. Theres plenty of styles besides an afro I reccomend watching youtubers with your hair type. I think twist outs look amazing on Afro textured curly girls :)

[@TheShows247]

@@Aliciadoriety if you have fine hair I 1000% envy you in that "the wet look" can totally work for you. Look it up on YT

[@barbarahall5885]

I loved this! It was so helpful! From the time I was five I had stick straight hair. I am now 62 years old and after having short hair for seven years, five of those being a pixie, I started growing my hair out and lo and behold! There are waves! Some coils too! Yikes! I’ve been on this journey for almost 18 months now. I also stopped high lighting my hair 14 months ago as I want to let my hair do it’s gray thing. The CGM has really helped get me started but I too have ventured off on my own. I too love to brush my hair and scalp and have doubted the CGM “no brush” approach. I discovered your videos early on so you have helped a lot too! My one frustration is day two and three refresh. I’m still figuring that out. Thank you for your videos!

[@laexploradoraaaXD]

Bless you for talking about those little knots on individual strands because those little knots had me crying in the shower while trying to use my fingers to detangle thick, coarse, 3b hair. I bought a brush that looks almost exactly like the Denman brush because I just couldn't deal with it anymore and then I came across your channel, so thank you. I'm grateful to the CGM for making me more attentive and aware of ingredients and stuff.

[@annahubbard7495]

How in the world are you styling with that jacket on? 😅 whenever I style, my shirt always gets damp, and I HATE that feeling.

[@kellyortiz367]

Anna Hubbard x2 Lmao 🤣🤣🤣

[@estera4176]

Yes. My hair is very long, reaches under my butt, my shirt gets soaked.

[@snh8093]

So glad I found your channel! I’m a refugee of the curly girl method, and I’m going back to the products that worked for me when I only styled straight.

[@ManesByMell]

Who's here with me as this is airing live? I SEE YOU

[@cr0w3at3r]

Manes by Mell 💁🏽‍♀️💁🏽‍♀️💁🏽‍♀️

[@ManesByMell]

also also (side note) going on live on instagram after this at 3:30 EST and 12:30 PST some come chat on live with me when were done here

[@bosey8233]

Manes by Mell moi💁🏽‍♀️❤️

[@cherylboyd1811]

I'm here with you Mel🙋‍♀️only just a little after you filmed it. ❤ and yes! Glad you follow your method😃 your hairs always beautiful...

[@caracopland710]

Shout out to Scotland live- dunno the time difference but we 've never caught you- the land of pale skin and Irish curls.... hello from us and hail to you... we are learning and transitioning. CG left too much product on our hair so we brush etc now like you. Daily I advise someone to follow you as they comment on my own hair. Your funny and brilliant. Thank you sooo much sieester x

[@TheNocturneMoon]

I met this girl who asked me how my twist outs and wash n gos looked so moisturized and bouncy and she complained about how dry her hair was and asked for my routine. When I told her I still used shampoo and silicones, she said ‘oh no, I could never, I have to co-wash, my hair is so dry.’ And I’m like clearly cowashing hasn’t made your hair less dry if you’re still complaining about it to me. It’s possible she had build up that was preventing new moisture from entering her hair. She didn’t have to use shampoo religiously but it wouldn’t have hurt for her to test out clarifying her hair to see if she could get water to finally penetrate.

[@arigo89]

I've been doing the curly method for a year and a half and now my hair looks a little more weavy, but also my scalp is echy. So I found this beautiful video 2 month ago.... today I went and bought a normal shampoo and I feel air throughout my scalp ...it feels clean and love it.... idk what I am going to do with the weavy , if they get more soft, but right now my hair needs to be clean so... thanks for the video hahahah

[@TheNocturneMoon]

Joud Faisal so long as you wash your hair regularly, sure.

[@hailleyw5117]

Do silicones help with low porosity hair? Right now I have a silicone free shampoo, I am thinking of shampooing more often and using less products and diffusing to hopefully help with how dry my hair is.

[@lydialorraine5164]

I tried to co-wash and my hair was absolutely horrendous! My hair still doesn't like sulfates in shampoo but there are some really good sulfate free options now

[@broareyouserious]

Isn’t shampoo for scalp and conditioner for hair? So she can still use shampoo but only to her scalp

[@rachellep2581]

Ahahaha love this. I am also a professional hairstylist. I have been styling my hair every style except for naturally curly for most of my life. Now I have turned a leaf, and recently I have been going at things completely differently. Your video was music to my ears, properly explaining why washing hair is a must, brushing your hair and scalp is healthy. Also natural isnt always better! If its not being used properly. Thanks for sharing the real.

[@enigmaticdreams1397]

Basically if it works for you then keep doing it!! I've read how people have been blocked from Curly fourms and things because they use silicones or had ANY opinion against the CG method. It's honestly ridiculous. It's just hair, if it works for you and your hair is healthy, keep doing it!!

[@franceskeller4536]

Cgm admins are absolute idiots. Don't have time for pettiness. They piss me off. Do you girly!

[@rehannaishmail5214]

the curly girl community on fb is turning into a cult lol i agree its getting so ridiculous

[@lisacostigan1337]

Crazy right????😳😳

[@franceskeller4536]

Rehanna Ishmail And then when you try to work things out and try to see things from their perspective and make amends in a friendly way, they just block you. It’s very childish

[@Lis_aaaaa]

A bit cult like 😬

[@ffionmariee]

I think I half arsed the cgm a few years ago but found it way too strict and unrealistic. No heat or colour at all??!? No BRUSH?! I found your videos a couple of days ago and have spent waaaaay to much time watching your videos😂 the most relatable, realistic and helpful videos I’ve ever found. My hair is similar in curl texture to your sisters. Last week I decided to start wearing my hair natural again and really nailing a routine that works and I’m so happy I’ve found you!!!🙌🏼

[@Katatawnic]

I binge watched her videos when I discovered her. I've had a few people tell me that they did the same thing. 😂

[@lisacostigan1337]

CurlySusie is a great KZbinr as well....another Canadian curly girl🤪🤪🥰🥰🥰

[@ceciliaroake8734]

I'm like 80% cgm but I get bored and I NEED color!!

[@alissadawn5479]

Thank you!! Omg!! I have 3c curls and recently started taking care of them after years of flat irons and color. I've used the curly girl method for about 5 months, HATE IT. Hair is flat and heavy with all the oils and butters. I literally follow it to a tee, my hair sucks. Started doing my hair in every way you suggest, my hair looks much better in a month now.. not doing the curly girl method. Used a sulfate shampoo last week for the first time after watching one of your vids, MY HAIR IS SO LIGHT AND BOUNCY♡ Thank you Mel, you're the ONLY curly girl I follow now. You saved my hair! Please don't stop doing what you do😍 plus our personalities are similar and I fell in love with you instantly.

[@susanhutton7152]

I am a 70 year old - years , years of flat iron!! I learn so much from u and am thankful! Yes, I watch some of the others and always come back to u. U just make sense and yr ideas seem to Help me. Thank u

[@BlindBabeBeth]

YES to fairy knots! They're sooo bad. I end up just ripping my hair trying to get them out, they're horrible. Never knew there was a term for it. 😭

[@lorishellenberger5002]

As a wavy, I too am looking forward to your wavy tutorial. Loved this video!

[@kristinl2336]

While some of the CGM sounds great, I feel like the majority of damage done to the hair is due to straighteners and heat. If you did not over use heat and still incorporated sulfates and silicones, I feel going full CGM would not be necessary. Companies have really caught onto the no silicone and sulfate craze, and they are bringing in the cash!

[@rimurutempest3204]

I have allways used rollers to straighten my hair or making it "tele novela wavy". But still used products with sulfates and silicones and still my hair was much curlier (3b-3c), much softer and looked great! Now with the CGM Im a 2c-3b and I hate how my hair feels.

[@kristinl2336]

Rimuru Tempest I was recently looking back at old pictures and my hair also had a lot more curl to it when I used sulfates and silicones. I feel like I now battle with dullness. I feel like I enjoyed my hair much more before I became obsessed with following the CGM. lol but to each their own!

[@kristinl2336]

Tadiwanashe Christabel Mateta I think a lot of it has to do with personal preference and how you prefer the look and feel of your curls. I used silicones for years, but I never had much damage . So I guess I didn’t really have a reason to go CG, but I’m glad it works great for your curls!

[@mariena.r5496]

Girl say It louder!! I refuse to let go of my favourite products just bc they have sulfates or silicones. I started my curly hair journey just by letting go of Heat and incorporating healthy habits like using more conditioner, not using a normal towel, using a leave-in.... And my hair ir looong and healthy still!!

[@Tess2152]

The only thing I changed with starting the CGM method are the products (I modified all the other things) and it helped a lot! Really the biggest change ever. ☺️

[@lifeform111]

Who has time to air dry?? Especially in the colder seasons.... love Mell's method. It has changed the way my curls look. Bless you!

[@jackie21xo]

I did curly girl method for about a year and quit about 4 or 5 months ago. Everything in your video makes so much sense! I’m so glad I found your channel! 🙂

[@xxEmmeline.Laurier]

Thank you so much Mell for educating us more on the curly girl method, especially on sulfates and silicones. I always thought sulfates and silicones were HORRIBLE for our hair and we should never use them, but now, I have finally been properly educated on these ingredients (I shall now change my hair routine a little). Thanks!

[@loveverythingbooks]

The only thing I really follow from the curly is not brushing my hair. And that has been really beneficial for me. You see, I have wavy hair, but it's a weak curl. For my hair the line between 1C and 2B/C hair is fine. It al depends on my shower routine and styling. I found that not using a brush in the shower helps to keep tge wave in my hair and when I'm out of the shower tge only product I use is spray-gel because my hair is so fine and otherwise it gets heavy. And brushing and gel doesn't go well together. Okay this is the end of my little rant that nobody's ever going to read

[@user-em6ym9rj4u]

• Caroline • Hi, I have the same hair type as you and started the curly girl method yesterday, but my hair got sooo dry and crunchy from the gel I used. Do you have any recommendations for products you use? My hair looks straight after a shower but it becomes so fizzy when I brush it

[@loveverythingbooks]

@@user-em6ym9rj4u Of course. I don't really use high-end products, so I don't have any recommendation in that respect, but I can tell you something about the kind of products I use. If you really have the same hair type as me (which, judging from your description, I think you do) a lot of the work for your hair will go into what you do while still in the shower. I actually changed my routine after writing this so I'll tell you my new one. Personally, I don't follow the CGM, so I use normal shampoo and conditioner (often with sulfate and silicone). After I wash my hair, I start with putting some conditioner in my hair and combing it with a fine comb. Then, I flip my head upside down, put a little more conditioner in and comb it again. Make sure to comb it downwards as much as you can, not following the back of your head. The key here is to make sure your hair is still wet enough but not too wet. I don't know about you, but my hair immediately starts to curl when it's wet with conditioner, so it will start to curl slightly. After that you can wash it out immediately or you can put it in a ballerina bun on top of your head and shave or do whatever. Before I wash it out though, I scrunch it up (still upside down) . I simply follow the natural pattern of my waves and scrunch the water out until the curl holds. Than I keep my hands slightly in scrunching position and let the water flow over my hair (still upside down). Don't move your hands, just keep your hair up so the water won't stretch out the waves. You might already know all of this, si here comes the part you actually asked for haha: the products. When I'm done in the shower, I remain upside down and scrunch as much of the water out as I can. Then I use some leave-in conditioner before putting it in a micro-fiber towel. I know some people get out of the shower with their hair still wet, but I found that usually leads to crunchiness for me, so I first let the towel adsorb some of the moisture. I do this by using my personal method of plopping: I have a hair-towel like the ones they sell at the hairdressers, but normally they put the big part on top of your head and put the rest around your hair. I on the other hand let my waves slowly sink in the big part so they're on top of my head. You can also use a T-shirt for this (just look up Plopping on KZbin). I leave my hair in only till I've finished pitting my clothes on. Then, I hang my head upside down and slowly let my hair fall down. After that I do one of the following things: 1) Air dry. After letting my hair down I gently shake up the roots and scrunch it up a bit. Then I move my head to one side, shake up the roots and scrunch. Other side same thing. And the I put my head up (normal position), shake gently one last time and scrunch it with some gel holding curl cream (I use Andrélon Happy Curls Cream for this). And then let it air dry, without touching it. I mean it, don't touch it! Just let it be. It usually results in wild waves that last for 1-2 days. 2) Hair dryer. Still upside down, I again shake up the roots gently. I then proceed to use some of the curl cream and some gel. The gel I use is a spray-on-gel, so it's gel mixed with water. I don't spray it though. I just spray some on my hands and scrunch it in my hair. Next, I use a hair dryer with diffuser. First move the hair dryer around your hair. Don't touch it, just move it around. Then when the ends are mostly dry, flip it to the side and dry your roots. Same for the other side. After that, you can start to scrunch the hair up with the diffuser, but do it gently because it could cause the clumps of waves that have formed to fall apart which will make your hair seem less wavy than it is. Finally, gently flip your head up (same story with the clumps here) and scrunch it a little with your hand. If you feel any crunchiness, you can scrunch it out. I like to end by putting in just a little bit more of curl cream. These curls can last around 3-4 days, depending on what you do, how you wear your hair and if you refresh them. To summarize, I use: - conditioner (often Garner Ultimate Blends Honey Treasures) , fine comb (and wide comb if necessary) - gel holding curl cream (Andrélon happy curls cream) - leave-in conditioner (either Andrélon Perfect curl or Garner Ultimate Blends Honey Treasures) - Spray-gel (Andrélon Happy Curls Gel Spray) Note: I don't know if you'll be able to get your hands on Andrélon (since it's a Dutch brand), but otherwise there are a lot of brands that sell similar products. Just don't use DevaCurl. I don't know if this is what you were looking for and I'm sorry for writing an entire speech to answer your question lol. Hope this helps though!

[@user-em6ym9rj4u]

Carolien de Vaan Girl, sorry for not seeing this until now! Thank you sooooo much for all this information 😍😍 You’re an amazing person to type it all out. I will definitely try it! Wishing you all the best 🥰 xx

[@loveverythingbooks]

@@user-em6ym9rj4u No problem at all❤💛

[@milliem8051]

@Emma N have you tried scrunching out the crunch once your hair is totally dry? I’ve tried Not Your Mother’s curl gel and it doesn’t make my hair crunchy. Still experimenting with my wavy hair.

[@jeanniesays6731]

Thank you for this. For the first time in my life I’m embracing my 2c/3a hair and there’s so much “don’t do this” info out there and it’s frustrating. It’s refreshing to hear your explanations, in particular about the similarities between silicones and other emollients. It’s nearly impossible to find products that don’t have some kind of emollients in them that don’t cost an arm and a leg. I want nice curls, but I also don’t want o go broke trying to achieve them. And brushing! OMG I can’t imagine not being able to use a brush or comb for detangling!

[@itsshai3447]

Fell into the “Curly Girl” rabbit hole recently thinking that was my Hail Mary, and I’ve actually binged several of your videos and just want to applaud you because you’re out here making moves and changing lives. Thank you. Thank you for allowing me to realize maybe it’s not the “method” I need to follow. Maybe I just need some real tips, tricks, and product suggestions to get going-because GIRL I have the worst follow through, I’m good for a few days maybe a week or two and then I give up or lose sight. I’ve been noticing even without meaning to my natural crazy waves come through- because I gave up heat on my hair- I just have no idea how to properly take care of my hair. You’ve given me hope 🙏🏻 You are a goddess Mell. Thank you.

[@takarasights]

I only finger detangled for a long time, and it SUCKED. Took forever and didn't really work. So glad to have you now Mel. I've DEFINITELY missed the feeling of a brush on my scalp.

[@kayrysegarra7568]

I am so thankful that I found your videos because I tried the curly girl method and Deva Curl and my hair literally started falling out after A MONTH of use...so now I'm trying to figure out how to get back to healthy hair. Thank you for not feeding into the hype and actually sharing your opinion and expertise.

[@hell0nicci]

Thank you so much for this!! I’ve been trying the curly girl method on and off for years but I can’t give up my pink hair and I was so confused when i kept trying products that were “great” for others doing the curly girl method that made my hair feel AWFUL. It was such a toxic community to be in at times, like seriously made me cry on multiple occasions 😂 just full mental breakdown over curls. But enough rambling, thank you again for reminding me that everyone is different and what feels right for some people doesn’t for everyone. I APPRECIATE YOU SO MUCH

[@AnnettePapa]

Loved this video. Love your style. I’ve been “dabbling” with a very relaxed, basic version on CG. Questioning a bunch of stuff and started to feel slightly overwhelmed. Your video put me at ease, thanks!

[@dianafoster4936]

Yeah I just started researching the CG method and bought some products but I find the routine overwhelming.

[@Meh-fn3ol]

Thank you for always being so lovely to educate and actually explain facts. I hope you don't stop uploading 🖤 My hair thanks you

[@deannaramirez6940]

THANK YOU! I've been struggling with the CGM for years thinking I was doing something wrong. Struggling with finger combing, not using silicone products, no sulfates, people telling me I shouldn't color my hair while missing it sooooo much, and awful scalp issues. I've been to the point of just being so deflated, soooo fed up with my failed attempt at CGM, embarrassment by my scalp, and leading to depression. I found your channel through Instagram and it feels like enlightenment! For the first time in years I'm excited about my hair journey! Thank you so much!

[@omneyasalama4728]

Girl you said it all I have been trying to follow CGM for quite some time now but lots of things just seemed not right just didn’t make much sense and lots of work .. but watching a professional saying what’s been going in my head really made life much easier... BIG THUMBS UP 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼😍

[@andreaday7180]

Love this! CGM caused me a lot of problems with my hair and so many forums are toxic!

[@seppisea]

I'm sooo feeling this! I've been following CGM for maybe a year now. No sulfates, silicones, plopping, etc. I feel like my hair has gotten more dry and frizzy! My hair was basically pretty good b4 but I thought maybe it could be better.. not so sure as of late. 😕

[@lanaissa5504]

Can you maybe do a video about when you do a protein treatment or deep conditioning mask in a month and wich products you use because i need some help

[@oliviaschurb9611]

Yes!!

[@dayanaraportillo6537]

PLEASE

[@Bee-li8ox]

SAME!

[@CECE-sm1xy]

every 2 weeks

[@noors7754]

please

[@Amy-hz4df]

I came to have me and my hair roasted my Mell whilst learning how to properly take care of my curls and I wasn't disappointed.

[@ivokiz6866]

I tried the CGM for a year and I am giving up. This video basically told me everything I needed to know!!!! Thank you!!!

[@susanfinn7653]

I adore you!!! Thank you for your comments and helping us to learn how to do our curls our way and be healthy.

[@susanfinn7653]

I also L❤️VE to brush my hair.

[@kaitlynpohlman3801]

You should do a weekly hair routine! Like what you do with your hair everyday for a week!

[@kclouliger]

Love you Mell- you tell it like it IS and I’m here for ALL OF IT. Thanks for being amazing🧡

[@tess6047]

Can you do a deep conditioning/hair masks video, your favorites in each price category, how you recommend doing it. Basically everything about it because I really want to start

[@tckcjcac]

I would like this also! I am so confused about masks....do I apply them after or before shampoo? Do I use it in place of conditioner or am I suppose to condition afterwards?

[@tess6047]

tckcjcac I know right! I think it depends but I'm sure Mell has some facts to give us

[@jnelsimpson1190]

I must say I am glad to have found your channel. I had read a bunch on the CGM and I struggled with not touching my hair..and seemingly people saying not touch your hair most of the time. . I am less stressed watching your way to handle your hair and your seester. Thank you for having this channel Mel!

[@temporalTechnologist]

I'm glad you know what you're talking about, i see so many who just repeat what they hear online and don't actually know anything about the science

[@mandarina2246]

This is why i love the Curly Girl Method Comunity in my country, Argentina. Yeah, theyre sulfate, silicone and paraben "free" but they also always recommend on doing the rutine that works for you, they talk to ypu about porosity and that even in a silicone free method there's gonna be buildup you'll have to cleanse with sulfates. The whole lot of people i've talked to understood these concepts or at least were studying them, because absolute rules are things that they realised are stupid early on. They have helped me a lot to understand my hair and what's in a product, what certain things are gonna do, etc. Truly good people and also they're organized af (we have a facebook group with albums dedicated to showcase every ingredient of the products on the market, albums describing various personal rutines, albums explaining techniques like plopping, and just a glosario of about anything).

[@meagangraber5795]

Thank you so much for this video. I have been struggling so hard with my hair ever since I started trying to listen to the CGM because I thought it would make my hair better. It has gotten so bad. I really really needed this to allow myself to go back to silicones, sulfates and brushes. I don't feel so guilty for using them anymore or for stopping the CGM

[@alicemac89]

Thank you for this! I love the feeling of brushing my hair after I wash it, and I have dandruff that I have only been able to control with head and shoulders, so skipping the shampoo is a big nope from me. There is more than one "right way" to style curly hair, and it can be different for every curly girl.

[@ruthgale]

I really agree with this video even though I do follow some rules in the curly girl method. I try to avoid silicones when possible because my hair just generally doesn’t agree with them and gets very itchy, but I also 100% need my shampoos/clarifying shampoos!! Thanks for this video, Mell

[@bridgethall472]

GIRLLL... I have given up on my gorgeous curls because I figured if they couldn't be upheld naturally than it just wasn't my hair. The curly girl method and only using DC was my first intro into the curly world and followed it faithfully and it worked great the first couple days and then I noticed my curls once natural and just needing help where now stringy waves. I've been taking notes from you and watching other influencers but YOU ARE BY FAR MY CURLY GOD!! Thank you!!