Curly Girl Method - the basics

[ThisIsShe]

After seeing CG mentioned on here I've been reading about it online and have decided to give it a whirl. I've ordered the book and a microfibre turban thing, but I'm visiting the Big Smoke today and I'd like to get stocked up with the products I'll need. Otherwise I'll have to wait for the book then order stuff online and wait for it to arrive, which I'm far too impatient to do!

From looking online I think my hair type is 2b (or possibly 2c). The hair underneath curls much, much more (proper ringlets) than the top (more of a wave than a curl).

So, what do I need?

[JenniMoo]

Bodyshop rainforest moisturising conditioner would be a good one to try and it's easy to get.

[ThisIsShe]

Thanks Jenni!

[IlonaRN]

Where did you get your turban thing from, please? I need to get one too, rather than using my nice cotton shirts!

[ThisIsShe]

I found one on Amazon - I can't link on my iPad, but it's white with multi coloured spots on. It was about £8 I think.

I've been using the dog's bright orange microfibre towel, so I can't wait for it to arrive!

[ZaraW]

If it doesn't work for you at the start don't give up I am on month 4 and still playing around with products and how much to use. Some people take up to 8 months to a year to find the combination that works for them. However, I could never leave my dry frizzy hair to dry naturally it was horrible now I have soft hair with no frizz. Frizzy hair is looking for moisture once you get that right the frizz goes.

My hair is liking shea butter leave in conditioner though I washed most of it out before adding Kinky Curly styling custard to see if that is an improvement or not!

[JenniMoo]

Where do you get the Shea butter leave in from? Sounds good and DDs nearly out of both body shop conditioner and hair butter.

[BOFster]

This site looks good, with lots of product recommendations. There is also the British Curlies site, which has forums where people swap tips.

[BOFster]

I'd be wary of microfibre towels, btw- I'm sure I've read that ordinary cotton tshirts are even better. I'll google and link, hang on...

[BOFster]

Ah, no, if you've got the one they recommend, I'm sure it's fine. They also sell this.

[DontForgetTheLightAlesLawrence]

Yes, microfibre apparently can cause frizz.

Much better to use pure cotton.

As an aside, I've just got back from Spain; the soft water there made my hair look AMAZING. Back in Essex now but wondering if I could use mineral water for similar effect? I only wash once a week or longer so it's not too extravagant?

The British Curlies website is fab. I'm a corkicelli. Pleased to meet you :)

[ThisIsShe]

Oh, pfft. I'll try the turban for a while, but I might steal one of DH's tshirts and have a go. I've noticed a huge difference in just not using a normal towel and doing the plopping thing.

We have incredibly soft water here (which goes a little way in compensating for the lack go facilities and shops!).

[BOFster]

I'm a 3a Botticelli, I think- curlies unite, we have nothing to lose but our straightening irons!

[ThisIsShe]

I just looked up corkicelli curls. Wow!!! I'd love curls like that!

Looking at the British Curlies site I think I might have Botticelli curls.

[ThisIsShe]

Whoop! Another Botticelli!

Do you 'diagnose' when you've done stuff to enhance the curls, or when you're using sls shampoos etc? I am a 2b/c when I use a normal towel, shampoo etc, but a 3a doing a partial CG method.

I need to grow my fringe out, it does not look good unless it's straightened.

[DiscoDancer]

Marking place

[Pasithea]

I will swap anyone for their curly hair for my poker straight limp horrible hair.

[DontForgetTheLightAlesLawrence]

ThisisShe - I'd definitely buy into your soft water empire!

As for diagnosing curl type - I think I'd be inclined to wash and see how it dries naturally. But I'm by no means an expert.

Has anyone here gone to Matt James - apparently a GOD for curlies, he was trained by Lorraine Massey, High Priestess of the Curl. He is supposed to be a magician. I loathe having my hair cut, but might take a trip to Brum if he can help get mine growing again. It sits just below shoulder-length but I'd like it a few inches longer.

[DontForgetTheLightAlesLawrence]

Sorry ThisisShe, I failed to read your post correctly. It sounds to me like your hair is responding to the CG treatment and is probably finding its natural groove as a 3a.

[ZaraW]

Jenni I got mine from a health food store but Amazon sell it as well. I think the leave in conditioner is too heavy for my hair washing it out my curls are not as limp the next day.

[ThisIsShe]

The turban arrived...

I'm not impressed. It's a pain to get on and not accidentally rub your hair, then once it's on it's like a vice around your head - and I don't have a large head! It's definitely not something I'd want to sit about in for half an hour.

Tomorrow I'll try one of DH's tshirts, and failing that it's bag to the dog towel!

[ThisIsShe]

Dont - your first delivery of soft water is on its way!

[Lottapianos]

I use one of DP's old t-shirts. Have a look on YouTube for 'curly hair plopping' - it will show you how to wrap your hair in the t-shirt in a way that maximises curl and minimises frizz. Much better than towels, microfibre or not.

[monsterowl]

Bookmarking ... started CG today after spotting this thread and googling it. So, thanks OP!

[Scarletohello]

I've been going to Matt James in Birmingham since last Niv. He totally transformed my hair! I've written about him before and highly recommend him. He cuts your hair dry, shows you how to dry it and what products to use.

[Scarletohello]

Niv? Nov! :)