The Curly Girl Method (CGM) has become a game-changer for those embracing their natural texture, but it’s often tailored toward tight curls and coils.
For wavy-haired individuals, following the method without adjustments can sometimes lead to weighed-down strands or inconsistent results.
The good news? With a few tweaks, you can adapt CGM to enhance your waves and keep them bouncy, defined, and frizz-free.
Step 1: Choose the right cleanser
While CGM typically avoids sulfates, wavy hair can benefit from occasional light cleansing to prevent product buildup. Opt for a sulfate-free shampoo or a gentle low-poo cleanser once or twice a week, and co-wash (conditioner-only wash) in between if your hair tends to dry out.
Step 2: Lighten up on conditioner
Thicker creams can overwhelm finer wavy strands. Instead, choose a lightweight, silicone-free conditioner and focus application from the mid-lengths to the ends. Rinse thoroughly to avoid residue that could flatten your waves.
Step 3: Style with a gentle touch
For definition, apply a lightweight curl cream or gel to soaking-wet hair using the “praying hands” method, then scrunch upward to encourage your natural wave pattern. Avoid heavy butters and oils that can pull your waves down.
Step 4: Perfect the drying process
Air-drying is CGM-friendly, but for wavies, diffusing on a low-heat, low-speed setting can add volume and enhance texture. To minimize frizz, avoid touching your hair until it’s at least 80% dry.
Step 5: Refresh between washes
Instead of re-wetting your entire head, lightly mist your hair with water mixed with a small amount of leave-in conditioner to revive limp waves. Scrunch gently and let them air-dry for a natural refresh.
Step 6: Adjust to your hair’s needs
Wavy hair often needs a bit more flexibility than CGM purists recommend. If your hair feels weighed down, try clarifying once a month. If it feels dry, add a light protein treatment to strengthen strands.
By tailoring the Curly Girl Method to suit your wavy hair, you can enjoy the method’s frizz control and definition without losing the airy movement that makes waves so effortlessly beautiful. The key is balance, less product, lighter moisture, and a method that works with your texture, not against it.
