Imagine someone asking you on the metro or the street randomly with awe-
Is your curly hair natural?
Imagine feeling so confident in yourself, skipping the blow dryer and flat iron & rocking your natural hair at the next party you go to. Watching everyone’s heads turn & ask you what you have done to your hair to make it so go healthy and shiny. Standing apart from all those cookie-cutter women with straight, flat hair.
This can be you, and only by following a few simple tricks and hacks. If you’re a beginner, you NEED to read this post. I promise it will change your world, your hair & how you accept yourself.
Table of Contents
This Post is for you if-
- You have always had a love-hate relationship with your natural waves and curls.
- You think you have ‘frizzy’ hair, and not wavy and curly hair.
- You don’t feel confident in your natural hair & end up using the flat iron to straighten every day or for important functions.
- You are ready to start your curly hair journey but don’t know where to start.
- You have read many posts and seen video tutorials but are still confused. Information overload!
- You don’t know what products to buy first.
- You can’t afford to buy expensive products all at once to start your natural hair journey
- You think the right shampoo will stop frizz & hair fall.
- You don’t have support from your parents yet to buy different products for your hair (if you’re in school)
- You are tired of spending on Keratin, smoothening treatments that have made your hair damaged and lose so much hair.
I want you to start with the following steps – which have transformed my hair from dry, frizzy, rough hair to bouncy, defined curls. Remember to read through FIRST before thinking – I can’t do this. You CAN & i’ll help you if you have more questions. Don’t worry!
PS: If you currently have chemically treated hair (keratin, smoothening) I also suggest your read this post:
Transitioning from chemically treated hair to curly hair
Too lazy to read? Check out my video below:
Curly Hair Tips For Beginners
1. Stop combing curly hair when it’s dry
This is a one way ticket to FRIZZ! Wavy and curly hair is naturally dry and grow in groups or clumps. When you separate the strands forcefully in it’s dry state, the clumps get separated & make your crown and hair very frizzy!
2. Use a gentle shampoo, preferably sulphate free
Shampoos have ingredients that are as harsh as detergents & strip natural hair of their moisture. To avoid more dryness, shampoo only your scalp and dilute it with some water in a mug before you apply.
However, I would recommend that you choose a shampoo without sulphates to protect your hair from more dryness. Remember that shampoos are NOT the most important product for you. That’s the conditioner’s job.
3. You MUST use a Conditioner & Leave in Conditioner
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bd12v2nF5Q2/I can’t STRESS how important this is. These two products will TRANSFORM your wavy and curly hair. A conditioner will help in providing moisture to your dry hair, soften frizz and make it so easy for you to detangle your hair in the shower! A leave in conditioner, that you apply once you’re done showering will keep your hair hydrated and defined until you wash it the next time.
If you have chosen a shampoo without sulphates, you need to make sure your conditioner and leave in conditioner do not have silicones in them. If you spot dimethicone, amodimethicone in the ingredient list, don’t use it on your hair as it will cause build-up. The only way they can be removed is by using a sulphate shampoo. Can you spot the cycle?
Read this to understand more on other ingredients to avoid: CG Friendly Method
Ps- If you are starting a CG Friendly routine, remember to do a last shampoo with Pantene Lively Clean to remove build-up of previous hair products.
4. Comb After Conditioner & Leave in Conditioner
- In the shower, saturate your hair with a LOT of conditioner. Make sure it has a good ‘slip’ (it should make your hair slippery).
- Use your fingers to comb out the big knots gently and then use a wide-toothed comb. This will ensure the product is distributed throughout the hair uniformly. You will see beautiful curl clumps forming.
- Once done, rinse the conditioner out.
- If you don’t have a separate leave in conditioner, you can choose to leave some of the same conditioner in.
- Have a leave in? Apply it on wet hair once you’re done showering.
- Make 2-3 sections of your hair and apply the product for better application.
- Again use your fingers first, then a comb. I personally prefer the Denman brush. Once you’re done combing, take a t shirt and scrunch up your hair in the way I’ve shown below.
5.Use styling products (Curl Cream, Gel) for more definition & bounce
After applying your leave-in conditioner, you should ideally follow up with a curl cream and a gel. This will seal your hair strands so that they don’t lose shape too soon. This also reduces frizz on day 2,3 of not washing your hair.
If you have wavy hair, using only a leave in conditioner will also work.
In my product recommendations below, I have included the link to Cantu Curl Activator, my favourite curl cream and a DIY recipe for a gel that works amazingly on wavy & curly hair so don’t miss that!
Watch the video below to see how I style my curly hair.
6. Avoid Heat
Imagine frying dry bread. It’s going to get even drier, no? Same thing with curly hair. Avoid heat in all forms, as much as you can. Which means, stop using a blow dryer on heat mode, without a diffuser. Keep aside your straightening iron, curling wand, yes, even for the bangs. I’m not saying never temporarily straighten your hair again – that’s your call. But it’s essential to avoid it in the beginning of your curly hair journey.
7. Deep condition your hair once a week
What’s the difference between a conditioner and deep conditioner, you ask? A deep conditioner, also called ‘Hair Mask’, ‘Deep Treatment’ or even ‘Hair Spa’ is like a conditioner on steroids (figuratively speaking). It’s stronger and more intense. Applying this to your hair once a week will drastically reduce frizz and dryness over time. It will also make your hair shiny. I have a easy video tutorial below on how to deep condition your hair!
And you can choose/switch between store bought deep conditioners or make them at home! I have included a recommended list of products some paras below so definitely check that out.
8. Switch from a towel to a t-shirt
Using a normal towel will make your natural hair frizzy. Instead use a special, microfiber towel or a basic, plain tshirt! Use it to wrap your hair when you leave the shower and when you’re scrunching up after applying your products outside the shower.
9. Protect your curls when you sleep
When you toss your head around while sleeping, you may mess up the definition and cause more frizz. Instead, watch my video below to see how I make my curls last longer by protecting them by ‘pineappling’.
10. Refresh your curls in the morning
I usually wash my hair twice a week only. Between those wash days, to revive my curls I simply spray my hair with a mix of some water and conditioner. Please watch the video below to see how I do it.
Product Recommendations For Beginners
- Choose any of these from each category to build a basic routine. I have included mostly CG Friendly products. Those that are not have (NOT CG FRIENDLY) written against them.
- Shampoo For Curly Hair: Wow Organics Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo, Himalaya Baby Shampoo, Suchi Shampoo, Inatur Monoi Oil Shampoo
- Conditioners For Curly Hair: Loreal Smooth Intense Conditioner, Matrix Biolage Hydrasource Masque, Mamaearth Argan Oil Mask, Suchi Conditioners, OGX Conditioners (NOT CG FRIENDLY)
- Leave in Conditioner: As I Am leave in conditioner, Loreal Smooth Intense Conditioner, Kinky Curly Knot Today, Garnier Smooth Intense (NOT CG FRIENDLY)
- Deep Conditioner: Matrix Biolage Hydrasource Masque, Mamaearth masque or try DIY hair masks
- Curl Cream: B Blunt Curl Cream (NOT CG FRIENDLY), Cantu Curl Activator
- Gel: DIY Flaxseed Gel, Taft Gel, Set Wet Gel (Blue), Ecostyler Gel
Benefits of Taking Care of Your Natural Hair
- Bye Bye Dry Hair & Frizz
- Hello healthy, shiny hair
- Growing your hair faster
- No more split ends
- Keeping your hair open without stress
- Feeling confident in yourself
- No more wasting hours everyday straightening hair
- Break the cycle – teach your kids to love their hair instead of passing the hate to another generation
- No more treatments- Saving money AND time. Win Win!
Don’t let these stop you
But Pallavi, my mom doesn’t want me to use a conditioner, she says it will cause hair fall.
Explain to her that if you use a good quality conditioner, it will actually make your healthier & softer. This will in time reduce hairfall.
I can’t spend so much, my parents won’t let me and I’m still in school.
That’s okay! Buy products that can multitask! Start with any shampoo that I’ve recommended and use either Loreal smooth intense conditioner or matrix biolage hydrasource masque as your conditioner, leave in conditioner AND deep conditioner! For a gel, make DIY Flaxseed gel at home. It’s easy and super cheap.
It sounds like too much effort.
More than spending hours everyday straightening it? Hating it? It may sound long & tedious but it hardly takes more than 25-30 mins to wash and style my hair. You’ll get used to it!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BgqH-mpDRG7/You won’t always have great hair days & that’s okay. Your hair is only a part of you. Don’t let that get bigger than yourself.
And frizz? A little bit will ALWAYS be there. I have it too. Make it a friend you’re okay chilling with. 😉
If you have any more questions, DM me on my Instagram (@thecuriousjalebi) or drop me an email at pallavijuneja92@gmail.com!
Don’t forget to check out more Youtube Tutorials & subscribe to become part of The Curious Jalebi family. 🙂
48 Comments
Sakshi Sherpa Shahi
atHi Pallavi! Thank you so much for such enlightening blog and videos.
I have thin and fine curly hair, less in hair strand thickness as well as my overall hair density. Can you suggest the steps to follow for my hair type? Or if you have any article on fine/ thin curly hair routine?
Thanks much 🙂
Sakshi
Pallavi Juneja
atHi Sakshi! I do! Please check this-
1. https://thecuriousjalebi.com/2019/01/23/tips-wavy-hair-care-bloggers/
2. https://thecuriousjalebi.com/2019/01/21/how-to-start-cg-method-on-wavy-hair/
Sakshi Sherpa Shahi
atThank you 😊
Rashu
atHey first shampoo ,conditioner, then leave in and detangle…at least gel
..when do we plop ?
Thanks in advance …gonna start my cgm after hating my hairs for years now
Pallavi Juneja
atLightly oil and detangle
Shampoo
Rinse
Conditioner (generously)
Finger detangle and comb
Rinse
Smooth on leave in or curl cream (IF your hair type is more curly than wavy)
Comb
Apply Gel
Plop for 10-15 mins
Air dry/diffuse
SOTC (Srunch out the cast with some light oil to make curls soft)
Hope this helps!
Muskan salmani
atHey pallavi,
My hair type is curly A but from scalp it is straight it gets curly from middle. What does it mean? And why this happens?
Pallavi Juneja
atJust your hair type its normal. See this- https://thecuriousjalebi.com/2018/07/12/types-curly-hair-wavy-hair/
Sufiya Sheikh
atHey hi Pallavi, you’re doing a great job.
Keep it going!! I was someone who would iron my hair almost everyday but this pandemic made me realise that I should enhance my curls but I am struggling what to do & which produces to use & I have even coloured my hair a month back. My hair are extremely dry, frizzy & damaged. Please suggest me something
Pallavi Juneja
atHi Sufiya, thank you. If you’ve been ironing your hair daily- I think your hair would have a lot of heat damage.Usually in such cases, products are not able to bring back the health and moisture. I think start with the tips mentioned in this very post and see the result. If it doesn’t change at all, it could be required that you slowly cut off the very heat damaged sections of the hair and groom your new natural curls without heat or straightening. All the best!
Pooja
atHey Pallavi.. thanks for all the efforts you’ve been taking for all the curly girls out there..
I’m a Mom of 2 lovely kids and facing dry frizzy curly hair issues lately..
Saw your video but confused with the products.
Can you just recommend 1 product I buy each for shampooing, conditioning, leave in and deep conditioning. Or exactly what products you use. It’ll be easier for be just to buy them without a second thought.
Thanks again 😊
Pallavi Juneja
atSo the problem with that is –
1. Your hair type might not be like mine, it can be more wavy or more curly.
2. I keep changing products. There are many that work well, techniques matter a lot more.
Since you’re a beginner, I’m going to list the basics you can start with.
1. Clarifying Shampoo – https://amzn.to/30KOZJI
2. Conditioner – https://amzn.to/31Brvpt
3. Leave in Conditioner – https://amzn.to/3kFawvg
4. Gel- https://amzn.to/3aaPTCc
Also, request you to find out your hair type here- https://thecuriousjalebi.com/2018/07/12/types-curly-hair-wavy-hair/
And experiment with technique until you find what gives great results for your hair.
Arshdeep kaur Anand
atCan we use ustraa hair cream as curl cream?
Pallavi Juneja
atAbsolutely! Not a personal fav of mine but many curly peeps love it
Manisha
atHello Pallavi,
I am wavy + curly hair.
I have chemically treated my hair but it has become really frizzy and totally out of shape.
Its a real pain to comb my hair..comb wont pass through !!!
I m thinking of trying CG method to get healthy hair but unable to finalize any product. Could you please help. I am neither on insta nor on FB so how to reach you?
Regards
Manisha
Pallavi Juneja
athey Manisha! You can mail me at pallavijuneja92@gmail.com Please also read this post for transitioning from chemically treated hair- https://thecuriousjalebi.com/2017/02/22/how-to-get-back-your-curls-after-chemical-straightening-heat-damage/
Vidhi Jadeja
atHi Pallavi.. Since last 2 months m following cg method.. Currently I am using Palmer’s shampoo/Palmer’s Co wash.. Enliven conditioner.. Palmer’s leave in conditioner
spray and loreal gel….. Palmer’s product are sulfate perabene and silicon free….
Wash day is perfact but 2nd day my hair becomes frizzy and dry.. Why this happens??
And m I using correct products?? Pls guide
😊
Thanks
Vidhi
Pallavi Juneja
atDM or email me your hair pictures for reference! With styling routine
Arpitha
atHi .. my hair is naturally very curly but I did not maintain it .. so it’s very very frizzy. Sometimes I feel it is never going to be ok. After taking headbath it’s really a mess. I did not maintain at all. Can u please suggest a routine. Like how many times I should take head bath in a week (I am a working mom) . What products should I use as a beginner (no diy, I don’t have time) how long should I be waiting to see the results. Please help my curls to be saved !!!
Pallavi Juneja
atHey Arpitha! If you could DM me your hair pictures on FB or on Instagram, I can help suggest better products. But anyway, if your hair is very curly, please follow the tips mentioned in the blog post. Get a CG Friendly shampoo, conditioner, leave in conditioner and gel. Don’t comb curls dry but after only applying conditioner inside the shower and after a leave in conditioner outside the shower.
Swati Vijaya
atWhat’s a good diffuser to use if I am just starting the CG routine?
Pallavi Juneja
atYou can select from here, honestly it depends on your budget, no difference as such for beginners or expert – https://www.amazon.in/shop/thecuriousjalebi?listId=2VVA4Z279KOSB
Rikhia
atHi Pallavi,
At first, thank you so much for this post. Your blog is a life changer. But there is one thing I want to clarify. Actually I travel by bus everyday and my hair gets greesy and tangled so much that I can’t but use comb after returning home every day. As a result my hair gets frizzy and I have to wash it again in the next day. Now my question to you is, is it harmful to wash your hair everyday when you’re following cg method?
Thank you in advance for replying. Xoxo!
Pallavi Juneja
atWell, not really but you are removing your scalps natural oils too often if you do it daily. Instead, wrap your hair (tie into a loose bun or pony tail) in a satin scarf so its protected!
Pragya
atWhich hair dryers can be used that have cold air setting and not so much on the pricy side.
Pallavi Juneja
atCheck this! – https://www.amazon.in/shop/thecuriousjalebi?listId=2VVA4Z279KOSB
Ipshita Banerjee
atHey Pallavi ,
I have extremely curly hair. You did advise a routine for CG friendly hair, I have begun the regime. Just wanted your advise if I must must a hair gel as well, since my curls are vwey tight and natural.
Pallavi Juneja
atHi ipshita,
Yes, if your hair is very tight and curly already, you can go for a light hold, curl enhancing gel like DIY Flaxseed gel or Arata Hair Gel! Use a leave in conditioner/hair cream + hair gel to style. Arata is a good choice to start with if you’re worried about spending too much in the beginning. You can also use my code on their website CURIOUSARATA to get 15% OFF on orders equal or above Rs.999!
Rashmina
atI’m suffering from huge hair fall problem. And also flaky scalp problem after every time I shampoo. I only recently discovered the CGM and wish to start with it right away but I’m scared of using too many products on my hair because of my hair fall.
I’ve experienced drastic increase in hair fall when I use conditioner.
I’m confused where to start… please help!
Pallavi Juneja
atHi Rashmina, have you consulted a doctor for your hair fall?
Lakshmi
atHai pallavi,
I did my hair rebounding last Sunday. But I don’t like my hair full straight I just want my natural hair back. What can I do for that, is it possible to get back my hair or not?? If I do some home remedies means when it will be completely get my rebound hair also natural hair … please tell some tips to get back my hair. What kind of shampoo and conditioner I can use ???
Pallavi Juneja
atHi Lakshmi, I’m sorry to say but that hair is now chemically changed- it won’t go back to your natural curls. It will get dry and frizzy and soon develop a weird shape. It is best to cut if off and start afresh. I also got this done by mistake and regretted it after it started to look strange. You can see my transitioning process here- https://thecuriousjalebi.com/2017/02/22/how-to-get-back-your-curls-after-chemical-straightening-heat-damage/
RESITHA S
atHi Pallavi,
I have had dandruff problems earlier. It has reduced a lot after I started using tea tree oil along with my normal shampoo not completely though. So will using conditioner/ leave-in conditioner bring back the dandruff?
Regards,
Resitha
Pallavi Juneja
atNo, just make sure you COMPLETELY rinse out the conditioner and when applying the leave in conditioner, you do not apply it to your scalp! Keep your scalp clean! 🙂
RESITHA S
atThank you Pallavi☺
Deekshita
atHello Pallavi Ma’am,
I am a 17 years old curly haired girl. I actually didn’t bother much about my hair till i reached 10th grade. I had got it temporarily straightened for my farewell just to experiment and luckily my curls weren’t damaged much. My mom asked me not to straighten it further but the impulsive and silly me went ahead and got my hair temporarily straightened again for 3 times in a year. After this, the incessant hair fall began and the volume of my hair fell drastically. However, I believed my hair would recover soon and as I was infatuated with Tresemme, I started using their hair products. I never saw any results though…on the other hand my hair had become limp and stopped growing at all. I went on experimenting with different shampoos and conditioners hoping that my hair’s condition would improve but they all failed to do so. Finally, my mom asked me to use Himalaya’s Gentle Daily Care Protein shampoo and conditioner. After doing so for about 5 months, my hair finally started growing a little. I was happy but there were many split ends in my hair so I went to the salon and they cut all my damaged hair. My hair has growm eventually but I miss the old texture and volume of my curls. They were of 3A/3B type but now they are all loose in the middle and the ringlets only appear at the bottom. I really want your help. Can you please suggest me the steps I should follow to have healthy hair again?
Regards,
Deekshita
Pallavi Juneja
atHi Deekshita! I’m glad your damaged hair is cut off, now healthy, happy hair can grow. I went through the same thing when I got temp straightening done. Lost a lot of hair. I have written my tips on how to get curls back in this post, please do check it out! :https://thecuriousjalebi.com/2017/02/22/how-to-get-back-your-curls-after-chemical-straightening-heat-damage/
This should help you figure out your next step. please also feel free to DM me your hair pictures on my Instagram @thecuriousjalebi – I can give better, personalised recommendations then
Transitioning From Chemically Straightened Hair to Curly Hair - The Curious Jalebi
at[…] Check out my post for beginners – Curly Hair Tips For Beginners […]
Meera
atHey Pallavi,
This is Meera and i am well on my way taking baby steps to a healthier hair routine. My cantu cream is working wonders for my hair, however, because of frizz the curl definition doesn’t last for long. I am contemplating whether a gel would solve the problem but at the same time i am also worried if a regular use of gels would damage my hair. Please advise😁
Pallavi Juneja
atHi Meera, any gel without alcohol or silicones won’t damage your hair. Infact you can make hair gel at home with flaxseeds. Just look it up on Youtube!
swetha
atdoes curly co diffusser fits in braun satin hair series?
Pallavi Juneja
atCan’t say Swetha! Please check diameters of both before getting!
Shivani Priyam Kumar
atHey Pallavi.
After such a long, long period of trial and error have I discovered a way to care for my curls thanks to you and Anjana from Curls and Beauty diary. I have always loved my curly hair, but since everyone around me flaunted their staright, glossy locks I knew not what to do with mine. So naturally I did what they did. Combing out the tangles when dry, not using enough conditioner and (gasps!) using everything that had sulphate and silicones because why not.
I was introduced to Lorraine Massey’s CG method but was hardly able to pull out products that would suit the method. Frustrated I gave up only to find you guys. These days I am taking baby steps in order to care for my hair. I use the no-poo method for cleaning my build up which is basically baking soda and warm water. And if I have oil treatment them any shampoo diluted with water. And for conditioner I use the L’Oreal Smooth Intense conditioner and round it off with an oil-in-cream from Garnier.
While I am happy that my curls are transitioning and I know I need to be patient; I can’t help but want my curl pattern to tighten up. I was browsing through my childhood pictures and found my curls use to be 3A. But now they have loosened to 2C/3A, predominantly the latter. I wanted to ask how to tighten them back? Also I do suffer from frizz, minor, but frizz. How to control that? Add to it I work out every day for two to two and half hours and it is not a happy sight for my hair. How do I help my hair could back to its original texture and avoid the fizz? I really need help on this one.
Regards Shivani.
Shivani Priyam Kumar
atTrust the keyboard to add certain glitch to the comment. My hair was a good type 3B which is now loose. I want my old pattern back. So help please. 🙂
Pallavi Juneja
atHaha no worries! Send me your hair pictures if you like on Instagram if that will help.
Pallavi Juneja
atHi Shivani!
Glad to see you’re being patient and motivated in your curly hair journey! Is the Oil in Cream CG friendly though? I think it will have silicones, please check.You should exchange it with a nice leave in conditioner instead which won’t weigh down your curls. The loose curls you are talking about, is that new curly hair or damaged hair from chemical treatments? If it is old hair that was under treatment, that won’t go back to your old texture. Best to slowly grow out new curly hair and take care of that well and chop off the damaged parts. It will be worth it in the end. Also, you can use an alcohol free gel like Taft, Set Wet (Blue) to decrease frizz. Please also deep condition once a week!
Shivani Priyam Kumar
atI have never chemically treated my hair, and I have never had it straightened either. It was always me combing it and combing it and combing it some more. Thanks to all the years of abuse my hair has turned fine in structure and loose in texture.
About sending you a picture on Instagram, would it be okay if I told you I have no account there. 😅
Riana Ann
atHello Pallavi,
I’m a curly haired lady and only recently have I begun to embrace curly hair in all its splendour . I use Dove products on my hair – I have noticed considerably less frizz but find that my hair gets way too dry by the second day or the third . I wash my hair every 3 days only . The shampoo I use is Dove nourishing oil care . I condition with the same series of conditioner . After that , I use Dove intense repair all day repair cream. This cream is what works wonders the moment I am out of the shower . Hair is springy , glossy and curls are defined , I detangle my hair while conditioning . So I don’t comb my hair once I’m out of the shower .After an hour , my hair starts poofinh up and the curls frizz up , losing definition and shininess also. Hair tangles and I do find a lot of knots too.I sometimes use Dove serum at the ends of my hair . But I find it’s a temporary solution and quite depressing . What do you suggest I can do ? I don’t use any hair styling techniques or tools . Neither do I color my hair or do anything on it . Please let me know how I can manage my curls better . Also, I work out almost everyday and have to admit , am lazy to wash it . What can I do about that ?Do help me out .
Regards,
Riana
Pallavi Juneja
atHi Riana, I suggest you stop using Dove if you still have dryness, especially the cream. Instead use As I Am Leave in Conditioner or Cantu Curl Activator. For extra frizz you can try eco styler gel. Pls note that you need to comb after the conditioner as well. Don’t use a serum, it causes breakage over time.
Clarify once with pantene lively clean then shift to wow acv shampoo or any sulphate free shampoo. Conditioner, you can try loreal smooth intense or matrix biolage. Are you deep conditioning every month? Please DM me your hair pictures on Instagram (@thecuriousjalebi) or email me at pallavijuneja92@gmail.com so I can see your hair structure. I also hope you are deep conditioning every week?