The Curly Girl Method
Transform your curls with the revolutionary CGM approach. Say goodbye to frizz, hello to defined, healthy curls with 100% vegan, sulfate-free, silicone-free Skala products.
What is the Curly Girl Method?
The Curly Girl Method (CGM) is a hair care approach developed by hairstylist Lorraine Massey that revolutionizes how we treat naturally textured hair. Instead of fighting your natural curl pattern, CGM works with it by eliminating harsh ingredients that strip moisture and damage curls.
Since its introduction in 2001, millions of people with wavy, curly, and coily hair (types 2A-4C) have discovered their true curl potential by following this method. The results? Defined, bouncy, frizz-free curls that look healthy and feel amazing.
All Skala products are CGM-approved, making us the perfect choice for your curly hair journey. We’ve been formulating Brazilian vegan hair care since 1986, long before CGM became mainstream.
Core CGM Principles
- No harsh sulfates that strip natural oils
- No silicones that build up and prevent moisture
- No drying alcohols that dehydrate curls
- No heat styling or mechanical damage
- Emphasis on moisture and hydration
- Gentle cleansing and conditioning
- Styling with curl-friendly techniques
CGM Rules: What to Avoid & What’s Approved
Understanding which ingredients help and which hurt your curls is the foundation of the Curly Girl Method
Avoid: Sulfates
Harsh sulfates are aggressive detergents that strip your hair of natural oils, leaving curls dry, frizzy, and damaged. They’re often found in clarifying shampoos and cheap products.
Common Sulfates to Avoid:
- • Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
- • Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)
- • Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- • Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
Good news: All Skala shampoos are sulfate-free!
Approved: Gentle Cleansers
CGM-approved cleansers gently remove dirt and buildup without stripping natural oils. They create a creamy lather instead of harsh foam and leave hair feeling clean but not squeaky.
CGM-Friendly Cleansers:
- • Cocamidopropyl Betaine
- • Coco Betaine
- • Decyl Glucoside
- • Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate
All Skala products use only CGM-approved cleansers!
Avoid: Non-Water-Soluble Silicones
Silicones create a coating on hair that initially looks shiny but prevents moisture from penetrating. They build up over time, making hair feel heavy, greasy, and lifeless.
Silicones to Avoid:
- • Dimethicone
- • Amodimethicone
- • Cyclomethicone
- • Any ingredient ending in “-cone” or “-xane”
All Skala products are 100% silicone-free!
Approved: Natural Oils & Butters
Plant-based oils and butters seal moisture into the hair shaft, provide slip for detangling, and create shine without buildup. These are the foundations of healthy, hydrated curls.
CGM-Friendly Moisturizers:
- • Coconut Oil
- • Shea Butter
- • Argan Oil
- • Aloe Vera (check out our Babosa line)
Skala uses rich Brazilian botanicals!
Avoid: Drying Alcohols
Short-chain alcohols evaporate quickly and dry out curls, leading to frizz and breakage. They’re often used in hair sprays and gels for quick drying.
Alcohols to Avoid:
- • Alcohol Denat
- • SD Alcohol 40
- • Isopropyl Alcohol
- • Ethanol
Note: Fatty alcohols like Cetyl/Cetearyl Alcohol are CGM-approved!
Approved: Proteins & Humectants
Proteins strengthen the hair structure, while humectants draw moisture from the air into your curls. The right balance of both creates strong, hydrated, bouncy curls.
CGM-Friendly Ingredients:
- • Hydrolyzed Wheat/Soy Protein
- • Glycerin
- • Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5)
- • Amino Acids
Our Skala Expert line is protein-rich!
The Complete CGM Routine: Step-by-Step
Follow this proven routine to transform your curls from frizzy to fabulous
Final Wash (Reset Wash)
Start your CGM journey with a clarifying wash to remove all silicone buildup. This is the ONLY time you’ll use sulfates. Use a sulfate shampoo to strip away all silicones, waxes, and buildup from your old products.
After this reset wash, you’ll never use sulfates again. This clean slate allows CGM-approved products to work their magic.
Co-Wash or Low-Poo
Choose between co-washing (using conditioner to cleanse) or low-poo (using a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo). Co-washing is more moisturizing but low-poo provides better cleansing for oily scalps or fine hair.
Focus on your scalp, massage gently with fingertips (never nails), and let the product rinse through your lengths. Cleanse 1-3 times per week depending on your hair’s needs.
Condition & Detangle
Apply generous amounts of CGM-approved conditioner from mid-length to ends. Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to gently detangle while the conditioner provides slip. This is the ONLY time you should detangle curly hair.
Squish the conditioner into your hair using the “squish to condish” method: cup sections of hair in your palm and squeeze upward. You’ll hear a squelching sound as water and product penetrate the hair shaft.
Weekly Deep Conditioning Treatment
Once a week, use an intensive deep conditioning mask for 15-30 minutes. For extra penetration, cover with a shower cap and apply gentle heat (sit under a dryer or use a warm towel).
Deep conditioning is NON-NEGOTIABLE for curly hair. It replenishes moisture, repairs damage, and keeps curls healthy and defined.
Apply Leave-In & Styling Products
On soaking wet hair, apply a leave-in conditioner and/or curl cream using the praying hands method (smoothing product between palms over sections of hair) followed by scrunching.
Use the LOC or LCO method: Liquid (leave-in), Oil (seal with oil), Cream (styling cream). Or reverse to LCO for fine hair. The key is layering products while hair is soaking wet.
Air Dry or Diffuse
The golden rule: DON’T TOUCH YOUR HAIR WHILE IT DRIES. Let it air dry completely, or use a diffuser on low heat/low speed. Touching wet curls = frizz.
Once 100% dry, scrunch out the “cast” (the crunchy feeling from styling products) to reveal soft, defined, bouncy curls. This is called SOTC (Scrunch Out The Crunch).
Refresh & Protect Between Washes
On non-wash days, refresh curls with a water spray bottle mixed with a bit of leave-in conditioner. Scrunch gently to reactivate products and revive curl definition.
At night, protect your curls with a silk or satin pillowcase, or use the “pineapple” method: gather hair loosely on top of your head with a silk scrunchie. This prevents friction and maintains curl pattern.
CGM-Approved Skala Products
Every Skala product is formulated for the Curly Girl Method—100% sulfate-free, silicone-free, and vegan
Mais Cachos
Perfect for wavy to curly hair (2A-3C). Lightweight hydration that defines without weighing down. Ideal for CGM beginners!
Learn MoreMais Crespos
For super curly and coily hair (3C-4C). Rich, creamy formulas provide intense moisture for tight curls and maximum definition.
Discover MoreSkala Expert
Professional treatment masks for damaged or chemically-treated hair. Weekly intensive repair for all curl types.
Explore LineBabosa (Aloe Vera)
Ultra-hydrating with pure aloe vera. Perfect for low porosity or protein-sensitive hair. Lightweight moisture boost.
View DetailsMaracujá
Brazilian passion fruit strengthens hair naturally. Rich in vitamins A & C for healthy growth and shine.
Read MoreHair Cream
Multi-purpose styling creams. Use as leave-in, curl definer, or deep mask. Perfect for defining and holding curls.
See CollectionCGM Success Tips
Pro tips to maximize your Curly Girl Method results
Be Patient
CGM takes time! Your hair needs 2-4 weeks to adjust to the new routine. Initial results may not be perfect as your hair detoxes from old products. Stick with it—the transformation is worth it!
Moisture is Key
Curly hair is naturally drier than straight hair. Layer hydrating products, do weekly deep conditioning treatments, and never skip your leave-in conditioner.
Know Your Hair Type
Understanding your curl pattern (2A-4C) and porosity helps you choose the right products and techniques. Not all curls are created equal!
Get Regular Trims
Curly hair is prone to split ends. Get trims every 8-12 weeks to maintain healthy ends and promote better curl definition. Ask for a dry curl-by-curl cut from a curl specialist.
Protect at Night
Sleep on silk or satin pillowcases to reduce friction. Try the “pineapple” method or a silk bonnet to preserve curls overnight and wake up with day-two (or three!) hair.
Build Your Routine
Create a consistent hair care routine and stick to it. Track what works and what doesn’t. CGM is about finding YOUR perfect routine, not following someone else’s exactly.
CGM Frequently Asked Questions
Your top questions about the Curly Girl Method answered
Do I really need to do a final wash with sulfates?
Only if you’ve been using silicones! The final wash removes silicone buildup so CGM products can work effectively. If you haven’t used silicones recently, you can skip this step and start with a CGM-approved sulfate-free shampoo right away.
Can I use Skala products for the Curly Girl Method?
Absolutely! All Skala products are CGM-approved. We’ve been making sulfate-free, silicone-free, 100% vegan formulas since long before CGM became popular. Our Mais Cachos and Mais Crespos lines are specifically designed for textured hair.
How long until I see results from CGM?
Most people see noticeable improvement within 2-4 weeks. However, severely damaged hair or hair transitioning from heavy product buildup may take 2-3 months to fully recover. Be patient and consistent with your routine!
My hair feels weighed down. What should I do?
You might be using products that are too heavy for your hair type. Fine/wavy hair (2A-3A) needs lightweight products like Babosa or Mais Cachos. Also, make sure you’re applying products to soaking wet hair and using less product than you think you need.
Can I color my hair while doing CGM?
Yes, but stick to semi-permanent or demi-permanent colors without ammonia. Avoid bleach when possible as it’s very damaging. After coloring, use intensive protein treatments like Skala Expert to rebuild hair structure.
Do I need to co-wash or can I use low-poo shampoo?
Both are CGM-approved! Co-washing (using conditioner to cleanse) is more moisturizing but may not be enough for oily scalps or fine hair. Low-poo (sulfate-free shampoo) provides better cleansing. Experiment to see what works for your hair type and lifestyle.
Why is my hair still frizzy after starting CGM?
Frizz can happen if hair is damaged, lacks moisture, or needs protein. Make sure you’re doing weekly deep conditioning, using enough leave-in product, and not touching hair while it dries. Also check your porosity—high porosity hair needs extra moisture and protein.
Start Your CGM Journey Today
Shop our complete collection of CGM-approved, 100% vegan products and discover the curls you were meant to have.