If you’re looking to define your natural curls, then this routine is for you!
Caring for curly hair comes with it’s own set of challenges, and Curl, Brow and Style Blogger, Ashlyn Paraskevas, has experienced many of them along her journey.
In this routine Ashlyn talks us through “The Curly Girl Method” and shows us how to maintain your curls and get the most out of your curl definition.
She also shows us some of her favourite products and explains why they benefit her curly hair.
“The Curly Girl Method” was popularised by the hair stylist Lorainne Masey in 2001, although variations of this regimen have existed for a long time.
One of the most difficult aspects of following “The Curly Girl Method” is deciphering ingredient lists, and figuring out which products are most appropriate to use. Unfortunately, a lot of products aren’t made with curly hair in mind.
Some of the principles of “The Curly Girl Method” include “co-washing” (using a conditioner as shampoo), avoiding products with silicones, sulphates and alcohol, as well as heat styling and certain types of combs and brushes.
The focus of “The Curly Girl Method” is to keep hair moisturised, avoid damage and accentuate your curl pattern. Variations of “The Curly Girl Method” can also be applied to kinky, coily and wavy hair too!
This routine is designed to provide you with some hair care options that are silicone and sulphate free! However, feel free to reach out to our Customer Service team if you want to discover more products that will fit into your Curly Girl routine.
This routine starts with Ash’s weekly wash, however she tries to avoid washing her hair with shampoo as much as possible to keep up her hair’s hydration levels. To wash her hair, Ash uses the Aveda Be Curly CoWash. Ash recommends this product for curls in the 2-3 range, and suggests those in the 4 range might need a product that is a bit more nourishing. She uses a large dollop of this product and goes over her hair once with it, lathering it up before rinsing it out. She focuses a lot on massaging it into the scalp to stimulate hair growth and remove product buildup.
To nourish her curly hair, Ash follows up with the Christophe Robin Regenerating Mask. This mask has a thick consistency and deeply nourishes the hair. Using Prickly Pear Seed Oil. Ash takes a large scoop and works it through her hair. She starts at the top part of her hair where she has denser curls, before working it through the rest of her hair. Leave this mask in for 5 minutes.
Once your mask has soaked into the hair comb it through with The Wet Brush Basin Detangling Comb - Black. The brushes don’t cause too much tension on the hair and help to detangle. Ash starts from the root and pulls the brush through the hair a few times before brushing it out completely. She then distributes any of the product pulled out back into the hair. She then rinses out the product.
Ash goes in with the Aveda Rosemary Mint Weightless Conditioner, applying an ample amount of this lightweight conditioner to her hair and combing it through her hair with her hands before rinsing.
LOC is a process that stands for Leave in Conditioner, Oil and Cream. This process really helps to lock the moisture in.
Ash starts with an ample amount of the Aveda Cherry Almond Softening Conditioner, using a raking technique to create definition. You can even twirl individual curls around your finger, which is called a finger coil. Remember to scrunch and separate!
Ash follows up her leave in conditioner with the Aveda Nutriplenish Multi-Use Hair Oil. She takes 4-5 pumps and scrunches it into her hair.
Ash finishes off her routine with the Aveda Be Curly Style Prep, a curl cream that sets everything in place. It has a lightweight, gel like cream that helps you create definition. Ash recommends that you scrunch it into your hair in sections. Make sure your hair is still drenched while you are completing the L.O.C. process. Then you can air dry your hair, or dry it with a diffuser.
Ash encourages you to try using a silk turban or silk pillowcase every night. These items help to reduce damage, breakage, frizz, tangles and dryness. They also help the products you use to stay in your hair, instead of sinking into your pillowcase as you sleep.
Invest in great products suited to your curl pattern. Research which products are Curly Girl Method approved on the community database CurlScan.
Try using sample or travel sized products to see if they work with your curls before investing in the full sized product. It’s about figuring out what is right for you.
Invest in a deep conditioner, this will help you eliminate frizz and keep your hair hydrated and healthy. Make sure when you apply your deep conditioner that your hair is drenched as it will compliment the formula.
Use cold water to wash your hair to avoid dryness and damage.
This routine was transcribed by India Williams.
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