Routines that work
for your actual hair.
The Curly Girl Method is a starting point, not a rulebook. Build a routine that fits your curl type, porosity, and lifestyle.
The Foundation
LOC vs LCO Method
The single most important concept for textured hair moisture retention.
Wavy (Type 2) Routine
Pre-poo
OptionalOptional: apply lightweight oil to dry hair 30 min before washing.
Clarify
Sulphate-free shampoo. Wavy hair is prone to buildup from silicones and heavy products.
Condition
Slip-based conditioner for 3–5 minutes. Rake through with fingers or wide-tooth comb.
Apply products
On soaking wet hair: lightweight leave-in + curl mousse or gel. Scrunch in, don't rake.
Dry
Diffuse on low/medium, or air dry. Plop with microfibre towel for 10 mins to reduce frizz.
Scrunch out the crunch
Once dry, scrunch to break the cast and release soft waves.
Between Wash Days
Mist with water + leave-in spray. Scrunch. Let air dry or diffuse briefly.
🌙 Night Routine
Pineapple (loose high bun) or satin bonnet. Avoid cotton pillowcase.
Not sure about your type?
Take the free Curl Match quiz →
Curly (Type 3) Routine
Pre-poo
OptionalOil or conditioner pre-poo for 20–30 min to detangle and protect.
Cleanse
Sulphate-free shampoo or co-wash. Massage scalp, not lengths.
Deep condition
Protein-moisture balanced deep conditioner under heat for 20–30 min.
Detangle
Wide-tooth comb or fingers through conditioner. Start from ends, work up.
Apply stylers
Section by section: leave-in → curl cream → gel. Rake through each section.
Dry
Diffuse or air dry. Avoid touching until completely dry.
Between Wash Days
Mix water + leave-in in a spray bottle. Spritz and scrunch curls back to life.
🌙 Night Routine
Pineapple or loose twists. Satin bonnet or satin pillowcase mandatory.
Not sure about your type?
Take the free Curl Match quiz →
Coily (Type 4) Routine
Pre-poo
Penetrating oil (coconut, olive) or conditioner on dry hair for 30–60 min. Essential, not optional.
Detangle
Detangle while pre-poo is in, in sections, from ends to root.
Cleanse
Co-wash or sulphate-free shampoo. Never rub — squeeze cleanser through in sections.
Deep condition
Heavy moisture or protein-moisture balance DC under heat for 30+ minutes.
Moisturise (LOC)
LOC or LCO method section by section while hair is damp. Don't skip the seal step.
Style & protect
Twist out, braid out, wash-and-go with gel, or protective style (braids, twists, locs).
Between Wash Days
Remoisturise with water + leave-in. Seal with light oil. Finger coil or shake to revive.
🌙 Night Routine
Satin bonnet or satin/silk pillowcase. Pineapple for wash-and-go's. Retwist before bed for twist-outs.
Not sure about your type?
Take the free Curl Match quiz →
Climate Matters
Your routine changes
with the seasons.
Summer / Humid
- ✦Anti-humectants as top layer to prevent frizz
- ✦Lighter products to avoid wilt
- ✦ACV rinse for shine
- ✦Protective styles for extended wear
Winter / Dry
- ✦Extra sealant step in LOC method
- ✦Protective styles to prevent breakage
- ✦Increase deep conditioning frequency
- ✦Glycerin products in low-humidity winter air
Tropical Climate
- ✦LOC method essential — humidity will disrupt moisture balance
- ✦Castor oil as sealant holds up in heat
- ✦Avoid glycerin in very high humidity
- ✦Refresh daily with light water mist