The main principles of the Curly Girl Method include:

Avoiding Harsh Ingredients: The method encourages the avoidance of sulfates, which are common in many shampoos and can be drying to curly hair. It also suggests avoiding silicones and other potentially damaging chemicals.

Avoiding Heat Styling: Heat styling tools like flat irons and curling irons can cause damage to curly hair. The Curly Girl Method encourages air drying or using gentle heat-diffusing attachments on hair dryers.

Using Co-Wash or Sulfate-Free Shampoos: Co-washing involves washing the hair with a conditioner instead of a traditional shampoo. Sulfate-free shampoos are also recommended to avoid stripping natural oils from the hair.

Avoiding Towel Drying: Traditional towels can cause frizz and disrupt the curl pattern. Instead, the Curly Girl Method suggests using a microfiber towel or an old t-shirt to blot excess water.

Using a Wide-Toothed Comb or Fingers for Detangling: Combing curly hair when it’s wet and loaded with conditioner helps prevent breakage.

Applying Products While Hair is Wet: Applying styling products (like gels, mousses, and creams) when the hair is wet helps lock in moisture and define the curls.

Plopping or Diffusing: Plopping involves wrapping wet hair in a cloth or t-shirt to help enhance curls, while diffusing is a method of using a diffuser attachment on a hair dryer to gently dry curls without causing frizz.

Avoiding Brushing: Curly hair is more prone to breakage when it’s brushed, so this method suggests avoiding brushes and using fingers or a wide-toothed comb for detangling.

Refreshing Curls: The Curly Girl Method encourages refreshing curls between washes by misting with water and applying a small amount of product.