Hello there!
I’m Anjana, a Software Engineer who fell in love with my curly hair around 2009. I still remember the days when I would comb and brush my hair over and over again expecting miracles to happen, but my hair forever looked like hay. And now after umpteen experiments with techniques, hair products and methods, my hair hasn’t looked better! I have put together a curly hair routine for beginners that is easy to follow and light on your wallets.
Beautiful curly hair starts with the right Routine and Products. First let’s take a look at the routine. Later in the post, I will give product recommendations.
These are the 7 steps in the Curly Hair Routine for Beginners :
- Washing – Shampoo + Conditioning
- Applying products and scrunching
- Drying – Tee drying + Plopping
- Sleeping with curly hair
- Never brush or comb curly hair once it is dry
- Refreshing 2nd and 3rd day curly hair
- Treatments
1. Washing – Shampoo + Conditioning
Since curly hair is extremely dry, it is best to avoid washing your hair every day. You have to create a schedule that balances off sweat and grime on one hand and hydration on the other. What works best for my hair (with my daily gym visits) is washing every 2 or 3 days. I always wash my hair at night because it dries taking its own sweet time which gives me well defined curls the next morning. Here is the full post – How to wash & condition curly hair
2. Applying products and scrunching
There was a time when I used to come out of the shower after washing & conditioning, tee dry my hair, stand straight and apply styling products(serums, leave ins) to my hair just like that. More than half the hair strands wouldn’t even get the product. Pooh. And the next morning, after my hair was dry, I would apply some more product because my curls didn’t look defined or hydrated. These are 2 bad practices that I stopped once I found out about scrunching. Read all about it here – How to apply products and scrunch curly hair
Summarising the above 2 steps, the order of applying curly hair products is Shampoo -> Conditioner -> Leave in conditioner or Curl Cream -> Gel
3. Drying – Tee drying + Plopping
As most people around me, I also grew up drying my hair with a towel the usual way – rubbing the towel into the hair over and over till I made sure there was no water dripping from my head. After almost 20 years of commiting the mistake of ruining the curl definition and inducing a great amount of frizz, this is how I dry my curly hair – How to dry curly hair
4. Sleeping with curly hair
You followed a perfect curly regimen to define and hydrate and form beautiful looking curls, only to find that it doesn’t look so great on the 2nd or 3rd day after a sleep. Not sleeping properly can crush your curls causing them to look flat and out of definition. During your sleep, your curls are squished and rubbed giving you frizz, fly aways and undefined curls. Here are 4 ways to sleep with curly hair – 4 ways to sleep with curly hair
5. Never brush or comb curly hair once it is dry – Probabaly the biggest step to accept, yet the step that will have the biggest impact
There was a time when I used to brush the life out of my hair. It was also a joy to buy all the fancy brushes in different shapes, sizes and colors *girls*. Having read somewhere that brushing over and over again results in silky straight hair, it was a ‘joy’ I indulged in. And did it help me? Of course not. My hair still looked like hay. Once I learnt the dynamics of curly hair, I realized that this ruined my curls and that one shouldn’t brush or comb curly hair – Why you shouldn’t brush or comb curly hair
Here is a video of my curly hair routine.
6. Refreshing 2nd and 3rd day curly hair
Wash night is my favourite night with respect to curly hair care. My curls look bouncy and full of life the next morning. Oh how I wished they stayed that way for more than just a day! Since it is not possible to wash your hair every single day, we need to look at ways to refresh curly hair on the 2nd or even the 3rd day. Refreshing curly hair means getting back the bounce in them. Read the full post – 3 ways to refresh curly hair
7. Treatments
I do a protein treatment whenever I feel my hair needs it with gelatin. You can find out if your hair damaged and in need of proteins here. I also do deep conditioning treatments often – Deep Conditioning Curly Hair
Now that the curly hair routine is understood, let’s take a look at what products you can use for the above steps.
Curly Hair Product Recommendations for Beginners –
Here are the products you can start with. The kit has 1 conditioner, 1 cream and 1 gel recommendation for each curl type. Easy! – Beginner friendly products : Curly Hair Starter Kit
If you all this confuses you and you need one on one coaching, please check this Curl Consultation 1:1
Some more posts for reading :
- Frequently asked curly hair questions – Curly Hair FAQ
- If you have chemically straightened your hair or if you use heat straightening rods, go through these
How to transition from chemically straightened hair to your natural curly hair
Heat damage in curly hair - You can also read through 14 mistakes you might be making in your curly hair routine.
- Read about the beautiful transformations of many beautiful curlies after following the blog – Readers’ Diary
You can read about my curly hair journey here – My curly hair journey
Feel free to comment on the posts or contact me for any doubts. Fall in love with curly hair! Have a fabulous curly hair journey 🙂
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Hi! I am Anjana and I fell in love with my curly hair after years of hating it. YOU can too!
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Blog Comments
sandhya
September 7, 2017 at 1:50 pm
Hi Anjana, it is by chance I stumbled upon your website a few days back and I must thank you for all the compliments I’ve been getting ever since. After all these years of plaiting my hair, for once I’ve dared to leave it open and they look and feel beautiful! Thank you!! 😀
Anjana
September 7, 2017 at 2:34 pm
So great to hear that Sandhya! Please so submit a Readers’Diary 🙂 Would love to see it!
Keerthi Iyer
July 21, 2020 at 10:07 am
Hi Anjana, I can’t seem to comment on any of your posts apart from well, replying to them. Recently after I trimmed my hair the section behind doesn’t clump together anymore like the locks in the middle and in the front. I’ve 2b/2c curls and the curls that hang from the lowest section in the back don’t clump and hold much definition making them look idk, weird and funny and that layer stands out and I mustn’t forget to mention, it’s shorter than before.
How do you think I should go about this? Also if it’s of no hassle to you, I’m sadly not on any social media. If you’d want a picture I could email it to you, but this is fine as well. 🙂
Anjana
July 21, 2020 at 6:21 pm
Check this Keerthi https://www.curlsandbeautydiary.com/curly-haircut-shock-adapting-new-haircut/
Preethi George
September 29, 2020 at 12:09 am
Hi Anjana. I have extremely thick curly hair which was very hard to manage. So I moved to a really short crew cut. Your blog’s now inspire me to grow my hair out again with hope that I will be manage it better. But the growing out phase is very difficult. I look like Marge simpson. Do you have any recommendations or styles that can help me? I have ordered cg products recommended in your blogs. Hope that will help me
Anjana
September 29, 2020 at 7:55 pm
Hi Preethi, scarves and large hairbands may help
Shai
October 25, 2017 at 11:17 am
Hello Anjana,
I have frizzy curls. My front hair is short since I had fringes before and hence I don’t know how to style my hair entirely. Please help with some expert opinion. Also how does a lotion and gel helps? Can I not use lotion gel and use only shampoo, conditioner and a curl cream?
Anjana
October 25, 2017 at 12:14 pm
Hey Shai, have you gone through this post? If so start following the routine and you will see a difference soon! Yes you can use a curl cream instead of a lotion. Gel helps hold curls for long.
Shai
October 29, 2017 at 1:59 pm
Thanks Anjana. Do you follow the same routine for your hair on the crown as well ?
Anjana
October 29, 2017 at 7:31 pm
Yes! You can also check this https://www.curlsandbeautydiary.com/7-ways-to-make-your-crown-area-frizz-free-tackle-baby-hair/
Dipti das
October 29, 2017 at 5:02 pm
My curls don’t clump nicely. They are very much separated and messy. How can I solve this problem?
Abhinita Das
November 18, 2017 at 12:26 pm
I have been absolutely loving reading your blogs. Has been such a great experience for me. 🙂
http://the-beauty-journal.com/best-homemade-hair-mask-for-dry-dull-and-frizzy-hair.html
Anjana
November 19, 2017 at 8:44 pm
So great to hear that!
anusha smiley
August 28, 2019 at 3:32 pm
Hi anjana..iam using envilen conditioner,bblunt cream and bblunt gel ohh… My hair becoming dry next day after head bath..it is fine when i put cream and gell after head bath..next day it is dry
Anjana
August 28, 2019 at 4:37 pm
Check this https://www.curlsandbeautydiary.com/16-mistakes-might-making-curly-hair-routine/
Riya
November 19, 2017 at 7:02 pm
I have followed so many ways to keep my hair curly the way they are in the shower…but somehow i am never able to pull it off.. sometimes because of the stupid weather (hot and humid!!!) And sometimes because my hair just go loose…to the weird bushy hair! Please help me out!!!!
Anjana
November 19, 2017 at 8:47 pm
Hey Riya..Have you gone through the routine and products? Have you started with the changes?
Dil
December 7, 2017 at 11:25 pm
Hey anjana.. I have been following your blog recently.. I could relate to it very much and as of now it is the only blog which i feel like trusting☺️..
My doubt is that is scrunching the only method to apply the products? I feel scrunching makes my hair more curly.. Coz, i think my hair is a 2c.. That is more of enhanced waves.. Not that curly.. And i want my hair that way itself..can u please help?
Anjana
December 8, 2017 at 10:31 am
Heyy .. yes scrunching enhances curls. Try raking instead – using fingers to run through the hair while applying products
Dil
December 8, 2017 at 3:16 pm
Thanks a lot anjana☺️
Prerna
December 9, 2017 at 2:49 pm
Hi one of the best information about how to maintain curls I have 3a 3b type of curls can u suggest me leave on cream and hair spray to keep them in form for party
Anjana
December 11, 2017 at 10:17 am
Most hair sprays you get here are alcohol laden – I would avoid them. Gels are great to hold hair in place! Do you have a gel in your regular routine?
Prerna
December 17, 2017 at 7:20 pm
No I just use L’oreal hair spa oil for regular use but can you please suggest some curl defining product to be only used for parties
Anjana
December 19, 2017 at 10:05 am
Buy a gel – https://www.curlsandbeautydiary.com/list-silicone-free-hair-styling-productsin-india/
Priya Khurana
December 29, 2017 at 10:47 pm
I can’t tell you how glad I’m after watching myraid videos, I finally found something soothing and satisfactory though I didn’t find you much active on YouTube.
Could you please help how to maintain 2nd or 3rd day curls?
Anjana
December 30, 2017 at 2:24 pm
I have a post Priya – 4 ways to refresh curly hair
Bonnie
January 2, 2018 at 3:01 pm
Deva Curl is by far the best one out there! They have something call no poo shampoo with zero lather or if you want a little lather it is called Low poo, they’re also have an awesome conditioner,that smells so good,and a wonderful hair gel that is applied into your hair while your hair is soaking wet in the shower,then follow it by one of their amazing microfiber towels,it has forever changed my hair and the way I look at it,and most of all myself and the way I now LOVE MY CURLS I would recommend devacurl to anyone that has curly hair!!! it may be a little on the spending side, but it lasts forever and the change it makes in curly hair is Priceless and is worth every penny..PS they also have some cool accessories like a neat lime green hand that you can put on your blow dryer to help defuse and dry it’s so much better than the old style diffusers that we have all used on the end if our hair dryers on our curly hair. Just a suggestion find a hair salon that carries it and buy a small trial size and give it a try!!! I guarantee ones you make the switch you won’t go back, you’ll love it and you will love your new curls promise!!!
Bonnie
January 2, 2018 at 3:05 pm
Deva Curl is by far the best one out there They have something call no poo shampoo with zero lather or if you want a little lather it is called Low poo, they’re also have an awesome conditioner,that smells so good,and a wonderful hair gel that is applied into your hair while your hair is soaking wet in the shower,then follow it by one of their amazing microfiber towels,it has forever changed my hair and the way I look at it,and most of all myself and the way I now LOVE MY CURLS I would recommend devacurl to anyone that has curly hair!!! it may be a little on the spending side, but it lasts forever and the change it makes in curly hair is Priceless and is worth every penny..PS they also have some cool accessories like a neat lime green hand that you can put on your blow dryer to help defuse and dry it’s so much better than the old style diffusers that we’ve all use in the pass.LOVE THIS STUFF!!!💗💗💗💥✂🆒💯💯💯
Anjana
January 2, 2018 at 3:27 pm
Devacurl is one of my favourite brands too 🙂 I love almost all the products that I’ve tried from their line!
Christy
January 18, 2018 at 8:51 am
Hi I have wavy and curly parts of my black hair I am half pacific islander and latin. I appreciate your website because it is like a rescue to my hair woes for 42 years, thanks.
Christy
Anjana
January 23, 2018 at 11:44 am
So glad to hear that Christy 🙂
gautami
January 23, 2018 at 11:25 am
Hi I have just come across the different methods to maintain curly hair and I have lived with frizzy hair all my life. I am so new to all these so I don’t know where to start, what to buy etc. I know that you need to moisturize and use a leave in conditioner but that’s about it. I need your help!
Anjana
January 23, 2018 at 11:54 am
This post is where you should start! Go through the linked posts
Sunny
February 26, 2018 at 11:51 pm
I’m actually hopeful right now about being able to embrace my curls! Every year and a half or so I get motivated to try to learn to manage my hair again. But because I have a combination of 2c and 3b curls, I’ve always just been able to brush them out after I inevitably get frustrated. So excited about there being a desi curly blogger! Having someone with hair similar to my own is a huge help. The Australian blonde woman could be great at giving advice for her type of curls, but didn’t help for my level of frizz. Very excited to have stumbled upon this blog! Keep up the good work.
Anjana
February 27, 2018 at 10:22 am
I am so glad to hear that Sunny !
Tanessa
May 26, 2018 at 11:08 pm
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!! This is by far the best information I have ever been given on how to maintain my curly hair! I am so grateful to have come across your blog. Your hair routine just turned my frizzy flat hair into beautiful bouncy full curls! I am 32 years old and this is the first time in my life my hair looks amazing. Thank you again you are truly a blessing!
Anjana
May 28, 2018 at 10:18 am
I am so glad to hear that Tanessa!
Nishma
June 27, 2018 at 2:07 pm
Hi anjana i hope you doing good and i am happy to see you and your lovely hairs on post i have a fizzy hairs with dandruff actually after head bath for 1st days no dandruff but 2nd day dandruff starts so please find ma a solution.
Thankyou
Anjana
June 27, 2018 at 5:42 pm
Flaky Scalp – Dandruff, dry scalp or products? + Remedies
Nishma
June 28, 2018 at 12:24 am
Can i use wow anti dandruff shampoo??
Anjana
June 28, 2018 at 2:39 pm
Yes
Nishma
August 10, 2018 at 8:16 am
Hi this is Nishma I used ginger anti dandruff shampoo twice it’s making my hair even more dry and full of hair fall
Anjana
August 10, 2018 at 3:31 pm
Ok then try some other shampoo – https://www.curlsandbeautydiary.com/list-sulphate-free-shampoos-india/
kiesha
June 27, 2018 at 11:32 pm
do you have any recommendation on which conditioner I could use in my curly hair extensions? At the moment am using shea moisture but I want to try something different. I also love your blogs, they are very informative.. keep up the good work.
Anjana
June 28, 2018 at 2:39 pm
I love Devacurl One Condition
mithra
July 26, 2018 at 7:10 pm
How to maintain and increase hair volume…how to refresh my 2nd day curls without making it frizzy
Anjana
July 29, 2018 at 12:37 am
Volume as in visual volume or number of hair strands? How do you refresh now?
Charanya
July 30, 2018 at 11:59 pm
Hi,
The info in this blog is too good.
I have a combination of straight and wavy hair. Can i use the cantu curl activator cream? Will my hair get back to its original texture after a hair wash after 2-3 days (i want it to get back to its original texture)
Anjana
July 31, 2018 at 1:36 pm
Original texture meaning?
charanya
July 31, 2018 at 7:32 pm
like how it was before using the activator cream wavy n straight
Anjana
August 1, 2018 at 12:26 pm
This routine will not alter your hair’s chemical composition. It will only bring the best of what YOUR hair is
Nayana
August 1, 2018 at 9:30 am
Hello, this is a.bit different , if you could help me , I will be grateful. My hair is straight and it is thin on the top of the head. Any possible solution to grow hair with more volume and thickness
Anjana
August 1, 2018 at 12:35 pm
You can check the oil blend in this post https://www.curlsandbeautydiary.com/hairfall-causes-remedies/
Anitha
August 4, 2018 at 7:31 pm
Hi Anjana,
I missed the thread where I asked you about everyday wash ..
I wash my hair everyday just with pain water and I shampoo either 2 or 3 times per week only.
So if that’s the case what can be done ?
Anjana
August 6, 2018 at 3:27 pm
What can be done about what Anitha?
Anitha
August 6, 2018 at 6:41 pm
Sorry I mean the wash 😅
..
In my earlier comment (the thread which I forgot) I asked when do we have to follow this routine and you replied only on wash days ..
But I take head bath everyday (with plain water)
Shampooing only 2 times per week ..
So for everyday hair wash (with plain water)
How should I follow ? Do I have to condition or apply gel to keep my waves/curl intact?
Anjana
August 7, 2018 at 3:10 pm
You can condition and apply some gel
Sushmitha
August 6, 2018 at 8:21 pm
I need a shampoo for my wavy nd frizzy hair nd not fr curly hair
Anjana
August 7, 2018 at 3:11 pm
https://www.curlsandbeautydiary.com/wavy-hair-routine-different-curly-hair-routine/
Anmary
August 7, 2018 at 7:52 pm
Hi Anjana,
I am new to the curly hair routine. The main issue I face is, how to manage curls while wearing a helmet on a daily basis? It flattens my hair and also increases the frizz.
Anjana
August 8, 2018 at 2:20 pm
Try plopping your hair into a scarf, then wear the helmet
Anmary
August 8, 2018 at 2:23 pm
Will try that. Thank you.
Divya prithika
August 13, 2018 at 9:08 pm
Hi Anjana ! Thank you for the care first of all.. coz spreading goodness is care.. and you do that with ur curls.. I am prithika , mom of 1 1/2yr old.. I really have no clue on my hairtype.. its curly (2b I beleive ) post wash and turns wavy post brushin out.. I came across your instagram acct and just fallen in love with you and the way you take care of your curls.. I have just started the CG method.. but still exploring.. I have got a doubt I use Dove shampoo and enliven conditioner..
Can the same be used as leave in cnditioner ? Thank you in advance
Anjana
August 14, 2018 at 6:04 pm
Yes Divya 🙂
Neetu
August 24, 2018 at 1:23 am
Hai Anjana, would be of great help if u could answer few of my queries.
1) I use tressme shampoo and conditioner. Will that help me achieve curly hair?
2) shall I use tressme conditioner as leave in like in your recent vdo?
3) I don’t have much budget to buy an extra curl gel cream but I have a palmers hair silk all day shine as a conditioner.. shall I use that as a leave in?
Kindly reply.. would love to try the cg method.
Anjana
August 24, 2018 at 12:57 pm
You can start with those. But you definitely need a gel. There’s a kit for low budget here – https://www.curlsandbeautydiary.com/beginner-friendly-simple-curly-hair-starter-kit/
Sarah
August 27, 2018 at 4:22 am
I just found this site and it’s everything I didn’t know I needed. I currently use shampoo, conditioner, and gel. Do it sounds like I just need to invest in a leave in and some coconut oil. On co wash days, when I just use my conditioner, would I still use the leave in before the gel?!
Anjana
August 27, 2018 at 2:41 pm
A leave in is a good idea if your hair is really dry.
Yes, if your hair is dry.
samiksha
September 17, 2018 at 10:36 pm
hey anjana which oil should i use ?(suggest brand as well )i have dandruff ,dry hair and hair loss as well.
Anjana
September 19, 2018 at 5:03 pm
Check the oil in this – https://www.curlsandbeautydiary.com/hairfall-causes-remedies/
Ishleen
October 30, 2018 at 1:43 pm
Hey, I’ve been doing cg method for about a month. On washdays my hair are pretty decent. But from the next day on they’re dry and frizzy and curls start loosing definition. What should I do on days other than washdays.
Also, my hair are super thick so i like to keep them in a braid most of the time. Is that okay?
Anjana
October 30, 2018 at 2:19 pm
https://www.curlsandbeautydiary.com/3-ways-refresh-curly-hair/
Braiding destroys curl definition
Jesse
December 22, 2018 at 8:21 pm
Hi Anjana,
Just stumbled onto your site because I was searching for something (or someone) to rescue my shoulder length curly hair. Eureka! Found you. Just spent the entire afternoon marathon reading. Thank you for such useful information. Life saver for me. And apologies for a long post.
I have extremely dry, frizzy curly hair (2C/3A) and an oily, sensitive scalp (that is prone to bumps and itchy sometimes). I currently use Biotique Bio Kelp shampoo with Jovees Argan Oil conditioner/Matrix Biolage Ultra Hydrating conditioner and L’Oreal Liss Unlimited Evening Primrose Oil/Matrix Biolage Smoothproof Serum. I do sometimes use Flaxseed gel when I get the chance (read not feeling lazy) or aloe vera gel.
My problem is that while my hair is soft to touch on wash day, it feels very dry and frizzy after a few hours. I am also having excessive hair fall, and my hair breaks a lot, sometimes just seems to fall off for no apparent reason. When I run my hand through a strand of hair, it seems brittle, uneven textured (alternating successively between thick and thin structure), almost like tiny little beads and has lost its coarseness which I had in childhood.
Can you pretty please give me some suggestions for shampoo, conditioner, leave in, serum and gels? Thank you in advance for any help.
Anjana
December 24, 2018 at 4:15 pm
Hi Jesse, that uneven texture does sound like coarse hair. Check this post https://www.curlsandbeautydiary.com/beginner-friendly-simple-curly-hair-starter-kit/
And for hair fall https://www.curlsandbeautydiary.com/hairfall-causes-remedies/
Jesse
December 25, 2018 at 2:15 pm
Thanks Anjana. Will try your hair oil.
Have you tried the much hyped onion oil? If so, review please.
Have placed an order for cantu curl activator cream? Schwarzkopf marathon gel I could not find, so thinking about enliven gel.
Fingers crossed that this works for me.
Anjana
December 25, 2018 at 6:45 pm
No I haven’t tried onion oil
Sriranjani
December 23, 2018 at 12:43 pm
HI anjana,
I am struggling with dry and frizzy curly hair. I am new to this routine.
The area in which i live has hard water, ie water with heavy iron content, i tried taking bath in mineral water but on some days its not possible. Is there a way by which i can save my water from the harsh chemicals of water ?
PS : we treat the water and soften it, but its still hard.
Anjana
December 24, 2018 at 4:17 pm
How is the water hard inspite of treating? Maybe check for a better solution then?
There are some chelating shampoos mentioned here – https://www.curlsandbeautydiary.com/clarifying-curly-hair-what-when-and-how/
sriranjani
December 25, 2018 at 12:45 am
The ground water has heavy iron content, hence it is still hard even after water treatment!!
I will check them out 🙂 thanks
also i just have another question , as i had mentioned earlier i am just starting the curly hair routine. I purchased the enliven conditioner and the cantu curl activator. Should i purchase the gel as well ? and should i leave the enliven conditioner as my leave-in conditioner ?
Kindly let me know. I am all excited to see how my hair will transform.
You are amazing ! cheers 🙂
Anjana
December 25, 2018 at 6:44 pm
Yes and yes 🙂
Aakriti Sharma
January 9, 2019 at 7:22 pm
Hey, thankyou for this post. I am starting my curly hair journey. But I am a student and can’t really afford all the products. (leave in, hair cream, hair gel or any curl enhancer)
What would you suggest along with a shampoo and conditioner?
It would be of great help 🙂
Anjana
January 10, 2019 at 4:17 pm
There’s a budget kit – https://www.curlsandbeautydiary.com/beginner-friendly-simple-curly-hair-starter-kit/
Rachana
January 29, 2019 at 11:12 pm
Hey….so i have gone through your blog and decided to start CG regime.So i am using a sulphate free shampoo WOW shampoo so can you please suggest me a silicone free conditioner? And also a cream and gel
All Under 1500
Anjana
January 30, 2019 at 1:55 pm
Please check the beginner kit linked in the post
Annie
March 9, 2019 at 10:48 pm
Hi ! Anjana.My curls are really really *dry*.These are the products that I use
1.shampoo-rustic art aloevera
2.l’oreal Paris smooth intense conditioner
3.cantu Shea butter curl activator
4.devacurl ultradefine gel
What more should I do get *moisturized* shiny curls .and i follow every method ie scrunching ,squish to condish,raking… that u hve said.
Anjana
March 12, 2019 at 2:17 pm
Check this Annie https://www.curlsandbeautydiary.com/16-mistakes-might-making-curly-hair-routine/
Annie
March 12, 2019 at 4:52 pm
Tnq Anjana but then sorry I amn’t doing any of those mistake that u hve mentined in that post.I am very careful and gentle with my hair while washing.I spend nearly 1 and half hour 😞in washing,detangling,Nd styling my hair .My curls are pretty good only that it is very dry. is there any other mistake that I could be doing to get moistured shiny curls ?
Anjana
March 13, 2019 at 2:25 pm
Please send me some pics of your hair on Instagram Annie
Heta
March 13, 2019 at 10:18 am
Hey I don’t have shine in my curls !!what to do?also my half hair are curl n other half is straight but without any definition,dry ,frizzy.at shud I do?pls suggest
Anjana
March 13, 2019 at 2:31 pm
This post is exactly for that, have you started the routine? Also have you read the transition post?
Varsha Ramesh
March 10, 2019 at 8:29 am
Hi Anjana. You look absolutely stunning!!! I have been straightening my hair for the past 9 years and you r inspiring me to go back to my curls!! What is worrying is my transitioning phase!! Am sure it will take at least 2 years to grow out my hair.. So 2 questions –
1. Shld I start the CG routine now itself?
2. Is it a good idea to perm the straightened portion of my hair, so that it will look even and I will not b damaging my new growth too
Anjana
March 12, 2019 at 2:18 pm
1) Would be good
2) NO!
Check this Varsha https://www.curlsandbeautydiary.com/how-to-transition-from-chemically-straightened-hair-to-your-natural-curly-hair/
Aysha
March 14, 2019 at 10:11 am
Heyy
My dermat prescribed me Retino-A and glyco6 for my acne and scars
He asked me to mix them together and apply , I read everywhere that you should not be mixing these two
What’s your suggestion on how can I include both these to my routine ?
Anjana
March 14, 2019 at 3:26 pm
Best to talk this through with your dermatologist
Aysha
March 25, 2019 at 10:13 am
Are you still using retin-A?
If yes , do you use sunscreen when you are home all day?
Anjana
March 26, 2019 at 2:23 pm
I no longer use retin A Aysha
Amrit
April 28, 2019 at 12:12 pm
hi, i love your blog . my refreshed hair looks better than my wash day hair . on wash day there are alot of flyaways . could you please help me
Anjana
April 29, 2019 at 1:51 pm
Hi Amrit, there are many curlies for whom this is true. That is just the nature of your hair. Also you could try what you do on refresh days on wash days as well.
Silvia
May 9, 2019 at 3:43 am
Hi Anjana!
Just wanted to say thanks! Ever since I incorporated some of your techniques into my routine my hair has gotten so much better! I still have a long way to go but I’ve been getting lots of compliments lately so I feel very motivated to continue. Please don’t stop making posts about curly hair 🙂
Karuna
May 16, 2019 at 2:16 am
Read your story and saw so much products but m confuse now what to buy I hve 2c type hair , and so frizzy , which product I have to buy please suggest me. I read all story too , from 2dyas m just searching product from story n end up with what to buy .
Anjana
May 16, 2019 at 3:23 pm
https://www.curlsandbeautydiary.com/beginner-friendly-simple-curly-hair-starter-kit/
ARPITA
June 15, 2019 at 4:37 pm
I also have curly hair and really struggled a lot. Your article is really very helpful for me. love reading this.
Komal
July 22, 2019 at 5:50 pm
Hey Anjana,
I have already started my curly hair journey as per your guidance & now i am in love with my curls. Feeling very happy to tell you that some random girls are asking me about my curly routine and i am happily recommending them my favorite http://www.curlsandbeautydiary.com website. Thank you so much Anjana for your guidance. lots of love.
Also need your help as i am still going through heavy hair fall and suffering from dandruff. I have tried different shampoos for the same but no result. please help me with it.
Anjana
July 23, 2019 at 1:39 pm
I am so glad to hear that Komal!
https://www.curlsandbeautydiary.com/hairfall-causes-remedies/
https://www.curlsandbeautydiary.com/flaky-scalp-dandruff-dry-scalp-products-remedies/
Sneh
August 11, 2019 at 1:35 am
Hi Anjana,
I have premature grey hair and I have been using Heena since I was 15 (I am in my late twenties now), It made my hair more dry and freezy also my dermatologist asked me to stop using it. Could you suggest some CG friendly hair color products that are available in India.
Thanks,
Sneh
Anjana
August 12, 2019 at 2:27 pm
There are no such products unfortunately – https://www.curlsandbeautydiary.com/colouring-curly-hair-treat-damage/
Chanchal
August 11, 2019 at 3:26 pm
Hii first of all thank u so much for replying me.. my hair became so thin bcos once I permanent straightened them and i continually used heat tools then i saw your instagram page I tried the same method u suggest but i have hairfall.i visit a doctor who suggests me to use minoxidil 2x but i’M afraid to use this with styling products plus i was not continuous in the curly hair method also can u plz suggest me some products snd plz tell me what to do?
Anjana
August 12, 2019 at 2:31 pm
This post is for starters like you Chancal. Follow the method and product recommendations in this post
Chanchal
August 13, 2019 at 11:02 am
Thank u😊
Haritha Andal Vinjamuri
August 27, 2019 at 9:05 pm
Hi Anjana,
I found this blog recently and I’m so thankful to have!
After researching about the CG routine, I bought shampoo, conditioner, curl cream, curl custard and a leave-in,.
I have a big event coming up in 2 days. I am looking forward to maintaining my hair for three consecutive days. Can I please get your suggestions on how do I follow the routine for 3 days? Like which products to use the three days and if you got any other suggestions.
Thanks
-Haritha
Anjana
August 28, 2019 at 1:36 pm
If you want your hair to be well defined for all 3 days, I’d suggest doing the routine (wash and style) on all days 🙂
MANISHA DHIMAN
August 28, 2019 at 2:50 pm
Hi Anjana its manisha here ! I just have a simple query to ask you! When i wash my hair they become so rough and frizzy and my hair growth just stopped. Can u Please recommend some tips for hair growth and to remove roughness ?
Anjana
August 28, 2019 at 4:36 pm
Have you started with the routine and products mentioned in this post?
MANISHA DHIMAN
August 28, 2019 at 6:28 pm
yes Anjana i started with the routine and the products mentioned “:) Can we use any serum after washing the hair ?
Anjana
August 29, 2019 at 1:36 pm
Serum is not necessary – the routine and products should help with frizz and dryness
MANISHA DHIMAN
August 30, 2019 at 1:15 pm
Thanku so much Anjana 🙂
Pu
November 27, 2019 at 2:02 pm
Which shampoo and conditioner would you recommend in Netherlands to buy for 2c/3a hair type. Mainly have problems with frizziness and dryness.
Anjana
November 27, 2019 at 2:52 pm
Jessicurl Gentle Lather Shampoo and Andrelon Kokos Boost conditioner
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Pulkit Kaushal
November 30, 2019 at 12:37 pm
Hello Ma’am, I used to apply curd, honey and coconut oil hair mask. It did work great for me for two years. I used to apply the mask once a week.
Now, it isn’t as effective and I’m experiencing hair thinning problems. Please guide.
Anjana
December 2, 2019 at 2:54 pm
https://www.curlsandbeautydiary.com/hairfall-causes-remedies/
Alecia
December 1, 2019 at 3:22 am
Hey guys, I don’t know whether I should do the big chop or slowly start Chopping? I had dreads then I took them out and I killed my curls by flat ironing my hair again. My hair is super thick so now all my new growth is curly but all my ends are frizzy and dry no matter how many treatments I put in.
Anjana
December 2, 2019 at 2:54 pm
Hi Alecia, maybe this would help – https://www.curlsandbeautydiary.com/how-to-transition-from-chemically-straightened-hair-to-your-natural-curly-hair/
Sangeetha
January 5, 2020 at 4:51 pm
Hi Anjana,
I have been reading your articles and changing the routine for my 6 year old who has 3a curls. I have stopped combing her hair except while applying conditioner, have changed her pillow cover to a silk one, have been using some of the recommended conditioners, have been using the application methods as per your video and have switched to a T shirts to dry her hair. With these extra efforts and some pep talks, she has started appreciating her hair better (Yeh! even at this age she used to say, “Amma, I wish I had straight hair like my friends'”), but it is not quite there yet. It becomes either dry or greasy on the first day of wash itself. I am not sure where I am going wrong. Any pointers?
Anjana
January 6, 2020 at 3:08 pm
I am so glad to read that Sangeetha 🙂 What products do you use on her? and how much quantity?
Sangeetha
January 7, 2020 at 8:29 pm
Anjana, Right now I am using Biotique Shampoo, Best Life Conditioner couple coin sizes and Cantu a couple coin size. She has dense shoulder length hair.
Anjana
January 8, 2020 at 6:02 pm
I just re-read your earlier comment and you mention both dry and greasy. Dry is if you are not using enough product or not using hydrating products. Greasy is if you are using too much product or using oily products. Since you see both, I’d say experiment with quantities.
Sasmita
January 9, 2020 at 8:19 pm
Hi Anjana,
How to maintain the curls for 2 3days.. the day when i shampoo and apply the cream curls are very smooth but they very next day it becomes dry.. what is the solution for that.
Anjana
January 10, 2020 at 6:00 pm
Check this Sasmita https://www.curlsandbeautydiary.com/3-ways-refresh-curly-hair/
chhaya nebhnani
January 27, 2020 at 9:31 pm
Hey dear. Have been following you since a long time and trying the techniques.
My prob is, whenever i style them ( pulsing, roping and scrunching) side to side and upside down, but my back middle hair never get the curls as much as my front hair. What could be going wrong?
Anjana
January 28, 2020 at 3:10 pm
Hi Chhaya, it could be because of multiple hair patterns. It’s not mandatory that all of your curls have only 1 pattern. There can be a mix of waves and curls and spirals. Embrace them all 🙂
Aswathy
March 18, 2020 at 10:01 pm
Hi,
I really need your help. My hair strands form knots on themselves. I mean single strands most often form knots on it and breaks off. Lately, I have been noticing an increase in amount of hair loss. My hair looks dry no matter whatever oil I try. Please help me get a solution for this. I find your blogs really helpful. I am a curly haired girl with not much voluminous hair. Please please help me.
Anjana
March 20, 2020 at 4:53 pm
Hi Aswathy, single strand knots are difficult to prevent. Try deep conditioning and keeping hair as moisturised as possible.
Oils don’t give moisture. The routine and products mentioned in this post will help with hydration.
https://www.curlsandbeautydiary.com/hairfall-causes-remedies/
Anna
April 13, 2020 at 1:50 pm
You have such a great hair!
Anupriya
April 16, 2020 at 11:29 am
Hi Anjana,
My hair is falling much…my routine is as below.. oil with coconut and castor oil mix. Shampoo – dheedhi
Conditioner – requil murmuru or matrix biolage.. off late am using only matrix due to lock down. Requil got over..
Styling – cantu curl cream and home made flax seed gel. Hair type seems to be 2c 3a
Is there anything which I have to chnage here.. my hair is looking life less
Anjana
April 16, 2020 at 6:53 pm
Check this Anu – https://www.curlsandbeautydiary.com/hairfall-causes-remedies/
Kartika
May 24, 2020 at 7:44 am
Hi. Can you please suggest a haircut to avoid pyramid hair? I have long type 2c curly hair. But my hair looks like a pyramid.
Anjana
May 25, 2020 at 2:49 pm
https://www.curlsandbeautydiary.com/haircuts-for-curly-hair/
Diparati
May 26, 2020 at 4:24 pm
Hi. I am just starting out. I have a few questions. When do we need to use a cg shampoo, a clarifying shampoo and a co Wash? I am really confused on this.
And do I need to put my hair in a bonnet immediately after it dries?
My curls just get separated and hair becomes frizzy just after I do sotc. Why does this happen?
Anjana
May 26, 2020 at 5:21 pm
Hi Dipa
1) CG shampoo and cowash can be used interchangeably for regular washing. Some people don’t cowash at all. Some people only cowash. While others do them interchangeably. You can choose whatever you like 🙂 Clarifying shampoo is used to remove product buildup once in a while. Read more here https://www.curlsandbeautydiary.com/clarifying-curly-hair-what-when-and-how/
2) Bonnet is required while sleeping only, not all the time.
3) Check point 21 – https://www.curlsandbeautydiary.com/curly-hair-faq/
Diparati
May 26, 2020 at 6:28 pm
Thank you so much. I will keep these things in mind.😬
Aishwarya Awari
May 29, 2020 at 3:17 pm
Hi Anjana
I’m 23 yrs old and I have damaged curly hairs. Their growth have been nearly stopped or if they grow some inch they got splitted ends. I have done may medical treatments for growth too.
Recently I knew about CGM. Do this will help in solving length retention problem ?
Anjana
May 29, 2020 at 5:49 pm
Hi Aishwarya, CG method is more for the health of the hair than the scalp. But some people notice improved growth after going CG, but this is not guaranteed.
Aishwarya Awari
May 29, 2020 at 6:35 pm
So, what are other cures for it ? Please share if you know .
And thanks for your valuable reply 😊
Anjana
May 29, 2020 at 8:17 pm
https://www.curlsandbeautydiary.com/7-ways-to-grow-healthy-hair/
Drishya
June 9, 2020 at 4:06 pm
Hi Anjana, I came across your blog recently and this really made me so happy. I never thought someone with natural curly hair can also make it look so amazing. Now I’m on my Curly girl method following yours. Had just 4 or 5 washes in this routine. I often use Shampoos,(very very rare) but when I do, i use Wow ACV shampoo. And I use Wow conditioner on everyr wash along with Cantu curl activator cream , last little of home made flaxseed gel. To dry, i do plopping, and let it air dry. On wash day my curls are good. But as they dry out, its frizzy much. After that, day 1, 2, and 3 the frizz increases. I refresh with water and non sticky hair oil since I’ve nowhere to go out. How can i reduce this frizz?
Archie
June 15, 2020 at 9:18 am
Hey Anjana,
Recently started the curly hair routine, and it’s working, i wanted to ask you how to incorporate oiling my hair into the routine. Earlier i used to put coconut oil with lemon twice a week and wash it off. Can i still do that? As in put the oil, wash it off and then apply the products?
Anjana
June 16, 2020 at 4:22 pm
Yes you can do that Archie – https://www.curlsandbeautydiary.com/oils-and-curly-hair-benefits-types-and-ways-to-apply/
Ankita
August 5, 2020 at 4:37 pm
Hi Anjana, I have recently started the curly hair routine and wanted to understand is it ok to skip the gel and leave-in and only apply on days when I need a clear definition and style – would it give me the same result as against applying regularly ?
Anjana
August 6, 2020 at 4:14 pm
Yes, that’s how I do it too 🙂
Roopa
September 28, 2020 at 10:31 am
Hi Anjana,
i have been following the CG routine from 1 month using CurlUp products(shampoo, conditioner,cream). curls feels soft for few hours after washing but after that my hair becomes very very rough(kind of hard) and frizzy . i never felt this before using CG method. could you please help me how to enhance my curls.
Anjana
September 28, 2020 at 3:08 pm
Hi Roopa, do you mean your curls feel soft a few hours after washing & drying?
Roopa
September 28, 2020 at 10:38 pm
Yes after having hairwash for few hours curls would be soft. after that hair become so rough and frizzyyy . i am air drying my curls, not using any dryer.
Sinu Padmanabhan
October 3, 2020 at 2:18 pm
Hi Anjana,
I am from Kerala too, settled in Bangalore. I think have hair similar to what you had before, but it is coarse and seems more wavy than curly. I wanted to start the curly hair journey and your blog seemed really helpful. I have never used gel or hair lotion before and am concerned about the gel due to the different reviews- what do you suggest i start with devacurl or kinky curly curling custard. I am currently in Kerala given the corona situation (keep traveling between tvm and cochin) – so pls advise based on your knowledge of humidity.
Thank you
Anjana
October 5, 2020 at 6:34 pm
Hi Sinu, I prefer these 2 gels in Kerala –
https://www.curlsandbeautydiary.com/arata-hair-products-review-shampoo-conditioner-hair-gel-hair-cream/
https://www.curlsandbeautydiary.com/loreal-homme-strong-hold-gel-6-review/
Sinu
October 5, 2020 at 6:49 pm
Thank you. Will keep you informed how my hair changes. Let me try and give the straw stack ( as my mother calls it) another chance
Neeharika
February 1, 2021 at 12:37 am
Hi Anjana,
I’m going on a holiday to Kerala for 4 days from Hyderabad so I thought I’ll wash my hair before the day of travelling so that I don’t have to wash hair after going there. My question is should I use hair gel after applying leave in conditioner because in one of your posts I saw that gel shouldn’t be used in humidity areas.
Could you please clarify this in detail? because I want my hair to look good in pictures 😀
Vihaan
February 23, 2021 at 3:17 pm
Your blog helped me get back my shiny and bouncy curl back, i used to never oil my hair before, but after reading your blog i got myself truhair oil which comes with a heater, after using it for a month i started seeing difference. thanks to you and truhair oil, for helping me getting back my shiny hair.
Anjana
February 23, 2021 at 11:13 pm
I am glad, Vihaan
Mahathi Sharma
May 16, 2021 at 6:29 pm
Hey Anjana!
This is Mahathi from Hyderabad, I have a curly hair , and there is a small doubt which I thought of asking you (sorry for that). I have recently looked into your blog and started following a few tips, So when I take a head bath I stopped applying shampoo specially to my hair apart from my scalp, but because of that the oil applied on the hairs doesn’t seem to be gone.
Any insights on this please ?
Thank you😁
Anjana
May 17, 2021 at 10:33 am
Hi Mahathi, either use only so much oil such that you don’t need to apply more shampoo on the length of the hair, or use shampoo on the length of your hair on the days that you apply oil.
Sneha S
June 7, 2021 at 7:57 pm
Hey, I have been struggling with hair loss for a while, and have very thin hair now. But I tend to feel my hair has a naturally curly shape, but I have never treated it that way.
Do you think switching to CG Method would reduce this hairfall issue? Or should I try to make a switch to CG only after resolving my hair fall problem?
Anjana
June 8, 2021 at 10:10 am
Hi Sneha, CG is more of an external approach to make hair look good whereas hairfall is an internal issue – https://www.curlsandbeautydiary.com/hairfall-causes-remedies/
You can switch to CG while working on the hairfall issue
Anshu
November 3, 2021 at 7:56 pm
Hi Anjana. I live in Bangalore and I’m on my WG journey since 4 months. Its so sad that I’m unable to achieve even a slightest of definition. I have very fine, extremely light weight, low density hair. Since my WG journey, my hair has become very soft, less crown frizz and noticeably reduced static problems. Overall, my routine of shampoo + silicone free conditioner + STC + Leave in has worked perfectly. Clumps are good. But there is absolutely no definition or shrinkage after applying gel. I tried several gels like setwet ultimate hold(Yukk greasy), DIY FSG (was not successful in getting correct consistency) and FMC gelly. Plopped for 30 mins and diffused carefully. However, my hair dries out to be cotton candy and all my 2 hours effort goes waste. And no, its not weighing down my hair. Its just that all the clumps open up so quickly and it turns into lion’s mane. Please help.
Anjana
November 12, 2021 at 5:02 pm
Anshu, check this – https://curlsandbeautydiary.com/curly-hair-faq/
Nikitha Acharya
June 13, 2022 at 3:28 pm
Have been following CG method since 3-4 years……I started following curly girl method inspired by your posts and blog……I use enliven conditioner and use home made flax seed gel… my hair is wavy curly…..it worked for close to a couple of years and now the curls don’t hold up even for a few hours after wash day…. Anything that I m Missing in my routine or changes to be made?Also do u suggest any organic and homemade shampoos and styling products?
Anjana
June 16, 2022 at 3:29 pm
Nikitha, you could try switching up your products. Also try clarifying and doing a protein treatment.
https://www.curlsandbeautydiary.com/herbal-natural-organic-products-good-claim/
Bethany
June 1, 2023 at 10:42 am
Thank you for sharing your wealth of information! I’ve learned so much from your website I’ve never heard before.
What curl type/category do you most fit in?
Anjana
June 2, 2023 at 2:31 pm
Thanks so much, Bethany! My hair is 2c
GOPIKA
June 21, 2023 at 11:31 am
Hy Anjana,
I recently permed my hair at a salon, and after perming, my curls are not in defined curls. I guess this happened because, at the time of styling, they didn’t define my hair with fingers or brush. Where my hair doesn’t have coiled curls now. What should I do? I just did the perming 2 days back. When I consulted with the salon, they asked me to moisturize. But, after perming it was supposed to be in curls. Please advise
Anjana
June 22, 2023 at 1:40 pm
Why did you get a perm if you have naturally curly hair? Perm alters the hair structure very similar to straightening. You will have to wait for the permed hair to grow out and cut it off.
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