I recently celebrated two years following the curly girl method. My first post on following the curly girl method | one year on, was so popular I decided to do another. If I thought I had an amazing curl transformation in the first year of following the curly girl method, it’s nothing compared to the second year!
Here’s my transformation over the past year, the products I’ve used a long the way, bumps along the road, what’s worked really well for my hair, and what I’ve learned. So if you’re thinking about starting, your at the beginning of your curly journey or just need some inspiration and encouragement to keep going, this post is for you. Don’t give up!
Following the Curly Girl Method | One Year On
Okay so when I ended the last post tracking my journey and transformation after following the curly girl method for one year; I had been finger coiling every wash day for a month. Click here to watch my YouTube video on how I finger coil my curly hair. I do it a little differently to everyone else, it was the only way I could get success with this technique.
13 months – DIY Cut
11 months into my curly journey, I went for the big chop. Read all about that in this post. A couple of months later, I decided to do a DIY cut for shape and volume, LIVE on Instagram! This was hands down the best hair cut I’ve ever had! The boost of confidence and sass I got, as well as the shape and volume, was incredible! Check out this post for some before and after photos, and details on how I did it. Or see this Instagram post for sped-up clips of how I cut my hair during the live.
During this time, I was exclusively using Jessicurl products and my hair was consistently amazing! The only difference in these photos is one week apart and the DIY hair cut. Jessicurl continue to be one of my all-time favourite brands! Read my full review here and get 10% off Jessicurl at Kiyo Beauty.
14 months – Being Exclusive
I switched from all Jessicurl products, to exclusively using all MopTop products, which are available in my Amazon Shop. I fell equally in love! I think there’s a lot to be said for having a consistent routine. My best hair days have been when I’ve been consistently and exclusively using the same products and brand. I have to watch the dew points when I use MopTop – CURLMAVEN for 10% off. But when the humidity and dew points are just right, I love the results I get! If you’re struggling with glycerin and humidity, and looking like Monica in Friends when they go to Barbados, this post is for you!
19 months – Neglect
During the summer, I had a traumatic house move and a few personal issues I was dealing with. As a result, I suffered a mental break down with severe depression, anxiety and panic attacks. I completely neglected my hair for three months, didn’t take any pictures or do any deep conditioning. I stopped doing my weekly modified rice water treatments using my Curl Maven Thermal Heat Cap. And played around a lot with different products.
I was hardly using the same products two wash days in a row; constantly switching up my products and brands. And I think it shows in my hair, I experienced a lot more frizz than when I’d been exclusively using Jessicurl and MopTop, and deep conditioning regularly. But you can see my curl pattern tightened up. I’ve got some tightly-coiled, 3b ringlets.
20 months – Hair Oils & Scalp Massages = Growth!
In the past, I’d tried using the cult-favourite Righteous Roots Hair Rx Oil, but found it too thick, heavy and greasy on my scalp and roots. In January, I decided to try Tropic Isle Living Black Castor Oil and Red Pimento Oil for regular scalp massages instead. All of which are available in my Amazon Shop. But my favourite by far is the the Act + Acre Scalp Detox!
I immediately noticed a difference! Tropic Isle Living oils are so light, especially the Black Castor Oil one. They’re not oily, greasy, thick or heavy at all! I truly believe the combination made a noticeable difference in my hair growth. And they smell incredible!
I had a trim and some layers put back in my hair just before Christmas, from my regular non-curly specialist hairdresser. But for the first time, I wasn’t entirely happy with the cut or shape, especially at the back. So I did a little DIY trim (again!), at the back to fix the shape.
22 months – Over Moisturised Hair
After listening to a professional curl specialist hairdresser on Instagram, I went back to exclusively co-washing my hair for a few months. Eliminating any products that lather, such as low-poo’s and clarfiying shampoos. As you can see from the pictures, my curl pattern is much looser. It wasn’t able to hold a curl for very long, and there’s a lot of frizz! I was headed for Hygral Fatigue, which I experienced in my first year following the curly girl method. I wasn’t quite at that stage, but I definitely had over-moisturised hair. Scroll back up and see the difference in my hair’s hydration, definition and lack of frizz when I was using Jessicurl and MopTop products, compared to this picture below.
So to re-balance my over-moisturised hair, I did an Aphogee Two Step Protein Treatment. I filmed it for YouTube, so you can watch it here if you like. I also wrote a detailed blog post about Protein Moisture Balance, and how to come back from protein overload or hygral fatigue. How to identify and fix both, and find the right balance for your hair. These photos were taken 5 days/1 wash day apart, just look at the difference!
2 Years! – Bouncing Back & Focusing on Growth!
What has frustrated me the most about the past year following the curly girl method, is my growth and hair length. Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad I did the big chop, for the health of my hair and curl pattern, definition and formation. But the goal was to do the big chop, and then grow my hair long again. I temporarily sacrificed my long hair so I could have healthy hair. But I lost sight of the long term goal over the past year.
One year after doing the big chop, my hair wasn’t any longer. And I only had myself to blame, I was my own worst enemy. I kept picking up the scissors and doing little trims here and there. So yes, scalp massages, hair growth oils, and even vitamins, have all helped the last couple of months. But not as much as the simple step of putting the scissors away. You’ll be amazed at how much your hair will grow if you just stop cutting it! So simple, it’s silly!
What I’ve Learned…
Following the curly girl method two years on, I’m not where I wanted to be, in terms of length. But I’ve learned a lot about the health of my hair, and this whole curly girl method and journey. Here’s my top three lessons I’ve learned:
1. Have a goal, work towards it and stick to it. For me, this is to do the big chop. I did it for the health of my hair, to grow it long again. Without all the damage I’d caused from years of using the wrong products, bad ingredients, colour and heat damage. But I lost sight of the long term goal. Going forward, I’m going to keep that goal in mind. Use it as encouragement to keep going while my hair is in that awkward in-between stage as it grows out.
2. Listen to what your hair is telling you. Social media and the curly community can be amazing, truly. I’m part of it, and for the most part I love it. But it’s so easy to get caught up in the latest hashtag routine, or technique. Or wanting to try A L L the products. Even listening to professional curl stylists who have never seen or touched your hair! For example: the bowl method for ultimate hydration and exclusively co-washing and using non-lathering cleansers are not good for my hair. My hair is really good at retaining moisture, but lacks protein. So those kind of routines, techniques and products put me on a fast-track to over-moisturised hair and hygral fatigue.
3. Regular deep conditioning is so important! I really neglected deep conditioning my hair regularly over the past six months or so. It really shows in my hair and it’s something I’m making a conscious effort to make time for each week. Using my Curl Maven Heat Cap is a must-have and really helps maximise all the goodness of my deep conditioner. You can purchase them here. But despite using good quality products, taking my time on wash days, and trying to get the protein moisture balance right. My hair has suffered from not regularly deep conditioning.
I hope this post has been helpful and encouraging. It’s so important to take pictures throughout your journey. Even on the bad hair days. Not only is it a great way of seeing how far you’ve come. But also to look back and identify what has and hasn’t been working.
Let me know in the comments what you’ve struggled most with on your curly journey, and what’s been the biggest game changer, or ah-ha moment for you. I’d love to know! Don’t forget to subscribe, if you haven’t already. Please like my Facebook Page and follow me on Instagram, where I’m most active.
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Firstly happy curlaversary!
I love reading all the highs and lows you’ve experienced this year. I too am trying to make time each week to deep condition. I’ve started doing it on a Sunday and making that my main wash day of the week.
As a fellow sufferer of anxiety/depression I’m sending you lots of hugs! I’ve spent the past few months floundering around but finally went to the doctors a month ago and got some help, now I keep telling myself to focus on one day at time x
Aww Liane, thank you! Yes, I’m making Sundays my deep conditioning days, because I have more time on that day. Sorry you’ve been floundering lately. I suffer with SAD, so the Autumn and Winter are when I struggle the most. Sending you lots of love and hug xx
Looove this girl ! Congrats on 2 years 🙂 I’m trying to stay away from scissors as well I love reading your post! I think we have similar hair textures. Still learning about protein and stuff so I am going to watch your video.
Yaaaassssss!!! Girl, I literally wanted to get my scissors out yesterday as soon as I finished the post. Looking back at pictures from the last year and that amazing DIY cut for shape and volume I gave myself. But I read my own post, and took my own advice and resisted! ha ha ha. Yes, check out the YouTube video and the corresponding blog post. xoxo
Hi there!
I really hope you are settled after your move, I’ve been through an awful move too and wouldn’t wish it on anyone.
Love reading your posts and I was almost ready to give in after a year but I’m going to persevere.
My main issue at the moment is really stringy hair and major loss, handfuls are coming out in the 2 times a week I wash it and I don’t have a lot as it is so to lose this much is having a big affect. Any ideas or help would be gratefully recieved.
Hi Laura, thanks so much! Yes, moving house is one of the most stressful things in life, along with death and divorce, apparently. I want to encourage you and say don’t give up! We all hit bumps in our journey, but it’s all about perseverance! Okay, so hair loss firstly. Have you always washed your hair twice/week? If not, it may “seem” like you’re losing more hair, but its actually not, it’s just that you’re not washing your hair as often, so instead as losing a little hair often, it seems like you’re losing a lot of hair. When in fact it’s just a build up. If that’s not the case for you, look at the products your using, has anything changed in your routine. If not, and you’re still concerned, then I’d advise you to go and see your doctor and speak to them about it. As for stringy hair, that sounds like it could be from too much protein. Is your hair dry, brittle and snapping off? If so, you need to look at your products and see if they all contain protein and balance it out with more moisture, and do regular deep conditions with moisturising conditioners. Hope that helps and answers your questions.
Hey Gabriella, first of all I would like to thank you for sharing all your knowledge with the readers. Your posts have helped me so much!
I would like to ask you something about starting the curly girl method. I was thinking about buying these products to start off the curly girl method, do you think they are good as a combination: Johnson & Johnson Baby Shampoo (final wash and I plan on using it to clarify my hair), As I Am Coconut Co-Wash, followed by Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Treat Conditioner (my scalp tends to get oily and sometimes even itchy), (I plan to leave a little of it in instead of rinsing it all off) and finally as a styler Giovanni Natural Mousse.
Also I believe I have high porosity hair since it dries quickly (about 2hours or less) and absorbs water quickly as well. Looking forward for your reply! Wish you a great day!
I have only just found this blog and wow has it changed my relationship with my hair already. Now I actually know what I’m doing with it all!
I just have one question about day 2/3 hair…how do you refresh? I’m using the As I am cowash, Pantene mousse and currently devacurl gel (need to buy another one but money is tight just now). Wash day hair is awesome but I can’t get it right the next morning. Any ideas?
Hi Karen, thank you so so much for such kind, sweet words! It’s always such an honour to be a part of someone’s curl journey. I have my refresh routine on the highlights on my Instagram page, or on Boucleme’s IGTV on Instagram. I actually much prefer Aussie Instant Freeze Gel or Giovanni LA Natural Gel which are both much more budget friendly than Deva Curl if that helps.
Hi Gabriella! I love your blog and often refer to it. I have a similar hair type as to when you first started your curly girl journey- a mix of fine waves and curls. I have low porosity hair that easily gets weighed down. I am currently using a denman brush to style my hair but I have not seen a significant improvement in my hair. I have found that the back of my head is significantly less defined than the front of my hair and I am not sure how to bring it back to life(it is also more damaged in the back for some reason). Would you be willing to make a youtube video on your current hair routine? Do you still use a denman brush?
Thank you so much!
Hi Gabrielle, thank you so much! I don’t use a Denman brush to style my hair, only to brush through my hair after I’ve applied conditioner, and occasionally after I’ve applied my styling products. From what you’ve said about the back of your hair, I would suggest you read this post: https://curlmaven.ie/get-root-volume-curly-hair/ I recommend washing your hair upside down in the shower/over the bath, turning the temperature of the water down, and the pressure. If you’re washing your hair standing up in the shower, with hot water beating down on the crown of your head, it’s going to pull the natural curl pattern out and loosen it, also cause more frizz. I will do a YouTube tutorial on my wash day, but not just yet – I’m getting my bathroom tiled in a few weeks. I hope that helps x
Thank you so much for your feedback!
Hello Gabriella,
I have recently disappeared down the curly girl rabbit hole and, along with a stiff neck from staring at my phone, my brain is fried. I THINK my hair is pretty similar to yours and I THINK it is low porosity. I am at the day 3 after first wash stage. Before I started this journey I had spent a life time blow drying and/or straightening my very wavy hair because I didn’t know how to get any sort of definition. It was just a frizzy mess. However, I only washed my hair once a week which at least allowed the oils to return. So I don’t know what routine to employ and how often to co-wash, Lo-poo, clarify and do you only deep condition on clarifying days or
also on lo-poo days. I would love to just wash once a week, as I’ve always done but do I need to wash more often at the beginning to encourage the curl? I managed to get a good wave from my first wash and my goal is to get somewhere near your fabulous locks. One thing is I do colour my hair. I am very grey and I have it coloured every 6 weeks. So I need to accept this may set me back each time. Can you recommend a suitable shampoo that I can bring to the salon to wash after the dye has been applied.
Thank you so much for your amazing blog. I am so glad I have found it at the beginning of my journey as I feel you will really help me avoid making too many costly mistakes. I am looking forward to watching your YouTube video on your wash routine/technique when it comes out. I shall also be adding your fabulous heat cap to my Christmas list xxx
Hi Kimberley, thanks for taking the time to read and comment. Okay, let’s get stuck in. You can absolutely just wash your hair once a week, if you do that however, I recommend using a lo poo to cleanse and a deep conditioner to condition. Then whatever you usually use to style, the LMG method works best for me and gives me the most long lasting results. You can read about that in this post: https://curlmaven.ie/the-lmg-method/ I want to point out that I am 2.5 years into my CG journey, so my hair is incredibly healthy, so if your hair is damaged and yes, colouring it every 6 weeks isn’t going to help, then you’re not going to get curls like mine overnight, or maybe not ever, if your hair hasn’t got the same natural curl pattern or potential as my hair. You need to love, embrace and encourage your own natural curl pattern. As for going to the salon and bringing your own products, I absolutely recommend that. For you, and your cleanse and condition routine, I would recommend Bounce Curl Clarifying Shampoo, it’s a colour safe shampoo gentle enough for regular use, I suggest using it for your weekly wash, and to take to the salon. Get 10% discount using CURLYCAILIN10 at checkout. And then for your deep conditioner, which you can also use for your weekly wash, I recommend the Hairfinity Strengthening Amino Masque, which contains protein, so great if you colour your hair – it’s in my Amazon shop. I have a US and a UK one, so just click whichever one is applicable to you. I would also suggest using Olaplex No. 3 which is great for coloured hair to repair the bonds that are broken in the hairshaft during the colouring process, it’s a take home treatment, and I would use that every 6 weeks after you get your hair coloured. And my heat caps will help both of those product really penetrate the hair and help the overall health, healing and recovery of it. Hope that helps. x
Help! I started my curly girl journey recently and I don’t know what to buy! I’ve tried different things and nothing seems to work!! Any advice?
I’ve got a tab on this blog called What to Buy – check out the post and recommendations there. Don’t buy a tonne of things at once, take your time, start simple and work from there.
Thank you so much!!
I was so happy to see you mention the Tropic Isle Living oils as I was just looking at them, wondering if I should buy. My only question is, since the pimento oil is a blend that contains JBCO, do you think it’s really necessary to buy/use both?
I have both, but the Pimento one is a little thicker, and it goes solid easily if it’s not kept in a warm place. I have to put it on a radiator for a day before I want to use it. So for ease of use, and the consistency of the oil, I just tend to prefer the JBCO.
hello, great read, thanks
How do you sleep, so you wear anything on your head to protect it. I find my hair is lovely when I let it air dry, but then I go to bed, wake up and is a tangled disaster!
Hi Beverley, I’ve got a post on how I protect my curls at night, you can see that here: https://curlmaven.ie/how-i-protect-my-curly-hair-at-night/
Love this page. Was your long term goal to grow long curly hair, and cutting it to keep it healthy discouraged this goal?
Also I read your page on protein/moisturize balance but am confused. I have 2A, 2B hair fine hair… and it’s been unmanageable. I recently did with clarifying shampoo three malibu hard water treatments with heat in a week or two since I thought the culprit was hard water which helped, but my hair was still super dry kid to ends. Yet conditioners didn’t help once it dried. I want to run my fingers through my hair without fingers getting stuck in there.
I did a redken protein milk treatment just to test it out and it feels so much better. But I thought this was strange since I thought my issue was that it was too dry. But could it just have been that it needed protein? How? So confusing!
I tried to cut out protein when I lost more hair than usual when toning my hair with Arctic Fox which has protein. Tried A F a few times over the months and still had more hair loss as usual afterwards. So I hid all the protein products! (But maybe protein wasn’t why I lost hair using it… Especially when my hair feels much better now using the protein milk by Redken leave in and hasn’t fallen out like when using A F?)
Thanks for any help you have. You are a beauty!
Hi Bridget, there’s a lot going on there. My goal was to get my curls back, which meant healthy hair. Second to that was to grow my hair long again, but healthy this time without all the heat and colour damage, and maintain my natural healthy curls. I cut it short in order to be able to do that, as I had a lot of heat and colour damage in my hair. Next, three hard water shampoo treatments in one week is extremely harsh on your hair, I would NOT recommend doing that. And most certainly you need to deep condition after each clarifying treatment. So if you weren’t doing that, for 3 clarifying treatments in a row, then no wonder your hair is super dry. You’ve literally sucked every bit of hydration, moisture, natural oils and sebum right out of your hair and haven’t replaced and replenished it. Having curly hair in general doesn’t allow for “running fingers through your hair”. I don’t recommend Redken as it’s loaded with silicones generally, which is no doubt why your hair may be “feeling” better, because it’s coated in silicones, which aren’t good for the hair. I don’t recommend colour treating your hair, nor do I think the protein in Arctic Fox is responsible for the hair loss. Colour damages the hair and could more likely be the cause of hair loss if it’s happened every time you’ve used it. Also, stop using it if it’s making your hair fall out! And ifnally, I think you need to ease up on the clarifying shampoos, once every 4-6 weeks is enough, and you need to do regular weekly deep conditioning with a good quality deep conditioner that has a good balance of both protein and moisture, check out my modified rice water rinse post as I think that will be beneficial for you. And finally, I suggest using a thermal heat cap (I sell them on Etsy, just click on Shop) when deep conditioning once a week, to really help the DC penetrate the cuticle of the hair so you can get the maximum benefits from it.
Hi Gabriella,
Thanks so much for writing this post, it’s been incredibly helpful. I took the plunge and got the big chop done this past week, it’s made such a difference! And thanks to all these great tips in your blog I’ve got some really good products.
One question: what exactly do you do with the black castor oil after a scalp massage? Do you leave it in your hair or wash it out and how much do you use?
Thanks!
Marie