The Curly Girl Method gets a lot of hype, and rightfully so. It has been around since 2001 when Lorraine Massey introduced it to the world with her curly hair bible Curly Girl: The Handbook. And while many variations of The Curly Girl Method have been around since long before Massey and her book, the method has truly gained traction since its release. If you’re not sure what The Curly Girl Method is, check out my article here. A lesser-known variation of The Curly Girl Method is The Wavy Girl Method. Which is what I follow.
The Wavy Girl Method
What is the wavy girl method? It is a less strict version of CGM or the curly girl method. CGM is quite strict with what you should and should not do with your hair, which works best for those with hair types 3a through 4c. Wavy hair however is a beast of its own and should not be treated the same as curly hair. Curly hair by nature is very dry, it takes much longer for natural oils to travel from the scalp down the hair shaft than other hair types. Because of the nature of wavy hair and a less tight curl pattern, wavy hair is not as dry as curly hair as the oils travel down easier. Many curly girl products are overly moisturizing and or too heavy for wavy hair. Wavy hair can be easily weighed down by the many butters commonly found in popular curly products, and many wavies struggle with hair loss while following the curly girl method.
What Are The Similarities
There are many similarities between CGM and WGM. The wavy girl method still discourages the use of harsh sulfates on a regular basis, however, it is not a hard-fast ban. Wavies and curlies alike avoid non-water soluble silicones as they form a film or barrier around the hair shaft and are believed to prevent the hair from absorbing moisture. Drying alcohols are also avoided by both methods. Many techniques that are used in the curly girl method are also used commonly in the wavy realm such as squish to condish, plopping, and various product application methods.
What Are The Differences
While there are many similarities between CGM and WGM, there are just as many, if not more, differences. Sulfates may be a hard fast no with the curly girl method, however, many wavies choose to clarify their hair with a sulfate instead of a curly girl approved clarifier. Co-washing, which is recommended in the curly girl method, tends to be too heavy for wavies. Many waives have also found it can cause scalp and hair loss issues. Low-poo is also used in the curly girl realm, however, it tends to be more common with wavies. A low-poo is a shampoo free of harsher cleansing agents, such as sulfates. Many wavies have found that their scalp and hair loss issues were corrected when they switched to a low-poo from co-washing. Brushing is also considered a big no-no in the curly girl realm, however, many wavies have found that by distributing their products with a brush, their curl clumps sometimes form better.
Why Do I Follow The Wavy Girl Method
When I first discovered the curly girl method and read the curly girl handbook, I was incredibly excited to give the method a try. After a few weeks, I discovered that many of the methods and products associated CGM simply did not work for my very fine wavy hair. At that point, I began the search for something that was a better fit for my needs. The wavy girl method has been just that. My hair gets weighed down easily and needs to be clarified with stronger ingredients on a monthly basis. Sulfates remove product build-up quickly and easily, which is why I choose to use them. I have also found that brushing works best for me when it comes to detangling and product distribution.
The Bottom Line
When choosing a method that works best for you, it is important to do your research and know your hair and its needs. The curly girl method is a fantastic method that works for many, as is the wavy girl method. Decide what your goals for your hair are and go from there. How important is it to you to avoid certain ingredients? Where do you draw the line with techniques and methods? How much time do you have to devote to your hair in your daily, weekly, and monthly routines? Most importantly no matter which method you chose, continue to learn and research as you go. Knowledge is power and that includes knowledge about your hair. And remember that this is a journey and it takes time. You are not going to wake up tomorrow with perfect hair, and that’s ok. It took time to damage your hair, it is going to take time to heal it. Its a marathon, not a sprint.
