New post is up on the blog! How I've been managing New post is up on the blog! How I've been managing my colour at home using Alfaparf Milano Ultra Concentrated Pure Pigments. @alfaparfmilano_official @alfaparfmilano_ireland 

A curly girl friendly product that doesn't cause any damage to the hair! Suitable for all hair types and fully customisable.

Swipe up in my stories, or click the link in my bio and click the 'Latest Post' tab to read the full post.

I've also given some examples of other much-loved curly girl friendly products that contain pigments, and how you can mix your own. As well as tips and advice on how to avoid brassy or coppery tones on coloured hair. And how to maintain and manage your colour at home without causing any damage! I hope you enjoy it, and as always if you have any questions, or if you've tried hair pigments before, let me know in the comments x

#cg #curlyhair #curlygirl #curlygirlmethod #curlygirlfriendly #alfaparfmilanoireland #alfaparfmilano #haircolour #athomehaircolor #damagefree #goldenmahogany #balayage #babylights #caramelbalayage #caramelhighlights #colourmanagement #hairtips #colortips
Absolutely loved having straight hair for a few da Absolutely loved having straight hair for a few days! Well, my signature boho bends is as straight as I like to go - this was how I wore my hair almost all the time before I started on my healthy, curly hair journey.

And I've finally reached my length goal! The colour is perfection too - I'm going to be sharing more about that in this weekends blog post so if you have any colour related questions pop them in the comments.

Just to be clear though, I only wear my hair like this a couple of times a year. And I'm only able to do this because my hair is super healthy. If you're just at the start of your healthy, curly hair journey I would NOT recommend using heat styling tools at all for the first year! 

I achieved this look using my @babylissprouk curling tong, which I've had for years! Still going strong, mostly from the lack of use! 

As nice as the change was, I can't wait to rock my curls again tomorrow. Swipe to see my natural curls.

Also, HELLO NEW FOLLOWERS! And a massive thank you to @louisemcsharry for the kind words and story mentions over the last couple of days. When can we play dress up, I'll do your hair if you do my makeup? X
AD 10 New Curly Girl Brands at Look Fantastic is AD  10 New Curly Girl Brands at Look Fantastic is now live on my blog! Some are well known, much loved and cult favourite brands. Others are newer brands who have recently launched in the curl community. There's also some great British and Black-Owned brands featured in the post and now available at @lookfantastic.

Check out my stories where I'm talking about what brands I'm most excited about! Swipe up in my stories or click the link in my bio to read the blog post for all the information.

Get 20% off using my code CURLYCAILINLF at Look Fantastic on amazing curly girl brands such as Aveda, Boucleme, Camille Rose, Curlsmith - yes! CURLSMITH!, Flora & Curl, Grow Gorgeous, Imbue, Maui Moisture, Mielle and more! 

As always, I give a little brand introduction and mini review of some of my favourite products from the brands featured in the blog post. Some are British and Black-Owned, most of them are 100% vegan and organic too, which is great! Let me know what brands you're most excited about in the comments below. 

#lookfantastic #teamfantastic #ad #curlygirlmethod #curls #curlcommunity #curlycommunity #curlfriends #curlyhair #cgbeauty #curlygirl
My favourite curly girl products of 2020, FINALLY! My favourite curly girl products of 2020, FINALLY! Click the link in my bio or swipe up in my stories to read. This is so much MORE than just a list of my favourite products. It's got mini reviews, tips, advice, techniques and hacks for all my favourite products, broken down into categories with a few special shout outs and a tonne of discount codes!

Oh, and my favourite product of the year 2020! Can you guess what it is?! Goodness knows I've been ranting and raving and causing it to sell out enough! 🤪

There's also various images of my hair throughout the year, different lengths and colours - which is always so helpful to be able to look back on.

I'd love to know what brands or products you think I should try in 2021? Is there a product you love that you think should be on my list? LMK in the comments below.

#curlyhair #CGmethod #productrecommendations #favouriteproducts #productfavorite #newblogpost #curlygirlmethod #curlygirl #naturallycurly #curls #curlyhaircare
Back to work tomorrow, get the lippy out girls! Ho Back to work tomorrow, get the lippy out girls! How are we all feeling about going back to work, lockdown, crazy numbers, Christmas,New Year etc...I'm anxious AF and don't feel at all ready for it!

I developed a really good morning ritual last March and am proud to say I've kept it up ever since - let me know if you'd like me to share that....but first thing after my morning ritual tomorrow is to wash my hair, can't actually remember the last time I did that 🥴 and then put on a fierce bold lip and tackle my inbox! 

1:1 Curl Clinics start back up this week, heat caps are still out of stock but hope to get back on that soon. I've got one big announcement in the next week or two which I'm really excited about. And then a HUGE announcement I'm even more excited / nervous / anxious about in February!

I didn't get my annual Favorite Products of the Year finished yet, didn't do a round up post - I didn't get around to so many things I planned in my head and wanted to do. This isn't what I planned for my first post of 2021 either but here we are! 

LMK if you're feeling all the anxious vibes too, and what you do to get your head out of holiday mode and back to business. Especially if you're a business owner! That would be massively appreciated.

Right, see you in the morning after coffee and a hair wash! Best of luck everyone.

#backtowork #mondayblues #thefear #feelinganxious #velvetribbon
After some very much needed down time after a week After some very much needed down time after a week from hell, today I got back at it, and started one of my many DIY plans around my home.

First one off the list: sealing my new kitchen tiles. Not just any tiles, gorgeous encaustic cement tiles from @best_tile_ @besttile.boutique I can't wait to share before and after with you! I've got all sorts planned for the kitchen, but in the mean time you can catch up with the daily DIY activities in my stories if you're interested in some DIY home transformation content.

There are tiles to be sealed, cupboards to be painted, cushions to be sewn,walls to be painted, shelves to be put up and styled - Always the fun part!

Are you interested in home content too? Or are you just here for the curl content? If you've any questions about my home,interiors or what DIY stuff I've got planned pop them in the comments and I'll do my best to answer them x

#homediy #christmasdiy #newyearnewkitchen #bohohome #modernbohohome
Merry Christmas from my family to yours. The day s Merry Christmas from my family to yours. The day started off so well, full of excitement and anticipation. Thank goodness  I took these photos earlier because just a couple of hours after these were taken,  Donnchadh had a horrific accident and smashed his face into the tarmac having a go on his new ramp I got him for Christmas. 

His face is all grazed and cut, his eye is swollen and will most likely be closed over by the morning. He was badly winded and shaken but he's okay.

Honestly, I'm holding and carrying so much stress after everything that's happened in the past few days, I could cry. But not yet, because that's what we do, us mums. We keep it and hold it together for the sake of our kids. Until we can quietly fall to pieces when everyone else is looked after and no one is looking.

These pics are most definitely a case of a highlight reel for the gram, when the reality looks very, very different right now. But I'm so incredibly thankful and grateful that my little family and the ones I love the most are still here, safe and although not quite well, but on the mend at least.

Stay safe everyone, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays x
TréLuxe is BACK IN STOCK! It's been so long since TréLuxe is BACK IN STOCK!
It's been so long since I last posted on the grid I didn't know how to come back. So I figured I'd start by letting you know @discovertreluxe is back in stock at @naturalisticproducts who are based in the UK but ship worldwide.

This isn't a sponsored post, I don't have an affiliate link or discount code for them unfortunately. I'm just sharing the love as I know I've created so much hype around this brand this year, and so many of you are disappointed that they're always sold out.

I genuinely love this brand, especially their styling products. They've become my cult favourite, holy grail, most loved, most used of 2020! If they sell out on Naturalistic Products again, you can also shop them at @kiyobeauty and @houseofcurlsuk but again I've no affiliate links or discount codes.

For anyone in the USA, you can get 15% off the TréLuxe website using code CURLYCAILIN15. For my Canadian Curlies, you can shop at @curlwarehouse but again, no affiliate link or discount code.

I've added a swipe up in my stories to Naturalistic Products, and a link to my YouTube video of my styling routine using the Reflex Serum and Hi! Definition Gel, and I've also got a full review on my blog. You can always click the link in my bio to read/watch/shop any of my content.

Hope that helps! 

#treluxetribe #curlyhair #curls #curlygirl #curlygirlproducts #supportblackbusinesses #supportsmallbusiness #supportlocalbusiness #treluxe
Today has been such a positive and exciting day, f Today has been such a positive and exciting day, full of good news and even better things to come! What a way to start the first day of the last month of the year!

I've added a Gratitude & Support tab in the link in my bio. I get so many messages (especially lately) saying they can't believe how much FREE content I provide, how much my tips, advice, techniques and recommendations have helped and asking how can they show their gratitude by supporting me...

So if you click on the tab, it'll take you to my PayPal link where (and ONLY if you want to!) you can give a little token of thanks, appreciation, gratitude and support me, what I do, my content and platform.

Anything at all is, and will be, greatly appreciated and used to create more content, grow and evolve what I currently do, and to design, curate and create new products and services for you and this community. 

I have big plans, even bigger dreams and things I want to manifest and bring to this community and industry. I've briefly mentioned a few of them  in my monthly curl clinics and in my stories before. 

I'll put the link up on my stories tomorrow after my monthly Curl Clinic. So although they are FREE to join, if you found it helpful, informative or even just entertaining and would like to give anything, I would really appreciate it and show my gratitude for your support.

#curlycommunity #curlcommunity #curlyhair #curls #naturalcurls #naturallycurly #longcurlyhair #gratitude #manifestingmyfuture #thankful #curlygirlmethod
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Curly Cailín

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How-To · 30/09/2020

How to Maintain Healthy Hair When Colouring

After years of focusing on achieving healthy hair, and getting my curls back. A few weeks ago, I decided to break all the curly girl rules and get some highlights. Here’s how to maintain healthy, curly hair when colouring. Professional tips and advice, and the products I’ve used to maintain healthy hair, with minimum damage to my curl pattern. As well as what to ask for in the salon, and how to prevent colour-fading.

AD | This post is sponsored by Look Fantastic, who I work with on an ongoing basis. They offer FREE worldwide shipping, and you can get 20% off using code CURLYCAILINLF. Sponsored posts enable me to continue providing free content, create organic content and keep my blog free from Google Ads. However, this hasn’t influenced the way I’ve written about the brand or the products featured in this post.

After my first wash, I was truly blown away at how my curls bounced back, with little to no damage. Even through the damaging process of colouring, highlighting and heat-styling my natural, dark brown hair. I actually did the whole process two days in a row. Because I loved the results after the first go, but then I wanted more! I really put my hair through it, but the results are a testament to how healthy my hair was. And that all the tips, advice, products and techniques I promote and discuss on this blog, really do work!

My Healthy, Curly Hair Journey

I’ve built a career from my healthy hair journey, and my curls. If I lose that, if I damage my hair and curl pattern, if my hair looks like crap, it’s immediately obvious. There’s no hiding it, you can’t hide damage. Whether that’s from colour, heat or poor quality products and bad ingredients. Therefore, the advice and recommendations I give or promote, will be brought into question. Here’s a picture of my natural, virgin, dark brown hair. Throughout the rest of the post, is my hair after the first colour, the second colour and then when it’s back curly again.

natural dark brown curly hair curly cailin

This is why it was so important for me to protect and maintain my healthy hair and curl pattern. Whilst also going on this journey of highlighting and colouring my hair. My hair, and my career, literally depend on it! So you can imagine the relief I felt after that first wash day. And every wash day since. It’s okay, I did it, I managed to have it all. I didn’t have to sacrifice curl pattern for colour. You can have healthy, curly hair and colour! It’s a long post, but here’s how I did it. How to maintain healthy hair when colouring, all the professional tips, advice and product recommendations in one place, in one post. So hopefully you find it helpful. x

naturally dark brown thick curly hair curly cailin

Start with healthy hair

I cannot begin this post without stressing the importance of having healthy hair to begin with. My hairdresser, Laura at Ritz Hair in Galway has almost 20 years of experience cutting and colouring curly hair. A curl specialist, I went to her in March for an amzing curly cut. And then went back to her again in September for another cut, and this time colour too.

Laura said she wouldn’t have been able to do such a big colour transformation on my hair, if it wasn’t so healthy. I’ve been focused on achieving healthy hair for years now. Growing out previous balayage, and numerous other colour disasters, to having a full head of virgin hair again. Embracing both my naturally dark brown colour, free from greys, and my curls. I’ve followed all my own advice, the essentials are probably best summed up in this post on the Golden Triangle of Healthy Hair.

This has involved regularly and properly clarifying my hair every month, which you can read more about here. Clarifying before colour, which I’ll explain in more detail later in this post. Deep conditioning regularly, a minimum of once a month after clarifying, and a maximum of once a week when my hair has needed it. Using good quality products, made with good quality ingredients. Maintaining a good protein moisture balance, which you can read about here. And taking hair growth vitamins – which absolutely do work and a post on that is coming soon! I recommend either Bounce Curl or Hair369, both of which you can get 10% off using code CURLYCAILIN10.

curly hair highlights

Why Colour Causes Damage

Colouring and especially lightening, bleaching and highlighting hair does and always will cause damage. No matter what, the chemical processes involved change the structure of the hair. Even adding toners to the hair causes damage, because they still contain a low percentage of peroxide. There’s a common misconception that bleach is what causes the most damage to the hair. However, it’s actually the developer, aka the peroxide, which activates the bleach, that causes the most damage. Especially if it’s done too often, using too much peroxide, and developed too quickly. Which is why it’s so important to start out with healthy hair. Adding pigments to the hair, those fun wash-out colours that fade within a few washes, aren’t damaging to the hair. They’re a fun way to play around with colour and tone, without causing damage.

Colouring grey hair is not nearly as damaging as highlighting dark hair! – post coming soon

Olaplex is a MUST!

This is a non-negotiable when it comes to colouring your hair, but especially if you’re using bleach and peroxide to lighten your natural hair colour. We all know the saying, “prevention is better than cure.” That’s what Olaplex is, damage prevention. Enabling you to minimise the amount of damage caused during the colouring process. You won’t realise how much damage it’s preventing, until you don’t use it, or stop using it. If you want to maintain healthy hair whilst lightening the colour, then Olaplex is a must! Olaplex is a bond-building treatment that repairs the damage to the bonds and structure of the hair during colouring, highlighting, chemical processing and excessive heat styling.

I know there’s been a bit of buzz in the past about using Olaplex on curly hair, even if it’s not coloured. I’ve tried Olaplex No. 1, No. 2 and No. 3 on my hair when it was 100% virgin, natural colour and I saw absolutely no difference or improvement! So save your money if your hair isn’t coloured, highlighted or chemically processed. For example, if you’ve had a perm, keratin treatment, or Brazilian blow out. Then Olaplex is also a must for you, even if your hair isn’t coloured or highlighted.

Olaplex is not a deep conditioning treatment!

Olaplex No. 1 and 2 are in-salon treatments only. No. 1 is added to the colour, which is then applied to the hair. No. 2 is applied after colour. Olaplex No. 3 is the less potent, home-version of No. 2. This bond-building and repairing treatment helps to prevent and repair damage, and minimise breakage and split ends. Olaplex is pricey, but it’s worth it. And you can get 20% off Olaplex at Look Fantastic using my code, CURLYCAILINLF. This small bottle should last 6-8 treatments, depending on the length and thickness of your hair. However, this Olaplex No. 3 supersize bottle should last longer, around 20 treatments, depending on your hair.

Both Olaplex No. 0 and No. 3 are curly girl friendly.

Olaplex No. 0 is an intensive bond building hair treatment that acts as a primer, or booster, for No. 3. Amplifying the effects and results of both treatments to rebuild the bonds in the hair, repair damage, prevent breakage and split ends, strengthen and protect the hair. You can buy both products in a bundle here, or you can get the supersize bundle by clicking here. Both come with a travel size No. 3. Don’t forget to use code CURLYCAILINLF for 20% off at Look Fantastic. And they also do FREE worldwide shipping!

curly cailin highlights curly hair

How to use Olaplex at home

Apply a small amount of Olaplex 0 to cleansed, wet hair and leave in for 10 mins. Then apply a small amount of Olaplex No. 3 directly on top of the No. 0 and leave on for a further 20-60 mins. Rinse out fully, then condition and style as normal. Laura recommended I do this every wash day, which is twice a week for me, for the first month after colouring. Then reduce it to once a week after that.

Joico K-PAK Rejuvenating System

Alongside Olaplex, I also got the Joico K-PAK 4 Step Rejuvenating System applied in the salon. Together, these are the reason I have hardly any damage to my hair, texture and curl pattern. Not all of the products are curly girl friendly. But for me, it’s a compromise I’m willing to make to maintain healthy hair, and retain my natural curl pattern. You can get three of the four products at Look Fantastic to use at home. I’ve used it once already and will continue to use it once a month, when I clarify. Then I’ll continue to use the Olaplex No. 0 and No. 3 once a week.

Clarifying the hair before colouring is absolutely vital!

Step 1 of the Joico K-PAK Rejuvenating System is the clarifying shampoo, discounted and available here at Look Fantastic. But if not, use code CURLYCAILINLF for 20% off. You must always clarify the hair before colour! Not only does it thoroughly cleanse the hair, removing impurities, build up from products, natural oils and sebums. But also hard water, limescale, mineral and metal deposits. Clarifying also helps the colour apply and adhere to the hair better, resulting in a smoother, cleaner colour application and result. It also makes the colour more vibrant, and last longer.

face framing highlights balayage

Laura likened clarifying before colour to exfoliating before applying fake tan. Same principles, results and effects apply. Bumble & Bumble Sunday Shampoo is my favourite clarifying, chelating shampoo, which is completely silicone free. Apart from the sulfates, which are necessary in this case, it’s curly-girl friendly. So you can use that instead of the Joico Clarifying Shampoo, if you already have it/prefer.

Step 2, which is only available in-salon, is the all-important Cuticle Sealer. Bleach, peroxide and chemical processing blows out the cuticle, causing damage and altering the structure and porosity of the hair. This is the magic product that seals the cuticle back down after colouring. Especially important for high porosity and/or curly hair. The Joico K-PAK Cuticle Sealer smooths and tightens the cuticle to lock in curl and colour. It’s full of peptides and protein, vital to maintaining healthy hair. And from what I can tell looking at the ingredients, it’s curly-girl friendly. Unfortunately, I can’t find an at-home alternative to this product. But I definitely think it’s worth going into a salon to get this treatment done every few months.

Step 3 is the Joico K-PAK Deep Penetrating Reconstructor. Similar to a protein-rich deep conditioning treatment. This is full of amino acids and protein, essential and beneficial to the hair structure. However, it’s not curly girl friendly. But again, healthy hair is the priority here. And if you look after your hair and focus on the health of it, the curls will come. Apply after clarifying and leave on for 5-10 mins. To maximise the benefits, you can use a thermal heat cap, available on my Etsy shop. You don’t need to leave it on for as long as you would a normal hair mask, because it’s a professional grade product. And you’re going to be applying another one afterwards in the next step.

subtle sunkissed highlights

Step 4 is the Intense Hydrator. Where the Reconstructor focused on amino acids and protein to give the hair strength. The Intense Hydrator focuses on moisture and intense hydration, as well as sealing the cuticle and adding shine. So if you can’t get into a salon for the Cuticle Sealing treatment, then make sure you pick this up. It’s currently discounted on Look Fantastic, but if not, use code CURLYCAILINLF for 20% off. It’s not curly girl friendly, but has a good balance of protein and moisture. Intensely hydrating without heavy oils, butters and emollients, so perfect for curly hair. Leave in for 5-10 mins before rinsing out and styling as normal. If you wanted to add any colour-toning drops or pigments, then add them to this product, at this stage.

Are you willing to invest?

All of these products and treatments are an investment of both time and money. An investment I have to make until I either grow out my highlights, or cut my hair short enough that only my natural, virgin hair remains. Because even if I were to put a dark colour in my hair to cover the highlights. The bleached, highlighted hair is still underneath. That damage can’t be undone. It can only be grown out, or cut out. Something to bear in mind if you’re considering getting your hair coloured, highlighted or chemically processed. And you want to maintain healthy hair and minimise the damage as much as possible. It’s an investment and a committment, not just to the colour, but to the maintenance that comes with it.

curly hair highlights balayage

Dark Hair vs Light Hair

Dark hair, whether natural or coloured, will always look and feel more shiny and hydrated than light hair. However, light hair will often show off texture and curl definition much better than dark hair. Simply because it highlights the curl pattern. Dark hair, especially dark curly hair, is so hard to photograph! Whether you’ve got natural light, studio lights or the best filters and editing apps in the world. It’s really important to regularly deep condition when you’ve lightened your hair. For health, softness, definition and shine.

What to ask for

As always, try to provide pictures to your hairdresser of the cut, colour, shape and highlights you want. They will be able to tell you what’s achievable based on your natural/current hair, health, curl pattern and texture. Sophia Vergara was my colour inspiration, as well as the length, shape and cut. I know when I blow out my hair, or use heat styling tools, my hair can look like that. See this YouTube video for how I achieve that look.

curly hair balayage curly cailin

Let a qualified, experienced hairdresser and colourist decide what techniques will be best to achieve the look and colour you want. For me, there was lots of face-framing highlights, some baby lights – which are smaller weaves of hair strands. Free hand painting and some balayage, taking larger weaves of hair strands. As well as some root smudging for a natural blend of my natural colour into the highlights. And of course, toners were applied after lifting the colour, to get the toffee, caramel, honey, sunkissed-colour just right.

Laura recommends going low and slow when it come to lightening high porosity and/or curly hair. Using a low developer (peroxide) over a longer period of time. She also recommends using paper wraps instead of the foils you often see hairdressers use when colouring. Foils generate more heat, meaning faster developing. Papers are more gentle, generating less heat and allowing for slower developing.

Make sure you ask for Olaplex when lightening the hair, and the Joico K-PAK 4 Step Treatment when toning the hair, or adding a darker colour.

paper wrap highlights curly hair

How to reduce colour fading

One of the biggest causes of colour fading is sulfates. So make sure you’re using a sulfate-free cleanser. However, even if you use a sulfate-free shampoo, toners will fade gradually over time. Revealing the bright, bleached hair underneath. Toners fade quicker if you have high porosity hair, but it depends on the hair, the colour and how often your wash your hair. But you can go back to the salon to get a toner applied every couple of months. Just remember to ask for the Joico K-PAK 4-step treatment during your visit.

However, if you don’t like how the toner is fading, and feel the revealing colour is too bright. You can add coloured pigments once every 4-6 washes, which will give a similar effect, depending on what colour you choose. Alternatively, you can use colour toning drops, such as these ones from Boucleme, which are 98.7% natural. Or a blue, purple/violet shampoo which will help the toner last longer. You can use it every 2-3 washes, or every couple of weeks. Blue will tone down warm, copper and orange tones. Purple or violet will tone down cool, brassy, green and yellow tones.

You should still clarify your hair once a month, even if your hair is coloured or highlighted. This will prevent the hair from looking dull, and feeling dry. As well as removing the build up from mineral and metal deposits in the hair. This is what gives the hair brassy, green, coppery, orange and yellow hues and tones to the hair. In between monthly clarifying, you can apply the curly girl friendly Colour WOW Dream Filter Treatment to the hair before each wash. Which is a much more gentle way to do this, and preserve the colour and brightness.

how to maintain healthy curly hair when colouring

Other tips to prevent colour fading are: don’t wash your hair for the first few days after colouring. Let the colour settle, and the hair fully absorb the colour. Avoid washing your hair too often, twice a week is sufficient. Turn the temperature and the pressure down on your shower. Wash your hair upside down if possible. Don’t skip on the deep conditioning, you may need to switch to more hydrating and moisturizing hair masks. Especially after bleach, lightening and highlights. And finally, don’t overuse the toning drops, or blue or purple shampoos, as they can build up and stain the hair.


I know this has been a really long post, full of a lot of information and product recommendations. But I wanted to be thorough, and share exactly what I asked for, what I’ve been using, how to prevent and minimize the damage, without losing natural curl pattern. Ultimately, how to maintain healthy hair when colouring.

I want to take this opportunity to say a massive thank you to Laura, at Ritz Hair in Galway. For her help, professional advice and expertise in helping me put this post together. And of course, for my amazing cut and colour! Laura is so passionate about curly hair. And she has all the knowledge and experience to back it up.

face framing highlights

I hope you’ve found this post helpful and informative. I’ve got another post coming soon on colouring grey hair. But in the mean time, please follow me on Instagram, I’m @curlycailin.ie. I’ve got lots of helpful information there, in highlights, reels and IGTV. I’ve also got a few videos on my YouTube channel. Including the 10 Curly Girl Essentials I Can’t Live Without, and my Full Wash Day Routine. Until next time, Gabriella x

*This post contains some gifted items and affiliate links. Which means I get paid (a very small) commission on products you purchase through my links. This in no way affects you, the price you pay or the way in which I write about products featured on this site. My content is not influenced by advertisers, sponsorships, affiliate partnerships, brands or PRs.

In: How-To

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Comments

  1. Cat Scott says

    30/09/2020 at 7:00 pm

    Love this thank you! Have purchased a few products ahead of getting some highlights next week.

    Reply
  2. Luíza Santos says

    02/10/2020 at 2:15 pm

    Hi!!! First of all, I just love your blog! I’m reading again and again for the past week just to make sure I understand everything before I start on my own crusade with the CGM. I’ve been giving a look on it for the past years but I found it so hard that I just gave up before trying. But now I’m living in a new country and the products I find here for curls (and the hard water) is just destroying my hair at the point I just wanted to cut or straighten it. I’m spending tons of money and my hair just becomes more and more damaged. Anyway, is time for a revolution.
    So… my question here is: I only dye my hair at home, by myself. So, I don’t know how to proceed here. I saw your post saying the Olaplex No 3 is similar to the rice-water (which I tried yesterday and I’m just in-love with my hair right now, so thank you for that), but is there something like the No. 0 I could use?
    Thank you!!!!!!

    Reply
    • admin says

      02/10/2020 at 7:59 pm

      Hi Luiza, Look Fantastic offer FREE worldwide shipping, and you can get 20% off using my discount code, CURLYCAILINLF. Rice water isn’t the same as Olaplex No. 3. Although it has a lot of amazing benefits. I’m not aware of any products like Olaplex No. 0 – especially as Olaplex is a patented formula.

      Reply
  3. Esme says

    04/10/2020 at 6:58 pm

    Amazing post, thank you. I’m definitely getting the Oplex before my next colour. Can I ask whether you will continue using the Bumble & Bumble Sunday shampoo now that your hair is coloured? The website says it’s not suitable for coloured hair, so I wondered what you were thinking.

    Reply
    • admin says

      15/01/2021 at 5:58 pm

      Yes I have continued to use the Bumble Sunday Shampoo since I got my hair coloured. It’s not suitable for coloured hair, if you were to use it regularly, eg: once a week. But I still only use it once a month. Sulfates are always going to fade colour, but they don’t strip it. I actually still prefer the Bumble Sunday Shampoo to clarify with, as opposed to the Joice Step One Clarifying Shampoo in their 4 step system. Hope all that helps and makes sense.

      Reply
    • admin says

      19/01/2021 at 4:55 pm

      I still continue to clarify my hair with the Bumble & Bumble Sunday Shampoo once a month. It’s not going to strip or fade my hair using it monthly like that.

      Reply
  4. Lizi says

    09/10/2020 at 12:55 am

    Hi Gabriella! Thanks so much for this post, it is so helpful. My question is about clarifying before coloring, do you recommend clarifying at the salon directly before applying color? ( step 1 of the Joico) Or would I clarify, deep condition, and style as usual the wash day before I go into the salon for color? Thanks!

    Reply
    • admin says

      15/01/2021 at 5:43 pm

      it totally depends, if you’re getting the Joico 4 step treatment in the salon, like you said, step one is clarifying so you can let them do it. But if you’re not getting that Joico, then yes, I’d say clarify and deep condition the washday before your appointment.

      Reply
  5. Hannah Grove says

    10/10/2020 at 1:17 pm

    This is so helpful, thanks Gabriella! I’m in my first few months of CGM and your blog is absolutely invaluable. Just wondering – so if you’re getting your hair coloured, you’d need to go to the salon having just clarified (and deep conditioned) but would you also need to be product free or does that not matter?

    Reply
    • admin says

      15/01/2021 at 5:34 pm

      So glad you found this helpful Hannah! Some stylists say they want your hair product free, other’s don’t mind. So it’s completely up to the salon/stylist you’re booked in with. Personally, I have a little styling product in my hair when I go in. x

      Reply
  6. Taryn says

    07/11/2020 at 10:42 pm

    I just noticed the BbSunday Shampoo you recommend states you shouldn’t use with color treated hair. What clarifying shampoo would you suggest for color treated hair? Thanks!

    Reply
  7. Susan says

    20/11/2020 at 6:58 am

    Thanks so much for this blog posted- I should’ve read it before bleaching and dying my hair pink haha.
    However, on your recommendation on Instagram I purchased Olaplex 0 & 3 and done my first treatment last night. It already felt & looked better while air drying last night so will see how this morning goes when I scrunch out the crunch.

    Reply
  8. Christina says

    26/12/2020 at 8:54 pm

    Thank you for this great post! I would like to ask for your opinion regarding colouring curly gray hair using henna and indigo. Does it really loosen the curl pattern?

    Reply
    • admin says

      11/01/2021 at 12:54 pm

      I’ve never heard of that!

      Reply
  9. Jacqui Holder says

    28/12/2020 at 12:46 pm

    Hello Cailin
    Hope you had a lovely Christmas

    I have just applied my Olaplex 0 before seeing this post and the bottle says apply to dry hair and saturate from root to tip. Hence I’ve used half a bottle!
    This totally contradicts what you have written. It also says to apply Olaplex 3 over the top but for only 10 minutes.

    So not sure what to do.
    Jacqui

    Reply
    • admin says

      15/01/2021 at 4:49 pm

      I’d use half a bottle too if I were to apply it to dry hair until saturated. I often take the instructions on the bottle as guidelines, and adjust them to work best for my hair, without using half the bottle in one use, and therefore having to spend more money buying more product. Don’t forget these companies are all out to sell more product to make more money. So do what works for you. For me, I find it best to cleanse my hair first, squeeze out excess water from my hair, then apply No. 0 and then wait 10 mins before applying No. 3 as detailed in the post. Try both ways and see what works best for your hair, and for your wallet. x

      Reply
  10. Rebecca says

    20/01/2021 at 2:44 am

    Hi Cailin! Thanks so much for all of this great guidance.
    Do you wash out the joico reconstructor in step 3 before applying the hydrator in step 4?

    Or should I layer it over the top.

    Thank you!!!

    Rebecca

    Reply
    • admin says

      20/01/2021 at 12:49 pm

      Hi Rebecca, yes I wash out each step before moving onto the next one. If your hair is feeling particularly dry, you can leave a little of the step 4 in your hair, but rinse everything else. Hope that helps, Gabriella x

      Reply

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New post is up on the blog! How I've been managing New post is up on the blog! How I've been managing my colour at home using Alfaparf Milano Ultra Concentrated Pure Pigments. @alfaparfmilano_official @alfaparfmilano_ireland 

A curly girl friendly product that doesn't cause any damage to the hair! Suitable for all hair types and fully customisable.

Swipe up in my stories, or click the link in my bio and click the 'Latest Post' tab to read the full post.

I've also given some examples of other much-loved curly girl friendly products that contain pigments, and how you can mix your own. As well as tips and advice on how to avoid brassy or coppery tones on coloured hair. And how to maintain and manage your colour at home without causing any damage! I hope you enjoy it, and as always if you have any questions, or if you've tried hair pigments before, let me know in the comments x

#cg #curlyhair #curlygirl #curlygirlmethod #curlygirlfriendly #alfaparfmilanoireland #alfaparfmilano #haircolour #athomehaircolor #damagefree #goldenmahogany #balayage #babylights #caramelbalayage #caramelhighlights #colourmanagement #hairtips #colortips
Absolutely loved having straight hair for a few da Absolutely loved having straight hair for a few days! Well, my signature boho bends is as straight as I like to go - this was how I wore my hair almost all the time before I started on my healthy, curly hair journey.

And I've finally reached my length goal! The colour is perfection too - I'm going to be sharing more about that in this weekends blog post so if you have any colour related questions pop them in the comments.

Just to be clear though, I only wear my hair like this a couple of times a year. And I'm only able to do this because my hair is super healthy. If you're just at the start of your healthy, curly hair journey I would NOT recommend using heat styling tools at all for the first year! 

I achieved this look using my @babylissprouk curling tong, which I've had for years! Still going strong, mostly from the lack of use! 

As nice as the change was, I can't wait to rock my curls again tomorrow. Swipe to see my natural curls.

Also, HELLO NEW FOLLOWERS! And a massive thank you to @louisemcsharry for the kind words and story mentions over the last couple of days. When can we play dress up, I'll do your hair if you do my makeup? X
AD 10 New Curly Girl Brands at Look Fantastic is AD  10 New Curly Girl Brands at Look Fantastic is now live on my blog! Some are well known, much loved and cult favourite brands. Others are newer brands who have recently launched in the curl community. There's also some great British and Black-Owned brands featured in the post and now available at @lookfantastic.

Check out my stories where I'm talking about what brands I'm most excited about! Swipe up in my stories or click the link in my bio to read the blog post for all the information.

Get 20% off using my code CURLYCAILINLF at Look Fantastic on amazing curly girl brands such as Aveda, Boucleme, Camille Rose, Curlsmith - yes! CURLSMITH!, Flora & Curl, Grow Gorgeous, Imbue, Maui Moisture, Mielle and more! 

As always, I give a little brand introduction and mini review of some of my favourite products from the brands featured in the blog post. Some are British and Black-Owned, most of them are 100% vegan and organic too, which is great! Let me know what brands you're most excited about in the comments below. 

#lookfantastic #teamfantastic #ad #curlygirlmethod #curls #curlcommunity #curlycommunity #curlfriends #curlyhair #cgbeauty #curlygirl
My favourite curly girl products of 2020, FINALLY! My favourite curly girl products of 2020, FINALLY! Click the link in my bio or swipe up in my stories to read. This is so much MORE than just a list of my favourite products. It's got mini reviews, tips, advice, techniques and hacks for all my favourite products, broken down into categories with a few special shout outs and a tonne of discount codes!

Oh, and my favourite product of the year 2020! Can you guess what it is?! Goodness knows I've been ranting and raving and causing it to sell out enough! 🤪

There's also various images of my hair throughout the year, different lengths and colours - which is always so helpful to be able to look back on.

I'd love to know what brands or products you think I should try in 2021? Is there a product you love that you think should be on my list? LMK in the comments below.

#curlyhair #CGmethod #productrecommendations #favouriteproducts #productfavorite #newblogpost #curlygirlmethod #curlygirl #naturallycurly #curls #curlyhaircare
Back to work tomorrow, get the lippy out girls! Ho Back to work tomorrow, get the lippy out girls! How are we all feeling about going back to work, lockdown, crazy numbers, Christmas,New Year etc...I'm anxious AF and don't feel at all ready for it!

I developed a really good morning ritual last March and am proud to say I've kept it up ever since - let me know if you'd like me to share that....but first thing after my morning ritual tomorrow is to wash my hair, can't actually remember the last time I did that 🥴 and then put on a fierce bold lip and tackle my inbox! 

1:1 Curl Clinics start back up this week, heat caps are still out of stock but hope to get back on that soon. I've got one big announcement in the next week or two which I'm really excited about. And then a HUGE announcement I'm even more excited / nervous / anxious about in February!

I didn't get my annual Favorite Products of the Year finished yet, didn't do a round up post - I didn't get around to so many things I planned in my head and wanted to do. This isn't what I planned for my first post of 2021 either but here we are! 

LMK if you're feeling all the anxious vibes too, and what you do to get your head out of holiday mode and back to business. Especially if you're a business owner! That would be massively appreciated.

Right, see you in the morning after coffee and a hair wash! Best of luck everyone.

#backtowork #mondayblues #thefear #feelinganxious #velvetribbon
After some very much needed down time after a week After some very much needed down time after a week from hell, today I got back at it, and started one of my many DIY plans around my home.

First one off the list: sealing my new kitchen tiles. Not just any tiles, gorgeous encaustic cement tiles from @best_tile_ @besttile.boutique I can't wait to share before and after with you! I've got all sorts planned for the kitchen, but in the mean time you can catch up with the daily DIY activities in my stories if you're interested in some DIY home transformation content.

There are tiles to be sealed, cupboards to be painted, cushions to be sewn,walls to be painted, shelves to be put up and styled - Always the fun part!

Are you interested in home content too? Or are you just here for the curl content? If you've any questions about my home,interiors or what DIY stuff I've got planned pop them in the comments and I'll do my best to answer them x

#homediy #christmasdiy #newyearnewkitchen #bohohome #modernbohohome
Merry Christmas from my family to yours. The day s Merry Christmas from my family to yours. The day started off so well, full of excitement and anticipation. Thank goodness  I took these photos earlier because just a couple of hours after these were taken,  Donnchadh had a horrific accident and smashed his face into the tarmac having a go on his new ramp I got him for Christmas. 

His face is all grazed and cut, his eye is swollen and will most likely be closed over by the morning. He was badly winded and shaken but he's okay.

Honestly, I'm holding and carrying so much stress after everything that's happened in the past few days, I could cry. But not yet, because that's what we do, us mums. We keep it and hold it together for the sake of our kids. Until we can quietly fall to pieces when everyone else is looked after and no one is looking.

These pics are most definitely a case of a highlight reel for the gram, when the reality looks very, very different right now. But I'm so incredibly thankful and grateful that my little family and the ones I love the most are still here, safe and although not quite well, but on the mend at least.

Stay safe everyone, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays x
TréLuxe is BACK IN STOCK! It's been so long since TréLuxe is BACK IN STOCK!
It's been so long since I last posted on the grid I didn't know how to come back. So I figured I'd start by letting you know @discovertreluxe is back in stock at @naturalisticproducts who are based in the UK but ship worldwide.

This isn't a sponsored post, I don't have an affiliate link or discount code for them unfortunately. I'm just sharing the love as I know I've created so much hype around this brand this year, and so many of you are disappointed that they're always sold out.

I genuinely love this brand, especially their styling products. They've become my cult favourite, holy grail, most loved, most used of 2020! If they sell out on Naturalistic Products again, you can also shop them at @kiyobeauty and @houseofcurlsuk but again I've no affiliate links or discount codes.

For anyone in the USA, you can get 15% off the TréLuxe website using code CURLYCAILIN15. For my Canadian Curlies, you can shop at @curlwarehouse but again, no affiliate link or discount code.

I've added a swipe up in my stories to Naturalistic Products, and a link to my YouTube video of my styling routine using the Reflex Serum and Hi! Definition Gel, and I've also got a full review on my blog. You can always click the link in my bio to read/watch/shop any of my content.

Hope that helps! 

#treluxetribe #curlyhair #curls #curlygirl #curlygirlproducts #supportblackbusinesses #supportsmallbusiness #supportlocalbusiness #treluxe
Today has been such a positive and exciting day, f Today has been such a positive and exciting day, full of good news and even better things to come! What a way to start the first day of the last month of the year!

I've added a Gratitude & Support tab in the link in my bio. I get so many messages (especially lately) saying they can't believe how much FREE content I provide, how much my tips, advice, techniques and recommendations have helped and asking how can they show their gratitude by supporting me...

So if you click on the tab, it'll take you to my PayPal link where (and ONLY if you want to!) you can give a little token of thanks, appreciation, gratitude and support me, what I do, my content and platform.

Anything at all is, and will be, greatly appreciated and used to create more content, grow and evolve what I currently do, and to design, curate and create new products and services for you and this community. 

I have big plans, even bigger dreams and things I want to manifest and bring to this community and industry. I've briefly mentioned a few of them  in my monthly curl clinics and in my stories before. 

I'll put the link up on my stories tomorrow after my monthly Curl Clinic. So although they are FREE to join, if you found it helpful, informative or even just entertaining and would like to give anything, I would really appreciate it and show my gratitude for your support.

#curlycommunity #curlcommunity #curlyhair #curls #naturalcurls #naturallycurly #longcurlyhair #gratitude #manifestingmyfuture #thankful #curlygirlmethod
December's Monthly Curl Clinic in IG Live will be December's Monthly Curl Clinic in IG Live will be on hair loss, hair shedding, hair thinning and hair GROWTH! As always, the first #WashdayWednesday of the month, at 7pm GMT on Instagram Live. Set your reminder by clicking on the even count down in my stories.

My IG Live Curl Clinics are free to join, just pop you question in the comments and I'll do my best to get through them all over the hour or so. This is the last monthly Curl Clinic of the year so let's make it a good one. Have some mulled wine at the ready, I'll try to have my decorations up in time.

I also offer 1:1 Curl Clinics throughout the month, which are a 30 min long video call via Instagram DM. We go through your current routine, what products you're using, what you're struggling with, issues you may have and I put together a recommended product and technique routine for you. Specific to YOUR hair, what your hair need, what products are available and within your budget and any other requirements you may have. 

1:1 Curl Clinics are completely bespoke and tailored to you and your hair. If that's something you're interested in, please click the link in my bio, click 1:1 Curl Clinics, fill out the form and I'll get back to you via email with all the details. 

If anyone has attended my Monthly Live Curl Clinics before or had a 1:1 Curl Clinic with me, feel free to share your experiences in the comments below. And don't forget to tag a friend in the comments who you think might like, enjoy or benefit from this month's Curl Clinic. If you could give this post, or the event countdown a share to help spread the word that would be massively appreciated too!

Thanks so much! See you on Wednesday x

#WashdayWednesday #monthlycurlclinic #curlclinic #hairgrowth #healthyhair #curlyhair #curls #healthyhairjourney #curlygirl #curlygirlmethod #longhair #hairgoals #lengthgoals #hairloss #postpartumhairloss #hairthinning
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