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
  • CG Basics
  • CG Beauty
  • DIY Recipes
  • How-To
  • Reviews
  • Shop
  • Contact
  • CG Basics
  • CG Beauty
  • DIY Recipes
  • How-To
  • Reviews
  • Shop
  • Contact

Curly Cailín

  • CG Basics
  • CG Beauty
  • DIY Recipes
  • How-To
  • Reviews

CG Basics · 13/03/2018

Why Your Curl Type Doesn’t Matter

Okay so this is going to be a trip on the controversial train, but I think its a journey worth taking, so buckle up! Here’s why your curl type doesn’t matter when it comes to finding the best products that will work for your hair, and how to care for your curls.

Curl Types

Type 2 | Waves

I figured I should probably explain what curl types are. Type 2 curls are wavy, swavy and loose, almost stretched out, tousled curls. Think of the hottest hair trend in recent years, boho waves, which everyone from celebs, models on the runway to the girl next door have all been trying to achieve! 2a – the most subtle curly hair pattern/type, a slight wave or kink to the hair. 2b is loose and bendy S-shaped strands but still more of a wave than a curl. 2c are more defined S-shaped curls which start from the root.

type 2 curl pattern curly cailín

Type 3 | Curls

Type 3 curls are springy, bouncy, defined curls. 3a curls are more defined and less elongated than type 2 waves, but rather a more compact, bouncy S-shape. 3b curls are defined, bouncy spirals. 3c curls are tighter, corkscrew-like ringlets. My Type 3 curl-crush is Ayesha Malik, or @spisha on Instagram.

what's my curl type 3 curly hair

Type 4 | Coils

Type 4 curls, commonly referred to as Afro-textured or kinky hair, are compact coils, ranging from tight S-shaped to Z-shaped curls. This curl pattern usually has lots of body and volume, and is very prone to tangles. 4a curls are like ringlets, but more compact and dense. 4b curls follow a Z-shaped pattern, which is less defined but very coiled. 4c curls are the tightest curl pattern. Curls rarely clump together without help, and shrinkage can be up to 50% of the natural length. I absolutely love Whitney White, or @naptural85 on Instagram. Her YouTube channel is amazing, not to mention her (updated) DIY flaxseed gel recipe!

kinky coily type 4 curly hair

Why Your Curl Type Doesn’t Matter

The first and biggest reason why your curl type doesn’t matter is because it can, and almost always will change. Buying products for your hair according to your curl pattern/type is like shopping for clothes according to your weight. Admittedly it’s not the best analogy, but it’s the best one I could come up with! We could go shopping for clothes together, both be a size 10 but our weight could be completely different. With diet, exercise and stress (or lack of) our weight can change. You may start out with 2a or 2b waves, and after applying the curly girl method principles, your curl type could evolve to 3c ringlets! That’s why embarking on your curly journey is so exciting. Because it’s a journey, it’s a process. – wait until you see what my hair looked like before I started CG, picture at the end of the post!

Here’s another reason why it doesn’t matter, because you can have multiple curl types on one head of hair! I’ve been following the curly girl method for almost a year, I have a mix of all the type 2 waves and type 3 curls. Back in the day, pre-CG, heat and colour damage, I still had multiple curl patterns in my hair! A lot of people have combination skin, most people have one breast larger than the other and one foot that’s bigger than the other. And don’t get me started on the brows! Treat them like sisters not twins, some times I feel like mine aren’t even friends! So the likelihood that all your curls are going to be the exact same type and pattern is pretty small, no matter where you are on your curly journey.

why your curl type doesn't matter curly cailín

Here’s What Does Matter

Go with me on the clothes shopping analogy, because it’s all I’ve got. Just like we shop for clothes according to our size, we should learn how to shop for products and care for our curls according to our hair’s porosity. This is what really makes a difference when it comes to what products do and don’t work for my hair, and all the different curl types on my head. You can click here to read my ultimate guide to hair porosity, how to find out what your hair’s porosity is, and what products work best for each type of porosity too.

But this post is for anyone stressing over what curl type their hair is, especially for those starting out on their curly journey. It really doesn’t matter, it’s just a great way to measure your growth and progress. In ten months, I’ve gone from a solid 2a wave (see picture below) to a 3a curl (see picture above). Before I ruined it, my hair was a 3b – 3c, so I’m looking forward to getting to that point again, and appreciating every single one of those curls!

curly cailín before curly girl method

If you’ve got low porosity hair like me, here are my favourite curly girl products and where to find them – with discount codes and mostly worldwide shipping!

Check out these curly girl techniques which will enhance and encourage curl pattern and reduce frizz – great for all curl types!

And finally, here’s my ultimate guide to hair porosity – what really matters when it comes to finding what will and won’t work for your hair.

I really hope you found this post helpful. Please subscribe if you haven’t already. If you’ve already subscribed but haven’t received an email yet, please check your junk/spam and add me to your contacts so you don’t miss a post! You can also follow me on Instagram, or like my Facebook page. Please feel free to comment below or send me a DM on social media with any questions you have about your hair or what you’d like to see me cover next. Until the next time, Gabriella xoxo

In: CG Basics

You’ll Also Love

how to build a curly girl hair routine curly cailínHow to Build a Curly Girl Hair Routine
what is the curly girl methodWhat is the Curly Girl Method?
the lmg method curly cailinThe LMG Method

Comments

  1. Teresa says

    19/03/2018 at 3:52 pm

    Hi my name is Teresa, I’m on the curly girl,with nearly twelve months it going ok,still struggling with getting my products right as I am low porosity and protein sensitive,and suffer from product build up.it so good too no that someone in Ireland is doing curly hair advice would you be able to help me to get better at knowing the right products I watch YouTube bloggers,but there hair is different,and I get so confused with one person saying one thing and another saying differently,I am 3a curl I think,and I love my curls.thank you for taking time to read this

    Reply
    • Gabriella says

      22/03/2018 at 9:48 am

      Hi Teresa, Product build up is a common problem for low porosity hair. It can be difficult listening to conflicting advice, but I have found that if I follow fellow curlies who have the same hair porosity type as me, I tend to get the same results they do. General hair health can have a big impact too though, someone’s healthy hair is going to respond better to things than unhealthy hair. Do you want to use the contact form on my contact page to send me a message and I’ll reply to your concerns that way? Gabriella xoxo

      Reply
  2. Frankie says

    29/04/2018 at 7:23 am

    Hi cailin

    I have just begun my curly girl journey and I’m struggling to figure out the best products for styling. I think I have low porosity hair, it’s relatively fine but LOADS of it and lots of frizz. I also get flat roots. Should I apply a mousse to the roots? And then a leave in conditioner and get from mid lefty downwards? Should I apply on sopping wet or damp hair? ( my hair takes ages to dry )
    I’d really appreciate your help and advice. 🙂
    Frankie

    Reply
    • Frankie says

      29/04/2018 at 7:26 am

      Few typos in my message, it should have read -mousse at the roots and then leave in conditioner and GEL from mid-lengths dowards.
      Predictive text

      Reply
  3. Casey Threatte says

    30/06/2018 at 9:58 pm

    Help! I have been addicted to high heat tools for years. I’ve got at least 5 different tools in the bathroom right now. Lucky for me, I just clicked on some links as I was researching B b Curl products and found Curly Girl. Am I ready? YES!
    From what I can tell at this point I have 2A hair, high porosity, fine, but thick hair. It has always had an inconsistent ‘wave’ action going. More wavy in the front, with the back strands going flat with a wave underneath.
    What products do you recommend?
    Figure I need a co wash, a leave in conditioner?, and a gel/cream?

    It would be SO nice to stop spending 40 minutes on my hair because I’m not getting any younger (62!) How much more of my life do I want to waste ;o).
    Just as an FYI, I live in Richmond, VA and summers are high humidity and heat.

    Reply
    • Gabriella says

      19/07/2018 at 12:13 pm

      Hi Casey, that’s amazing that you’re ready to start your journey to healthy curls! And you’ve already got so much key information about your own hair which is always a great start. So the back strands that are flat, is probably due to how you are washing your hair in the shower. Check out this post for more info on that, https://curlycailin.ie/how-to-beat-halo-frizz/ As for products, you’re on the right track. Check out this post on how to build a curly girl hair routine and some product recommendations, https://curlycailin.ie/how-to-build-a-curly-girl-hair-routine/ Hope that helps!

      Reply
  4. Yam says

    02/10/2018 at 1:03 am

    Hi, I’m new here at your blog in this is the first post of you that I’m reading and I like the way you are writing+your hair is stunning!!! if Eyesha is your crush you literally made your dream come true because your hair is as amazing as her! like you I have multiple types of curls and most of them are 3a, 3b coils, and then I have a specific area in my head which is 2b/2c waves… and some rarely times I can see a big 3c curl (something between 3b-3c..) the thing with my hair is that my roots aren’t curly at all and not even wavy…my hair starts to curl from under the brows…but from my eyebrows and up my roots are completely straight and falling downs…do you think that it’s something that I can do to change it or it just might be ny natural hair? also my scalp is VERY prone to buildup…I am using the cg method for less or more a year… so yesterday I decided that I want to try not to use styling products AT ALL and see what happens…abviously my hair is a lot frizzier only with water..( I mean I’m now using only water to refresh..) so yeah…do you think there might be a connection between the buildup thing and my straight roots?

    Reply
    • Gabriella says

      03/10/2018 at 10:07 am

      Hi Yam, thank you so much for your kind, sweet words! And yes, even Ayesha herself says we’ve got the same hair – which is so amazing coming from your ultimate curl crush! Okay, so everyone has different curl patterns and types in their hair – it’s very common so I wouldn’t worry about it too much. Sometimes however, it can be due to how you are washing your hair. If, for example, you’re washing it stood up in the shower with high pressure and high heat beating down on the crown of your head, it’s going to make that area drier, frizzier and it will pull the curl pattern and straighten it out. So try washing your hair upside down instead, turn the pressure and the temperature down. I’ve got a great post called How I Get Root Volume in my Curly Hair which is full of more tips and tricks like that. But, in saying that, it may just be how your hair curls. @marisacurls on Instagram has amazing curls, but rather straight at the roots and similar to what you’re describing. It’s about embracing YOUR natural curls. Personally, I can’t go without styling products, I just get big, poofy, frizzy hair. But see how it works for you. Hope that helps lovey xoxo

      Reply
  5. Michelle says

    22/11/2018 at 2:08 am

    You may not see this because this is an older post. I was lead here on my research of rice water. I am a “curly girl” with 3c/4a afro hair…and I have to let you know that I totally agree with this! Now…I wouldnt go putting shea butter in 2a high porosity hair because that heavy a butter isnt needed for hair whose natural oils can travel down the hair more easily than my hair…which requires butters many times a week…but…porosity trumps curl type. When I was a “straight natural” my hair was very long but damaged because of heat and it had a 2c/3a curl. The reason my hair was able to grow long was because I was very consistent with my protein treatments and applying oil to my hair daily. I have struggled with curly hair, growing it long…and it was because I forgot about porosity…the need for protein treatments WITH butters throughout the week. I did rice water randomly on a wim and hair felt amazing, I did more research (which lead me here) and I realized I forgot the success of my straight hair was understanding the building blocks not focusing on the styling of the curl. Now I rice my hair with rice water (boil it…let it cool…..cut it with water or aloe juice…spray in my hair…let it sit for 20-30 min with oil on top and then apply heat) then wash as normal…any left over I may spray on my roots because I deep condition) and its done wonders for my hair. I also spray my scalp mid-week because as a black woman I only wash my hair once every week or two weeks and it keeps my scalp healthy and free from build up. I know you that you know what ur talking about…but as someone with a TOTALLY different hair texture than you…I just wanted to reinforce the importance of what you are saying, understanding porosity and keeping that as a focus in your hair health is a game changer. THANK YOU.

    Reply
    • Gabriella says

      23/11/2018 at 8:54 am

      YES Michelle!! Thank you so so much for that affirmation! I absolutely agree that porosity trumps curl type! And so does products used, I just wrote a post about glycerin and humectants and how I now think that’s just as important if not moreso than porosity when it comes to choosing products for your hair – and climate/weather. As for the rice water, have you tried my modified rice water treatment method? I’ll link it here for you just in case. https://curlycailin.ie/my-rice-water-rinse-routine-results/ Thanks again for your lovely comment, it’s given me a great start to the day! Gabriella xoxo

      Reply
  6. Emily says

    11/03/2019 at 10:42 pm

    Help!! I don’t know what to do with my hair. I have mostly waves with some defined curls more towards the bottom half of my hair but the top half is straight. Any curly hair products i use dont define my curls, the next day my hair is a frizzy mess. and the products leave the top half of my head with my straight hair stiff. I think I have low porosity hair but Im not sure. I want healthy curls, i dont know what to do.

    Reply
    • anosada says

      04/09/2020 at 9:32 am

      I don’t know if you’ll see this reply, but I have similar hair except mine is curlier at the top and front sections and frizzy straight underneath. I’ve found that finger curling the straighter sections helps to support them whilst you dry you’re hair so that they can form without frizzing so much. It makes mine curlier, for the naturaly curlier sections, I suggest denman brushing because it will make is curlier than if you finger curl them. At least, this is what work for me, hope it helps!

      Reply
  7. Raechel S says

    09/04/2019 at 4:41 pm

    I have FINE low porosity hair. Think 5 yr old child FINE (not baby thank goodness). So in that way a lot of things do not work on my hair. So I am kinda confused by what you are saying.

    Reply
    • Gabriella says

      10/04/2019 at 7:47 am

      In this post, I’m saying your curl type has no bearing whatsoever on what kind of products or techniques will or won’t work, or you should or shouldn’t do on your hair. It’s like saying your height has an effect on what skincare products you use. For you, having fine hair is more important in how you look after, cleanse, condition and style your hair than what curl pattern type you have. Does that make sense? People get so caught up on what curl type they have, and based on their curl type what products should they buy, or will “x” technique work, and this post is to show people that curl type has no importance or bearing on stuff like that. Hope that helps xoxo

      Reply
  8. J. Haub says

    27/05/2019 at 12:13 am

    You say, “I’ve gone from a solid 2a wave (see picture below) to a 3a curl (see picture above). Before I ruined it, my hair was a 3b – 3c, so I’m looking forward to getting to that point again.” What did you do to “ruin” it? Sometimes what-not-to-dos are just as helpful! Thanks!

    Reply
    • Gabriella says

      27/05/2019 at 9:11 am

      Hi, I detail how I ruined my hair in other posts but I “ruined” my curls in just a few years from straightening it using a variety of high heat tools, and continuous balayage and colouring and lightening and highlighting my hair. Using products that contained sulfates, silicones and harsh drying alcohols all contributed too. Hope that helps.

      Reply
  9. Maggie says

    06/07/2019 at 12:49 am

    Hi, I’m Maggie, I am new to this curly hair method thing. My hair started curling 2 years ago and I didn’t realize it was curly until last year. I was wondering what you would do for hair washing if you swim in a chlorine pool two to three different times a day. I know your not supposed to shower every day but my hair gets gross if I don’t wash it after every swim.

    Reply
    • Gabriella says

      13/07/2019 at 2:15 am

      Hi Maggie, if I’m reading that correctly and you swim in a chlorine pool 2-3 times a day, I recommend you read my post on clarifying, I’ll link it here for you: https://curlycailin.ie/why-when-you-should-clarify-your-hair/ and use a chelating shampoo such as the ones I mention in that post, once a week. Followed by a deep condition using a heat cap (I sell them on Etsy) and use plenty of conditioner when you wash your hair. You could also wet your hair and apply conditioner to your hair and leave it in before you go in the water, and wear a rubber/plastic swim cap to keep as much chlorinated water out of your hair as possible. Hope that helps x

      Reply
  10. Sarah says

    06/10/2019 at 1:31 pm

    This post helped me big time. I only figured out I have wavy hair two years ago at age 38 and went to a CG type routine but always had heavy/flat hair to accompany the wave. Also, no way that I could go 2 days in a row without styling; I always had to wet my hair, add product and air dry. I have 2B hair but didn’t think anything about porosity.
    About a month ago I figured out that I have low porosity hair and switching products as well as deep conditioning has made a big difference: no frizz, no residual weight. Also, gel! I didn’t realize how important gel was. I bought a satin pillow case, pineapple my hair and can go 2 days without doing anything and keeping my waves. I’m so happy.

    I bought expensive shampoo for low porosity but cheap conditioner and gel. If you have any recommendations for low porosity shampoo or low porosity cleansing conditioner, I’d love them. Thanks for this helpful post.

    Reply
    • Gabriella says

      06/10/2019 at 4:04 pm

      Hi Sarah, I’m so glad you found the post helpful. Yes, clarifying and deep conditioning are two huge game changers when it comes to looking after curly hair. I have lots of product recommendations on my blog of favourite products and how to build a curly girl routine if you want to check those posts out.

      Reply
  11. Gemma says

    02/11/2019 at 2:28 pm

    Finally someone I ca understand. Very new to the curly girl method, as in am on my first week. I was not born with curly hair but it changed when I hit puberty and I ended up with a frizz ball of a head as no one knew what to do, until eventually I hit uni and learnt a bit better to not brush unless conditioning, air dry and use curling products. Then I thought I was losing my girls during pregnancy but they have recently come back just not in the way I thought I’ve gone from ringlets type 3 to type 2. A friend recommended curly girl method but I was struggling to make sense of it all. From reading this I’ve realised a lot of it I actually used to do but I would wash everyday as my curls on day 2 were just frizz so I guess I just need to check my products and poss do some plopping.

    Reply
  12. Hey says

    12/12/2019 at 12:01 am

    I disagree on what you stated in this article i do not believe your hair actually changes on its own its like saying if you was born dark skin one day you get light skin thats not how things go you are given what you are given. And hair types 100% matters what i use on my 3b 3c 4a hair a girl with 2c hair or 4c hair can not use.

    Reply
    • Gabriella says

      12/12/2019 at 7:03 pm

      That’s okay, you don’t have to agree with what I’ve said. I’m speaking about what I know to be true and have seen with myself, my kids, family and friends. Curl patterns, textures and porosity can all change. Nothing is forever, our skin changes, as does our hair. Things like puberty and pregnancy, chemo therapy, childhood, lots of things can alter and change our hair.

      Reply
      • Gail says

        15/12/2019 at 1:50 am

        Curls often change with hormones .. my hair was much curlier after I had children.. and 3/4 of my hair is ringlets and the top bit is wavy lol – I have combo hair

        Reply
  13. Ess says

    13/01/2020 at 5:29 am

    Have to disagree- curl type actually DOES make a difference for both styling and hair care. 4c women will tell you our hair behaves VERY differently from type 2, 3 and even 4a/b hair. Yes, over time, as we learn what works for our hair regarding porosity, thickness, density, etc. we learn to manage it as well, BUT we first have to realize many things that work for looser curls will not work for us. Many of us spent years treating our hair like 3c hair and quickly realizing that isn’t going to cut it. Many products that 3c girls rave over simply don’t even touch my hair (regardless of density and porosity) whereas the products that are a God send for me and numerous other 4c’s are far too heavy for them.

    Reply
    • Nicole Williams says

      23/10/2020 at 11:41 pm

      I have to agree with you. You have to take porosity,curl pattern and texture into account. You can also have different curl patterns. But I dont think you will see a 2 go to a 4 any time soon without doing an extreme straw set, like i have seen some asians do.

      Reply
  14. Mindy says

    15/02/2020 at 1:35 am

    Thank you for sharing all of the information you do, I’ve learned so much. I try to only use low toxicity products but have a very hard time finding them for curly hair. Do you know of any low toxicity products specifically for curly hair? Do you know the reason it is so hard to find products for curls that are non-toxic?

    Reply
    • Gabriella says

      16/02/2020 at 5:14 pm

      It depends what you determine toxic? Innersense Organic Beauty and Boucleme are the two cleanest brands I’ve come across which are CG friendly.

      Reply
  15. Toni says

    03/03/2020 at 1:24 am

    Hi Gabriella!

    Again, I’ve been loving your posts and following you on IG now. You are so funny! 😛 Anyway, I have two questions:

    1. If my hair is 2B/2C-ish on the top layer, but spiral ringlets on the bottom, should I treat them differently? Like the top part is a little more porous and needs more protein, so should I section it and do different methods with them?

    2. I feel like my hair has never curled from the root. Even when I started transitioning 2 years ago and then DC f’ed up my hair, I’m wondering if maybe my hair just doesn’t begin it’s curl until the mid-shaft and down. I have fine/medium, low-ish porosity hair, and low density. I’ve been using a mousse on the roots and I love it for volume. But is there a way I can begin training the hair to curl from the root?

    Thank you so much for your time! <3

    Reply
    • Gabriella says

      09/03/2020 at 12:37 pm

      Hi Toni, thank you so much! If your hair is a looser curl pattern on top than underneath, it may be due to how you’re washing it in the shower. I suggest reading this post, https://curlycailin.ie/how-to-beat-halo-frizz/ and do everything up side down. As for your curl pattern to the roots, not everyone’s hair curls straight from the root, especially if you’ve got more 2 type waves. They often don’t form waves or curls until further down the hair. So don’t stress too much over it and just work with what you have x

      Reply
  16. Angela says

    05/03/2020 at 6:35 pm

    Love this post! And yes mine is changing constantly. I started CG 2 months ago almost (a few more days), and it’s gone from mostly 2c to mostly 3b. Only 1 3a in there. LOL. I still have some 2c on top as that’s my most damaged but I had no clue my hair could look like this at all! Looking forward to my humid Virginia summer for once so my curls will be awesome. I’ve done what my porosity on my hair needs and that has made a world of difference.

    Reply
  17. Anna says

    13/04/2020 at 9:47 am

    Yesss. Sooo true!

    Reply
  18. Siha says

    29/04/2020 at 11:39 am

    I am surprised to hear so little Europeans have curly hair. My brother and sister are both half Irish. I am half Slavic/German descent and have stereotypical wavy but can be curly hair but my sister has extremely thick wavy hair and my brother has extremely kinky hair from their Irish side

    Reply
  19. Kalla Fudge says

    16/11/2020 at 2:43 pm

    Hi, My name is Kalla and I want to get started on the curly girl method, but I have no clue how to start. My hair is already curly, but at the same time it super frizzy. I love my curls, but I can barely wear them, bc they are so frizzy. Can you please give me some advice to get me started on the curly girl method and help this frizz.

    Reply
  20. Ri says

    25/11/2020 at 2:50 am

    Hi,
    I’m Ri. I have 2c to 3a low porosity curls, and I have absolutely no idea where to start with the CG method. My curls are frizzy and almost never do what I want them to do. I also want tighter curls. I only whip out the heat tools for special events, otherwise I am totally natural. I also have no set hair routine, and no idea what to use on my hair. Can you help?

    Reply
    • admin says

      15/01/2021 at 5:07 pm

      Hi Ri, I have a tab called CG Basics, full of helpful, easy to understand information, tips and advice for curly girl newbies. I also offer 1:1 Curl Clinics, they’re a 30 min consultation via video where we go through all the products you’re using and the issues your experiencing. I then put together a routine and recommend products to suit your hair’s needs, your budget and any other requirements you have. If that’s something you’re interested in, please fill out this form, and I’ll get back to you via email with all of the details. https://www.curlycailin.ie/contact

      Reply
  21. wip says

    17/12/2020 at 8:45 pm

    The top layer of my hair is very different in texture than the under layers. The top is thin, frizzy, and porous- underneath is thick, smooth and less porous. Is that totally unusual? Because of this my hair is really hard to deal with, I try to use much less product on my top layer (which is difficult) but it ends up weighed down and dirty looking or dry and frizzy.

    Reply
    • admin says

      11/01/2021 at 12:59 pm

      It is definitely normal to have different curl patterns etc on one head of hair. However, from what you’re describing, it sounds more like damage. If you wash your hair standing up in the shower, I recommend turning the temperature down, the pressure down and turning your head upside down too. All that heat, pressure and friction is damaging the top canopy layer of the hair and it needs time to heal.

      Reply
    • admin says

      15/01/2021 at 4:53 pm

      This is most likely due to washing your hair standing up in the shower, with the temperature too hot, and the pressure too high. Hot water beating down on the top of your head, hair canopy and crown area will cause damage and all the things you described. I suggest you turn the temperature down, turn the pressure down and turn your head upside down. However, you will need to do this for at least 4-6 weeks to see any signs of improvement, but may take much longer.

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Next Post >

How to Beat Halo Frizz

Follow Me

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Where I Shop

  • Amazon US Shop
  • Amazon UK Shop
  • The Clean Beauty Edit
  • Look Fantastic
  • Cult Beauty
  • Naturalistic Products

Affiliate Links

This website contains some 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, affiliate partnerships, brands or PRs.

Subscribe!

Disclosure

All opinions are my own and any sponsored or paid posts will always be very clearly marked on this site and throughout my social media channels. I don’t get paid to write good things about products and brands – all the work you see is my own, unbiased opinion.

Popular Posts

Celebrating 1 Million Hits

Celebrating 1 Million Hits

How I Protect my Curly Hair at Night

How I Protect my Curly Hair at Night

Managing my Colour at Home using Alfaparf Pigments

Managing my Colour at Home using Alfaparf Pigments

Disclaimer

I take my responsibilities as a blogger and author of this site very seriously and always research and test out products before writing about them. However, what suits my skin type  and curls might be terrible for yours, so please be sensible and take care when following recommendations. Always try something out in-store or ask for a free sample. If you have very sensitive skin or scalp, then be extra careful and check the ingredients list before purchasing or using on your skin, scalp or hair.

trending now

  • My Rice Water Rinse Routine & Results My Rice Water Rinse Routine & Results
  • what is the curly girl method What is the Curly Girl Method?
  • how to build a curly girl hair routine curly cailín How to Build a Curly Girl Hair Routine
  • Protein Moisture Balance

Instagram

Follow @curlycailin.ie

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
  • Shop
  • Amazon US Shop
  • Amazon UK Shop
  • Subscribe
  • Contact

Copyright © 2021 Curly Cailín · Theme by 17th Avenue

Curly Cailín uses cookies to improve site performance, functionality and enhance user experience. Continuing to use this site means you're happy with this.Ok