The only thing I care about in a hair product is if it is cruelty-free. I won't buy it if the company tests on animals even if the product will do wonders on my hair.
The drugstore where I get my hair products from has labels that say whether the product is cruelty free, vegan or both under the price of said product.
Unfortunately there is a lot of overlap between CF and the whole "natural is better" trend. I couldn't find a shampoo for about 3 years that worked for my hair when I switched to CF because they are all sulphate free these days. Had to go back just so my hair would look and feel clean. Becoming a bit more savvy on ingredients now which helps but sometimes it feels like you have to be a chemist to navigate beauty products and all of the jargon surrounding it.
@@littlereddragon Curlsmith is an amazing CF haircare line!! I highly recommend it! Now it is free of all silicones and sulfates but its great for all hairtypes and very light weight!
YES! This video needs millions of views. I began doing the CGM this past summer, even uploaded my own videos about it. While it has taught me how to care for my wavy hair, its demonization of ingredients only perpetuates this fearmongering, not seen in just hair care but skincare too. The concentration and how you use it matter. And I initially thought the CGM was inclusive to all hair textures, but the more I looked the more I saw how it excludes, and is disrespectful to, those with type 4 hair and the natural hair movement.
Omg the buildup terror around silicones is SO REAL! The most frequent question I get about my favorite curl cream (Cake) is “but won’t that build up on my hair?!” And...NOPE it won’t! Just cleanse!! The silicones do wonders for my fine high-po curls!
These two videos are the BOMB! You covered all my frustrations with where cgm deviates from science, and I learned a few new things too! As a chemical engineer, "chemical-free" drives me NUTS.
Chem engineering squad!!! In some lectures (I specialise in food/life science) we literally talk about how consumers fear ingredients for no reason. But that it‘s often easier and more profitable to just feed into that than bring out a product with „bad chemicals“ nobody will buy. Which, of course, reinforces those myths
Thank you so much for bringing up the Massey warning against oils. I agree with you I think this is insensitive and borderline racist swaying people away from black owned brands and creators (and to her brand?) that should be supported in the curly hair space. It seems to me that we owe so much to the black community for teaching use about working with curly/textured hair.
1. She might as well just say she never intended the cgm to be for black people or 3c+ hair 🤨 2. I hope loraine still isn’t trying to push deva curl products... if so I don’t trust anything she says 😂😂
Yessss. As licensed hairstylist (since 1994), I’m baffled by the curly girl method. Most (if not all) of it goes against everything I’ve learned and observed. I’m not a chemist but I have practical knowledge of these non cg friendly products through decades of using them on myself and others. Nothing beats silicones when it comes to slip and manageability. I started my channel to fight the misinformation. While we’re at it, curl typing needs to go bye bye too. Too many stereotypes attached to it and not especially useful. Great video!
Yeah I know a lot of people are against the girl typing chart. The media may protray one type is better than the other, and obv causes so much harm in and out of the community. BUT I must admit I like looking at it, esp when looking for haircuts with layers and bangs, and hairstyles too, seeing my 3b hair is more realistic than random 3a or type 2 or 4.
UGH YES TO ALL OF THIS!! The Curl typing system is only useful to clarify expectations of how your hair can look while dry, and too many people tie their whole identity - and other people’s identities! - to their curl types! Texture and porosity are far more useful! And also I freakin love silicones 🙌🏻🤣
@@TheFitCurls agreed. Texture and porosity are indeed far better ways to determine what products to use. Scalp condition dictates shampoo type and frequency. I’m 47 with a full head of shiny, healthy hair all thanks to silicones and sulfates. DECADES of silicones and sulfates. I don’t obsess over ingredients beyond protein and moisture. I go by results. If it’s high quality and delivers the results, I’m all in. You would have to pry the silicones out of my cold dead fingers to get me to stop using them altogether. I have no problem trying products without them but I still use them somewhere in my routines or rotation of products (too many products but I’ll justify it by blaming it on being a licensed hairstylist 😂). By the way, I’m subscribed to your channel. Great content delivered with a bit of sass. Love it.
This is really interesting. I've been experimenting with the curly girl method and it has helped my hair a lot but i think the big differences have been technique changes. Not brushing my hair when it's dry and sleeping with my hair up are what I suspect has my hair breaking waaay less rather than product changes. I also wasn't using anything with hold before and I think that has been a good change. I'm going to experiment with using up the products I have from before with what I have learned works for my hair technique wise. Thanks :)
Yes finally someone is saying it, i was starting to go CG and found that a curl creme i liked and worked amazing for my hair was not approved! i asked my hairdresser and she said if it works and you like it keep using it!
What is your day job?? You are so eloquent when you speak and you’ve really done your research. Thank you for these videos, they’ve really opened my eyes.
You know what, i didn't years being angry at the gluten free and non GMO movement, i forgot to apply my skepticism to my hair care. Thanks for these two videos. Unfortunately i need to do further research for dyed curly hair (semi permanent dyes wash out easier and i don't want to waste money on bi monthly touch ups) but I'll take all this new info into account
Just wanted to comment. Preach it girl lol. I personally have worn my hair curly my whole life I am 45 now and let me tell you I did try the CGM a few yrs back for 2 years as an experiment. I went all those years using the so called baddies and let me tell you, my hair is still flawless 😍.
LOVE this video! For so long at the start of my curly journey I refused to use things like sulfates and silicones even though in the back of my mind I’d think about how my best wash days used to have silicones in. I think not properly cleansing your hair due to fear of dry hair is also causing so many problems in the curly community. As long as you use a conditioner after shampoo, you’re not going to have major problems. CGM goes on about pre-poo, co-wash, conditioner, deep conditioner, butter based stylers and oils being ok all together and yet a little bit of silicone is going to cause buildup?! It doesn’t make sense. Like you said as long as you clarify when needed you won’t have a problem with product buildup. I really love listening to @iamblackgirlcurls on Instagram. It’s more for coily textures rather than my looser curls but the principles are still the same and their motto is “Just wash your damn hair” which is great. Now my wash days include a gentle but effective shampoo every wash day, an amazing moisturising conditioner (with parabens) and a serum with silicones in the first five ingredients and my curls have never looked better!
Say it louder for those in the back!! No such thing as chemical free!! It makes me crazy that people don't understand this. This applies to so much in the market now... just because its an essential oil or OTC herbal something also doesn't mean it's safe! I'm not knocking herbs and oils... but they have side effects too!
It's like everyone just forgot how common it is for people to have allergies/reactions to flowers, fruits, nuts and any possible thing that exists in the natural world. I wouldn't be surprised if half the people that believe in the superiority of natural ingredients experience hayfever.
My issue with silicones as a wavy (2b, 2c) is that they feel like they weigh everything down. My hair is already long and heavy so I don't like the feeling of it being 'weighed' but if I had tigher curls I would prolly use them more
So much respect for you and this post. As a scientist currently in the process of getting my PhD and recently on my curly journey this really solidified my confidence in what I already believed. You are wonderful for explaining marketing tactics and science. Keep it up!
You've inspired me to finally try the verb ghost oil! I was always hesitant because of the silicones but I truly feel that a product like that is what I'm missing. WHY WAS I SCARED? Thank you for being so thorough, your channel should blow up 💓
As a wavy I’ve found that the curly girl method has me over moisturizing my hair aka over conditioning. And it has made my hair less curly. These universal rules don’t work for everyone. So now I’m looking at going back to stronger shampoos and less conditioners.
I do this. I use strong shampoo to remove any product and oil from my workout. Condition. Throughly rinse out. Then gel. Been trying a curl cream before gel and been getting slightly better results but not crazy better.
I would love to know that also. I understand some people can have problems with synthetic fragrance from simple skin contact allergies to headaches and migraines. And as someone who scents natural and synthetic can trigger headaches and migraines but for the most part I am fine I still use products with fragrance but others say they are irritating and should never be used even if they themselves have no sensitivities to any fragrance.
@@jenniferprice9971 i personally really would love to see a video on shampoos for people with sensitive scalps, since most shampoos that are for sensitive scalps, aren't so nice to my frizzy frizz ):
@@princessmanitari4993 I wouldn’t mind seeing it as I have some sensitivity to products but mostly for my face not my scalp particularly and I have had some shampoos irritate along my hairline. I am mainly curious about fragrance as many people say you can’t be sensitive to fragrance ingredients while others even without their own sensitivity refuse to get products with fragrance as an ingredient either because it can be irritating or they don’t like the lack of disclosure of all ingredients. So I like seeing what people who look into the science of cosmetics think or even just people who have tried a lot of different products. Especially as fragrance seems to be a divisive topic.
As a vegan and general greenie who doesn't think we were created to run on synthetic stuff (even if one has the faith to believe in evolution, that still doesn't stack up!), I prefer the more 'natural' option, but I still use my fair share of synthetics. ;) Something I do think needs to stop is the expression 'Curly Girl approved'. The CGM isn't an approving body, like Cruelty Free International with Leaping Bunny, or the Vegan Society with their sunflower symbol (in the UK). There's absolutely no such thing as 'Curly Girl approved'. 'Curly Girl Method compatible or friendly, yes, approved, no.
Love this, an acquaintance of mine was selling lime life, an mlm, was constantly fear mongering anti chemical. To the point she told people that using sunscreen that wasn’t lime life sun screen was worse then just not wearing any, and getting burned. 🤬 That being said I have extremely sensitive skin and since using the basic curly girl method my hair has gotten darker, healthier, and my face doesn’t burn from the shampoo I’m using in my hair. I think using the C G method as a guide and not law is the way to go for me. Thank you for posting this!
Love this video and I honestly wish these bigger curly influencers would take note and stop making their viewers believe they’re doing harm to their hair by using products that aren’t CGM approved. I’ve always thought from the beginning that the CGM was just used as a way to sell more expensive products to people who have had issues with managing their curly hair for most of their life.
I think the CGM is a good starting point if you've never worn your hair curly or if its super super damaged. I agree with all you've said, but starting with the strict cgm rules will definitely help your hair become healthy. The difference is that its not then required for the rest of your life. A silicone or sulfate here or there isn't going to destroy your hair.. as you said :)
cGM, while great for my 2C waves, gave me horrible scalp issues within a month. All that curling cream and gel never got properly washed off my scalp as I was using a sulphate free moisturising shampoo, so the products remained, causing intense itchiness and eventually folliculitis which was the most painful thing ever. Also my scalp developed this nasty smell along with the folliculitis and it was just awful. I'm on the road to recovery now, and I make sure to use sulphates every week along with ACV rince and my scalp is slowly healing. Never again
Considering all the new rules Lorainne Massey keeps adding following strict cgm rules is almost impossible. I wouldn't recommend sticking to it for anyone who doesn't want a life of frustration and label reading. For those starting out I would suggest searching instagram/youtube for curly haired content by creators with hair similar to yours and following them. To start with just focus on styling/washing techniques like "squish-to-condish" and using products with hold like gel. If your current shampoo/conditioner are working well for you, you don't need to buy new ones straight away, the techniques will still work. Things I look for in good curly content creators - they don't push overly strict rules or fear mongering of certain ingredients. - they recommend products with a variety of price points and not just ones they have a deal with (not saying they can't have ads/sponsorships, just not for every single item they recommend). - they recommend trying new techniques and ways of making a product work for you, over constantly buying new products. Technique is more important than the product 99% of the time. - they are aware that they are not the source of all hair knowledge 😂 That's really enough to be getting on with for anyone. No need to also spend hours/days finding products without silicones/butters/oils when it 's practically impossible and doesn't matter.
@@emmao6578 I see your point. I shouldn't have used the word strict, I dont strictly follow it. But I dont use silicones and sulphates and it definitely wasn't impossible. It took me 2 or 3 months and now I have a selection of products for each purpose (I.e. Washing, styling, deep conditioner etc). My hair is SO much better for it. I guess my point was, if youre starting from scratch, following the cgm and then adapting it to your personal needs is a good method to learn about curly hair care.
@@stariehearts2366 that sounds horrible, sorry you had to go through that. I think it can often just depend on too much. Your hair type, the products you're using, the technique you use. Cgm has done wonders for my hair and I would recommend it for anyone who is new to curly hair care. But it definitely has to be adapted to each individual.
So...I suffer from eczema and seborrheic dermatitis ...Aragon oil, Marula oil and coconut nut oil, irritates my skin and scalp..this might sound bad, but I prefer more "chemical products " because I tend to have less of a reaction to them. I am still in the very early learning stages of CGM, but this is what I have noticed from those products being on my skin. I'm open to any tips or suggestions.
I started curly girl method last June so still learning lots. I think what you say makes sense and it is so important for people to do their own research and learning because, like you say "What works for one person may not work for another". I will stick to CGM for now as I continue to learn what my hair likes but I am always open to trying other things. Knowledge is power. Thanks for the info.😀👍
Thank you for speaking up about all the myths around "chemical free" products. More people need to shout this from the rafters. I've had so many arguments with people trying to get them to understand that there is no such thing as chemical free products. There is so much misinformation and myths when it comes to personal care products. So frustrating.
Earlier today I was taking a survey that asked "Do you think skincare products should be free from chemicals?" I just always come back to Hank Green's rant: "EVERYTHING IS CHEMICALS!"
I just decided to go back to my favorite Lush shampoo bar made with sodium coco-sulfate because I hated how my "gentler" sulfate-free shampoo bar made my hair feel - it's so stripping that I've been able to use it better as body soap, yet it somehow simultaneously didn't lather enough in my hair. This is reassuring :) formulation matters!
I tried Living Proof’s curly formula and it made my hair fall out. Like FALL OUT. It still comes out like crazy, it’s been 2 months at least. So I learned that maybe a curly formula isn’t for my hair....
I'm curious why CGM is suddenly popular again? Anyone know? I'm not a super social media connected person. I got the curly girl book about 20 years ago now and thought it was kind of over. Suddenly it's a thing again. I think a "take what works and leave what doesn't" approach is best for most things, this included. I like a lot of the styling ideas from CGM but the product fear mongering not so much. I do love trying new products for the fun of it and have found some good ones, but after all these years I still get the best results with Pantene curl mousse. I do not care if it's CGM approved, my hair approves of it so what else matters? Don't really trust ms Lorraine massey too much, she's selling whatever she can.
My theory is that because a lot of people are in lockdown and not socialising as much, they don’t mind experimenting with their hair and letting it go a bit wild during their curl transition phase 😆
@@natalies4751 Yes I also noticed this in the uk! I've been veeeeery loosely following the cgm for years and years because my hair growing up on regular products sucked. Now everyone with remotely curly hair I know is discovering cgm. I know for myself I have been spending a lot of money on products because of lockdown getting me down.
For a moment, I got in the CGM train. But than I noticed silicones were really good for my hair. But I also noticed harsh sulfates shampoo doesn' work well in my dyed hair, so I avoid them. I still avoid oils with paraffin, mainly bc I don't like to use harsh sulfates shampoo. Really enjoyed you video!!
I stopped the CGM 10 years ago since its so hard to find sulfate free and silicone free hair care products in my country....its also hot and humid here and it can feel disgusting and itchy when the hair isn't cleaned everyday. Smelling like yesterday's sweat is also not appealing
Thank you for this. I’ve been silicone and sulfate free for a couple years because I was trying to repair my severely damaged hair. I think I honestly just needed more clarifying and less heat in my life and I would have been fine! This video makes me feel less anxious about products and I’m down to try some silicones to fight the SC humidity!
New to your channel! Any curly hair "influencer" who eschews the EWG and "clean" beauty gets an automatic follow from me!❤️ Also, your hair is GORGEOUS!😍
I don’t have curly hair, but the cgm helped me get my hair to not break as much as it got longer. I know for me, my shampoo is amazing and cgmapproved(before the oils/butters addition…) but my conditioner, despite being cgm, is not moisturizing enough. I don’t like how most silicones(namely dimethicones) affect my hair personally, but i feel much better accepting some of of the other demonized ingredients. Thank you!
Thanku so much for the upload, I recently started CGM, but wasn't ready to throw away my regular shampoo and conditioner. I just use the CGM techniques not the products and achieve tremendous results, I though may be my waves would be more define if I start using the cgm approved products. But now, I'm not gonna spend tons of money on these products, very much satisfied with my current products. Thanks again ❤😊
I bought a new shampoo recently based on what I'd heard about CGM. My hair was suddenly healthy & my curls didn't need products to make them hold anymore. Watching this I realized my mistake. This was a gentler shampoo than my old one, plus it came with a conditioner I've been using. My hair was always dry before. Adding the moisture was what actually made the difference! I'm gonna probably keep using this as long as it works for me, only because it works for me, & I'm telling my friend not to try CGM like I suggested awhile back.
I'm not going to lie.. Before I knew about the CGM, my hair was amazing. After a while I started following the CGM and ok whatever. Then I was looking at pics when I didn't know about it and I noticed how healthy my hair was looking ans even more full. Thank you so much for this info! Then I'd wanted to switch and id watch youtubers curly hair videos and I'd almost feel guilty for switching
Good for you to go back. If I had done this sooner maybe I'd not have lost 60% of my hair over the 7 years I used cg products. Bbutters and oils were the cause of my hair disaster.
thank you so much fot this video!!! all this information made me realize many things about my hair!! The curly hair method helped me a lot... but now that I watch your video I think I ready for some changes
Can you make a video about pH levels? Like the product pH levels and the best levels for our hair. I noticed when I used hair products with high pH levels my hair doesn't look as good or my wash day doesn't last as long or look as shiny compared to when I used products with lower pH levels. Great video as always and much appreciated.
You most definitely taught me something- thank you, & you made me feel better. I felt guilty using silicone products. I know that Marc Anthony Strictly curls lotion worked on my hair, but it wasn’t approved, so I felt guilty. 😃 I am relieved now ~ ☺️
OMG, same here!! My hair LOVES the strictly curls curl cream, but I always feel guilty when I use it, so I tend to avoid it. I love when girls in the curly girl community make these videos 💖.
I have John Freida frizz ease products that have been on my shelf for years and I was a bit worried when I discovered that they contain silicones...but then I realised, sod it! I get good results with them 🤷🏽♀️
My favourite myth is that natural ingredients are less probable to give allergic reaction. I hear that a lot and very annoying. Tell that to all people who can't eat peanuts....
I absolutely loved and learned a lot from this video. You just gained a subscriber. You're so informative and serene. Everything about this video just worked for me. Thanks a lot for the work put into it! 👍🏽🤗
Another fantastic video! I really appreciate the CG-adherent accounts I have been following on the journey of learning to love my curls. Without the knowledge of those who’ve gone before me, I’d still be flat-ironing and round-brush blowout-ing every day, and that clearly wasn’t healthy for my hair! However, I’ve been feeling like a liar and a “bad” curly girl because I can’t give up my favorite shampoo and conditioner. Both contain amodimethicone, and I refuse to feel bad about that because my hair loves it. In fact, when I fell for the lie that all silicones are bad and cut those faves out of my routine, my curl pattern was looser and I experienced a good deal of frizz. You’re 100% right; it all comes down to listening to your hair and figuring out its needs. I know there’s a lot of buzz around DMDM hydantoin right now, but I’m not giving up one of my go-to clarifying shampoos and two gels that I can’t live without. There’s so much sensationalism out there, and social media only serves to feed the frenzy. Thank goodness there are sensible people like you to counter the madness!
Wow! I just realized what the heck am I thinking following the advice of a group who decided how you should take care of curly hair?! There have been lot of products I've been wanting to try, but they have the "dreaded" ingredients in them. Thanks for snapping me out of it girlfriend! 🤗⚘
Okay, completely off topic but love that pink lipstick on you. I personally don't like pink in cosmetics (don't know why😛) but that lipstick shade is looking so good on you 👌🏼😍❤🌻
This is such an amazing video! I feel like even my hairstylists/ colorists have polarizing ideas and practices regarding hair care. It’s so confusing overwhelming and frustrating.I particularly liked how you talked about the creator of the Curly Girl- or really any product marketing has a goal and their own agenda-which is to get you to buy their stuff. Why would you pay more for a similar product? They have to tell you something to make you stop using a product your already familiar with. It makes total sense. I live in Florida- high humidity it is a real struggle I like what you said about silicones.
I’m absolutely IN LOVE with this video!!!! I’m a cosmetologist 4 years out of school and only 4 months working in the industry and I can’t WAIT to educate my next client that mentions their fears of these ingredients! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! ❤️❤️❤️
These videos were AWESOME and very informative, thank you!!! I have always been skeptical and never knew where to find this information, most curly hair sites say the same thing about these "toxic" ingredients that will make your hair melt LOL. This is a big help, and I agree! We have to do what works for our hairs health. I quit CGM recently and my hair has never looked better!
I find that there are a bunch of tips within the cgm that work well for many other people, but not everything works for everyone. My hair is wavy and low-medium porosity so It's quite prone to buildup, which is why I always have a sulfate shampoo athome. And that Shampoo feels less drying to my hair than some cgm approved shampoos that I tried🤷🏻♀️ Another thing I find problematic is the way cowash is handled. If cowash does not work for sb they are usually told they're doing it wrong, they have to massage more. Amd you can feel like you're a failure because of it. Also specific cowashes usually have cleansing ingredients just like lowpos. But many people use their regular conditioners especially when they're starting out. Some conditioners might work. But the thought of constantly putting something on my scalp that isn't meant for the scalp kinda freaks me out.
This is totally anecdotal so don't take it as a universal fact/truth. For me personally, I learned that the less I shampooed my hair, the less oil it would produce. The theory I've heard behind this is that since shampoo takes away a lot of oils, your scalp starts to produce more to compensate with that. Idk how true it is or not, but for me personally I used to have to shampoo my hair every 2-3 days and now I shampoo about once a week. I definitely had an awkward time trying to transition my hair to getting used to the more spread out routine, but it did eventually work out. Granted, I'm also not a person that works out regularly, so I'm not sweating as much and therefore am not needing as much cleaning as someone who works out every day. I have fine wavy hair so idk how much this may apply to you since it is anecdotal, but maybe it will help :)
I didn't know what a paraben was or why it was bad and couldn't really be bothered to look it up on my own, so thank you for explaining that for me lol
Parabens and phthalates are endocrine disruptors that can upset your natural hormonal balance, which you may want to avoid if you are TTC or dealing with other hormonal issues.
I remember many years ago when the Curly Girl Method was starting to get popular, I kept asking around of forums why "build up" is such a bad thing. It seemed like an imaginary problem to me because people on these forums never seemed to be able to explain why it was a problem. As somebody with extremely porous hair, avoiding build up seemed contrary to everything I had been trying to do, which was to coat my hair strands to make them as smooth as possible (like those with low porosity hair). I tried to follow the CG method and just ignored the part about the silicones because it made no sense to me and because all my favourite products had silicones. I'm so glad more people are starting to realize that silicones are great now!
I completely agree with you. I’m Italian and I follow the “Italian Curly Girl community”. This community doesn’t follow in a strict way the CGM created by Lorraine Massey but a modified version (With sulfates, “drying” alcohol, oils and butters). Recently Lorrain Mossey’s team said to the Italian community that they cannot talk anymore about the CGM because what they are doing is not CGM. She is partially right but she said in a horrible way. Also, the community I follow always specifies that they use a modified version of the CGM. I think she did only because we don’t buy her products (they are hard to find in Italy).
I think using a one-size-fits-all method is dangerous. Not every hair is going to react the same way. It also depends on humidity, where you live, how your hair is styled etc. I think what works is understanding your hair and what ingredients work for your hair. For example, my limp, fine hair loves panthenol and aloe water. Also, I don't use butters or lots of oil. Instead, I apply a dollop of oil for my whole head of hair on damp hair and that works for me.
in this weather I use sulfate shampoos every 3 weeks or even a month but in the summer I use a sulfate shampoos almost every week or 2 it depends on the weather and how my hair is feeling and that works for me 🙃
OMG THANK YOU FOR THIS VIDEO. Instead of focusing on what I don't want in my hair, I should focus on what works for my hair. Coating my hair with oil has been the only thing that has kept humidity at bay, but then it weighs on my hair and I cannot access to the products people have in other countries. So I will look on what silicones actually work best for my weather and my hair!!!!!
I follow the curly girl method and it works pretty well for my hair, but I agree with you on what you said about sulfates, there are some sulfate shampoos that actually aren't harsh, like for example, Balea. But silicones might not be suitable for everyone, I know that some curly girls use them, but I found out that they do horrible things to my hair, because I have naturally fine hair and silicones weigh them down
I love my amodimethicone leave-in during the winter. It’s the best thing I’ve found to prevent/minimize tangles at the nape of my neck, and I’ve been doing this for years. Even my very strict CHM stylist knows I use sulfates and silicones and he always comments on how healthy my hair is.
This video popped up in my recommended videos at just the right time! I've been slowly implementing some cgm practices but haven't jumped in fully because I can't use a large majority of the cgm approved products. Most of them have shea butter or argan oil, which are major allergens for me and probably a bunch of other sensitive-skinned, latex allergic people. I hate that the market was flooded with shea butter and argan oil products and now I have to read the labels on *everything*. Now I'll feel less "guilty" about picking products that might work for me but aren't cgm approved.
i learn SO much from you! i love that you always back up your claims with research. thank you for putting in the work for the rest of us - it doesn't go unnoticed.
Just came across your first video and then jumped over here. I love this information. I mostly buy sulfate free shampoos because I don't like how stripped my hair feels when using sulfates. However, once in a while if I need to remove too much accumulated product in my hair, then I will use it. I will continue to follow your channel. TFS
No longer a curly girl (I've had relaxed hair for 2 years now) but the same principles really apply to so many parts of the hair and beauty community. The best thing you can do for your hair is listen to it and actually do your research.
you just reestablished for me the fact that you have to experiment. I started with the Curly girl method almost 30 years ago. it was almost a religious experience. I FINALLY realized what the heck I was fighting against with my hair. I learned to love my hair. BUT my hair changes in the diferent environments I'm in. Sound familiar? I have to play with different products. I've tried MANY brands from Deva Curl to Controled Chaos and found that a product may work for awhile but then it won't work as well. Ya gotta try diferent products because no one has the exact same hair. Thanks!!
So what are some “natural” oils? Why does everyone think Lorraine Massey is the sole creator of the CGM? She actually isn’t. Do research people!!! Black females have been sleeping in bonnets,doing protective sleep techniques,using natural ingredients,pre poos,deep conditioning,oil scalp massages,protein/moisture balance products,sealing oiling, and so on and so on for hundreds of years!!! Lorraine Massey was the female to put it all in a book. That’s it. My black female co workers 21yrs ago(I’m almost 43) was helping me with my dry,dull,brittle,natural spiral curly hair back then. Doing all the “Curly girl Method”techniques and using natural and organic products. Yes back then many black females still pressed,hot combed,extensions,etc their hair BUT were doing all these techniques and products to help their hair underneath all that. So I don’t put Lorraine Massey on a curly girl pedestal,don’t worship her,and don’t give her the praise that curly girls been giving her.
Silicones with hair became the fragrance of skincare. It's not all bad and makes you feel better. Hair isn't a religion. Anyone who has lived with hard water knows that clarifying at least twice a month is required. That build up is UNREAL. Your favorite sea salt spray has a silicone? Go nuts
I basically look for product that doesn't have animal ingredients. My most like is Avalon and nature's gate. But honestly I can't afford then all the time.
Everyone have different hair; there are many different types of oils/butters of different properties that can work for certain types of hair, you just need to know which. I have low-porosity hair with tight cuticles which means they're smooth, glossy and resilient but moisture repellent, quick to go greasy and hard to style at the same time. Rich oils/butters in conditioners just sit on the surface without being absorbed, proteins coat the hair making them look dull. Too much silicone is also not good, it makes my hair look greasy and clogs my scalp so it's better used in target areas. I stick to light oils (such as linseed or argan) for hot oiling my hair an hour prior to washing them with gentle moisturising shampoo. Then I use thin moisturising conditioner on 1/2 length of my hair. To towel dried hair I apply moisturising mist and tiny drop of silicone based treatment just to the tips of my hair to seal moisture in and protect it from further damage. It's really worth knowing your hair and identifying their needs; before that I was buying into marketing campaigns and trends and was wasting a lot of money on products that simply didn't work for me.
I think a better reason to not use products with micro plastics (like silicone) is for enviromental reasons. Micro plastic pollution is really bad and in my humble opinion micro plastics should not be allowed in cosmetic products. They are not necessary for great results. Otherwise I completely agree :)
The only reason you should look beyond the first 3-5 ingredients if you have diagnoses severe allergies. My mother is severely allergic to almost every very common cosmetic ingredient under the sun. Even if the allergen is at the bottom of the list she experiences allergic reactions. Most people will never have to do this and they're rather lucky because it's exhausting.
As a person who battles with seborreic dermatitis had to abandon curly girl method, since instead of silicones, products had waxes , that are worse. I had to use highly sulfate product to clarify. Was a Battle but then I went to a dermatologist and was the salvation.
Well, I would say that you should avoid shea butter if you can't get it fair trade. Making shea butter is a backbreaking process, and the woman that make it get a couple of cents for each hour they work. Not to mention that the women who make shea butter are socially ostracised because it is one of the ways a woman can make money in rural Africa. So buy it fair trade and give these women a better life.
One thing that was weird is that the scientist worked for Beauty Counter which is an MLM. Sorry, but you say that companies are not trying to lie or misrepresent their products or companies and in many cases they definitely do. I don't trust a person who worked for an MLM when they say they cared about their customers because in MLMs their consultants are losing money most of the time. Please use better sources if you are going to talk about ethical issues because someone who was willing to bankrupt people for a few bucks when they had other options is not what I would call a credible source when it comes to that.
the only really good things that has come out of cgm 1. Recognition for curly hair making it stand out as beautiful mainstream so those who have it don't need to feel like they need to change their natural hair 2. Focus on how to treat your hair to make it healthy rather than just look nice/ prep it for styling agents 3. show how many people who just thought their hair was a frizzy mess how to properly take care of it/ that they are curly. And how to love their hair. - disclaimer: even if they aren't being truly accurate in the information at least it brought recognition in order for people to look more into it than they were before.
I mainly avoid silicones and mineral oils because of their impact on the environment. There is a lot more to the whole beauty industry than just what ingredient x does for our hair. How are these ingredients produced and derived? What happens after our shower - will the ingredients remain in the water and be a potential harm for the oceans? In the end, you might be right that silicones are not necessarily bad for our hair but promoting them? Why not use products that are both, cruelty free and with as little environmental impact as possible? We don't live alone on this planet.
EVERYTHING. IS. A. CHEMICAL. Thank you so much.
As a food chemist I am loving this statement. 🥰
As a chemical engineer, I also love this statement
"You're a chemical Karen!"
Fr I learnt this in 6th grade since 💀 water is a chemical we are chemicals
Literally, water is a chemical
The only thing I care about in a hair product is if it is cruelty-free. I won't buy it if the company tests on animals even if the product will do wonders on my hair.
Same! 💗🐰
The drugstore where I get my hair products from has labels that say whether the product is cruelty free, vegan or both under the price of said product.
Unfortunately there is a lot of overlap between CF and the whole "natural is better" trend. I couldn't find a shampoo for about 3 years that worked for my hair when I switched to CF because they are all sulphate free these days. Had to go back just so my hair would look and feel clean. Becoming a bit more savvy on ingredients now which helps but sometimes it feels like you have to be a chemist to navigate beauty products and all of the jargon surrounding it.
@@littlereddragon Curlsmith is an amazing CF haircare line!! I highly recommend it! Now it is free of all silicones and sulfates but its great for all hairtypes and very light weight!
@@littlereddragon a ton of lush's products still have sulfates and stuff and also tends to be CF + vegan :)
I don't even have curly hair, but I love a good bashing of fearmongers.
THIS
YES! This video needs millions of views. I began doing the CGM this past summer, even uploaded my own videos about it. While it has taught me how to care for my wavy hair, its demonization of ingredients only perpetuates this fearmongering, not seen in just hair care but skincare too. The concentration and how you use it matter. And I initially thought the CGM was inclusive to all hair textures, but the more I looked the more I saw how it excludes, and is disrespectful to, those with type 4 hair and the natural hair movement.
YUP
Omg the buildup terror around silicones is SO REAL! The most frequent question I get about my favorite curl cream (Cake) is “but won’t that build up on my hair?!” And...NOPE it won’t! Just cleanse!! The silicones do wonders for my fine high-po curls!
I’ve been wanting to try more drugstore creams so def gonna look into this one! 🤩
These two videos are the BOMB! You covered all my frustrations with where cgm deviates from science, and I learned a few new things too! As a chemical engineer, "chemical-free" drives me NUTS.
Chem engineering squad!!!
In some lectures (I specialise in food/life science) we literally talk about how consumers fear ingredients for no reason. But that it‘s often easier and more profitable to just feed into that than bring out a product with „bad chemicals“ nobody will buy. Which, of course, reinforces those myths
Thank you so much for bringing up the Massey warning against oils. I agree with you I think this is insensitive and borderline racist swaying people away from black owned brands and creators (and to her brand?) that should be supported in the curly hair space. It seems to me that we owe so much to the black community for teaching use about working with curly/textured hair.
Sooo I think that means I can use up my ”old” products that I really loved before CGM without been scared it would ruin my progress? 💕
“no butters”
me, with all my shea butter products: false
1. She might as well just say she never intended the cgm to be for black people or 3c+ hair 🤨
2. I hope loraine still isn’t trying to push deva curl products... if so I don’t trust anything she says 😂😂
She’s pushing her own brand now which doesn’t help the situation lol
Yessss. As licensed hairstylist (since 1994), I’m baffled by the curly girl method. Most (if not all) of it goes against everything I’ve learned and observed. I’m not a chemist but I have practical knowledge of these non cg friendly products through decades of using them on myself and others. Nothing beats silicones when it comes to slip and manageability. I started my channel to fight the misinformation. While we’re at it, curl typing needs to go bye bye too. Too many stereotypes attached to it and not especially useful. Great video!
Subscribing!
@@Gii7077 thank you!
Yeah I know a lot of people are against the girl typing chart. The media may protray one type is better than the other, and obv causes so much harm in and out of the community. BUT I must admit I like looking at it, esp when looking for haircuts with layers and bangs, and hairstyles too, seeing my 3b hair is more realistic than random 3a or type 2 or 4.
UGH YES TO ALL OF THIS!! The Curl typing system is only useful to clarify expectations of how your hair can look while dry, and too many people tie their whole identity - and other people’s identities! - to their curl types! Texture and porosity are far more useful! And also I freakin love silicones 🙌🏻🤣
@@TheFitCurls agreed. Texture and porosity are indeed far better ways to determine what products to use. Scalp condition dictates shampoo type and frequency. I’m 47 with a full head of shiny, healthy hair all thanks to silicones and sulfates. DECADES of silicones and sulfates. I don’t obsess over ingredients beyond protein and moisture. I go by results. If it’s high quality and delivers the results, I’m all in. You would have to pry the silicones out of my cold dead fingers to get me to stop using them altogether. I have no problem trying products without them but I still use them somewhere in my routines or rotation of products (too many products but I’ll justify it by blaming it on being a licensed hairstylist 😂). By the way, I’m subscribed to your channel. Great content delivered with a bit of sass. Love it.
This is really interesting. I've been experimenting with the curly girl method and it has helped my hair a lot but i think the big differences have been technique changes. Not brushing my hair when it's dry and sleeping with my hair up are what I suspect has my hair breaking waaay less rather than product changes. I also wasn't using anything with hold before and I think that has been a good change. I'm going to experiment with using up the products I have from before with what I have learned works for my hair technique wise. Thanks :)
Yes finally someone is saying it, i was starting to go CG and found that a curl creme i liked and worked amazing for my hair was not approved! i asked my hairdresser and she said if it works and you like it keep using it!
What is your day job?? You are so eloquent when you speak and you’ve really done your research. Thank you for these videos, they’ve really opened my eyes.
You know what, i didn't years being angry at the gluten free and non GMO movement, i forgot to apply my skepticism to my hair care. Thanks for these two videos. Unfortunately i need to do further research for dyed curly hair (semi permanent dyes wash out easier and i don't want to waste money on bi monthly touch ups) but I'll take all this new info into account
Just wanted to comment. Preach it girl lol. I personally have worn my hair curly my whole life I am 45 now and let me tell you I did try the CGM a few yrs back for 2 years as an experiment. I went all those years using the so called baddies and let me tell you, my hair is still flawless 😍.
LOVE this video! For so long at the start of my curly journey I refused to use things like sulfates and silicones even though in the back of my mind I’d think about how my best wash days used to have silicones in. I think not properly cleansing your hair due to fear of dry hair is also causing so many problems in the curly community. As long as you use a conditioner after shampoo, you’re not going to have major problems. CGM goes on about pre-poo, co-wash, conditioner, deep conditioner, butter based stylers and oils being ok all together and yet a little bit of silicone is going to cause buildup?! It doesn’t make sense. Like you said as long as you clarify when needed you won’t have a problem with product buildup. I really love listening to @iamblackgirlcurls on Instagram. It’s more for coily textures rather than my looser curls but the principles are still the same and their motto is “Just wash your damn hair” which is great. Now my wash days include a gentle but effective shampoo every wash day, an amazing moisturising conditioner (with parabens) and a serum with silicones in the first five ingredients and my curls have never looked better!
Say it louder for those in the back!! No such thing as chemical free!! It makes me crazy that people don't understand this. This applies to so much in the market now... just because its an essential oil or OTC herbal something also doesn't mean it's safe! I'm not knocking herbs and oils... but they have side effects too!
It's like everyone just forgot how common it is for people to have allergies/reactions to flowers, fruits, nuts and any possible thing that exists in the natural world. I wouldn't be surprised if half the people that believe in the superiority of natural ingredients experience hayfever.
As someone who studied biotechnology, thank you 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
My issue with silicones as a wavy (2b, 2c) is that they feel like they weigh everything down. My hair is already long and heavy so I don't like the feeling of it being 'weighed' but if I had tigher curls I would prolly use them more
As a chemist, thank you so much for this video! Everything is a chemical!
So much respect for you and this post. As a scientist currently in the process of getting my PhD and recently on my curly journey this really solidified my confidence in what I already believed. You are wonderful for explaining marketing tactics and science. Keep it up!
You've inspired me to finally try the verb ghost oil! I was always hesitant because of the silicones but I truly feel that a product like that is what I'm missing. WHY WAS I SCARED?
Thank you for being so thorough, your channel should blow up 💓
I hate all the “natural” smelling products. I don’t want to smell like a diffuser!!
As a wavy I’ve found that the curly girl method has me over moisturizing my hair aka over conditioning. And it has made my hair less curly. These universal rules don’t work for everyone. So now I’m looking at going back to stronger shampoos and less conditioners.
Same girl!!!
I do this. I use strong shampoo to remove any product and oil from my workout. Condition. Throughly rinse out. Then gel. Been trying a curl cream before gel and been getting slightly better results but not crazy better.
When you say Strong shampoo are you referring to a clarify shampoo??
The banana example was very effective for me. I would have seen that list and ran.
So glad I found you! Excellent info. What are your thoughts on “fragrance?” thanks for the info!
I would love to know that also. I understand some people can have problems with synthetic fragrance from simple skin contact allergies to headaches and migraines. And as someone who scents natural and synthetic can trigger headaches and migraines but for the most part I am fine I still use products with fragrance but others say they are irritating and should never be used even if they themselves have no sensitivities to any fragrance.
Dermatologists say they're often allergenic
@@jenniferprice9971 i personally really would love to see a video on shampoos for people with sensitive scalps, since most shampoos that are for sensitive scalps, aren't so nice to my frizzy frizz ):
@@princessmanitari4993 I wouldn’t mind seeing it as I have some sensitivity to products but mostly for my face not my scalp particularly and I have had some shampoos irritate along my hairline. I am mainly curious about fragrance as many people say you can’t be sensitive to fragrance ingredients while others even without their own sensitivity refuse to get products with fragrance as an ingredient either because it can be irritating or they don’t like the lack of disclosure of all ingredients. So I like seeing what people who look into the science of cosmetics think or even just people who have tried a lot of different products. Especially as fragrance seems to be a divisive topic.
As a vegan and general greenie who doesn't think we were created to run on synthetic stuff (even if one has the faith to believe in evolution, that still doesn't stack up!), I prefer the more 'natural' option, but I still use my fair share of synthetics. ;)
Something I do think needs to stop is the expression 'Curly Girl approved'. The CGM isn't an approving body, like Cruelty Free International with Leaping Bunny, or the Vegan Society with their sunflower symbol (in the UK). There's absolutely no such thing as 'Curly Girl approved'. 'Curly Girl Method compatible or friendly, yes, approved, no.
Love this, an acquaintance of mine was selling lime life, an mlm, was constantly fear mongering anti chemical. To the point she told people that using sunscreen that wasn’t lime life sun screen was worse then just not wearing any, and getting burned. 🤬
That being said I have extremely sensitive skin and since using the basic curly girl method my hair has gotten darker, healthier, and my face doesn’t burn from the shampoo I’m using in my hair. I think using the C G method as a guide and not law is the way to go for me. Thank you for posting this!
Love this video and I honestly wish these bigger curly influencers would take note and stop making their viewers believe they’re doing harm to their hair by using products that aren’t CGM approved. I’ve always thought from the beginning that the CGM was just used as a way to sell more expensive products to people who have had issues with managing their curly hair for most of their life.
I think the CGM is a good starting point if you've never worn your hair curly or if its super super damaged.
I agree with all you've said, but starting with the strict cgm rules will definitely help your hair become healthy. The difference is that its not then required for the rest of your life. A silicone or sulfate here or there isn't going to destroy your hair.. as you said :)
cGM, while great for my 2C waves, gave me horrible scalp issues within a month. All that curling cream and gel never got properly washed off my scalp as I was using a sulphate free moisturising shampoo, so the products remained, causing intense itchiness and eventually folliculitis which was the most painful thing ever. Also my scalp developed this nasty smell along with the folliculitis and it was just awful. I'm on the road to recovery now, and I make sure to use sulphates every week along with ACV rince and my scalp is slowly healing. Never again
Considering all the new rules Lorainne Massey keeps adding following strict cgm rules is almost impossible. I wouldn't recommend sticking to it for anyone who doesn't want a life of frustration and label reading.
For those starting out I would suggest searching instagram/youtube for curly haired content by creators with hair similar to yours and following them. To start with just focus on styling/washing techniques like "squish-to-condish" and using products with hold like gel. If your current shampoo/conditioner are working well for you, you don't need to buy new ones straight away, the techniques will still work.
Things I look for in good curly content creators
- they don't push overly strict rules or fear mongering of certain ingredients.
- they recommend products with a variety of price points and not just ones they have a deal with (not saying they can't have ads/sponsorships, just not for every single item they recommend).
- they recommend trying new techniques and ways of making a product work for you, over constantly buying new products. Technique is more important than the product 99% of the time.
- they are aware that they are not the source of all hair knowledge 😂
That's really enough to be getting on with for anyone. No need to also spend hours/days finding products without silicones/butters/oils when it 's practically impossible and doesn't matter.
@@emmao6578 I see your point. I shouldn't have used the word strict, I dont strictly follow it.
But I dont use silicones and sulphates and it definitely wasn't impossible. It took me 2 or 3 months and now I have a selection of products for each purpose (I.e. Washing, styling, deep conditioner etc). My hair is SO much better for it.
I guess my point was, if youre starting from scratch, following the cgm and then adapting it to your personal needs is a good method to learn about curly hair care.
@@stariehearts2366 that sounds horrible, sorry you had to go through that.
I think it can often just depend on too much. Your hair type, the products you're using, the technique you use.
Cgm has done wonders for my hair and I would recommend it for anyone who is new to curly hair care. But it definitely has to be adapted to each individual.
So...I suffer from eczema and seborrheic dermatitis ...Aragon oil, Marula oil and coconut nut oil, irritates my skin and scalp..this might sound bad, but I prefer more "chemical products " because I tend to have less of a reaction to them. I am still in the very early learning stages of CGM, but this is what I have noticed from those products being on my skin. I'm open to any tips or suggestions.
We want a NON CG routine with the products you find more suitable for you now 😁
Yes, please!
Yes!
I started curly girl method last June so still learning lots. I think what you say makes sense and it is so important for people to do their own research and learning because, like you say "What works for one person may not work for another". I will stick to CGM for now as I continue to learn what my hair likes but I am always open to trying other things. Knowledge is power. Thanks for the info.😀👍
Thank you for speaking up about all the myths around "chemical free" products. More people need to shout this from the rafters. I've had so many arguments with people trying to get them to understand that there is no such thing as chemical free products. There is so much misinformation and myths when it comes to personal care products. So frustrating.
Earlier today I was taking a survey that asked "Do you think skincare products should be free from chemicals?" I just always come back to Hank Green's rant: "EVERYTHING IS CHEMICALS!"
Hell yes, can't beat a Hank rant 😂
I wondered when the skincare formulations conversation would hit haircare.
I just decided to go back to my favorite Lush shampoo bar made with sodium coco-sulfate because I hated how my "gentler" sulfate-free shampoo bar made my hair feel - it's so stripping that I've been able to use it better as body soap, yet it somehow simultaneously didn't lather enough in my hair. This is reassuring :) formulation matters!
I tried Living Proof’s curly formula and it made my hair fall out. Like FALL OUT. It still comes out like crazy, it’s been 2 months at least. So I learned that maybe a curly formula isn’t for my hair....
I'm curious why CGM is suddenly popular again? Anyone know? I'm not a super social media connected person. I got the curly girl book about 20 years ago now and thought it was kind of over. Suddenly it's a thing again. I think a "take what works and leave what doesn't" approach is best for most things, this included. I like a lot of the styling ideas from CGM but the product fear mongering not so much. I do love trying new products for the fun of it and have found some good ones, but after all these years I still get the best results with Pantene curl mousse. I do not care if it's CGM approved, my hair approves of it so what else matters? Don't really trust ms Lorraine massey too much, she's selling whatever she can.
My theory is that because a lot of people are in lockdown and not socialising as much, they don’t mind experimenting with their hair and letting it go a bit wild during their curl transition phase 😆
@@natalies4751 Yes I also noticed this in the uk! I've been veeeeery loosely following the cgm for years and years because my hair growing up on regular products sucked. Now everyone with remotely curly hair I know is discovering cgm. I know for myself I have been spending a lot of money on products because of lockdown getting me down.
Great video! As a beauty brand founder, I want to say, "THANK YOU" for clearing up the "chemical" and "toxic" ingredient myths!
For a moment, I got in the CGM train. But than I noticed silicones were really good for my hair. But I also noticed harsh sulfates shampoo doesn' work well in my dyed hair, so I avoid them. I still avoid oils with paraffin, mainly bc I don't like to use harsh sulfates shampoo. Really enjoyed you video!!
I stopped the CGM 10 years ago since its so hard to find sulfate free and silicone free hair care products in my country....its also hot and humid here and it can feel disgusting and itchy when the hair isn't cleaned everyday. Smelling like yesterday's sweat is also not appealing
Thank you for this. I’ve been silicone and sulfate free for a couple years because I was trying to repair my severely damaged hair. I think I honestly just needed more clarifying and less heat in my life and I would have been fine! This video makes me feel less anxious about products and I’m down to try some silicones to fight the SC humidity!
New to your channel! Any curly hair "influencer" who eschews the EWG and "clean" beauty gets an automatic follow from me!❤️
Also, your hair is GORGEOUS!😍
YES YES YES to the Labmuffin articles!
Everything is a chemical 💕
I don’t have curly hair, but the cgm helped me get my hair to not break as much as it got longer. I know for me, my shampoo is amazing and cgmapproved(before the oils/butters addition…) but my conditioner, despite being cgm, is not moisturizing enough. I don’t like how most silicones(namely dimethicones) affect my hair personally, but i feel much better accepting some of of the other demonized ingredients. Thank you!
Thanku so much for the upload, I recently started CGM, but wasn't ready to throw away my regular shampoo and conditioner. I just use the CGM techniques not the products and achieve tremendous results, I though may be my waves would be more define if I start using the cgm approved products. But now, I'm not gonna spend tons of money on these products, very much satisfied with my current products.
Thanks again ❤😊
I bought a new shampoo recently based on what I'd heard about CGM. My hair was suddenly healthy & my curls didn't need products to make them hold anymore. Watching this I realized my mistake. This was a gentler shampoo than my old one, plus it came with a conditioner I've been using. My hair was always dry before. Adding the moisture was what actually made the difference! I'm gonna probably keep using this as long as it works for me, only because it works for me, & I'm telling my friend not to try CGM like I suggested awhile back.
I'm not going to lie.. Before I knew about the CGM, my hair was amazing. After a while I started following the CGM and ok whatever. Then I was looking at pics when I didn't know about it and I noticed how healthy my hair was looking ans even more full. Thank you so much for this info! Then I'd wanted to switch and id watch youtubers curly hair videos and I'd almost feel guilty for switching
Good for you to go back. If I had done this sooner maybe I'd not have lost 60% of my hair over the 7 years I used cg products. Bbutters and oils were the cause of my hair disaster.
thank you so much fot this video!!! all this information made me realize many things about my hair!! The curly hair method helped me a lot... but now that I watch your video I think I ready for some changes
Can you make a video about pH levels? Like the product pH levels and the best levels for our hair. I noticed when I used hair products with high pH levels my hair doesn't look as good or my wash day doesn't last as long or look as shiny compared to when I used products with lower pH levels. Great video as always and much appreciated.
Finally somebody that is saying logical and we'll thought out things. Thank you ☺️
You most definitely taught me something- thank you, & you made me feel better. I felt guilty using silicone products. I know that Marc Anthony Strictly curls lotion worked on my hair, but it wasn’t approved, so I felt guilty. 😃 I am relieved now ~ ☺️
OMG, same here!! My hair LOVES the strictly curls curl cream, but I always feel guilty when I use it, so I tend to avoid it. I love when girls in the curly girl community make these videos 💖.
I have John Freida frizz ease products that have been on my shelf for years and I was a bit worried when I discovered that they contain silicones...but then I realised, sod it! I get good results with them 🤷🏽♀️
My favourite myth is that natural ingredients are less probable to give allergic reaction. I hear that a lot and very annoying. Tell that to all people who can't eat peanuts....
I absolutely loved and learned a lot from this video. You just gained a subscriber. You're so informative and serene. Everything about this video just worked for me. Thanks a lot for the work put into it! 👍🏽🤗
Another fantastic video! I really appreciate the CG-adherent accounts I have been following on the journey of learning to love my curls. Without the knowledge of those who’ve gone before me, I’d still be flat-ironing and round-brush blowout-ing every day, and that clearly wasn’t healthy for my hair! However, I’ve been feeling like a liar and a “bad” curly girl because I can’t give up my favorite shampoo and conditioner. Both contain amodimethicone, and I refuse to feel bad about that because my hair loves it. In fact, when I fell for the lie that all silicones are bad and cut those faves out of my routine, my curl pattern was looser and I experienced a good deal of frizz. You’re 100% right; it all comes down to listening to your hair and figuring out its needs. I know there’s a lot of buzz around DMDM hydantoin right now, but I’m not giving up one of my go-to clarifying shampoos and two gels that I can’t live without. There’s so much sensationalism out there, and social media only serves to feed the frenzy. Thank goodness there are sensible people like you to counter the madness!
Wow! I just realized what the heck am I thinking following the advice of a group who decided how you should take care of curly hair?! There have been lot of products I've been wanting to try, but they have the "dreaded" ingredients in them. Thanks for snapping me out of it girlfriend! 🤗⚘
I just saw this and really appreciate your education! Thank you!!! Your recommendations for products would be greatly appreciated.
You have beautiful curls! Curl envy here!
Okay, completely off topic but love that pink lipstick on you. I personally don't like pink in cosmetics (don't know why😛) but that lipstick shade is looking so good on you 👌🏼😍❤🌻
Thank you Lorraine Massey for your contribution but now you’re just sounding crazy. 😂
CGM is starting to seem like a cult. It's so limited.
This is such an amazing video! I feel like even my hairstylists/ colorists have polarizing ideas and practices regarding hair care. It’s so confusing overwhelming and frustrating.I particularly liked how you talked about the creator of the Curly Girl- or really any product marketing has a goal and their own agenda-which is to get you to buy their stuff. Why would you pay more for a similar product? They have to tell you something to make you stop using a product your already familiar with. It makes total sense.
I live in Florida- high humidity it is a real struggle I like what you said about silicones.
I’m absolutely IN LOVE with this video!!!! I’m a cosmetologist 4 years out of school and only 4 months working in the industry and I can’t WAIT to educate my next client that mentions their fears of these ingredients! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! ❤️❤️❤️
These videos were AWESOME and very informative, thank you!!! I have always been skeptical and never knew where to find this information, most curly hair sites say the same thing about these "toxic" ingredients that will make your hair melt LOL. This is a big help, and I agree! We have to do what works for our hairs health. I quit CGM recently and my hair has never looked better!
I find that there are a bunch of tips within the cgm that work well for many other people, but not everything works for everyone. My hair is wavy and low-medium porosity so It's quite prone to buildup, which is why I always have a sulfate shampoo athome. And that
Shampoo feels less drying to my hair than some cgm approved shampoos that I tried🤷🏻♀️
Another thing I find problematic is the way cowash is handled. If cowash does not work for sb they are usually told they're doing it wrong, they have to massage more. Amd you can feel like you're a failure because of it.
Also specific cowashes usually have cleansing ingredients just like lowpos.
But many people use their regular conditioners especially when they're starting out. Some conditioners might work. But the thought of constantly putting something on my scalp that isn't meant for the scalp kinda freaks me out.
MAJOR lightbulbs going off here. THANK YOU!!!!
ah yes, the old creating-a-problem-while-selling-a-solution trick.
Great follow up to yesterday’s video thank you.
I just want to know how to stop my hair from being oil. after day 2.... I have curly hair too, but it is so oily
This is totally anecdotal so don't take it as a universal fact/truth. For me personally, I learned that the less I shampooed my hair, the less oil it would produce. The theory I've heard behind this is that since shampoo takes away a lot of oils, your scalp starts to produce more to compensate with that. Idk how true it is or not, but for me personally I used to have to shampoo my hair every 2-3 days and now I shampoo about once a week. I definitely had an awkward time trying to transition my hair to getting used to the more spread out routine, but it did eventually work out. Granted, I'm also not a person that works out regularly, so I'm not sweating as much and therefore am not needing as much cleaning as someone who works out every day.
I have fine wavy hair so idk how much this may apply to you since it is anecdotal, but maybe it will help :)
I didn't know what a paraben was or why it was bad and couldn't really be bothered to look it up on my own, so thank you for explaining that for me lol
I'm definitely going to look into that parabens article. I've always been confused by them saying no parabens and no phthalate and not explaining why
Parabens and phthalates are endocrine disruptors that can upset your natural hormonal balance, which you may want to avoid if you are TTC or dealing with other hormonal issues.
I remember many years ago when the Curly Girl Method was starting to get popular, I kept asking around of forums why "build up" is such a bad thing. It seemed like an imaginary problem to me because people on these forums never seemed to be able to explain why it was a problem. As somebody with extremely porous hair, avoiding build up seemed contrary to everything I had been trying to do, which was to coat my hair strands to make them as smooth as possible (like those with low porosity hair). I tried to follow the CG method and just ignored the part about the silicones because it made no sense to me and because all my favourite products had silicones. I'm so glad more people are starting to realize that silicones are great now!
I completely agree with you. I’m Italian and I follow the “Italian Curly Girl community”. This community doesn’t follow in a strict way the CGM created by Lorraine Massey but a modified version (With sulfates, “drying” alcohol, oils and butters). Recently Lorrain Mossey’s team said to the Italian community that they cannot talk anymore about the CGM because what they are doing is not CGM. She is partially right but she said in a horrible way. Also, the community I follow always specifies that they use a modified version of the CGM. I think she did only because we don’t buy her products (they are hard to find in Italy).
I might take a look at that community! I love how every European country has a different approach to the cgm 🤣
Non sapevo avessimo una versione italiana del CGM! molto interessante, grazie!
Non è una versione italiana. È la versione modificata che si trova in tante community :)
I think using a one-size-fits-all method is dangerous. Not every hair is going to react the same way. It also depends on humidity, where you live, how your hair is styled etc. I think what works is understanding your hair and what ingredients work for your hair. For example, my limp, fine hair loves panthenol and aloe water. Also, I don't use butters or lots of oil. Instead, I apply a dollop of oil for my whole head of hair on damp hair and that works for me.
in this weather I use sulfate shampoos every 3 weeks or even a month but in the summer I use a sulfate shampoos almost every week or 2 it depends on the weather and how my hair is feeling and that works for me 🙃
OMG THANK YOU FOR THIS VIDEO. Instead of focusing on what I don't want in my hair, I should focus on what works for my hair. Coating my hair with oil has been the only thing that has kept humidity at bay, but then it weighs on my hair and I cannot access to the products people have in other countries. So I will look on what silicones actually work best for my weather and my hair!!!!!
I follow the curly girl method and it works pretty well for my hair, but I agree with you on what you said about sulfates, there are some sulfate shampoos that actually aren't harsh, like for example, Balea. But silicones might not be suitable for everyone, I know that some curly girls use them, but I found out that they do horrible things to my hair, because I have naturally fine hair and silicones weigh them down
I love my amodimethicone leave-in during the winter. It’s the best thing I’ve found to prevent/minimize tangles at the nape of my neck, and I’ve been doing this for years. Even my very strict CHM stylist knows I use sulfates and silicones and he always comments on how healthy my hair is.
Which one 👀 always looking for new products to try!
This video popped up in my recommended videos at just the right time! I've been slowly implementing some cgm practices but haven't jumped in fully because I can't use a large majority of the cgm approved products. Most of them have shea butter or argan oil, which are major allergens for me and probably a bunch of other sensitive-skinned, latex allergic people. I hate that the market was flooded with shea butter and argan oil products and now I have to read the labels on *everything*. Now I'll feel less "guilty" about picking products that might work for me but aren't cgm approved.
i learn SO much from you! i love that you always back up your claims with research. thank you for putting in the work for the rest of us - it doesn't go unnoticed.
Just came across your first video and then jumped over here. I love this information. I mostly buy sulfate free shampoos because I don't like how stripped my hair feels when using sulfates. However, once in a while if I need to remove too much accumulated product in my hair, then I will use it. I will continue to follow your channel. TFS
No longer a curly girl (I've had relaxed hair for 2 years now) but the same principles really apply to so many parts of the hair and beauty community. The best thing you can do for your hair is listen to it and actually do your research.
NO WAY did I just hear you say "it's 2:03 am for me" and check the time and its 2:03 AM. there is... NO WAY that really just happened 😳
you just reestablished for me the fact that you have to experiment. I started with the Curly girl method almost 30 years ago. it was almost a religious experience. I FINALLY realized what the heck I was fighting against with my hair. I learned to love my hair. BUT my hair changes in the diferent environments I'm in. Sound familiar? I have to play with different products. I've tried MANY brands from Deva Curl to Controled Chaos and found that a product may work for awhile but then it won't work as well. Ya gotta try diferent products because no one has the exact same hair. Thanks!!
So what are some “natural” oils? Why does everyone think Lorraine Massey is the sole creator of the CGM? She actually isn’t. Do research people!!! Black females have been sleeping in bonnets,doing protective sleep techniques,using natural ingredients,pre poos,deep conditioning,oil scalp massages,protein/moisture balance products,sealing oiling, and so on and so on for hundreds of years!!! Lorraine Massey was the female to put it all in a book. That’s it. My black female co workers 21yrs ago(I’m almost 43) was helping me with my dry,dull,brittle,natural spiral curly hair back then. Doing all the “Curly girl Method”techniques and using natural and organic products. Yes back then many black females still pressed,hot combed,extensions,etc their hair BUT were doing all these techniques and products to help their hair underneath all that. So I don’t put Lorraine Massey on a curly girl pedestal,don’t worship her,and don’t give her the praise that curly girls been giving her.
Silicones with hair became the fragrance of skincare. It's not all bad and makes you feel better. Hair isn't a religion. Anyone who has lived with hard water knows that clarifying at least twice a month is required. That build up is UNREAL. Your favorite sea salt spray has a silicone? Go nuts
Ok... But like if they are so concerned about buildup why do they claim that excessive amounts of gel is necessary when that is also buildup?
Anyone know if I'm able to use clarifying shampoo if I color my hair? My stylists says I can't do clarifying shampoos because it'll strip my color
I basically look for product that doesn't have animal ingredients. My most like is Avalon and nature's gate. But honestly I can't afford then all the time.
Everyone have different hair; there are many different types of oils/butters of different properties that can work for certain types of hair, you just need to know which.
I have low-porosity hair with tight cuticles which means they're smooth, glossy and resilient but moisture repellent, quick to go greasy and hard to style at the same time. Rich oils/butters in conditioners just sit on the surface without being absorbed, proteins coat the hair making them look dull. Too much silicone is also not good, it makes my hair look greasy and clogs my scalp so it's better used in target areas. I stick to light oils (such as linseed or argan) for hot oiling my hair an hour prior to washing them with gentle moisturising shampoo. Then I use thin moisturising conditioner on 1/2 length of my hair. To towel dried hair I apply moisturising mist and tiny drop of silicone based treatment just to the tips of my hair to seal moisture in and protect it from further damage.
It's really worth knowing your hair and identifying their needs; before that I was buying into marketing campaigns and trends and was wasting a lot of money on products that simply didn't work for me.
I think a better reason to not use products with micro plastics (like silicone) is for enviromental reasons. Micro plastic pollution is really bad and in my humble opinion micro plastics should not be allowed in cosmetic products. They are not necessary for great results. Otherwise I completely agree :)
The only reason you should look beyond the first 3-5 ingredients if you have diagnoses severe allergies. My mother is severely allergic to almost every very common cosmetic ingredient under the sun. Even if the allergen is at the bottom of the list she experiences allergic reactions. Most people will never have to do this and they're rather lucky because it's exhausting.
As a person who battles with seborreic dermatitis had to abandon curly girl method, since instead of silicones, products had waxes , that are worse. I had to use highly sulfate product to clarify. Was a Battle but then I went to a dermatologist and was the salvation.
So glad I found your channel before emptying my wallet 🙌
Well, I would say that you should avoid shea butter if you can't get it fair trade. Making shea butter is a backbreaking process, and the woman that make it get a couple of cents for each hour they work. Not to mention that the women who make shea butter are socially ostracised because it is one of the ways a woman can make money in rural Africa. So buy it fair trade and give these women a better life.
One thing that was weird is that the scientist worked for Beauty Counter which is an MLM. Sorry, but you say that companies are not trying to lie or misrepresent their products or companies and in many cases they definitely do. I don't trust a person who worked for an MLM when they say they cared about their customers because in MLMs their consultants are losing money most of the time. Please use better sources if you are going to talk about ethical issues because someone who was willing to bankrupt people for a few bucks when they had other options is not what I would call a credible source when it comes to that.
the only really good things that has come out of cgm
1. Recognition for curly hair making it stand out as beautiful mainstream so those who have it don't need to feel like they need to change their natural hair
2. Focus on how to treat your hair to make it healthy rather than just look nice/ prep it for styling agents
3. show how many people who just thought their hair was a frizzy mess how to properly take care of it/ that they are curly. And how to love their hair.
- disclaimer: even if they aren't being truly accurate in the information at least it brought recognition in order for people to look more into it than they were before.
I mainly avoid silicones and mineral oils because of their impact on the environment. There is a lot more to the whole beauty industry than just what ingredient x does for our hair. How are these ingredients produced and derived? What happens after our shower - will the ingredients remain in the water and be a potential harm for the oceans?
In the end, you might be right that silicones are not necessarily bad for our hair but promoting them? Why not use products that are both, cruelty free and with as little environmental impact as possible? We don't live alone on this planet.