Which CG products do you use and when? Explanation per step in your routine

Are you just starting with the Curly Girl Method?
Then you'll surely recognize this: a huge amount of information comes your way.

Final wash, co-wash, leave-in, deepco, gel…
What exactly does each product do? And in what order do you use them?

In this article, we explain step by step which products you use within the CG routine and when to apply them.

Step 1 – Cleansing

Final Wash (only at the start)

A final wash is a shampoo with sulfates, but without silicones.

You use this once before starting the CG Method.
This removes accumulated silicones and product residues from your hair.

You can use a final wash again later when:

• you have used products with silicones
• your hair has been dyed
• you experience a lot of build-up

After that, you continue with CG-proof products.

CG Shampoo

A CG shampoo cleanses your hair gently without drying it out.
It removes dirt, sebum, and product residues, while keeping your hair balanced.

Suitable for regular use.

Co-wash

A co-wash is somewhere between shampoo and conditioner.
It cleanses more gently than shampoo and is suitable when you wash your hair more frequently or when your hair quickly feels dry.

Are you using a co-wash?
Then a separate conditioner is often not necessary.

 

Step 2 – Conditioning

Conditioner

A conditioner helps detangle and soften your hair.
It's easiest to comb through your hair while the conditioner is in it.

Rinse it out after letting it sit.

Deepco / Mask

A mask (deep conditioner) nourishes your hair more intensively than a regular conditioner.

Usually use a mask:

• once a week
• or once every 2 weeks
• depending on how often you wash your hair

Apply the mask between shampoo and conditioner.

💡 Tip: use a heat cap.
Heat helps to open the hair cuticles, allowing the mask to be absorbed better. This can be especially effective for low porosity hair.

Step 3 – Leave-in conditioning

Leave-in

You apply a leave-in conditioner after washing and do not rinse it out.
It provides extra care and hydration.

Do you have wavy hair?
It might react better without a leave-in. Experiment to see what works for your hair.

Hair Milk or Curl Cream

These products condition the hair just like a leave-in, but are often slightly richer or heavier.

You can:

• use them instead of a leave-in
• or combine them with a leave-in

Is the product too heavy?
Then you can dilute it with some water before applying it.

Step 4 – Styling & Hold

Gel, Custard and/or Mousse

You use these as the last step in your routine.

They ensure that:

• your curls stay in place better
• you get more definition
• you maintain results longer

After drying, your hair may feel stiff (this is called a cast).
You can gently scrunch this out with your hands. Optionally with a drop of oil or a microfiber towel.

 

Oil – When do you use it?

There are different types of oils with different functions.

You can use oil to:

• support hydration
• care for your scalp
• “seal” moisture into your hair
• scrunch out the hard gel cast

Some oils can be mixed with a mask or applied beforehand as a pre-treatment. Always rinse it out well afterwards.

 

Example Routine – First Wash (curly hair)

When you start the CG Method and have curly hair:

1. Final wash
2. Deepco / mask
3. Conditioner (optional)
4. Leave-in (possibly Hair Milk/Curl Cream)
5. Gel / Custard / Mousse

Oil is optional.

Subsequent Washes (curly hair)

1. CG shampoo or co-wash
2. Conditioner (not needed after co-wash)
3. Leave-in (optional Hair Milk/Curl Cream)
4. Gel / Custard / Mousse

You usually use a mask weekly.

Routine for straight or slightly wavy hair

First wash

1. Final wash
2. Deepco / mask
3. Conditioner
4. Leave-in or Hair Milk

Gel is usually not necessary for straight hair.

Subsequent washes

1. Shampoo or co-wash
2. Conditioner
3. Leave-in or Hair Milk

Mask: once a week or once every 2 weeks.

 

Which products suit your hair?

The correct order is important, but just as important are:

• your curl type
• your porosity
• your hair thickness

Two people can follow the same routine and still experience different results.

Don't you know exactly what your hair needs yet?

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