If you’re already battling daily tangles, knots, and tears (mostly yours, probably), then the Curly Girl Method (CGM) might sound like some complicated hair ritual only adults can handle. But guess what? It’s totally adaptable for kids — less drama, more bounce.

CGM is basically a hair-care philosophy that ditches harsh chemicals and heat to protect natural curls. It’s like giving your kid’s hair a spa day — every day. And yes, it works magic.

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What’s the Curly Girl Method anyway?

Created by Lorraine Massey (the OG curl queen who wrote The Curly Girl Handbook), CGM says:

• No sulfates (those scalp-scrubbing monsters that strip oils)
• No silicones or waxes (which coat hair but never fully wash out)
• No brushing dry curls (brushing = frizz and breakage)
• No regular towels (because friction = breakage)
• No heat styling (hot tools? Big no-no)

Instead, you treat curls like delicate little creatures needing gentle love, hydration, and patience.

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The lowdown: Curly Girl Method for Kids (keep it chill)

Patience? Yeah, kids don’t have that. So, we simplify:

The mantra:
✔️ Use kid-friendly CG-approved products
✔️ Focus on healthy hair over perfect curls
✔️ Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize
✔️ Make haircare fun, not a chore

Turn bath time into curl care time. Teach them early, keep it light, and celebrate those beautiful, wild curls.

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What you’ll need on hand:

• Sulfate-free shampoo
• Silicone-free conditioner
• Wide-tooth comb (for wet detangling only)
• Microfiber towel or an old soft t-shirt (ditch regular towels!)
• Spray bottle (for refreshes)
• Optional: styling product, satin pillowcase, satin scrunchie

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The Kid-Friendly Curly Girl Routine

1. Cleanse or Co-Wash
   Use sulfate-free shampoo or just conditioner to wash (co-washing). Johnson’s baby shampoo is a classic. No harsh scrubbing — gently massage the scalp, maybe use a fun scalp massager tool (let the kid play with it too!).
2. Condition (Squish to Condish)
   Slather on conditioner, detangle with a wide-tooth comb while hair is soaking wet. Then squish (yes, squish!) the hair towards the scalp to boost curl formation. Make it a game—count squishes, sing songs.
3. Rinse
   Rinse with lots of water, scrunch out excess moisture. You can add a tiny bit more conditioner for softness.
4. Style (Optional)
   You can keep it simple with just conditioner or add a gel or mousse for extra hold. If you use styling products, prepare for more frequent washing because build-up happens — kids get messy.
5. Plop
   Wrap curls in a microfiber towel or t-shirt for 10-15 minutes to reduce frizz and soak up excess water. Skip this if your kid’s done with the process (understandable).
6. Dry
   Air dry if you have time (good luck on weekdays) or diffuse with a hairdryer on a low heat setting, cupping curls gently.

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Extra tips for next-day curls

No one washes hair daily, right? Use a quick refresh:

• Mist with water + a little conditioner
• Or scrunch in a bit of gel or mousse (if your kid tolerates it)
• Sleep on satin pillowcases or tie hair in a loose “pineapple” with a satin scrunchie to keep curls intact overnight

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Product shout-outs (because good stuff matters)

Shampoos: Johnson’s Baby Shampoo, Mango & Carrot Kids, Eden BodyWorks Kids CocoShea Berry
Conditioners: SheaMoisture Kids Mango & Carrot, Faith In Nature Dragon Fruit, Aunt Jackie’s Soft & Sassy
Styling: Eco Style Olive Oil Gel (cheap and cheerful), As I Am Smoothing Gel, Shea Moisture Curl Mousse

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Pro tips — keep it real

• Don’t be a strict drill sergeant: Skip cold water rinses and hair flips for squishing — kids aren’t doing gymnastics with their hair.
• Use styling products only if your kid’s cool with frequent washes. No product buildup battles needed.
• Focus on healthy hair, not insta-perfect curls. Kids’ hair is young and resilient.
• Turn haircare into playtime. Sing, joke, let them handle tools. It builds positive vibes.
• Be a teacher, not a perfectionist. This isn’t about perfection; it’s about lifelong curl care skills.

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Bottom line

Curly hair on kids doesn’t have to be a wrestling match. This adapted Curly Girl Method is simple, sane, and respectful of your little one’s patience limits. Teach them to love their curls, care for them gently, and maybe — just maybe — you’ll win fewer battles over bath time tangles.

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My Top 9 Picks: The best “Curly Kid” hair brands & their products…

Save time, skip the guesswork. These kid-safe curly products are CGM-approved, well-reviewed, and curly-parent-tested. Click, shop, and let those curls shine.

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My Top Picks: The best “Curly Kid Method” online retailers…

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United Kingdom

🛒 Online Retailers – UK

Only Curls – Little Curls Collection
🌐 onlycurls.com
London-based brand created specifically for naturally curly hair. Their “Little Curls” line is sulfate-, silicone-, and paraben-free—gentle enough for kids.

Imbue Curls
🌐 imbuecurls.co.uk
Vegan, cruelty-free, CGM-safe products formulated for Type 3 and Type 4 curls—perfect for families wanting a clean, child-safe option.

Flora & Curl
🌐 floraandcurl.com
Premium, plant-powered products made without sulfates, parabens, or silicones. Delicate and nourishing—great for kids with fine curls.

BeautyFlex UK
🌐 beautyflexuk.co.uk
A budget-friendly online store stocking popular CGM-friendly kids brands like Cantu Care for Kids and Aunt Jackie’s.

Hairglo
🌐 hairglo.co.uk
Curly hair specialists with a strong range of kids’ products from trusted UK and US brands – including Sunny Isle.

Pak Cosmetics
🌐 pakswholesale.com
A trusted haircare supplier offering both wholesale and retail. Carries Cantu, SheaMoisture, and more.

Lookfantastic
🌐 lookfantastic.com
Stockist of high-end curly hair brands like Curlsmith, Flora & Curl, and Afrocenchix—many of which are CGM-friendly.

Amazon UK
🌐 amazon.co.uk
Extensive range of Curly Girl-approved kids products.
Great for easy access and speedy delivery.

The Curl Company
🌐 thecurlcompany.com
Dedicated to curl care, with CGM-safe products including a selection suitable for kids.

FeelUnique
🌐 feelunique.com
Carries CGM-compliant brands like Briogeo, Curlsmith, and SheaMoisture.
Often has discounts and bundles.

Cult Beauty
🌐 cultbeauty.co.uk
High-end, clean beauty stockist. Includes Curlsmith and Flora & Curl

and SheaMoisture and Giovanni that cater to sensitive scalps.

🏬 In-Store Retailers

Boots
Offers CGM-friendly options like SheaMoisture and Cantu. Stock varies by location but includes both budget and premium products.

Superdrug
Similar to Boots, with brands like Aunt Jackie’s and SheaMoisture available for kids.

Asda / Tesco / Sainsbury’s
Budget-friendly options like CurlyKids, Cantu Care for Kids, and L’Oréal Elvive Curl Nourishment are often available on the shelves.

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United States Retailers & Suppliers

🛒 Online Retailers

Amazon.com
🌐 amazon.com
Massive variety of CGM-approved children’s products including Cantu, SheaMoisture Kids, and Mixed Chicks Kids.

Walmart.com
🌐 walmart.com
Offers Aunt Jackie’s Baby Curls and Taliah Waajid Kids — both child-friendly and
CGM-safe.

GoSupps
🌐 gosupps.com
A great source for harder-to-find products like 4U by Tia and Curly Kids Detangler.

The Mane Choice
🌐 themanechoice.com
Premium, kid-safe curly hair care. Products are CGM-compliant and packed with vitamins.

Curls & Potions
🌐 curlsandpotions.com
High-end, organic-based haircare made for textured hair. Offers gentle options for children.

Mielle Organics (Kids Line)
🌐 mielleorganics.com
CGM-friendly products made with natural oils and butters—hydrating and gentle for young curls.

🏬 In-Store Retailers

Target
An excellent place to find Cantu Kids, Camille Rose, Kinky-Curly, and SheaMoisture Kids—all CGM-approved.

CVS / Walgreens
Carries a mix of affordable and premium kids curl brands like Just for Me and SheaMoisture.

Whole Foods
Great for premium, organic, CGM-friendly curl care brands like Kinky-Curly.

Sally Beauty
Known for professional haircare—sells products like Mixed Chicks, Aunt Jackie’s, and Curly Kids.