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.
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.
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.
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
The Kid-Friendly Curly Girl Routine
- 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!). - 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. - Rinse
Rinse with lots of water, scrunch out excess moisture. You can add a tiny bit more conditioner for softness. - 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. - 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). - Dry
Air dry if you have time (good luck on weekdays) or diffuse with a hairdryer on a low heat setting, cupping curls gently.
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
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
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.
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.
