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Curly Girl: More Than Just Hair...It's an Attitude: A Celebration of Curls: How to Cut Them, Care for Them, Love Them, and Set Them Free
The Curly Girl manifesto is back, now completely revised, updated, and expanded by more than a third with all-new material. Created by curly hair evangelist Lorraine Massey—the go-to curl expert featured in Allure , InStyle , Lucky , Seventeen , and The New York Times , and founder of several curly salons and curly products in New York City— Curly Girl is the surprising bible for the 65 percent of women with naturally curly or wavy hair and a desire to celebrate it.
Curly Girl is packed with unique and fail-proof hair-care methods, inspiration, and an empowering pro-curl attitude. It’s all here: daily routines for Botticelli, fractal, and wavy curls; Lorraine’s no-more-shampoo epiphany— handle your hair as gently as you do your best cashmere sweater ; homemade lotions and potions. New to this edition: an illustrated, step-by-step guide to trimming your own hair (remember: it’s not what you take off; it’s what you leave on); a section on the particular needs of wavy hair; Lorraine’s Down-and-Dirty Curly Boy Routine; more fabulous ’dos for weddings and other special occasions; a chapter on multi curl tural hair written by an African American specialist. Plus, updated information on green and chemical-free products, 20 new Q&As, and a DVD with tutorials on caring for four different types of curls. From now on, there’s no such thing as a bad hair day.
Curly Girl is packed with unique and fail-proof hair-care methods, inspiration, and an empowering pro-curl attitude. It’s all here: daily routines for Botticelli, fractal, and wavy curls; Lorraine’s no-more-shampoo epiphany— handle your hair as gently as you do your best cashmere sweater ; homemade lotions and potions. New to this edition: an illustrated, step-by-step guide to trimming your own hair (remember: it’s not what you take off; it’s what you leave on); a section on the particular needs of wavy hair; Lorraine’s Down-and-Dirty Curly Boy Routine; more fabulous ’dos for weddings and other special occasions; a chapter on multi curl tural hair written by an African American specialist. Plus, updated information on green and chemical-free products, 20 new Q&As, and a DVD with tutorials on caring for four different types of curls. From now on, there’s no such thing as a bad hair day.
148 pages, Paperback
First published December 20, 2001
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 706 reviews
March 21, 2015
So I have curly hair. I have fought it for years. I used to keep it short and flat iron the stuff every day to make it manageable. But let's be real. I'm a lazy person. I embrace it. So I decide to let my hair grow out, because I think I will be "easier" to just pull it up in a ponytail.
Here is me a few months into my journey.
No makeup, No hair control, some shame.
I was going through some hair pics a few weeks ago hoping for ideas to somewhat shape up the mop on my head and I saw this book listed as the best thing ever for curly hair.
Cue my interest.
Now for a bit over a week I've been following the books advice. No hair dryer, no shampoo (I KNOW!) and no battle of the hair.
Guess what? It's working. I've actually had compliments on my hair. Instead of shampoo the book tells you to use conditioner to clean your hair. I DID NOT think this would work and I'd feel yucky. I've made everyone around me smell my hair for the last week because I'm OCD about smells and wanted to make sure I wasn't stinking up the place....and everyone said it was a pleasant smell. *gasp*
Last night I made the author's lavender spray out of lavender essential oil and plain water. I don't really even care if this works, because it smells so good I think I sprayed everything in the house even the dog.
So yes, this book gets the stars.
Here is me a few months into my journey.
No makeup, No hair control, some shame.
I was going through some hair pics a few weeks ago hoping for ideas to somewhat shape up the mop on my head and I saw this book listed as the best thing ever for curly hair.
Cue my interest.
Now for a bit over a week I've been following the books advice. No hair dryer, no shampoo (I KNOW!) and no battle of the hair.
Guess what? It's working. I've actually had compliments on my hair. Instead of shampoo the book tells you to use conditioner to clean your hair. I DID NOT think this would work and I'd feel yucky. I've made everyone around me smell my hair for the last week because I'm OCD about smells and wanted to make sure I wasn't stinking up the place....and everyone said it was a pleasant smell. *gasp*
Last night I made the author's lavender spray out of lavender essential oil and plain water. I don't really even care if this works, because it smells so good I think I sprayed everything in the house even the dog.
So yes, this book gets the stars.
June 5, 2007
This is without doubt the most unintentionally humorous book I read in 2006; it's about care for curly hair (the author calls it Curly Girl because apparently guys never have curly hair, or if they do it just magically takes care of itself or something). And it is written, no joke, in the language of every coming out of the closet manual on earth.
Seriously. The back of the book says, "our curls, ourselves." The author talks about her history - how she started out being "in denial" of her curly girl status, and how she came to accept her curliness and then, eventually, demand her curly girl rights and respect for her curls from others. And then she campaigned on behalf of curly girls like you and me!
Then she encourages you, the curly reader, to make the same change in your life. "It's your head, not your hair, that needs straightening." AWESOME. I think I read that in a telling-your-parents manual in 1997. "Chances are...you belong to the sisterhood of curly girls, women who've been fighting their curly hair for most of their lives." Replace "curly" with "gay" and "hair" with "desires," and you've got a lesbian coming out call to arms!
The thing is, the advice she gives in this book (stop straightening your hair, stop using drying shampoos, see what happens) isn't that bad. But the evangelical we're-all-curly-here tone, it's just - it's really funny. It's hard to take recipes for lavender hair rinse seriously when they're accompanied by exhortations to stop repressing your inner gay - sorry, I meant curl - and learn to love who you are.
I'd recommend this to anyone who enjoys unintentional humor, anyone who has read too many coming out manuals, and, I guess, to people with curly hair. Although, really, that last category probably shouldn't bother. Unless you really have been hiding in the "curly closet" and you need help coming out.
Seriously. The back of the book says, "our curls, ourselves." The author talks about her history - how she started out being "in denial" of her curly girl status, and how she came to accept her curliness and then, eventually, demand her curly girl rights and respect for her curls from others. And then she campaigned on behalf of curly girls like you and me!
Then she encourages you, the curly reader, to make the same change in your life. "It's your head, not your hair, that needs straightening." AWESOME. I think I read that in a telling-your-parents manual in 1997. "Chances are...you belong to the sisterhood of curly girls, women who've been fighting their curly hair for most of their lives." Replace "curly" with "gay" and "hair" with "desires," and you've got a lesbian coming out call to arms!
The thing is, the advice she gives in this book (stop straightening your hair, stop using drying shampoos, see what happens) isn't that bad. But the evangelical we're-all-curly-here tone, it's just - it's really funny. It's hard to take recipes for lavender hair rinse seriously when they're accompanied by exhortations to stop repressing your inner gay - sorry, I meant curl - and learn to love who you are.
I'd recommend this to anyone who enjoys unintentional humor, anyone who has read too many coming out manuals, and, I guess, to people with curly hair. Although, really, that last category probably shouldn't bother. Unless you really have been hiding in the "curly closet" and you need help coming out.
November 20, 2016
This book got two stars from me because I do use the "curly girl method". I don't use shampoo, blowdry or brush my hair, and it's gorgeous now. However, I'd recommend getting your curly information online and saving your money for a book that isn't so, well...pointless?
Massey has a complex about hair. Let's get that out there. She seems to believe that if you don't straighten your hair, suddenly your life will begin to work out. Men will want to date you. You'll get a promotion at work. People will see you in a new light!
Perhaps she doesn't realize that hair is hair. It simply doesn't have that much impact on your every day life. I found these constant rants tiresome, almost as tiresome as the curly girl stories. These stories are many multiple renditions of the same story: I was ugly/poor/unlucky/single, then I started wearing my hair curly, and now I'm beautiful/rich/lucky/married!
I became extremely confused when she started suggesting that people with curly hair have similar attitudes, or that curly hair is suppressed by society. Does she honestly believe that anyone with curly hair is a wild, free spirit? Does she get nasty looks aimed at her scalp?
I think she's got some psychological problems that need to be worked out before she writes another book. Namely, someone needs to end her hair-centered delusion.
Massey has a complex about hair. Let's get that out there. She seems to believe that if you don't straighten your hair, suddenly your life will begin to work out. Men will want to date you. You'll get a promotion at work. People will see you in a new light!
Perhaps she doesn't realize that hair is hair. It simply doesn't have that much impact on your every day life. I found these constant rants tiresome, almost as tiresome as the curly girl stories. These stories are many multiple renditions of the same story: I was ugly/poor/unlucky/single, then I started wearing my hair curly, and now I'm beautiful/rich/lucky/married!
I became extremely confused when she started suggesting that people with curly hair have similar attitudes, or that curly hair is suppressed by society. Does she honestly believe that anyone with curly hair is a wild, free spirit? Does she get nasty looks aimed at her scalp?
I think she's got some psychological problems that need to be worked out before she writes another book. Namely, someone needs to end her hair-centered delusion.
September 20, 2018
18/9 - My very generous hairdresser (Lesya at Hair by Yves in East Ivanhoe, Victoria if you're interested) lent this book to me after only knowing me for two visits. My next appointment is in two days and I think I've learned all I can from this book so I figured that it was time to return it before Lesya started to worry about what had become of it.
I've only just started to find my 'groove' with my new curly hair. The book suggests you'll start to see a difference within about three weeks of starting to treat it differently. For me it only took one wash to see a difference in my hair, but it's taken till this week (nearly two months) to finally work out the perfect routine for my hair and my lifestyle. Despite what the book tells me I continue to wrap my hair up in a turban (although with a new microfibre towel, instead of my old cotton one) because it's just not practical to have it down, dripping all over me while I try to dry myself. I've also stopped the 'upward scrunching motion' while putting the conditioner on as I'm getting enough of a curl without that extra step, so why bother. Putting my hair in a clip is also a no-no, but having my hair off my face while I go about my life is more important than curls, so I ignored that instruction after my first run through (even with it all down around my face, tickling me and making my life hell, it still took about four hours to dry). My final modification to the Curly Girl routine is that I use a fraction of the styling gel suggested as, despite the claims of 'crunch-free hold' in the book and on the label of the bottle, I was getting serious crunchiness around my face and the hair on the top of my head felt a combination of both sticky and greasy within 24 hours of washing it - I was not happy and even considered stopping the routine and might have if I hadn't spent so much on the products. I now use a dab about the size of a jelly bean rubbed between my palms, instead of a full pump from the bottle, and have both great curls that hold for 48ish hours as well as crunch-free and clean-feeling hair.
My life is 90% at home on the couch either watching TV while GRing or tweeting or gaming, or working on editing and for none of that time do I want hair that takes me more than a few minutes to do once I get out of the shower. 9% of the time I have unimportant errands to run (grocery shopping, library, occasionally clothes shopping) that I want to look 'decent' for, but no more. 1% of my life is spent going places that I feel the need to make an effort with my clothes, makeup, and hair.
For my 'sitting on the couch' and 'general shopping' days I wash it, add the most minimal amount of gel (otherwise my hair starts to feel dirty by the next day) and then either twist it up into a single large clip on the back of my head or do a pair of twists with just the hair around my forehead and clip it back or use slide combs to keep it off my face (that's the most important feature of all my hairstyles - must be off my face). Either way the twisting further encourages the curls, so that the next day I have pretty perfect, long corkscrew curls, but it takes about 18 hours to dry (most nights when I go to bed the hair that's in the clip is still quite damp), so I couldn't wash it in the morning and expect it to be ready for dinner that night.
For my 'special occasion' days, instead of putting it into any kind of clip I use my hairdryer with my newly purchased diffuser (recommended by the book and Lesya) to get the curls (as opposed to the frizz that my hair used be) that the aforementioned twisted and clipped styles create, but in a fraction of the time (it takes me about 45 minutes to dry it fully).
I don't remember ever being this happy with my hair on both my casual and special days, I used to simply tolerate my frizzy hair on my casual days and just look forward to the rare occasion when I could justify the effort it took to get it straight. Now the final hurdle is to see how Lesya deals with my new hair (she hasn't seen me since she first gave me the book). When I last got it done she was away and I ended up with another stylist who really didn't know what they were doing when it came to curly hair that the client didn't want to force straight. My birthday lunch with my friends is a few days after my appointment and I really don't want to leave the salon already planning to wash my hair within 12 hours because I can do it better than the trained professionals can. I want to be thinking "Yes! This will last till my special occasion." because I don't enjoy washing my hair, especially if I believe it shouldn't need washing so soon. Final update after my appointment in a couple of days.
*UPDATE*
Back from the hairdresser's and I'm a combination of shocked and happy. I'm happy about the way Lesya cut, styled, and treated my hair, and I'm happy with how well-defined the curls are. I'm shocked about the new length, which is considerably shorter than it was four hours ago. I told Lesya that I trusted her and that she should cut it to where she thought it needed to be for the end result that I'm looking for - defined, tight curls that reach about mid way down my back. At the moment I am surprisingly close to the picture of the woman on the front cover - same type of curls, but dark brown and shoulder length instead of jaw length, but that's a big difference since it was bra-hook length this morning.
When I first started following Massey's instruction I thought I had a combination of 'wavy' and 'S-wavy' hair, something like this:
then as I became more skilled at doing my hair it started to look more like this:
now after this afternoon's appointment I'm much closer to this:
Eventually, this is what I'm hoping to have:
I don't hate it, but the length is a surprise when I happen to catch sight of my reflection. I think it'll grow on me because I know that we have a plan - Lesya tells me it's a twelve month plan, but with the speed my hair grows I'm worried it'll be more like a five year plan, but either way I trust that with a little bit of effort and patience my hair can be what I want it to be.
I've only just started to find my 'groove' with my new curly hair. The book suggests you'll start to see a difference within about three weeks of starting to treat it differently. For me it only took one wash to see a difference in my hair, but it's taken till this week (nearly two months) to finally work out the perfect routine for my hair and my lifestyle. Despite what the book tells me I continue to wrap my hair up in a turban (although with a new microfibre towel, instead of my old cotton one) because it's just not practical to have it down, dripping all over me while I try to dry myself. I've also stopped the 'upward scrunching motion' while putting the conditioner on as I'm getting enough of a curl without that extra step, so why bother. Putting my hair in a clip is also a no-no, but having my hair off my face while I go about my life is more important than curls, so I ignored that instruction after my first run through (even with it all down around my face, tickling me and making my life hell, it still took about four hours to dry). My final modification to the Curly Girl routine is that I use a fraction of the styling gel suggested as, despite the claims of 'crunch-free hold' in the book and on the label of the bottle, I was getting serious crunchiness around my face and the hair on the top of my head felt a combination of both sticky and greasy within 24 hours of washing it - I was not happy and even considered stopping the routine and might have if I hadn't spent so much on the products. I now use a dab about the size of a jelly bean rubbed between my palms, instead of a full pump from the bottle, and have both great curls that hold for 48ish hours as well as crunch-free and clean-feeling hair.
My life is 90% at home on the couch either watching TV while GRing or tweeting or gaming, or working on editing and for none of that time do I want hair that takes me more than a few minutes to do once I get out of the shower. 9% of the time I have unimportant errands to run (grocery shopping, library, occasionally clothes shopping) that I want to look 'decent' for, but no more. 1% of my life is spent going places that I feel the need to make an effort with my clothes, makeup, and hair.
For my 'sitting on the couch' and 'general shopping' days I wash it, add the most minimal amount of gel (otherwise my hair starts to feel dirty by the next day) and then either twist it up into a single large clip on the back of my head or do a pair of twists with just the hair around my forehead and clip it back or use slide combs to keep it off my face (that's the most important feature of all my hairstyles - must be off my face). Either way the twisting further encourages the curls, so that the next day I have pretty perfect, long corkscrew curls, but it takes about 18 hours to dry (most nights when I go to bed the hair that's in the clip is still quite damp), so I couldn't wash it in the morning and expect it to be ready for dinner that night.
For my 'special occasion' days, instead of putting it into any kind of clip I use my hairdryer with my newly purchased diffuser (recommended by the book and Lesya) to get the curls (as opposed to the frizz that my hair used be) that the aforementioned twisted and clipped styles create, but in a fraction of the time (it takes me about 45 minutes to dry it fully).
I don't remember ever being this happy with my hair on both my casual and special days, I used to simply tolerate my frizzy hair on my casual days and just look forward to the rare occasion when I could justify the effort it took to get it straight. Now the final hurdle is to see how Lesya deals with my new hair (she hasn't seen me since she first gave me the book). When I last got it done she was away and I ended up with another stylist who really didn't know what they were doing when it came to curly hair that the client didn't want to force straight. My birthday lunch with my friends is a few days after my appointment and I really don't want to leave the salon already planning to wash my hair within 12 hours because I can do it better than the trained professionals can. I want to be thinking "Yes! This will last till my special occasion." because I don't enjoy washing my hair, especially if I believe it shouldn't need washing so soon. Final update after my appointment in a couple of days.
*UPDATE*
Back from the hairdresser's and I'm a combination of shocked and happy. I'm happy about the way Lesya cut, styled, and treated my hair, and I'm happy with how well-defined the curls are. I'm shocked about the new length, which is considerably shorter than it was four hours ago. I told Lesya that I trusted her and that she should cut it to where she thought it needed to be for the end result that I'm looking for - defined, tight curls that reach about mid way down my back. At the moment I am surprisingly close to the picture of the woman on the front cover - same type of curls, but dark brown and shoulder length instead of jaw length, but that's a big difference since it was bra-hook length this morning.
When I first started following Massey's instruction I thought I had a combination of 'wavy' and 'S-wavy' hair, something like this:
then as I became more skilled at doing my hair it started to look more like this:
now after this afternoon's appointment I'm much closer to this:
Eventually, this is what I'm hoping to have:
I don't hate it, but the length is a surprise when I happen to catch sight of my reflection. I think it'll grow on me because I know that we have a plan - Lesya tells me it's a twelve month plan, but with the speed my hair grows I'm worried it'll be more like a five year plan, but either way I trust that with a little bit of effort and patience my hair can be what I want it to be.
April 27, 2011
If you told me that not to touch my hair with shampoo, brush, or comb for a month, I’d look at you funny. If you told that and that my hair would look fabulous too, I’d ask if you were crazy. But Lorraine Massey proposes “curly girls” do exactly that—and it works. I haven’t brushed, combed, or shampooed my hair in weeks. I’ve worn my hair down more this month than I ever had in my life. Total strangers compliment me on my full-bodied, glossy, frizz-free curls, even on those high-humidity days where everyone else has their hair up! Massey’s routines for curly or wavy hair might seem bizarre, but they really work—I feel like I’ve wasted years of my life with over-processed, dry, unruly hair that I hated when I could have amazing, beautiful hair that I love. Plus, her tips and recipes are far healthier and more environmentally-friendly than your old regimens and products. Going natural and finally having low-maintenance fantastic hair… what’s not to like? Give Curly Girl a try and you’ll see what I mean!
I've give this book five stars for seriously changing my life, but it's written in this really goofy tone. I've met the author at a signing, and she really is just as bubbly in person. Regardless, it's not a little bit silly, and reads a bit like a coming out manifesto or new agey "love yourself" screed. This would have been a deal-breaker if the book wasn't so fantastic though. Having horrible frizzy hair and itchy scalp made me miserable for over 20 years. Spending a bit over $10 on a book that changed all that is pretty awesome.
I've give this book five stars for seriously changing my life, but it's written in this really goofy tone. I've met the author at a signing, and she really is just as bubbly in person. Regardless, it's not a little bit silly, and reads a bit like a coming out manifesto or new agey "love yourself" screed. This would have been a deal-breaker if the book wasn't so fantastic though. Having horrible frizzy hair and itchy scalp made me miserable for over 20 years. Spending a bit over $10 on a book that changed all that is pretty awesome.
Read
August 9, 2011This book helped me learn that my hair is not naturally unruly, frizzy, and wavy, as I once believed. When I care for my hair according to Lorraine Massey's instructions, I have cascading Botticelli curls! I am so glad I read Massey's book and learned to care for my curls properly.
My only problem with the book is its tone. Massey should remember that anyone reading the book does not need to be converted—the reader likes her curls, otherwise she wouldn't be reading the book! The affirmations at the end of the book are unnecessary and annoying; I don't need to be convinced because I don't think there is anything wrong with curly hair. Though the tone is sometimes a bit too preachy and cheery for my tastes, I appreciate the book's sound advice.
I give the book five stars for its advice and two stars for its tone.
I do not plan to throw away my hair dryer and straightening iron because I like variety. But I am glad that now I know how to help my curls look their best.
Readers concerned about using no shampoo whatsoever might want to wash their hair with baking soda and apple cider vinegar, combining Massey's advice with "no 'poo" hair care methods.
My only problem with the book is its tone. Massey should remember that anyone reading the book does not need to be converted—the reader likes her curls, otherwise she wouldn't be reading the book! The affirmations at the end of the book are unnecessary and annoying; I don't need to be convinced because I don't think there is anything wrong with curly hair. Though the tone is sometimes a bit too preachy and cheery for my tastes, I appreciate the book's sound advice.
I give the book five stars for its advice and two stars for its tone.
I do not plan to throw away my hair dryer and straightening iron because I like variety. But I am glad that now I know how to help my curls look their best.
Readers concerned about using no shampoo whatsoever might want to wash their hair with baking soda and apple cider vinegar, combining Massey's advice with "no 'poo" hair care methods.
Read
April 26, 2018Seriously. I read this book 3 years ago, but it's time I go back to doing what it recommends, (which is the only advice I've proven to be sound for curly hair women, and handbangers alike).
It may sound frivolous, stupid, crazy, but for some reason, curls won't curl, but will stick out, and hair will be forever frizzy, if we use shampoos with sulfates, or different products that are fine for the opposite group of straight hair people. Also, the heat of hairdryers, and constant styling it straight is our nemesis.
Solution. Listen to the Curly Hair author, and scrunch, scrunch, scrunch some more, air dry, -if hair dry, do so with diffuser, and not too hot temp, and find a gel or mousse you like. WASH WITH CONDITIONER, no shampoos, or sulfate free shampoos. If curls have gone bad, start to wet hair in place for washing it frequently.
Also, pray to the curly hair goddess, and bath you hair in full moon light... just kidding!
It may sound frivolous, stupid, crazy, but for some reason, curls won't curl, but will stick out, and hair will be forever frizzy, if we use shampoos with sulfates, or different products that are fine for the opposite group of straight hair people. Also, the heat of hairdryers, and constant styling it straight is our nemesis.
Solution. Listen to the Curly Hair author, and scrunch, scrunch, scrunch some more, air dry, -if hair dry, do so with diffuser, and not too hot temp, and find a gel or mousse you like. WASH WITH CONDITIONER, no shampoos, or sulfate free shampoos. If curls have gone bad, start to wet hair in place for washing it frequently.
Also, pray to the curly hair goddess, and bath you hair in full moon light... just kidding!
January 21, 2013
**Above and below the scalp**
Being a psychology junkie, I tend to read books that focus on what’s happening just below the scalp. So, when a co-worker handed me this hair-care handbook to borrow, I honesty wasn’t so sure I was going to read it before returning it back to her.
After I tucked the book away in my bag, I did take notice of just how healthy and controlled my co-worker’s curly locks looked. As I ran my fingers through my own set of curly craziness, I thought that maybe—just maybe—this book could offer me some helpful tips too.
A few days later, I picked up the book, and read it in one sitting. I’m not sure what was more surprising…how much I enjoyed the book, or how much useful (and often counter-intuitive) curl-aid it provided. The basic message of the approach is: ditch the shampoo, brushes, chemicals, and heat (aka: “blow fryers”) and gain optimal curl condition, control, and confidence.
Besides learning more about the care and feeding of curls, the book unexpectedly nourished my psych appetite too. Dispersed among its chapters on hair care and styling are its “Curl Confession” features where curly girls (and guys) share and explore the psychological challenges of growing up and thriving in a straight world. On top of that, as I read the book, I could not help but realize how hair care and acceptance can be metaphors for self care and acceptance. In the words of the author:
“Every day is a new day and you’ve just got to go with the flow. Accepting yourself as you are and letting go of what society says you should be are the first steps towards freeing yourself. Free your hair and the rest will follow.” (p. xi)
How fun to be surprised with hair care tips that I didn’t know I needed, plus an above-the-scalp approach that could be extended to the psych-going-ons below. Contrary to what I predicted, I’ll be returning the (fully-read!) book to my co-worker with a new appreciation for my curls and approach to life.
(And, if this Curly Girl approach works, when I return to my typical psych reads, I’ll be doing so with a healthier set of curls topping the psych-junkie mindset—both of which I fully accept!)
Being a psychology junkie, I tend to read books that focus on what’s happening just below the scalp. So, when a co-worker handed me this hair-care handbook to borrow, I honesty wasn’t so sure I was going to read it before returning it back to her.
After I tucked the book away in my bag, I did take notice of just how healthy and controlled my co-worker’s curly locks looked. As I ran my fingers through my own set of curly craziness, I thought that maybe—just maybe—this book could offer me some helpful tips too.
A few days later, I picked up the book, and read it in one sitting. I’m not sure what was more surprising…how much I enjoyed the book, or how much useful (and often counter-intuitive) curl-aid it provided. The basic message of the approach is: ditch the shampoo, brushes, chemicals, and heat (aka: “blow fryers”) and gain optimal curl condition, control, and confidence.
Besides learning more about the care and feeding of curls, the book unexpectedly nourished my psych appetite too. Dispersed among its chapters on hair care and styling are its “Curl Confession” features where curly girls (and guys) share and explore the psychological challenges of growing up and thriving in a straight world. On top of that, as I read the book, I could not help but realize how hair care and acceptance can be metaphors for self care and acceptance. In the words of the author:
“Every day is a new day and you’ve just got to go with the flow. Accepting yourself as you are and letting go of what society says you should be are the first steps towards freeing yourself. Free your hair and the rest will follow.” (p. xi)
How fun to be surprised with hair care tips that I didn’t know I needed, plus an above-the-scalp approach that could be extended to the psych-going-ons below. Contrary to what I predicted, I’ll be returning the (fully-read!) book to my co-worker with a new appreciation for my curls and approach to life.
(And, if this Curly Girl approach works, when I return to my typical psych reads, I’ll be doing so with a healthier set of curls topping the psych-junkie mindset—both of which I fully accept!)
September 11, 2018
I have so much to say about this book but I will try to condense this review. Having curly hair all my life, through years of trial and error, I have found ways to style my hair that works for me. Is it the best method? No. Is it the quickest and cheapest method? For sure!
The “Curly Girl” guide introduces a new approach which promises to bring life to your curls, eliminate frizz and improve the health and appearance of your hair. I decided to give these methods a try and I definitely achieved the promised healthy, bouncy curls worthy of a hair flip. Although I did feel the need to separate and shake out the curls because I looked a bit like Medusa but that’s neither here nor there. The reasons why this method was not a five star for me ...
1. According to this book, using shampoo is a “no no”, full of harsh chemicals that dry out your hair. However, I just can’t bring myself to wash my hair with conditioner so I broke the first rule and opted for a natural shampoo. Thinking that this would simply require a quick trip to the drugstore proved me wrong. It was a VERY difficult task to find products that were sulfate free, no drying alcohols, no silicones, no mineral oils or waxes. I normally run through the isle and buy whatever is on sale but as with all good things in life, my new adventure cost me about five times more than what I usually pay ... apparently our hair is “worth it”.
2. Another “no no” is brushing your hair because it causes breakage. So this is rule number two that I broke. I can’t imagine leaving in all the knots and tangles after my shower, “finger brushing” doesn’t cut it. I opted for the lesser of two evils and put my hairbrush aside and used a wide tooth comb instead. I didn’t love it and not sure if I will stick with it but I will try to avoid reaching for my brush.
3. Healthy curls require TONS of conditioner, no problem, except that I just paid a small fortune for that tiny bottle so it hurt a little to go through a quarter of it in one wash. I also found my hair was considerably weighed down so I think I’ll lighten up on the conditioner the next time to save my hair and my wallet.
4. Towels are also not allowed. Hair needs to be dried using a t-shirt which doesn’t absorb nearly as much water as a towel. This left my hair sopping wet and would probably take a full day to air dry. Not loving the idea of walking into work looking like I just jumped out of a pool.
5. No blow dryers or heating tools are permitted. Haha yeah right!! So this is me breaking rule number three. Ain’t nobody got time for air drying hair psh! I normally use a diffuser so I changed it from high setting to low, so there, that’s my compromise on this one.
I read this book in one sitting because I skimmed through most of it. I found value in the step by step instructions however only my own hair type interested me. I enjoyed the recipes for homemade hair treatments and plan on trying some of them. I really had no interest at all in the “Curl Confessions” so I skipped those as well. Upon completing my experiment, I can attest that if you diligently follow all the steps in this guide, you WILL achieve beautiful, frizz free, curly hair. I just don’t find it practical with my lifestyle to follow this method BUT I can absolutely see how it works. This book has taught me to be far more gentle and nourishing to my hair moving forward and I will most definitely adapt some (but not all) of these methods into my routine.
The “Curly Girl” guide introduces a new approach which promises to bring life to your curls, eliminate frizz and improve the health and appearance of your hair. I decided to give these methods a try and I definitely achieved the promised healthy, bouncy curls worthy of a hair flip. Although I did feel the need to separate and shake out the curls because I looked a bit like Medusa but that’s neither here nor there. The reasons why this method was not a five star for me ...
1. According to this book, using shampoo is a “no no”, full of harsh chemicals that dry out your hair. However, I just can’t bring myself to wash my hair with conditioner so I broke the first rule and opted for a natural shampoo. Thinking that this would simply require a quick trip to the drugstore proved me wrong. It was a VERY difficult task to find products that were sulfate free, no drying alcohols, no silicones, no mineral oils or waxes. I normally run through the isle and buy whatever is on sale but as with all good things in life, my new adventure cost me about five times more than what I usually pay ... apparently our hair is “worth it”.
2. Another “no no” is brushing your hair because it causes breakage. So this is rule number two that I broke. I can’t imagine leaving in all the knots and tangles after my shower, “finger brushing” doesn’t cut it. I opted for the lesser of two evils and put my hairbrush aside and used a wide tooth comb instead. I didn’t love it and not sure if I will stick with it but I will try to avoid reaching for my brush.
3. Healthy curls require TONS of conditioner, no problem, except that I just paid a small fortune for that tiny bottle so it hurt a little to go through a quarter of it in one wash. I also found my hair was considerably weighed down so I think I’ll lighten up on the conditioner the next time to save my hair and my wallet.
4. Towels are also not allowed. Hair needs to be dried using a t-shirt which doesn’t absorb nearly as much water as a towel. This left my hair sopping wet and would probably take a full day to air dry. Not loving the idea of walking into work looking like I just jumped out of a pool.
5. No blow dryers or heating tools are permitted. Haha yeah right!! So this is me breaking rule number three. Ain’t nobody got time for air drying hair psh! I normally use a diffuser so I changed it from high setting to low, so there, that’s my compromise on this one.
I read this book in one sitting because I skimmed through most of it. I found value in the step by step instructions however only my own hair type interested me. I enjoyed the recipes for homemade hair treatments and plan on trying some of them. I really had no interest at all in the “Curl Confessions” so I skipped those as well. Upon completing my experiment, I can attest that if you diligently follow all the steps in this guide, you WILL achieve beautiful, frizz free, curly hair. I just don’t find it practical with my lifestyle to follow this method BUT I can absolutely see how it works. This book has taught me to be far more gentle and nourishing to my hair moving forward and I will most definitely adapt some (but not all) of these methods into my routine.
May 12, 2011
I want to give this book more stars, but I had higher hopes for it, and it just didn't have enough new information to be really useful to me.
I have had wavy-to-curly hair my whole life, and have developed my own ways of dealing with it and showing it off to its best advantage. I picked up this book from the library to give it a look through before I decided whether or not to buy a copy. It's a good thing I did, since i will not be buying this book for reference.
The book is written for women who have straightened their hair their whole life and are not at all familiar with how to care for and style wavy or curly hair. Since I've always worn mine curly, I've already figured out not to blow dry it (though I got seriously tired of her cutesy way of calling a hair dryer a "hair fryer"), how to style it, etc. the only big difference is that I have been using sulfate shampoo/silicone conditioner, which Massey outlaws for curly hair. But that idea alone is not reason enough to keep a copy on hand.
Finally, the book is at least 1/3 anecdotes from women who used to be unhappy with their curly hair, but then finally accepted it and learned to love it. I'm already loving my hair, I don't need reassurance that it's ok to.
This book is really a remedial course in curly care hair, it's not for people that have already embraced their curly hair and are looking for advanced tips.
May 13, 2017
Unfortunately this book reads like a teen mag for girls who hate their curly hair. Curly Girl is written by a hair stylist that speaks confidently about the best ways to manage curly hair without actually providing much (if any) science behind the claims. "I estimate that 65 percent of all women have wavy or curly hair..." Based on what? Does it include all women in the whole world? How many men? Baseless claims like these are rampant.
Her homemade hair treatments are mostly rubbish. Having had curly hair for over 30 years I can say with certainty that the author's advice never to use shampoo on curly hair is not good advice for most curly hair. I've spent considerable time using only conditioner, baking soda and apple cider vinegar, and just water. None of those methods work for me, although the baking soda and cider vinegar were decent. In this book however, the author mentions using baking soda but leaves out cider vinegar, which is necessary in cleaning and conditioning your hair because the science of pH levels actually works. Anyway, it's not true that conditioner cleans your scalp- it actually clogs your hair follicles and causes your hair to suffocate and stop growing.
The whole book should be discarded; there wasn't enough salvageable material in this book to glean even 2 stars.
Her homemade hair treatments are mostly rubbish. Having had curly hair for over 30 years I can say with certainty that the author's advice never to use shampoo on curly hair is not good advice for most curly hair. I've spent considerable time using only conditioner, baking soda and apple cider vinegar, and just water. None of those methods work for me, although the baking soda and cider vinegar were decent. In this book however, the author mentions using baking soda but leaves out cider vinegar, which is necessary in cleaning and conditioning your hair because the science of pH levels actually works. Anyway, it's not true that conditioner cleans your scalp- it actually clogs your hair follicles and causes your hair to suffocate and stop growing.
The whole book should be discarded; there wasn't enough salvageable material in this book to glean even 2 stars.
October 1, 2021
Sigo El Método desde abril y con muy buenos resultados pero nunca había leído el libro de donde salió todo. A estas alturas no encontré ninguna novedad, porque ya me había informado por otros lados. Lo que no me gustó: mucho relleno, ya sean testimonios y hasta un HORÓSCOPO DE LOS RIZOS 🤦 suficiente con ver un par de videos en YouTube, no es necesario leerte el libro.
January 27, 2019
A true eye-opener. And I can personally say the techniques in this book actually work. A must read for curly people everywhere. Curlies unite!! 🌀😂🌀
July 23, 2020
As it turns out I am not straight... I am curly. LOL. I am at the beginning of my curly girl journey but already loving the results!
May 28, 2017
A cute little book that I read through in about an hour.
This book has some revolutionary ideas regarding caring for curly hair.
1. Never Use a Brush. Apparently, curly girls are to comb through their conditioned hair with their fingers and gently pry apart knots. A brush or comb is not to be used because it destroys the curl formation.
2. Never Use Shampoo. The sulfates in normal shampoos damage and dry out curly hair, so curly girls are instructed to use sulfate-free "cleansers" not "sham-poo" on their hair.
3. Let conditioner REMAIN in your hair. The book gives step by step instruction to cleaning your hair and, against all instincts, it instructs one to leave conditioner in one's hair and not wash it out. The book doesn't get into using leave in hair conditioners rather than just letting conditioner sit in one's hair, but apparently this makes all the difference.
All of these steps and more are intended to make your hair curly beautifully. The book discusses and shows the 7 types of curly hair and even gives tips on trimming one's own hair.
What I liked most about this book is that it doesn't seem like a plug for Massey's salon and services. Even though throughout the book, there are different testimonials of women telling about their experiences of their hair and how they have come to love, accept and treat their hair (usually with Lorraine's expertise,) never once does the author suggest a product in her product line. In fact, there is an entire chapter of "concoctions" that one can cheaply and easily make at home. The tone of the book is up-beat, positive, and genuine, which was empowering and comforting
Out of curiosity and the desire to have the gorgeous, glossy locks photographed throughout the book, I am going to try these tips and see what happens.
Update 8/2/2011:
I seriously can't believe it. I have been using some of the techniques in this book and my hair looks amazing!
What works for me: I haven't brushed my hair since Friday and use my fingers to comb through my conditioned hair in the shower. My curls come out defined and gorgeous. I use a paper towel to dry my hair (no towels and no turbans!) and my hair looks great. I started off by trying to cleanse my scalp with a conditioner as the book suggests, but yesterday I cracked and used shampoo. I purchased some sulfate free shampoo (which also suds) and used that this morning and so far so good.
What didn't work for me: Leaving conditioner in my hair. I tried this on Saturday and Sunday and it just felt gross and build-upy to me. I've switched over to rinsing most of it and leaving a tinsy bit of conditioner residue and then re-applying a leave in hair conditioner after the shower (to be fair, I switched over to a kerastase leave in which may also have contributed to my hair's improvement.) Also, I am not really a "gel" girl and I like mousse in my curls so I use that instead of the gel suggested in the book. No crunch, just soft, non poofy curls :-)
My curls are soft, defined and shiny today. This book has totally changed my relationship to my hair. Love it!
This book has some revolutionary ideas regarding caring for curly hair.
1. Never Use a Brush. Apparently, curly girls are to comb through their conditioned hair with their fingers and gently pry apart knots. A brush or comb is not to be used because it destroys the curl formation.
2. Never Use Shampoo. The sulfates in normal shampoos damage and dry out curly hair, so curly girls are instructed to use sulfate-free "cleansers" not "sham-poo" on their hair.
3. Let conditioner REMAIN in your hair. The book gives step by step instruction to cleaning your hair and, against all instincts, it instructs one to leave conditioner in one's hair and not wash it out. The book doesn't get into using leave in hair conditioners rather than just letting conditioner sit in one's hair, but apparently this makes all the difference.
All of these steps and more are intended to make your hair curly beautifully. The book discusses and shows the 7 types of curly hair and even gives tips on trimming one's own hair.
What I liked most about this book is that it doesn't seem like a plug for Massey's salon and services. Even though throughout the book, there are different testimonials of women telling about their experiences of their hair and how they have come to love, accept and treat their hair (usually with Lorraine's expertise,) never once does the author suggest a product in her product line. In fact, there is an entire chapter of "concoctions" that one can cheaply and easily make at home. The tone of the book is up-beat, positive, and genuine, which was empowering and comforting
Out of curiosity and the desire to have the gorgeous, glossy locks photographed throughout the book, I am going to try these tips and see what happens.
Update 8/2/2011:
I seriously can't believe it. I have been using some of the techniques in this book and my hair looks amazing!
What works for me: I haven't brushed my hair since Friday and use my fingers to comb through my conditioned hair in the shower. My curls come out defined and gorgeous. I use a paper towel to dry my hair (no towels and no turbans!) and my hair looks great. I started off by trying to cleanse my scalp with a conditioner as the book suggests, but yesterday I cracked and used shampoo. I purchased some sulfate free shampoo (which also suds) and used that this morning and so far so good.
What didn't work for me: Leaving conditioner in my hair. I tried this on Saturday and Sunday and it just felt gross and build-upy to me. I've switched over to rinsing most of it and leaving a tinsy bit of conditioner residue and then re-applying a leave in hair conditioner after the shower (to be fair, I switched over to a kerastase leave in which may also have contributed to my hair's improvement.) Also, I am not really a "gel" girl and I like mousse in my curls so I use that instead of the gel suggested in the book. No crunch, just soft, non poofy curls :-)
My curls are soft, defined and shiny today. This book has totally changed my relationship to my hair. Love it!
June 26, 2015
I've been planning to pick this one up ever since I saw author Leila Sales call it her spirit book this summer, and now I totally understand why. I've seen other reviewers mock the tone of this book, but I have to assume that those who do are simply not curly girls and don't really understand it in their soul. Because I totally do. Leila told me this book would change my life, and she was right! I'm officially subscribing to the curly girl method and my hair already looks and feels better (not to mention it smells amazing from making the homemade lavender spray), and I no longer feel like I have to suffer through these winter months with dry funky curls. The book includes a chapter for men (great since I'm marrying a curly man--yes, he's already stealing all of my sulfate-free hair products I purchased), children, a bunch of easy make-at-home recipes for treatments, and a section on self maintenance, which is great for those of us who really only get our hair cut about once a year. Very much recommended for any of you curly haired girls out there.
February 23, 2019
I have fought my curls my entire life, but this book (along with the Curly Girl fan club on IG) have shown me how to like my hair once and for all. Woohoo!
April 21, 2021
Sono curiosa di provare il metodo proposto, non richiede una routine impegnativa per il lavaggio e lo styling dei capelli, sicuramente userò un low-poo. Carina anche la classificazione dei diversi tipi di riccio/mosso! Mi è sembrato un testo molto inclusivo, si parla anche di capelli post-chemioterapia, capelli bianchi e cura dei bambini, forse avrei preferito che proponesse un approccio al capello riccio in generale, senza creare una narrazione ad hoc per le donne (a fine libro ci sono un paio di capitoli dedicati ai capelli maschili, poco ci mancava alle battute sugli uomini che usano l' anitra wc per lavarsi i capelli). Non ho apprezzato l' eccesso di capitoli dedicati alle testimonianze di chi ha applicato il metodo con successo, troppa retorica da libro di autoaiuto. Anche i capitoli sulle ricette fatte in casa non mi hanno convinta, però la mist alla lavanda mi sembra abbastanza innocua da poterla provare. Tutto sommato è una lettura piacevole e mi ha invogliata ad approfondire l' argomento.
July 19, 2018
If you don’t have a Mom/Dad/Aunt/etc. with wavy or curly hair (or lived through part of the 80s, or are confused on how to do a google search) then perhaps you have not heard the very basic techniques in this book. I read this in hopes that it would help me pick out products for my curly hair partner. This did not provide much insight beyond my rudimentary knowledge. You can get all of this information on a natural or long hair community message board without paying for this useless book. Those message boards will be infinitely more informative (and supportive) than this.
This book has a preachy flair to it. Lots of testimonials, not so much with information. Lots of “you’ve been oppressed, but if you do what I say, you will be free!” & “burn your hair dryer and the world will certainly be your oyster.”
Curly hair isn’t a cult, bro. It’s perfectly normal hair.
I gave 2 stars because I am 100% certain that I can make a particular friend laugh by having them read this book.
This book has a preachy flair to it. Lots of testimonials, not so much with information. Lots of “you’ve been oppressed, but if you do what I say, you will be free!” & “burn your hair dryer and the world will certainly be your oyster.”
Curly hair isn’t a cult, bro. It’s perfectly normal hair.
I gave 2 stars because I am 100% certain that I can make a particular friend laugh by having them read this book.
July 23, 2014
Some pretty good advice, although pretty general. At least half of the book is just anecdotes from experiences other curly-haired girls have had (like being told in a mock-interview for college to straighten her hair because curly isn't seen as professional) - these really added nothing and I consider them filler, and lots of it. I do give her points for not using the book as a way for promoting her line of hair products too much.
All in all, about 20% of the book is applicable advice to your own hair type, and the rest is for other hair types (which I agree is necessary in the book, just won't be relevant to you) and pointless filler.
One last thing: If you have a low tolerance for terrible (and I mean REALLY bad) puns based on the words "hair" or "curl", then I definitely don't recommend this book to you! There's at least one on about every page; it gets real old, real fast.
All in all, about 20% of the book is applicable advice to your own hair type, and the rest is for other hair types (which I agree is necessary in the book, just won't be relevant to you) and pointless filler.
One last thing: If you have a low tolerance for terrible (and I mean REALLY bad) puns based on the words "hair" or "curl", then I definitely don't recommend this book to you! There's at least one on about every page; it gets real old, real fast.
April 10, 2021
2.5. I have naturally wavy hair which will fall into ringlet curls with just a slight twist of a vent brush and a hair dryer. I picked this up to see if I could pick up any styling tips, but while the book is sort of fun to read, it doesn't really offer anything useful. If I follow these recommendations for shampoos and air drying, my hair looks like a frizzy mushroom cloud. I decided to go the opposite direction and purchased a flat iron. With my newly straight hair, I have more guys flirting with me than I have since my twenties and my husband can't keep his hands off me. Lol. Who knew straight hair made such a difference? It's just like the old tv show Felicity. She was cute with curls, but in the last season when she straightened her hair, she was beautiful.
January 31, 2015
Helpful, but certainly not enough information if you are actually going to follow the Curly Girl method. Lorraine gives the basics but very little details, so for me this guide to curly hair care is a starting point only. (For example, how to recognize silicones -- she gives incomplete info there, even though that is a fundamental point!) Her method is worth a shot, but it doesn't work for everyone (myself included).
February 22, 2016
This book is a MUST read for any woman out there that has curly hair. Curly hair is NOT just kinky curly - it includes wavy hair, too. There are a lot of classifications of curly hair and the author does a marvelous job of defining each one to help you figure out what kind of Curly Girl you are.
The boiled down "must know" info from the book? Everything you do for straight hair, you do NOT do for curly hair, to include using shampoo and cutting it wet. Read it and find out what and why.
The boiled down "must know" info from the book? Everything you do for straight hair, you do NOT do for curly hair, to include using shampoo and cutting it wet. Read it and find out what and why.
September 2, 2019
Hajápolási kézikönyvhöz képest meglehetősen mély témát boncolgatunk. A „fogadd el magad, ahogy vagy”-kánon egyik aspektusa bizony az is, ahogy az ember a saját hajához viszonyul.
Üdítő volt a ráismerés, hogy nem csupán Magyarországon, de a földgolyó más részein is pária-sorban vannak a göndör hajú emberek, nem is hittem volna. Ezek okait is boncolgatja a könyv, nagyrészt az van emögött, amit én is sejtettem már egy ideje: a fodrászokat egyáltalán nem képzik ki a göndör hajból, nincs kedvük vesződni az alapvetően öntörvényű loknikkal, illetve rasszista felhangok is felütik a fejüket, nem csoda, hogy sok afroamerikai sztár is egyenes hajjal szeret inkább megjelenni. Ez pedig elég messzire vezet, ha belegondolunk.
Az olvasmányba folyamatosan beékelődnek személyes élmények göndör hajúaktól, egyszerre volt felszabadító és szomorú olvasni, mennyire hasonló utat jártunk be mindannyian. Nekem is beletelt jópár évbe, amíg megbarátkoztam ezzel az apai örökséggel és már büszkén ki tudom mondani: igen, a hajam a legszebb dolog rajtam.
Szóval volt nekem a kis ovis barátnőm, a Kinga. Kingának tejfölszőke, szögegyenes haja volt (még most is az), a családi legendárium szerint pedig folyton sírtam, hogy nekem is olyan haj kell, nem ilyen csúnya göndör és pezsgővörös (igaz, akkoriban még nem tudtam, hogy ez milyen menő, illetve, hogy ez a színárnyalat neve, sajnos később átváltott a hajam szőkésbarnára). A fodrászunk tanította meg Anyukámat, miként száríthatja ki egyenesre a hajamat, ami persze kézügyessége híján nem is nagyon sikerült soha, cserébe Kinga haja utáni vágyakozásom helyett a procedúra okozta fájdalom miatt potyogtak a könnyeim.
Pár évvel később valamelyik terrorista osztálytársnőmtől hangzott el A Mondat, Ami Után Elkezdtem Büszke Lenni a Hajamra: _”Jaj, mit izélsz itt a göndör hajaddal, azt hiszed, szép?”_
Na, ekkor kattant át bennem valami. Innentől kezdve hagytam abba a fésülködést és csak időnként hagytam magam meggyőzni, hogy a fodrász kiszárítsa a hajamat. Aztán napokig azt éreztem, mintha nem lennék önmagam.
Szóval lassanként teljesen áttértem a göndör hajviseletre, hagytam, hogy a természet tegye a dolgát, a kezdeti gúnyolódást követően {{„fészekfej” – az illetőt még mindig leköpném azokért, amiket ezen kívül is el kellett tőle viselnem}} pedig szép lassan eljutottunk odáig, hogy évekkel később egy kollégám csak „fürtöskének” nevezett a hátam mögött, abszolút pozitív felhanggal. Nem beszélve az irigykedő tekintetekről és szavakról, valahányszor belépek egy fodrásszalonba. Vagy a csapatépítőn az a kolléga, aki bevallása szerint két évig gyűjtötte a bátorságot, hogy engedélyt merjen kérni, hogy megérinthesse a hajamat.
Nem fogom szétspoilerezni a könyvet, de annyit elmondok, nagyon izgalmas világba vezet be minket, meghökkentő, ámde meggyőző hajápolási tanácsokat kapunk, melyeket ezentúl én is alkalmazni fogok. Sorstársaimnak ajánlom még a Facebook-on található _Magyar Göndör Közösség_ csoportot is, ami szintén a könyv által írt hitvallást erősíti.
Addig is: legyetek büszkék a göndörségetekre, mert menőség! Aki mást mond, az meg irigy kutya.
Üdítő volt a ráismerés, hogy nem csupán Magyarországon, de a földgolyó más részein is pária-sorban vannak a göndör hajú emberek, nem is hittem volna. Ezek okait is boncolgatja a könyv, nagyrészt az van emögött, amit én is sejtettem már egy ideje: a fodrászokat egyáltalán nem képzik ki a göndör hajból, nincs kedvük vesződni az alapvetően öntörvényű loknikkal, illetve rasszista felhangok is felütik a fejüket, nem csoda, hogy sok afroamerikai sztár is egyenes hajjal szeret inkább megjelenni. Ez pedig elég messzire vezet, ha belegondolunk.
Az olvasmányba folyamatosan beékelődnek személyes élmények göndör hajúaktól, egyszerre volt felszabadító és szomorú olvasni, mennyire hasonló utat jártunk be mindannyian. Nekem is beletelt jópár évbe, amíg megbarátkoztam ezzel az apai örökséggel és már büszkén ki tudom mondani: igen, a hajam a legszebb dolog rajtam.
Szóval volt nekem a kis ovis barátnőm, a Kinga. Kingának tejfölszőke, szögegyenes haja volt (még most is az), a családi legendárium szerint pedig folyton sírtam, hogy nekem is olyan haj kell, nem ilyen csúnya göndör és pezsgővörös (igaz, akkoriban még nem tudtam, hogy ez milyen menő, illetve, hogy ez a színárnyalat neve, sajnos később átváltott a hajam szőkésbarnára). A fodrászunk tanította meg Anyukámat, miként száríthatja ki egyenesre a hajamat, ami persze kézügyessége híján nem is nagyon sikerült soha, cserébe Kinga haja utáni vágyakozásom helyett a procedúra okozta fájdalom miatt potyogtak a könnyeim.
Pár évvel később valamelyik terrorista osztálytársnőmtől hangzott el A Mondat, Ami Után Elkezdtem Büszke Lenni a Hajamra: _”Jaj, mit izélsz itt a göndör hajaddal, azt hiszed, szép?”_
Na, ekkor kattant át bennem valami. Innentől kezdve hagytam abba a fésülködést és csak időnként hagytam magam meggyőzni, hogy a fodrász kiszárítsa a hajamat. Aztán napokig azt éreztem, mintha nem lennék önmagam.
Szóval lassanként teljesen áttértem a göndör hajviseletre, hagytam, hogy a természet tegye a dolgát, a kezdeti gúnyolódást követően {{„fészekfej” – az illetőt még mindig leköpném azokért, amiket ezen kívül is el kellett tőle viselnem}} pedig szép lassan eljutottunk odáig, hogy évekkel később egy kollégám csak „fürtöskének” nevezett a hátam mögött, abszolút pozitív felhanggal. Nem beszélve az irigykedő tekintetekről és szavakról, valahányszor belépek egy fodrásszalonba. Vagy a csapatépítőn az a kolléga, aki bevallása szerint két évig gyűjtötte a bátorságot, hogy engedélyt merjen kérni, hogy megérinthesse a hajamat.
Nem fogom szétspoilerezni a könyvet, de annyit elmondok, nagyon izgalmas világba vezet be minket, meghökkentő, ámde meggyőző hajápolási tanácsokat kapunk, melyeket ezentúl én is alkalmazni fogok. Sorstársaimnak ajánlom még a Facebook-on található _Magyar Göndör Közösség_ csoportot is, ami szintén a könyv által írt hitvallást erősíti.
Addig is: legyetek büszkék a göndörségetekre, mert menőség! Aki mást mond, az meg irigy kutya.
August 9, 2024
There's a quote in here about curly hair being "almost never" oily/greasy. Well, guess who's the exception! Felt a bit erased here, to be honest.
Weird, because in general my hair is considered "curly", but in this book I'm considered "wavy". So I don't know if I should be looking for products targeted to curly hair or wavy hair. A lot of curly hair products look fair too heavy for my oily hair that's washed only weekly.
The book does make me realise I should take up using hair gel, though. Mousse isn't keeping the frizz entirely at bay. (At least, not in Australian winter.)
The author is anti-blow-dry, though, which does justify me being too lazy to blow-dry. But I need to learn how to do it and diffuse, as I'm a frequent afternoon napper. Hmm...
I'm still going to get the salon to wash my hair, instead of getting it cut dry, though. Washing my hair takes a lot of effort, and it feels good to have a professional do it. A trim every six weeks is a bit too much for me, though.
I'd say this book is good for ideas to try, but don't feel bad if following it specifically is too much for you. Take and adapt what advice you need.
Weird, because in general my hair is considered "curly", but in this book I'm considered "wavy". So I don't know if I should be looking for products targeted to curly hair or wavy hair. A lot of curly hair products look fair too heavy for my oily hair that's washed only weekly.
The book does make me realise I should take up using hair gel, though. Mousse isn't keeping the frizz entirely at bay. (At least, not in Australian winter.)
The author is anti-blow-dry, though, which does justify me being too lazy to blow-dry. But I need to learn how to do it and diffuse, as I'm a frequent afternoon napper. Hmm...
I'm still going to get the salon to wash my hair, instead of getting it cut dry, though. Washing my hair takes a lot of effort, and it feels good to have a professional do it. A trim every six weeks is a bit too much for me, though.
I'd say this book is good for ideas to try, but don't feel bad if following it specifically is too much for you. Take and adapt what advice you need.
January 7, 2020
I enjoyed this book. I wish it had given more basic knowledge like - can I braid my hair and suggestions for products. That stuff is available online though. Ultimately I’ve been doing curly girl for about 6 weeks and I love my hair. Once I get the right routine I know it will continue to be all that it was meant to be! Finally I don’t have long coarse hair I wish was beautiful. It was always trying to be curly!
January 15, 2021
Für mich persönlich ist das einfach zu viel Aufwand, da meine Haare eher wellig als lockig sind.
Mit 14 hätte ich mich aber sehr über dieses Buch gefreut, da ich meine Haare gehasst und darum täglich geglättet habe.
Mit 14 hätte ich mich aber sehr über dieses Buch gefreut, da ich meine Haare gehasst und darum täglich geglättet habe.
April 5, 2019
So helpful for someone like me who has had wavy hair for years but never knew what to do with it! This book feels empowering, encouraging, and immensely practical.
July 3, 2018
I finally joined the movement! After years of fighting my natural curls, I’ve decided to embrace them. 😁 This book is AMAZING in helping me figure out how to tame the beast that is mismatched curls and loads of frizz. I’m excited to continue this journey, heal my hair, and find my true “curl potential”!
November 5, 2019
Game changer in understanding what my hair needs. Following some of the tips, I have unlocked the secret of moving from wavy to curly hair...curls I’ve always wanted and never dreamed that they were there all along, I’d just been mistreating my hair with product and heat!
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