The Curly Girl Rules We Break!!

It’s okay to throw the rule book out the window every once in a while! In fact- if it means figuring out what works for YOUR head of curls, then we’re all for it! 

While the Curly Girl Method (CGM) has helped so many people embrace their natural texture, it’s not a one-size-fits-all situation. Some of us like a little rebellion in our routine, and guess what? That’s okay! The beauty of curls is finding what works for YOU, even if it means tossing the rulebook out the window.

So, we asked our in house stylists, our Facebook Group LOHY. Curl Friends and Founder of LOHY. Jonina: What CGM rules do you break? 

And how often? 

Turns out, we’ve got some rule-breakers in our midst! 

Learn rules like a pro, so that you can break them like an artist. - Picasso

Rule #1 Co-Washing

The Curly Girl Method swears by co-washing (using conditioner instead of shampoo to cleanse), but for some of us, it just doesn’t cut it. In fact, this is the most common rule to get tossed aside!

Jonina, founder of LOHY. and Curl Specialist at Maiden Hair Salon, Nowra, admits, “I don’t like co-washing! I think it does a mediocre job of cleaning your hair, and if you want gorgeous, healthy, shiny curls, you HAVE to cleanse them regularly!”

And she’s not alone—our Curl Friends agree:

Debbie: “I gave up on co-washing a long time ago! It didn’t do anything for my hair.”

Alexi: “I absolutely despise co-washing! I tried it to start with, but it made my hair feel awful.”

Sue: “SAME! Co-washing isn’t for me. Fine, grey, wavy hair—I have to use lightweight products.”

The lesson here? If co-washing works for you, great! If not, no big deal, clean curls are happy curls. More on co-washing here. 

Rule #2 Daily Wetting & Conditioning

Usually refreshing your curls includes re-wetting your hair. This is usually done with a light mist, not a full “wet down”. However, for Sharon, wetting her curls, and re-conditioning them is part of the routine now:

Sharon: “I wet and condition every day, then curl cream and Oomph.”

If refreshing with water and conditioner daily keeps your curls looking their best, go for it! The key is using the right products to keep your hair moisturised without weighing it down.

Rule #3 Ingredient Checking

There’s a lot of focus in CGM on avoiding certain ingredients like SLS’s, silicones and sulphates. Not everyone stresses about every little detail and some of our curl friends admit to overlooking ingredients. 

Teri: “I use products I like and work well rather than going crazy about checking ingredients. My hair and scalp are much happier.”

At the end of the day, your curls don’t care about ingredient lists, they care about how they feel. If something works, it works!

Breaking The Rules? Totally Okay!

Maybe you love a steaming hot shower, use heat to style now and then, or rinse out all your conditioner instead of leaving some in. Whatever the “rule” is, there’s no shame in doing what feels right for your curls. 

“The best hair routine is the one that makes your hair look and feel its best”.

That said, if your curls ever feel dry, limp, or just ‘off,’ a little CGM reset can be a great way to get things back on track. But until then, break the rules, embrace your own routine, and rock those curls YOUR way!

The Top 10 Most Common CG Rules Curlies Break! (in no particular order). 

1. Co-wash only ❌ – Many curlies prefer shampoo over conditioner-only cleansing.

2. Never use sulphates  ❌ – Some use them occasionally to clarify buildup.

3. Avoid all silicones  ❌ – Some find water-soluble silicones beneficial.

4. No heat tools  ❌ – Many curlies diffuse or straighten from time to time.

5. Strictly follow product layering rules ❌ – Some mix and match as they please.

6. Always leave in conditioner ❌ – Many prefer rinsing it out completely.

7. Only air-dry ❌ – Diffusing is a lifesaver for many.

8. No towel drying  ❌– Some still use a microfibre towel or cotton T-shirt- LOHY.'s Curl Hydration Glove or Cold Shoulder Guard is perfect for drying curls. 

9. Avoid hairspray ❌ – Some curlies love it for hold and frizz control.

10. Never brush dry hair ❌ – Here's a video on why Jonina recommends this method.

Q & A: Your Curl Questions Answered

Q: If I don’t co-wash, what should I use instead?
A: If co-washing isn’t for you, a gentle, sulphate-free cleanser can be a great alternative to keep your curls fresh without stripping moisture.

Q: Can I still use heat if I follow CGM?
A: Absolutely! Just make sure to use a heat protectant and keep your tools at a lower temperature to minimise damage.

Q: What if my curls feel dry after breaking the ‘rules’?
A: A CGM reset can help! Try deep conditioning, clarifying, and using lightweight stylers to bring your curls back to life.

Q: Do I have to avoid all silicones and sulphates?
A: Not necessarily! Some people find their hair thrives with certain silicones, and occasional sulphate washes can help remove buildup. It’s all about what works for YOU!

Love & Hydration Xx