CGM for wavy hair: how to use the Curly Girl Method on type 2 waves

CGM for wavy hair means avoiding sulfates, silicones, and heat, and instead washing with a gentle sulfate-free shampoo bar, applying conditioner to wet hair, and drying with plopping or a diffuser on low heat to bring out the natural shape of type 2 waves.

 

Type 2 wavy hair exists in a constant tension between potential and frustration. The waves are there—soft S-shapes promising definition and movement—but they easily disappear while drying or get flattened by the wrong products. The Curly Girl Method is the answer to that frustration, and it works just as well for type 2 waves as it does for curly hair.

The Curly Girl Method, or CGM, was originally created for curly hair but has proven equally transformative for type 2 wavy hair. The difference is that type 2 waves are finer and more sensitive to weight, requiring a slightly lighter touch with products and an understanding of how the cuticle reacts to different ingredients.

What is CGM, and why does it work for wavy hair?

The Curly Girl Method is based on three core principles: cleanse gently, moisturize consistently, and dry without friction. For type 2 wavy hair, it is primarily about stopping the disruption of the hair’s natural movement pattern.

Sulfates, such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), are strong surfactants that cleanse effectively but also strip away the hair’s natural oils and open the cuticle. When the cuticle is open and disrupted, the waves lose their definition and the hair dries out quickly. Silicones coat the cuticle and provide temporary shine, but they build up and require strong sulfates to be washed away. It is a vicious cycle that CGM breaks.

A sulfate-free shampoo bar based on mild surfactants such as Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate effectively cleanses the scalp without disrupting the cuticle’s natural structure. That is exactly what wavy hair needs to retain its shape and moisture.

The CGM routine for type 2 waves, step by step

Type 2 wavy hair is finer than curly hair and quickly reacts to too much product. Keep the routine light and consistent.

Step What you do Why
1. Lather up Create a lather in your hands with a sulfate-free shampoo bar, then apply it to the scalp using circular motions Cleanses without disrupting the cuticle or drying out the strands
2. Rinse with cool water Finish rinsing with cooler water Closes the cuticle and preserves the shape of the waves
3. Conditioner on the lengths Apply a conditioner bar to soaking-wet hair, focusing on the lengths and ends Moisturizes and prepares the hair for drying
4. Plopping Place the hair in a microfiber towel for 10–20 minutes Removes excess water without disturbing the wave pattern
5. Dry Air-dry or diffuse on low heat and low airflow Preserves definition and minimizes frizz

The most important thing to remember: do not touch your hair while it is drying. This is the most common cause of frizz in wavy hair.

 

Editor's Note: Type 2 waves are more sensitive to weight than curly hair. Always start with a small amount of conditioner and increase gradually. Less is often more when it comes to preserving volume at the roots.

 

Want to learn more about drying techniques? Read our guide to styling wavy hair with a diffuser and plopping.

For wavy hair that also struggles with frizz, you can find deeper explanations in our article about frizzy wavy hair.

 

Ocean Waves shampoo bar for wavy and curly hair

Ocean Waves shampoo bar for wavy and curly hair

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The Curl Defining Duo

The Curl Defining Duo

379 SEK

Common mistakes when starting CGM for wavy hair

  • Using too much product: Type 2 waves do not like weight. Start sparingly with conditioner and increase the amount if your hair feels dry.
  • Rubbing with a towel: Friction is wavy hair’s enemy. Always use a microfiber towel or a cotton T-shirt and gently scrunch.
  • Skipping plopping: Plopping is the single most effective step for lifting the waves at the roots and reducing drying time.
  • Giving up too soon: Hair needs 2–4 washes to adjust after using silicones and sulfates. The results improve with every wash.

 

Want to understand the full picture of wavy hair? Our complete guide to wavy hair gives you all the tools you need.

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Vanliga frågor

What is plopping, and how do you do it? +
Plopping is a drying technique in which you place wet hair in a microfiber towel or cotton T-shirt and let it rest for 10–20 minutes. The technique removes excess water without disturbing the wave pattern, adds more volume at the roots, and reduces drying time. Lay the towel flat, bend forward, and place your hair in the center, fold up the edges, and tie it loosely at the nape of your neck.
Should I diffuse or air-dry wavy hair? +
Both work well for wavy hair. Air-drying gives the softest, most natural waves but takes 1–2 hours. Using a diffuser on low heat and low airflow provides more volume and definition in 15–20 minutes. You can also start with plopping and finish with a diffuser or air-drying, depending on how much time you have.
How do I prevent frizz as wavy hair dries? +
Don’t touch your hair while it dries—it’s the most common cause of frizz in wavy hair. Apply products to soaking-wet hair, scrunch the waves with your palms, and then let your hair dry undisturbed. Finish your shower with cold water to seal the cuticle, and use a microfiber towel instead of a regular terry towel.
How do I use the shampoo bar correctly for wavy hair? +
Lather directly onto the scalp using gentle, circular motions. Avoid rubbing the lengths, as this creates frizz. Rinse with cool water to seal the cuticle and preserve the shape of the waves.
Is the Duo CGM-approved? +
Yes, both products are free from sulfates, silicones, and parabens and fully comply with the Curly Girl Method.