Curly Girl Method & Curly Haircuts: What You Need to Know
Curly hair needs a different approach — from the haircut to the aftercare. What you need to know about the Curly Girl Method.
Short answer: Curly hair is ideally cut dry (dry cutting), curl by curl, so that we respect its natural movement. The Curly Girl Method is a sulfate-free, silicone-free care routine that brings out your natural curl pattern and reduces frizz. If you have curly or wavy hair and wonder why it never "sits" the way you want, the answer lies in the right cutting technique — and in your daily routine.
Why Is Curly Hair Cut Differently?
This is the most common mistake we see at Ikonomakis Hair Atelier: someone has had their hair cut wet, sees a stretched-out, "neat" result in the mirror — and as soon as the hair dries, discovers it has "jumped up" by 3–6 centimetres, often unevenly.
The reason is simple: every curl has its own spiral and its own shrinkage. Depending on the type (2A wavy, 3B curly, 4C coily), shrinkage can be anywhere from 20% to as much as 50% of the length. So when a hairdresser cuts wet hair, they "see" completely different hair from the one that will appear later.
Dry Cutting: The Technique That Changes Everything
Dry cutting — cutting dry, natural hair — allows the hairdresser to:
- See the real fall of each curl individually
- Balance the volume and avoid the "triangle" shape that a wrong cut creates
- Design the shape around the natural movement — not against it
- Deal with irregularities, because almost nobody has perfectly symmetrical curls
Thodoris Ikonomakis uses the curl-by-curl technique, assessing each section separately, so the final result "lives" exactly as you see it when you leave the salon.
What Is the Curly Girl Method (CGM)?
The Curly Girl Method was created by Lorraine Massey and has become a worldwide care philosophy for curly and wavy hair. In essence, it is a detox method for your hair, freeing it from harsh chemicals and mechanical damage.
What You Avoid with CGM:
| Avoid | Why | |---|---| | Sulfates (SLS, SLES) | They dry the hair out excessively and break down the curl structure | | Silicones (dimethicone etc.) | They create a "film" that blocks hydration | | Rough towel-drying | It roughens the hair cuticle and causes frizz | | Brushing dry hair | It breaks up the curls and creates "fluff" |
What You Do Instead:
- Co-washing or a gentle shampoo without sulfates for mild cleansing
- Deep conditioning with masks rich in natural oils and proteins
- Leave-in conditioner for daily hydration
- Scrunching (squeezing upwards from the ends) instead of rubbing
- Plopping: wrap your hair in a microfibre towel or a cotton T-shirt for 20–30 minutes
- A diffuser on a low heat setting — if you use a hairdryer
CGM & Hair Types: Which Type Are You?
CGM is not one-size-fits-all. Depending on your hair type, the way you apply it differs:
- 2A–2C (Wavy): You need lighter products and less weight. A light gel or mousse.
- 3A–3C (Curly): You need rich hydration and good defining products so the curl "holds".
- 4A–4C (Coily/Kinky): You need intense hydration, heavy creams and oils to prevent breakage.
At Ikonomakis Hair Atelier we use Face Metrics Pro — an analysis system that takes into account not only your curl type but also your facial features, and the density and elasticity of your hair. That way the haircut we recommend is personalised — designed exclusively for you.
Practical Tips for Your Daily Routine
In the Morning
- Refresh with water + a little spray leave-in to "wake up" your curls
- Scrunch from the ends upwards — never from the top down
- Let your hair dry naturally or use a diffuser on a low heat setting
At Night
- A satin or silk pillowcase: reduces friction and retains moisture
- Pineapple updo: gather your hair loosely on top of your head with a scrunchie so your curls don't get crushed
- Avoid rubber hair ties that "cut into" the curl
Weekly Routine
- 1–2 times a week: Wash with a gentle shampoo or co-wash
- Once a week: Deep conditioning mask for 20–30 minutes
- Once a month: Clarifying wash (a deep cleanse) to remove build-up
How Often Should You Cut Curly Hair?
Curly hair is by nature drier than straight hair, because the scalp's natural oils struggle to travel down the length of a spiral hair. This means split ends appear more quickly.
Thodoris Ikonomakis's recommendation:
- A haircut every 3–4 months to maintain the shape
- A trim every 2–3 months if you have a lot of split ends
- Don't apply the "rules" of straight hair — curls have their own logic
"Curls aren't tamed — they're enhanced. The key is the right shape and hydration. With Face Metrics Pro we analyse every client individually, because two people with the same curl type may need a completely different haircut." — Thodoris Ikonomakis
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really have to have my hair cut dry? For most curly and wavy hair, yes — dry cutting gives a more predictable and harmonious result. In some cases it can be combined with wet cutting in specific sections, but this is always decided during the consultation.
Does CGM suit wavy hair too? Absolutely. Wavy hair (type 2) benefits just as much from CGM; it simply needs lighter products so the waves don't "drop".
Can I follow CGM if I colour my hair? Yes. You just need products designed for coloured hair that combine CGM-approved ingredients with colour protection.
How long does it take to see results from CGM? Usually 4–8 weeks of consistent use. For the first 1–2 washes you may notice "more frizz" because of the detox — this is normal.
Why Choose Ikonomakis Hair Atelier?
Our salon in Chalandri, Athens specialises in curly and wavy hair, with techniques such as:
- ✅ Dry cutting tailored to each curl type
- ✅ Face Metrics Pro for face shape and hair density analysis
- ✅ Advice on your care routine (CGM and non-CGM)
- ✅ CGM-friendly products and in-salon treatments
We welcome clients from Chalandri, Filothei, Psychiko, Kifisia, Marousi, Agia Paraskevi and the wider Northern Suburbs of Athens. Our team speaks English, so you can talk through your curl routine with us in detail.
📍 Irakleitou 80, Patima Chalandriou, Athens
Book Your Haircut Today
If you finally want your curls to "sit" the way they should, it's time for a specialist dry cut with Thodoris Ikonomakis.
👉 Book online 📞 +30 211 800 4132
See also: Curly Haircut in Athens