When it comes to affordable haircare, I often turn to Garnier for low cost products that’ll perform just as well as products that cost three times the price. Last September, Garnier launched the Method For Curls range, an expert four-step curl system for curls and coils powered by hyaluronic acid and shea butter – powerhouse ingredients for hydrated, moisturised strands especially for drier curly and coily hair types.
How we tested
I’m a year post-big chop and pride myself on finding the very best products for my coily hair without spending an arm and a leg, so Method For Curls piqued my interest. I picked up the full range and tested over multiple washdays, so here’s the full breakdown of the curl system.
The Method For Curls range can be purchased from Boots, Superdrug and your local supermarkets, including Tesco and Sainsbury’s, in store, or online at ASOS, LookFantastic and Amazon to name a few. The seven-piece system typically costs just over £50 and includes a Pre-Shampoo, Shampoo, Conditioner, Mask, Leave-In Air Dry Cream, Curl Refresher Spray and Flexi-Hold Gel.
Method For Curls Review
Lauren Gordon
Method for Curls Pre-Shampoo
I can give or take pre-washes unless they’re specifically targeting my scalp, because I don’t usually see a difference after using them, but the Method For Curls Pre-Shampoo is the first product to change my mind.
I applied the solution root to tip on damp hair and kept this on for 5 minutes. The pre-shampoo provided a great base for the rest of my routine without stripping or drying my curls (as I feel most shampoos do) and significantly increased the definition of my coils, before I’d even reached for a conditioner, which is a clear win in my books.
Method for Curls ShampooGarnier Method For Curls Shampoo 200ml
Garnier Method For Curls Shampoo 200ml
If you’re in the market for a moisturising shampoo for your curls and coils, the Method For Curls Shampoo is a worthy contender. I double cleansed my hair using this and found the product to be extremely moisturising while providing a deep clean, without leaving that tough, squeaky feeling.
Method for Curls ConditionerGarnier Method For Curls Conditioner 150ml
I could do without the Method for Curls Conditioner. It felt quite surface level and didn’t penetrate as deeply as I usually like a conditioner. It’s not as nourishing as the shampoo, but provides enough slip to simplify your detangling routine. If you’re using the Hair Mask, skip to this step for a deeper conditioning treatment.
Method For Curls Hair MaskGarnier Method For Curls Mask up to 1 week of moisture 370ml
Garnier’s Hair Food Masks are usually too heavy and leave much to the imagination once rinsed out, but the Method for Curls Hair Mask was a pleasant surprise. My curls felt smooth and moisturised and I love that I can use this multi-purpose product as a rinse out hair mask or as a leave-in deep treatment.
By wrapping my hair in a bun and leaving the mask on all day long, I’m able to banish post-washday dryness and continue my week with frizz-free nourished hair.
Leave In Conditioner Air Dry CreamGarnier Method For Curls Air Dry Cream 260ml
Post-hair wash is where the Method for Curls range shines for me, starting with the Leave In Conditioner Air Dry Cream. I have fine coily hair, so a lightweight cream is my go-to for hair that doesn’t feel weighed down, but also moisturised and ready to style.
It may feel like doubling up since the Method For Curls Mask can be used as a leave-in too, but the consistency of the Air Dry Cream absorbed into my hair better while adding slip, making styling less messy.
I stand by the Air Dry method as, when I used a diffuser to dry my hair quicker, I found the heat made the cream feel stiff, as opposed to letting it air dry as instructed.
Method for Curls Shape Refresh SprayGarnier Hydra-Curl Method Spray 150ml
The Shape Refresh Spray is marketed as a saviour between wash days, however, I could give or take this product – and found other refresher sprays to be more effective.
In terms of moisture retention, I felt it dried my coils out after use and wasn’t as effective as, for example, wetting my hair and reusing the Air Dry Cream. This spray fell short in adding definition too, as my coils tend to respond better to a styling cream or mousse for definition.
Ultimately, this is best when layered with the styling products in the Method For Curls system, like the Air Dry Cream or Flexi Hold Gel.
Flexi-Hold GelGarnier Method For Curls Flexi-Hold Gel 370ml
Garnier Method For Curls Flexi-Hold Gel 370ml
As a former Eco-styler bandit, this gel is a breath of fresh air. I used it to smooth my hair down into a slicked bun, which can be tricky as the hair around my hairline is short and often pings back up.
Although water-based, the Flexi-Hold Gel strengthens once dried – without flaking – and succeeded in keeping my slick bun in shape without stiffening my coils. I use this as the last step in my routine or just before applying a finishing oil. As with most gels, a quick rinse is best for resetting my style after using this.
Final Verdict
Garnier’s Method For Curls is the most affordable curl system I’ve used and it actually produces game-changing results. The silky, manageable texture of all products make this range easy and simple to use for beginners.
As a fine hair girlie, I particularly love how lightweight the formulas are, so my coils don’t feel clogged after using. I must also champion Garnier’s accessibility, as you can purchase the entire system from your high street or while shopping for your fave pair of jeans on ASOS.
Related Story
Lauren Gordon is a contributor for Cosmopolitan’s Black Beauty Hub and the Emerging Audiences Editor at The Mirror, where she leads the Under-35s team and serves as the creator-curator of The Gulp, a weekly lifestyle and culture newsletter.
With nearly a decade of experience across leading newsrooms and digital platforms, Lauren’s career in lifestyle and beauty journalism flourished after earning her journalism degree from the University of the Arts London.
