
My first standard poodle when she reached the age of about 6 or 7 would go into cork screw curls when she wasn't brushed. It was lovley, mostly her neck and back and once or twice I let the coat continue like this for a few months just shaving face, feet & tail but never brushing. When she was bathed water was just squeezed out and allowed to dry naturally. I loved the look but my family didn't they called her scruff bag. I never felt she was as clean as when she was properly groomed but I loved the look but reading through old poodles books it wasn't proper cording, methods used included butter!
I was talking to a IWS exhibitor at a show last year and I commented on his dogs curls, he said he never dried the dog with a dryer and it swam every day in the river. Not sure I could cope with this level of naturality. With my current standard who is only three, if I don't brush her for a few weeks (I know, the shame!) back of her ears form cords naturally and if now attended to when noticed they matt so I imagine this is what happens when cording poodles.
I admire your friends dedication as I'm sure it won't be easy.