With masses of natural texture and body, curly hair is envied by many. Also viewed as uber-feminine, it's worn by many of the world's most glamorous women, from Julia Roberts to Alicia Keys.
The good
Curly hair continues to grab the fashion headlines, and if you have naturally curly hair, lucky you! However, curls can also be created either at home or in the salon, while curly hair is usually a cinch to dress and put up, and accessories look brilliant in hair that's been blessed with texture.
The bad
Many curly-haired girls complain that their hair is dull, dry, coarse or flat and requires a lot of patience to blow-dry straight and smooth. And that's not to mention the ongoing curly hair bugbear of frizz. Looking after this high-maintenence hair type requires a gentle touch; the use of a diffuser attachment to encourage perfect curl formation, and specially formulated products that give definition and won't weigh the hair down.
Styling and haircare tips
Curly hair is usually coarse and frizzy, so tame it with a hot oil treatment or intensive conditioner like Clinique's Dramatic Moisture Intensive Conditioner (£13.99) every week to add much-needed moisture to the hair.
For a loose, sexy curl, scrunch hair using a medium-to-strong gel such as KMS Hair Stay Styling Gel (£10.99). Flip your head over when scrunching and try to bunch the hair in handfuls.
Use a good moisturising conditioner like Pantene Pro-V Perfect Curls Shampoo and Perfect Curls Conditioner (£1.89) that won't flatten out your curls. And don't shampoo your hair every day - you need the natural oils from your scalp to reduce frizz, so avoid washing more than four times a week.
A good cut is vital - if your hair is naturally curly or wavy, get your hairdresser to cut in some long layers to revamp your curl.
Styling products can leave residue, so try to use specially formulated ones that don't leave a build-upon the hair.
Put some water and conditioner in a spray bottle. Shake well and spritz on to revitalise and condition your curls.
Use a wide-toothed comb on wet curly hair to prevent frizz - or use your fingers. Never comb or brush curly hair when it's dry.
Using a volumising spray like GHD Uplift Spray (£12.95) can help condition and add moisture and shine to the hair, so curls are retained. Spray hair while lifting away from the scalp with your fingers. When your hair dries, periodically lift it again.