Yes, you can get perfect curls

The summer catwalks were full of sexy waves, tousled twirls and full-on 'fros - here's how YOU can get yours...
 

When your hair is poker straight

You can still achieve the perfect curl if you have straighter than straight hair that refuses to bend, honest. The secret is in the preparation. The right product will provide hold without weighing hair down and causing your hard-earned curls to drop.

To get fashion-forward, corkscrew curls Aveda artist Jon Reyman advises:

• After washing, towel dry hair and apply Aveda Pure Abundance Style Prep, £22, or Aveda Thickening Tonic, £21, before rough drying.
• In small sections, wrap the hair from roots to ends around a metal comb handle and use straighteners to clamp and heat, creating a tight, corkscrew curl.
• Once the curls have been created and the hair has cooled, brush the hair out and pull apart the curls with hands for a modern raw, fluffy texture. Finish with a spritz of hairspray.

To get a tousled wave, Cheynes’ Sarah Adamczuk explains:

• After washing, apply Wella System Professional Luxe Oil, £15.50 from mid length to ends then dry.
• Use the ghd curve classic wave wand, £120, to create a looser, more natural wave.
• Finish with a spritz of Wella EIMI Stay Styled, £15.50, to hold.
   

When your hair is naturally curly

So you’ve already got curls, but how to keep them frizz-free and bouncy when you’re soaking up the sun’s rays?

First step, protection. We wouldn’t dream of lying poolside without wearing an SPF on our skin, so why do we ignore our sun-exposed hair? Michael Lendon, Creative Director at AVEDA Institute London, says prevention is always better than cure. “Aveda Sun Care Protecting Hair Veil, £22.50 provides 16 hours of UVA/UVB protection and is great for maintaining the condition of your locks.”

Cheynes’ Sarah Adamczuk agrees:
“Wella System Professional Solar Sun Oil, £17, has UV protection to help prevent sun damage. Apply after washing to enhance curl and create amazing shine and definition – it also keeps hair under control in a humidity.”
 

But it’s not only sun that causes damage. “During the summer, our hair also has to contend with sea and chlorinated water, which can leave hair incredibly dry, brittle and dull”, says Anabel Kingsley, hair care expert and trichologist at Philip Kingsley. “Originally formulated for the US Olympic Synchronized Swim Team, Philip Kingsley Swimcap, £15, guards from UV rays, salt and pool water damage, and gives hair a hydrating treatment.”