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My naturally curly hair was the envy of others, while for me growing up it was a frizzy nightmare. I have no sisters, so it was up to me to experiment with my hair and learn what works best.

The best hair dryer I've found is the Jilbere de Paris Tourmaline series and it's fairly reasonably priced. You can find most of the products I mention at Sally's Beauty Supply, Walmart or your local salon. When blow drying your hair for a straight look clip a portion up and dry underneath first using a round ceramic brush. Once the bottom layer is dry, unclasp the top and dry the same way. For extra body tip your head upside down while you dry.

If you want a really straight look I recommend using the chi flat iron. You'll pay around $100 for this item but it gives you sleek smooth hair to die for. You'll want to use your clips again and flat iron your hair one section at a time. Caution! This flat iron gets VERY hot very quickly keep small children away from it and don't burn yourself or your hair.

Now if you want a wavy or curly look Helen of Troy makes some wonderful curling irons. They come in various sizes so if you want waves just use the larger two inch barrel. If you want ringlets you can use the smaller sizes such as the half inch or smaller. Make sure you buy the Helen of Troy "gold series".

If you are out swimming it's not always easy to style your hair. What I do is carry a bottle of mousse and a hair pick. The hair pick is easy to get through my tangle of curls. Then I flip my head upside down and massage a small amount of mousse into my hair while scrunching it with my fingers. It gives you a wet and wild look and for this technique I recommend Herbal Essences totally twisted curl boosting mousse.

You can take this look another step when you are at home giving you hair like Sarah Jessica Parker. Simply apply the mousse in the same manner and blow dry your hair upside down leaving some moisture in your hair. While you are drying your hair be sure to scrunch it with your hands.

Shampoos and conditioners that are well worth their weight in gold are the following Alterna caviar anti-aging seasilk, John Frieda Shine Release Moisturizing Shampoo and conditioner, and Herbal Essences Long term relationship. For a nice clarifying shampoo I recommend Philip B Peppermint and Avocado shampoo.

You'll want to change up your shampoos and conditioners from time to time to keep your hair healthy. I also recommend Matrix and Biolage products. I especially like the Matrix Protective Daily Mist, apply after hair is styled. This advice comes from a lifetime of good and bad hair days. With a little experimentation you can find what works for your hair too.

Learn more about this author, Lucinda Davis.
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