Like red hair and freckles, curls tend to get a bad reputation for being fussy, time-consuming, and a total curse. Being a natural curly girl it’s taken me almost twenty years to finesse my way to beautiful curls that don’t scream “I haven’t brushed my hair since I was twelve! And yes, that is a signed Twilight poster behind me!”

If only I had known that for about 10 bucks and two minutes I could have the hair that some women pay five times as much to acquire.

Thus, a guide to save the others…

• Work It

Knowing you hair type is pertinent to working your hair into it’s God-given gorgeousness, and like snowflakes, no two curly-tops are alike. There's waves, spirals, kinks, you name it. So know and accept your natural curl patterns--the sooner you do so, the sooner you can start to embrace and nurture your hair.

- Length: While you may be tempted to never cut your hair again, or to say to heck with it and chop it off completely find a balance that both compliments your curls and your face shape.

- Layers: When I was sixteen or so my stylist would always insist on layering the crap out of my curls. But guess what? Four-inch long top layers equal disgusting frizz on the top of your head ala Carrot Top. Gross. Instead, forego the layers or opt for a few long ones around the face to frame.

• Daily Habits

Make it a point to work nurturing your hair into your daily routine. Doing so will save you time in the longrun!

-Shampooing: While I would personally never suggest going even one day without showering I would highly advocate shampooing curly hair as little as possible. Shampooing strips your hair of the natural oils that keep it healthy which is especially damaging to curls. Instead, use a curl-friendly conditioner in the morning and rinse well with cool water. You could even try simply rinsing your hair with cool water on some days instead.

- Drying: You've heard not to blow dry curly hair without a diffuser. Even better, as soon as you get out of the shower, pat and squeeze hair dry (never rub, you'll make it frizz!) with a clean towel. For the sweetest curls take the towel in your hand and dry sections by gently squeezing upwards, almost as if you're primping your hair, until your reach the top of your head. Release and continue with the rest of your hair.

- Brushing: You know this rule! Don't brush!

• Products

Although too much product, especially hair spray and gels, can weigh curls down and cause frizziness, there are some designed especially for curly hair that boost curls into a luscious state.

- Creams: Working a curl enhancing cream into your hair after you shower and before your dry your curls leaves it smelling and looking yummy. Try a leave in conditioning cream like Garnier Fructis' Leave In Conditioner Cream: Sleek and Shine. No matter the cream, apply with the scrunching action you use to towel-dry your hair.

- Serums: Hair serums feel silky in your hands so you know they make your hair feel and look silky too. Apply by rubbing a dime sized amount into hands and on fingers and gently smoothing down fly-aways on nearly-dry hair. If you're careful enough you can also use your serum greased fingertips to work the product into your curls for shine and bounce. Try John Frieda Frizz Ease or something similair.

For more product info check out the product guide at Garnier's site. Even if you choose not to use this brand you'll be able to guage what types of products will work for you hair type. http://www.garnierusa.com/_en/_us/programmes/pg_haircare/hair411_diagnosis/diagnosis.aspx?tpcode=PROGRAMMES

- Vinegar and Other Natural Hair Helpers: Yes, vinegar. One to two times a month cleanse hair with a vinegar rinse to rid hair of chemical and product buildup. Combine a few tablespoons (depending on your hair length and thickness) to an equal amount of your favorite shampoo and work your hair into a lather. Rinse with cool water, repeat. Try this remedy in the evening, before bed since the scent of vinegar can be hard to shake. You might also try other natural hair remedies like a honey-hair-mask to keep things earthy.

• Styling and Dying

Okay, so those were some good ideas but it doesn't change the fact that we live in a world whose ideas on style and beauty are ever changing. Some hints to keep up:

- Dying: As with all hair types wash, wet, or rinse hair for a day or two before you decide to dye. "Dirty" hair is ideal for dying because it's full of natural oils to protect your hair from the harsh chemicals in hair dye.

- Straightening: It happens. Just make sure your hair is fully protected with a heat-protective cream or gel in the places you plan to straighten.

It may seem like a lot to look at but in some ways us curly-heads save a lot of time and money on our hair compared to those with less rebellious tresses. So stand proud, my friends! As with every aspect of your beauty, love, nurture, and embrace your hair and everyone else will too!

*Thanks to B1B1 and ArtemisPi at DeviantArt.com for their beautiful curly-girl pictures!