IT'S the age-old hair conundrum... Women blessed with a head full of natural, tumbling curls want straight tresses, while those graced with poker-straight locks long for a bouncier bonce.

While curls may look amazing, those born with them often complain they're a nightmare to look after. But the tables are turning.

With the raft of high-tech styling products and tools available, it's becoming easier to achieve curls that are controllable, defined and the envy of all your flat-haired friends. Just ask Harry Styles.

There are even whole ranges dedicated to the pursuit of the perfect curl: Aveda's Be Curly, Catwalk by TIGI's Curlesque and Bumble & Bumble's Curl Conscious to name but a few.

And with a bit of know-how and the right products, limp locks can be transformed into flowing waves, too.

So with the cold weather on its way out, put a spring in your step - and your hair.

CONTROL

Frizz is one of the biggest woes of the curly brigade. If you have a head of natural kinks, kick your curls into shape with a product that prevents an unruly finish.

"Curly hair can be devilish: frizzy, dry and wild," says Nick Irwin, global creative director at TIGI.

"It's important to use specialist products to ensure curly hair has moisture, with ingredients to smooth, add control, and tame unruly locks."

Gone are the days of crispy mousses; now they can create texture and volume for curls, while a cream will define and separate. The ideal scenario is to de-frizz but not remove volume.

"When styling curly hair do not over-dry," Irwin warns. "The best option is to use a diffuser on the coolest setting or to allow the hair to dry naturally. Break curls with the fingers to create shape and avoid brushing or combing the curls. Often just shaking the hair will create the best shape."

EXAGGERATE

If your waves are on the limp side, give them a bouncy boost. Even if you have perfectly coiffed curls at the start of the day, they can fall flat by the time you've nipped out for a lunchtime sandwich.

Ramp up your styling routine. Perfect curls don't happen by themselves but if you put in extra time and effort the pay-off will be worth it with a style that holds for days.

"Start by applying a curling cream to the hair from roots to ends, separating hair and twisting around your finger to define into individual curls," advises David Fletcher, Unite stylist.

"Tip your head upside down and dry with a diffuser on low heat and low speed to stop it from going frizzy. When the hair is about 50% dry, spray a liberal amount of texturising spray to really enhance the curl."

Once your hair is fully dry, shake it into natural curls and finish with a spray wax to add extra texture and hold.

CREATE

We aren't all blessed with a mop of tumbling curls but waves aren't out of reach for the super-straights.

If you don't have natural body, use a curl-constructing product combined with heated appliances to create big impact curls.

"For hair that's naturally very straight or doesn't hold a curl very well, you need to build in a really good foundation," explains celebrity hairdresser Mark Hill.

"Do this by applying a mousse through towel-dried hair and blow drying your hair using a large round brush, rotating it through the sections to create volume and movement. If you find it difficult to wave, try some jumbo heated rollers to give that extra kick of movement."

Forget curling tongs that leave kinks in your hair and opt for a clamp-free wand if you want looser, beachy waves. Once you unwind the hair, roll back towards the roots and hold in place with a pin curl clip leaving the curl to cool. You'll find your new wavy do lasts much longer.

CURL MAINTENANCE

Avoid the dreaded flop or frizz with these top tips from Aveda Institute's creative director, Michael Lendon:

  • There is nothing worse than dried out, frizzy curls. Curls need moisture so make sure you are treating your tresses to a weekly hydrating injection with an intensive conditioner.
  • Rinsing your hair with cool water after cleansing and conditioning will de-frizz and help to tame your curls when blow-drying.
  • Use light, weightless products so as not to weigh down your curls - Aveda Pure Abundance Style Prep (£19.50) is ideal for adding body if your curls are lacking volume.
  • Invest in a diffuser - it will make a huge different to your curls as it is designed to dispense heat evenly to help gently encourage your natural wave.
  • If you're twist drying at home, gently shake out your hair for an effortless finish.