Creating on-trend curls for every hair length

From babydoll ringlets to loose waves, Afro do's to corkscrew cuts, curls come in many shapes and sizes and have become a catwalk and celebrity staple this season.

With the correct care and attention, curls can look fabulous, but they can cause confusion when it comes to cutting and styling.

We look at how to create and maintain gorgeous curls for every hair length.

Long Curls



Sarah Jessica Parker has natural looking curls which are fresh, modern and glamorous. Richard Ward gives his advice for cutting her style. "The perimeter is blunt so it creates a chunky outside shape. Layers are long, cut at a 90º angle and slightly graduated at the sides. Working with her natural wave and curl, this look is achieved with a conical styling wand. Leave hair to dry naturally or tong in sections on rough-dried hair," he explains. 

For catwalk queen Bar Rafaeli's loose curls, Richard has some tips on how to create the style. "This cut is ultra glamorous with long, choppy layers cut at 90º and graduated around the front and sides. It's important to keep the volume limited to the mid-lengths and ends only - don't go for movement at the root area. Finish with a slick of serum with hold over the roots and some glossing wax on the waves, bouncing them into shape."

Afro Styles

"It's a breath of fresh air to see Rihanna's shorter length, edgy curls," says Kim Rance from Clipso, Watford. "Rihanna's undercut makes her curls look more dramatic. To achieve this look use a tailcomb to create a clean side parting. Use curling tongs to create defined curls, and then spray with either a curl defining spritz or a shine spray for a glossy finish."

The Gattioni catwalk style has been left with the natural Afro curl on top. Emily Pearson from Clipso, Watford, suggests: "Simply apply some blow-drying lotion and then gently dry on a medium heat so as not to overdry the hair. Using a tailcomb, tease hair into a rough quiff, pulling strands out from the top and pinning underneath with Kirby grips. Spritz with a finishing spray to keep the style in place."

Short and Bouncy



Charlize Theron's pretty, tight bobbed curls complement her face shape. To create the style HJ's 2008 British Hairdresser of the Year, Akin Konizi says: "Simply wash the hair and apply setting lotion to hold the curl,then dry. Next, using medium-sized hair tongs, take sections of hair from underneath and curl using a twisting motion to the end of each length. Gradually work upwards until all of the lengths are curled. Finish with hairspray to hold."

For the John Galliano for Christian Dior style, Akin advises: "Apply a strong setting lotion. Next, the hair is taken into small sections and each piece is curled using small tongs. Once applied to all the hair, work from the underneath through to the top, brushing the curls through to create the frizzy look and finish by back-combing using fingers to create the shape and maximise the effect."

Glamour Waves

Seventies-style loose waves are big news on the catwalk and Mischa Barton is the perfect advert for them. To create, Gary France, international artistic director, Toni & Guy suggests: "For sleek, red carpet-worthy curls like Mischa's, cheat by tonging the hair, then brushing through thoroughly to loosen the curl. This makes the hairstyle look natural."

The Strenesse Blue catwalk look is adorned with a hair slide that gives the style a 'geek chic' feel. Neil Moodie, session stylist says: "Use a curling iron to create some root lift with the barrel and smooth the hair about 10cm down the length of the section with the hair inside the iron and the plates closed. At this point, either take the iron out and re-insert it into the section exactly where it was removed, or for the more experienced don't take it away from the hair. Slowly slide the iron down the section of hair until the ends are reached."

Akin Konizi's Top Tips for Curls

• Regular six week trims will eliminate dead ends and restore a healthier look and feel for curly manes.



• Always recommend using a professional shampoo and conditioner as curly hair tends to be naturally drier and very porous.



• Leave-in conditioner mixed with serum provides a great hairdressing cocktail to replace moisture in the hair and give a more defined curl. 



• A conditioning treatment can help smooth hair and make curls more manageable.



• Always apply protection products when using heated appliances to ensure curls remain healthy and stay intact.



• Straightening curly hair wakens the curl if done too frequently.

Check out more classic and on-trend curls in the HJi image gallery.