• If you treat your curls well, they will reward you with shine and bounce.curly haired girl sending kisses image by Laser from Fotolia.com
  
  If you are adorned with naturally curly locks, you may not have learned to appreciate your curls and possibly have tried to straighten them over the years. These behaviors can result in damage and breakage, leaving you with frizz and tangles and making your hair even more difficult to manage.
  
  Once you discover the proper regimen for your hair, you can find many ways to style your curls and actually spend less time doing so than those who have straight hair.
  
  

Find Your Hair Type

• Celebrity stylist Andre Walker, an Emmy Award winner, has devised a method of curl pattern identification to better assist those with curly hair in finding the right hair care styling program. The curl patterns are identified with a number and/or a number along with a letter. Once you have identified your curl pattern or hair type, you are one step closer to finding great hair styles for your curly hair.
  
  

Type 2 Styling Tips

• Type 2 is defined by a wave pattern that resembles the letter "S". This type is typically flat to the head and resists bouncing, even if it is cut into layers. The subtypes are 2a, 2b and 2c, which are separated by the fineness or thickness of the hair and its tendency to frizz; with type 2c being the most prone to frizz.
  
  Find a styling product that is lightweight to avoid making the hair heavier. The use of clips can add a lift to your curls at the top of the head. Using a diffuser on your hairdryer or allowing the hair to dry naturally will produce a more favorable result. NaturallyCurly.com also recommends that you use a satin pillowcase to reduce tangles while sleeping and avoid the use of brushes or combs on dry curls. Opt for finger styling.
  
  A good style for type 2 hair is the side part or the classic middle part. You can add some flair by twist braiding two small sections, one on each side, usually just above the center of the eyebrow. Pin the two small twists in the back center of the head for a sexy romantic look. Adorn with baby's breath if desired.
  
  

Type 3 Styling Tips

• Type 3 hair is defined by a prominent "S" pattern with plenty of spring and lots of body and bounce. This curl pattern can be large curls about the size of sidewalk chalk or smaller, more defined curls about the size of a permanent marker.
  
  According to NaturallyCurly.com, this curl pattern is the easiest to straighten and produces a healthy shine. Though hair of this type appears to be coarse, it is typically of a finer texture that is abundant and soft.
  
  The proper products for type 3 hair are those which allow for moisture sealing to prevent your curls from over drying. As with other curly styles, allow the hair to dry without the use of a blow dryer and avoid the use of brushes or combs on your curls. If you choose to straighten the hair, only then should these tools be utilized.
  
  Type 3 hair is very versatile. In addition to letting your properly conditioned curls roam freely about your head, try setting your wet hair on the largest roller possible. While it may seem strange to roll curly hair, you can change the pattern of the curl by setting into a looser, more relaxed "S". This will bring you additional styling options.
  
  

Type 3c Styling Tips

• Type 3c is a tightly coiled curl pattern that is more of a corkscrew, and is usually about the size of a pencil or straw. Though it is related to Type 3, it is not considered a subtype, as it has unique characteristics not shared by Type 3 curls.
  
  Because this hair type tends to be fragile and dry, moisture is paramount and must be a part of your curly hair care. Though styling can be tedious, straightening this hair is possible, if desired, but the use of butters and oils is highly recommended for good results that don't end in breakage and damage.
  
  You can try crisscross cornrows in the front and allow the back to flow freely and naturally. This look works well for evening or daytime, depending on the hair accessories and clothing choice.
  
  

Type 4 Styling Tips

• Kinky hair is also known as Type 4 hair. It is typically very tightly curled in a "Z" pattern, and often shrinks in length up to 75 percent, according to NaturallyCurly.com. The circumference of Type 4 curls may be like a crochet needle or smaller. This is the most fragile hair type and requires special care when styling. The strands can be wiry and tightly packed , so tangling is commonplace. As a result of fewer cuticle layers of protection, this fragile hair type can be easily damaged by rigorous styling.
  
  For detangling, use large amounts of oil-rich conditioners after washing. Section the hair when blow drying to avoid additional damage. If you are not attempting to straighten, a hooded dryer is recommended.
  
  The classic afro, or afro puff, is an easy choice for this curl pattern. Many women also use braids or twists as a way to style tightly coiled hair. Straightening is possible, but should be done with care, and professional styling is recommended.