Hair comes in all types and textures. Whether you have straight, wavy, curly or coily hair, each type has its own unique quirks and characteristics that need different styling techniques to make it pop. And luckily, we’ve got all the advice and haircare tech you’ll need…
Tips for straight hair
Straight hair has no curl or wave pattern and ranges from fine and thin to thick and coarse. This means that styling straight hair can be challenging, as it tends to be more prone to oiliness and flatness.
To add volume and texture to your straight hair, start by washing it with a volumising shampoo and conditioner. These products can help lift your roots and add body to your hair. After washing, apply a root-lifting spray or mousse and blow dry your hair upside down with a round brush to create volume. The brand new Shark FlexStyle 4-in-1 air styler and dryer (in a Currys exclusive Violet Purple) comes with an Oval Brush attachment that dries as it styles and is perfect for pumping up the volume.
If you want to add some waves or curls to your straight hair, you can use a curler or straightener. For loose waves, wrap small sections of hair around a large barrel curler and hold it for a few seconds before releasing. Or for tighter curls, use a smaller barrel curler and hold for a few more seconds before releasing. Want natural-looking waves? Use a straightener to create bends in your hair by twisting and turning the straightener as you run it down your locks.
For that final touch, use a lightweight hairspray or finishing spray to hold your hair in place. Avoid using heavy products that can weigh your hair down and make it look greasy.
Did you know?
Thanks to its smooth and flat surface, straight hair is naturally more reflective than curly hair. This gives it a shiny and glossy look, but also means that it’s more prone to looking oily or greasy if not washed regularly.
That’s why in order to keep straight hair looking its best, it’s important to find the right balance between washing frequently enough to prevent oil build-up. But not so frequently that the natural oils are stripped from the hair!
Tips for wavy hair
Wavy hair falls between straight and curly. It has a natural wave pattern that can range from loose beachy waves, to more defined S-shaped waves. So, it can be tricky to style if you’re not sure what you’re doing. One of the most important things to keep in mind when styling wavy hair is to avoid using too much heat or product. Excessive heat and product can weigh down your waves and make them lose their shape. The goal is to boost your natural waves and add definition without making them look limp or frizzy.
To enhance your natural waves, start by washing your hair with a gentle shampoo and conditioner. Also look out for products designed for wavy hair that contain moisturising ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil or argan oil. Avoid shampoos that contain harsh sulphates that can strip your hair of its natural oils and leave it feeling dry and brittle.
After washing, gently towel-dry your hair and use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to detangle it. Wavy hair can be prone to tangles (especially if you have long hair), so start at the ends and gently work your way to the roots. Then, apply a lightweight styling product (like a mousse or gel) to enhance your waves’ natural shape and hold them in place. Or use something like the Dyson Airwrap I.D. Straight + Wavy multi-styler and dryer to achieve defined, beachy waves.
Did you know?
Knowing your hair porosity is just as important as knowing your hair type. Hair can be either low, medium or high porosity, which is how well your hair can absorb and retain moisture. It helps you choose the right products and styling techniques to keep your hair hydrated and healthy.
Tips for curly and coily hair
Curly/coily hair has a natural curl or coil pattern. Curly hair can range from loose to tight curls, while coily hair can range from tight coils to springy curls. One of the biggest challenges of styling curly and coily hair is managing frizz and maintaining moisture.
To keep your curls looking their best, start by washing your hair with a sulphate-free shampoo and conditioner. Sulphates can strip your hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness and frizz. After washing, use a microfiber towel or a cotton T-shirt to gently squeeze out excess water. Avoid rubbing your hair with a regular towel, as this creates friction and can cause frizz and breakage.
To define your curls and reduce frizz, apply a curl-defining cream or gel to dampen your hair. Use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to distribute the product evenly throughout your hair. Then, scrunch your hair towards your scalp in an upwards motion to encourage your curls’ natural shape. Allow your hair to air dry or use a diffuser hairdryer like the Dyson Supersonic.
Did you know?
Curly and coily hair is more sensitive to humidity than other hair types. This is because curly hair has more surface area than straight hair, which means it has more space for moisture to penetrate and cause frizz. That’s why it’s important to use anti-frizz products and styling techniques that help seal in moisture and keep curls defined.
Found what you need?
If you have, great! If not, don’t worry… That’s because our guide to the best hair stylers in 2025 has loads more advice on the latest and greatest hot brushes and air stylers.
