Monthly must - Roll with it ...
We were once slaves to the straighteners, but curls are finally back in full swing - the '40s swing, to be exact. Fabulous '40s-inspired waves took over the runways from the long, flowing kinks at Gucci and Dior to Margaret Howell's side-pinned curls.
In celeb world, it's no longer just Dita flying the flag for retro cool, everyone from Keira Knightley in 'Atonement' to Jessica Alba on the red carpet is teasing their tresses. Here's our guide to getting some curl action into your day, even if you have poker-straight hair.
The groundwork:[quote]
This '40s style works best with hair that's not too choppy or layered - the longer the lengths, the better the result. Start with a volumising or curl-enhancing shampoo and you'll have a good base. Garnier Fructis Curls and Shine Shampoo and Conditioner, £2.49, will set curls free. Follow with the Curls and Shine Smoothing Cream, £2.49, applied to wet or drying hair and your hair will style smoothly, sleekly, and above all, curly!
Get the heat on...
Heated or Velcro rollers are the ideal tool for this screen-siren look, but it can also be achieved with tongs. Prep hair with L'Oréal Studio Line Perfect Curl Mousse, £4.29, for some curl-boosting power and heat protection. Blow-dry about 95% using a barrel brush to keep things smooth - this style may be kinky, but it's totally frizz-free.
Wrap small sections (about two inches) of hair around each roller, lifting each section up slightly as you do so, to add some root lift (and don't forget to tuck the ends in too). Leave in until dry or give a quick blast of hot and then cool air to set. If using tongs, place the tongs horizontally on top of each section of hair and wrap hair around from the bottom upwards, holding for about 30 seconds each time.
Finish and set...
Femininity is the key to this look, so lightly brush hair through when curling is done and position it in a dreamy, feminine fashion. Alternatively, pin under or back and spray with Elnett hairspray, from £4.24, for the ultimate in ‘old Hollywood' hair glamour.
