When you picture curly hair, your mind usually reverts to effortlessly chic curls or tousled beach waves. However, getting curly hair isn't as 'effortless' as you might think. Most of the time, it requires maintenance, skill, and patience to achieve beautiful curls.

When strategizing about how to get your hair curly, its best to start with the basics: the right haircut. If you have naturally tight curls already, wearing your hair longer will add enough weight to relax the curls. For wavy or looser curls, shoulder-length to short haircuts will prevent curls from falling. And with any of these haircuts, it's a great idea to incorporate longer layers to provide extra volume and movement throughout the hair.

Once you've got the cut down, maintenance is key. Wash hair with products specially designed for curly hair. Rinse hair in cold water for the last 30 seconds of your shower to seal up the hair cuticles and reduce frizz. Comb hair with a wide-tooth comb and apply a smoothing serum to ensure soft, sleek hair. Next, blow dry hair, making sure your dryer is equipped with a diffuser. For more info on how diffusers eliminate frizz for pristine curls, check out these tips.

Finally, top off the look with your favorite styling products for curly hair to keep the style in place all day. Gel, mousse, or styling cream should be applied in a small amount throughout the hair, using your fingers to mold the curls in place. Be sure to lightly mist with hair spray, making sure to avoid these bad hairsprays that will take your look from gorgeous to goopy.

Once you know the basics of how to get your hair curly, you can experiment with new products and styles to achieve your best look yet.