How to manage curly hair when it seems impossible to deal with

Is your curly hair your ultimate beauty woe? Sit back, relax, and let Team Marie Claire teach you how to handle it

Let's face it, managing curly hair is a challenge and a half. Your straight-haired friends may tell you on a regular basis that they'd 'love to have your hair' but they will never understand how much of a pain in the backside it can be. Brushing your hair? Nothing more than a hilarious joke amongst curly-haired gals. Unless, of course, the frizzy backcomb is the look you are going for.

We break down the best ways you can take care of your curls (and minimise the hassle they cause) below.

Brushing your curls is a huge no-no

Brushing your hair while wet causes your hair to break and stresses the follicles. And we all know what happens when we brush our hair dry... Oh, the frizz. Your best bet is to use a wide tooth comb in the shower after applying conditioner to detangle any knotted curls. Alternatively, Living Proof's Curl Detangling Rinse, £22, fabled.com, is an ideal addition to your hair routine if you're prone to tangles.

Choose the right shampoo and conditioner

Curly hair is more prone to dryness and breakage, so it's important to use a hydrating shampoo and conditioner. Bumble and Bumble's Curl Shampoo, £23, fabled.com, is sulfate-free and contains a great blend of Brazillian oils to control and hydrate even the thirstiest of curls.

Another great tip is to try rinsing your conditioner with cold water. We understand this can be unbearable in winter, but it causes your hair shaft to close, making it appear sleeker and shinier after washing. Try HIF's Curly Hair Support, £30, fabled.com. It's enriched with tomato enzymes which help provide cysteine to your hair, which your hair needs to form keratin. Leave-in conditioners are another excellent option, as they help to keep your curls stay smooth and moisturised for longer.

Dry your hair with a clean t-shirt or microfibre towel

Roughly towel drying your hair causes a lot more damage than you might think, so using an alternative helps to prevent breakage. Try Hydréa London's Super Soft Bamboo Hair Drying Wrap, £9.99, fabled.com, which absorbs moisture super quickly before blow drying. Or, you know, just wear it while you get on with everyday tasks.

Choose the right styling products

Finding the right styling product that you feel works with your hair may take a little bit of trial and error, but we have a few suggestions we think you'll like.

If you have looser curls that tend to drop into waves, we recommend Aveda's Be Curly Curl Enhancing Hairspray, £17.50, fabled.com. Working this into limp curls will give them back their bounce in between washing.

For tighter curls, scrunch in a bit of Percy & Reed's Perfectly Perfecting Wonder Balm, £18, fabled.com, for added definition and hold.

So there you have it – here's hoping you now find dealing with your curly locks a bit more manageable.