How can i get my curly hair to actually look good?

i got my mom's hair, her curls look great and i do the same exact routine as her, but it never seems to look even half as good as hers, even with a good haircut!

what routine should i do to get perfect curls?

also if i use styling gel instead of curling gel in my hair while it's damp, will it still curl and keep my curls in place all day?

I've started just straightening my hair, but i'd like to go natural.

How can i get my curly hair to actually look good?

There are tons of creams and stuff that you can use that will help define your curls without making them hard and scrunchy. But if you want the scrunch look, try V05 Curvacous Curls Mousse. It works great!

How can i get my curly hair to actually look good?

Put lots of gel in it, and Hairspray...Then part it on the side, and don't touch/play with it..if ya play with your hair it'll end up all frizzy..

How can i get my curly hair to actually look good?

I have very terrible curly hair. I'd wet it and keep bruching it while its drying to get a nice effect. Though maybe not that good for a girl, try to make it a fro'(thats what i got, it might look good on you :) )

How can i get my curly hair to actually look good?

mine is more wavy then curly. sometimes i just let mine dry on its own. i don't use much to style my hair with if i don't have to. i shampoo and condition every day. u can find shampoos and conditioners to help curly hair. some times even hair serum will work if your really having a bad hair day. sometimes scrunching it with some gell or styaling cream while drying with a diffuser can help.

How can i get my curly hair to actually look good?

First of all use a curl enhancing shampoo/ conditioner, (I recommend REDKEN, FRESH CURLS @ Mission Beauty $3 for a trial size). When hair is still damp, style by using some volumizing gel, (BIG SEXY HAIR @ Mission Beauty $3 for a trial size) to scrunch trough your hair to add some volume. Mainly at roots. Blow dry just slightly with a diffuser. (diffuser helps keep the curls). You want your hair to still be a little damp for the next step, but you can always use a little leave-in conditioner to get it damp again. To make the curls apply curl activator spray. (TRESemme, curl activator @ wall-mart $5 ) to hair allover, and scrunch. Using a blow dryer w/ a diffuser, blow dry until dry. This is what I do and it looks great. I hope it works for you too!!! Good Luck!!! :)