Popular culture has deemed that straight, sleek hair is what is "sexy" these days, and although it undoubtedly is trendy and smart looking, going au natural with curls and waves shows a wilder, uninhibited side as well.

I know it's hard to even contemplate unplugging your straightening iron, but switching up hairstyles will keep everyone guessing. These products and tools can help everyone unfurl their curl without causing damage to their checking account balances.

Curling Shampoo and Conditioners

Shampooing and conditioning curly hair is tricky because although curls need moisture, heavy formulas can weigh locks down. Try a shampoo/conditioner duo specifically for curls because it will most likely have a lightweight yet moisture enriched formula.

Splurge: Redken Fresh Curls Shampoo and Conditioner ($12.99 and $14.99 each at select salons) will detangle curly hair without weighing it down. The formula reduces frizz and helps moisture.

Save: Clairol Herbal Essences Totally Twisted Curls and Waves Shampoo and Conditioner ($3.99 each at drugstores) makes curls manageable with its gentle conditioners.

Contouring Pomades

If there are strands that just won't cooperate, applying a small amount of pomade and twisting your hair with your fingers will help shape dull hair into curls.

Splurge: Carol's Daughter Kizzi ($9.50 at Sephora and carolsdaughter.com) is one product in the newly acclaimed line that started in a Brooklyn kitchen. The Kizzi pomade smells like a fruit basket and is less waxy than most hair pomades so it's the perfect weapon for twirling curls. All the ingredients are organic.

Save: Garnier Fructis Surf Texture Paste Matte Effect ($3.99 at ulta.com and drugstores) is a great price for a powerful paste that allows you to shape your hair with fruit micro-waxes.

Lightweight Spray Gel

Spray gel is ideal because it's light enough that it won't make hair heavy, but has just enough stick to set a desired wavy look. Just spray onto damp hair and scrunch. Here's a tip: Mix a bit of leave in conditioner with hair gel.

Splurge: Aveda Confixor Liquid Gel ($16 at aveda.com and select salons) is a certified organic product that uses flax seed and wheat amino acids to define curls and waves minus the stickiness.

Save: TRESemme Curl Care Bouncy Curls Defining Gel ($4.29 at drugstores) is unlike other inexpensive gels because it's alcohol free and actually moisturizes.

Curl Cream

A lighter way to sustain waves and curls, creams are perfect for forming ringlets. Apply a small amount to towel-dried hair starting from the ends, and twist curls around fingers to create ringlets.

Splurge: Bumble and Bumble Curl Conscious Curl Crème ($32 at select salons) comes in two varieties; Wavy Woman (fine to medium hair) and Kinky Chick (medium to thick hair). It's an amazing product that brings out the best in any girl's curls thanks to a patent-pending curl-enhancing ingredient. Just apply, comb through and corkscrew around fingers for perfect ringlets.

Save: Suave Professionals Healthy Curls Anti-Frizz Cream ($2.99 at drugstores) replicates Redken's Fresh Curls Spin Control, but for a fraction of the cost.

Diffusers

Normal dryers run the risk of straightening out waves, but diffusers dry without ruining the curls -- and reducing frizz.

Splurge: Solano Universal Diffuser ($14.95 at folica.com) fits most dryers so instead of buying a completely new one, all you need to do is buy this piece and pop it onto the dryer you already own.

Save: Conair Infiniti Coated Diffuser ($9.99 at Conair.com and select beauty stores) has extended "fingers" to lift hair, minimizing heat damage and enhancing curls.

Skinny Curling Irons

A skinny curling iron is the perfect tool for twisting any dull pieces into a curl.

Splurge: Hot Tools Professional Ceramic Spring Curling Iron 1" ($34.95 at discountbeautycenter.com and beauty supply stores) heats up quickly and stays hot while styling. Its extra long cool tip allows for easy manipulation and the ceramic barrel reduces damage associated with heat styling.

Save: Conair Spiral Ceramic Styler ($14.99 at Ulta.com) only takes a minute to heat up and creates tight curls minus the heat damage.

Curl Defining Finishing Sprays

Sprays that have just enough hold to subdue any stray frizz and add texture to locks. This is a great item to keep in your bag to freshen up curls in between shampoos.

Splurge: Matrix Curl Life All-Day Reactivator ($14.95 at Ulta and beauty supply stores) defines and shines curls without the weight or buildup.

Save: John Frieda Frizz-Ease Dream Curls Curl Perfecter ($5.99 at drugstores) adds definition to curls while reducing frizz and increasing hair's moisture.