Q I love the 1960s Mod bob and I currently have an asymmetrical bob. However, I have naturally curly hair and sometimes this makes my hairstyle look out of shape. I don't want to rebond my hair as I love my curls. How can I make this hairstyle work for me?

A Nothing beats natural curls for sheer exuberant volume, so it's good that you don't want to jump on the rebonding bandwagon.

Making curly locks work for the sleek Mod bob look requires a bit more effort.

Not to worry, here are step-by-step instructions, courtesy of Tak Matsuda, the Asia Pacific education manager for haircare brand Sebastian Professional.

First, your hair must be treated to make it pliable enough for a long-lasting bob. Try shampoos and conditioners with moisturising and softening properties, like Evokativ Nudist ($44).

Also, protect your hair from all that styling heat needed to straighten curls for a Mod bob. A leave-in conditioner like Laminates Detangling Milk ($32) will help.

When you're blow-drying your hair, use a styling product like Evokativ Vicious ($44) which helps with the straightening process. For hairsprays, try a humidity-resistant one like Shaper Plus ($28) that will prevent your natural curls from springing back to life during the course of the day. All these products can be found in selected salons.

You can call 6824-4985 for more information.

Matsuda adds, however, that rebonding your hair may well save you time and money in the long run if you wear your hair straight most of the time.

'Rebonding does not always mean ending up with absolutely straight hair. Any reduction to the curliness of your hair will help you achieve the Mod bob more easily and maintain it for a longer time,' he says.

If you decide to go for this option, ask for 'less ironing' or 'no ironing'. This will reduce damage to your hair, yet help it to retain more volume and movement.

This article was first published in Urban, The Straits Times on Aug 22, 2008.