How can I get curls that stay?

Okay.

Well I have shoulder length hair, thick and straight! Everytime I try to curl it, if I brush it just ONCE, it goes completely straight again! I think my straight hair is really dull and I want to be able to put curls in it. Not just waves, but actual CURLS like Miley Cyrus! Her hair is so pretty! I want my hair to look similiar, and I need advice on how to make it that way. My hair is super thick though, so just curling it would take forever, plus it goes away so easily! And my mom wont let me have a perm, she thinks it will damage my hair.. PLEASE HELP!!

your not suppose to brush your hair caz den it messez up your curlz. use hair spray to hold it.

When you curl your hair, you won't want to brush it. I have the exact same problem. Use a curl definer in your hair before you dry it (available at just about every retailer) to enhance the curls. Use PLENTY of hairspray on each curl after you let it out of the iron or curlers. It may take forever, but hey: no pain, no gain.

If your hair is so thick it's poofy, try straigtening it before you curl it. It may sound stupid, but it works; it gives you a 'plain canvas' to work from. Also, you may want to ask your stylist to give you layers to take some of the weight and thickness off. And remember: Miley Cyrus has personal stylists to perfect her hair every second of the day; you can't expect it to look like hers.

are you kidding me?

you DO NOT brush your hair when you have curls in it.
it brushes out the curls leaving it straight.