Elegant Side Ponytail
Make a deep part on one side of your head and pull hair into a low, loose ponytail on the other side. Secure with an elastic, then wrap a small section of hair around it. Hold in place with a bobby pin.

Products:
If you have fine hair, work in a thickening lotion to help the ponytail stay put. (Our pick: Bumble and bumble Thickening Spray, $23, bumbleandbumble.com for store information.

Polish the look with a shine spray. (Our pick: Garnier Fructis Style Brilliantine Shine Glossning Spray, $4.)

Tools:
Prefer a smoother finish? Use a paddle brush instead of your fingers to pull hair back. (Our pick: Stance paddle brush, $4, Sally Beauty Supply stores.)

Classic, chic bun
Blow out hair so it's smooth. Pull it back into a low or high ponytail and secure with an elastic. Twist the tail into a bun, tuck ends under, and secure with bobby pins.

Products
When you're in a hurry, skip blow-drying and apply a leave-in conditioner to damp hair. Our pick: Pantene Pro-V Silkening Transformation Creme, $5.)

Tame flyaways with a strong-hold hair spray. (Our pick: TRESemme Tres Two, $4.)

Tools:
A dryer with 1,850 watts or more will do the job fast. (Our pick: Infinity by Conair Cord-Keeper blow-dryer, $35.)

Sexy, loose waves
Start with clean, dry hair. Make a deep side part and use a curling iron to roll 2-inch sections from the ends up to the middle of your head. Run your fingers through curls to separate them.

Products:
Apply a thermal protector before heat styling to prevent damage. (Our pick: Redken All Soft Velvet Whip, $15; redken.com for salon information.)

To make the style last without stiffness, use a flexible-hold hair spray. (Our pick: Aussie Sprunch Catch the Wave, $3.)

Tools:
A medium-barrel iron will give you just-the-right-size curls. (Our pick: Revlon Tourmaline Heat Nano Ceramic 1" Styling Iron, $25.)

Unless otherwise noted, products are available at drugstores or department stores.