FOR STRAIGHT HAIR
"The key to this look," says Liam Carey of Ted Gibson Salon, "is using your flat iron on very small sections to get a really sleek look," even if your hair is naturally straight. Find your center part first, then clip away sections you aren't working on. He recommends making your own accessory with ribbon from a fabric store and a faux flower.
FOR STRAIGHT HAIR
Start by flipping your head over and backcombing at the crown. "When creating this kind of height, use a fine-tooth comb to really pack down the hair near the scalp to make the volume stay," says Carey. To create the twist, he says to pull one side back and secure hair with pins vertically down the center of the back of your head. Then sweep the other side back and roll it into a twist over the vertical pins, securing it with more pins in a crisscross pattern. Finish with plenty of hairspray.
FOR STRAIGHT HAIR
To create the roll, Carey says to first part hair on the side and clip a two-inch section forward and out of the way. Pull the rest of your hair into a low bun and secure with pins. Then release the front section and twist it back along the side of your head above your ear, securing with pins as you go. Tuck the ends underneath the bun. "Use a hair net that matches your color on just the bun to prevent any flyaways—this look is all about sleek," says Carey.
FOR STRAIGHT HAIR
Carey suggests starting with a volumizing product to get a rough texture for this look. Flip your head over and backcomb at the crown, then pull hair into a low ponytail, leaving a few pieces out around the face. Tug on the pony right below the elastic to move the elastic up, creating a small bump.
FOR WAVY HAIR
Even if your hair is naturally wavy, Carey suggests using a 1 1/2" barrel curling iron to refine your waves for this look. Part hair on the side and wrap small sections of hair around the iron. Spray a flexible hairspray all over, then use your fingers to break up the curls instead of a brush, which may flatten the waves.
FOR WAVY HAIR
For the large, soft waves in this look, Carey suggests using a 2" curling iron to define and smooth your natural waves. To create the twist, he says to pull one side of your hair back to the crown of your head and secure it with a couple of bobby pins in a vertical direction. Then pull the other side back and over those pins, twisting and pinning with the ends left hanging down.
FOR WAVY HAIR
To get the volume in this look, Carey says to apply a gel on damp hair, then blow-dry with your head upside down. Tease at the crown if you need extra volume, then place a ribbon or a headband an inch back from your forehead. Twist your hair back into a bun and secure with pins.
FOR WAVY HAIR
Carey recommends using a texturizing spray for these messy waves. "Spray it on dry hair, then use your fingernails to rake your hair back into a high pony," he says. "Your fingers will give you that messy look, where using your palms or a brush creates smoothness." Finish by placing a few bobby pins on the top of your head in a criss-cross shape for even more texture.
FOR WAVY HAIR
The key to this naturally diffused look is the bangs, says Carey. "Blow-dry your bangs with your fingers to loosen the curl, and leave the rest of the hair natural with tight curls." Finish with a flexible spray to keep the curls intact.
FOR CURLY HAIR
Carey calls this a "bubble-bath" beehive, and he suggests diffusing hair with a dryer, then raking it back to the nape of your neck using your fingers. Start twisting up, rolling hair to the side as you go, and pinning hair on the side of the roll, crossing the pins in an x-shape to help them stay put.
FOR CURLY HAIR
"The secret to this romantic look is to grab a clump of curls in your hand and then pin them up to your head, almost haphazardly," says Carey. He suggests using wide, v-shaped bobby pins, and bending one end up to create a "fish hook," which will keep the pins from sliding out. Use a light hairspray to keep them in place, and leave some tendrils hanging down.
FOR CURLY HAIR
For these center-parted curls, Carey says to first make a deliberate part using a comb. Flat iron hair on both sides of the part and use clips to hold the hair against your head while it cools. Then use a 1" curling iron to define and smooth your natural curls below the clips. To create that triangle shape, Carey says to hold a 1/2" section of hair in one hand, then use two fingers from the other hand to push the hair up along the shaft. Remove the clips and finish with hairspray all over.
FOR RELAXED HAIR
"Create a deep side part at the peak of your brow," says Carey. "It's the most flattering spot." Use a 1/2" curling iron to curl 1/2" sections of hair, then set the hair in pin curls while it cools. Brush hair with a boar bristle brush to smooth the waves, then use bobby pins on the side opposite the part to create the sweep across the forehead.
FOR RELAXED HAIR
Carey suggests blow-drying with a flat brush and using a pick attachment on a dryer, then flat-ironing your hair to get this sleek look. "Be sure to use a ceramic iron, and go very slowly in small sections," he says. "Many women make the mistake of clamping quickly over and over on the same section, which is really damaging and just prevents your hair from looking sleek."
FOR RELAXED HAIR
For this braided updo, Carey says to part hair on the side, then clip the front section of hair on both sides forward. Braid the rest of your hair into a loose plait at the nape of your neck, securing with an elastic, then roll it into a bun, using pins. Unclip the front sections and sweep them back and circle them around the bun, pinning neatly into place.
FOR RELAXED HAIR
To get this smooth pony, blow-dry your hair straight back using a boar bristle brush. Pull your hair into a low pony and place a fun accessory near your forehead. "The key to the accessory," say Carey, "is to place it where your part would have been. And then check with your friends to make sure you don't look like a dork."
For more easy hair how-tos, check out our guide to spring hair in three simple steps
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