The look: Modern French Twist
Step 1: Apply mousse or volumizing spray (try Aussie Opposites Attract Styling Mousse, $3.99, or Frederic Fekkai Instant Volume Spray, $19.50) to damp hair and rough dry your hair (using a blow-dryer and your hands) to create natural-looking texture.
Step 2: Using a round brush, blow-dry your top section of hair (from your ears forward) straight and place in two large Velcro rollers.
Step 3: Gather remaining hair in your hands, roll it to one side (to create a French twist) and pin it into place. (It doesn't need to be perfect; messy is good.)
Step 4: When the top section of hair has cooled, remove Velcro rollers and lightly tease hair if more volume is needed.
Step 5: Use a boar-bristle brush to smooth over the top section of hair back and spritz with hairspray.
Step 6: If the top section of hair is long, roll the ends under and pin them above the twist in the back.

Images taken on November 5, 2008, in New York City
Images: Getty Images

The look: Super-sleek pony
Step 1: Apply straightening cream (try Alterna Hemp Straightening Balm, $12.90) and blow-dry hair straight. Add a ponytail extension piece if you have fine or short hair.
Step 2: Apply a dry grooming wax or spritz hair with hairspray and slick it back into a pony. Keep the tension tight on the hair and get the elastic as close to your scalp and as tight as possible. (That's what will give you a tiny bit of height at the crown.)
Step 3: Flatiron hair in the pony to get it extra straight.
Step 4: Smooth tail with a brush and glide a dot of shine serum over your hair.

Images taken on November 18, 2008, in New York City
Images: Getty Images