Seems simple enough: Buy a curling iron, twist hair around the blistering cylinder, and voila, ringlets. So why does it so often turn into Toddlers & Tiaras and — to magnify the insult — fall flat five minutes later? Find out what the experts are doing (and you’re not).

See how to curl your own hair.

If you’re like us, you left side ponytails the same place you left The Baby-Sitters Club and Debbie Gibson: the ’80s. Find out how to modernize the asymmetrical style in seven steps.

See how to do the new side ponytail.

Beachy hair isn’t just for the beach. Learn how to achieve a wavy look that’s perfect for cocktail parties and cookie swaps. 

See how to get wavy curls.

For African-American women, getting kinky hair curly — without harsh chemicals — is no small feat. Sharntai Harris at the hip Georgia salon in downtown Manhattan has great tips for doing just that, including must-have products and step-by-steps to make styling easier.

See how to go from kinky to curly.

Another style for your bag of tricks: the straight look. In this video, stylist Liz Owusu shows her method for going from kinky to straight — using all-natural products. It takes awhile, so we suggest watching a movie while you’re straightening.

See how to go from kinky to straight.

Generally speaking, if you ask for an updo at a salon, you risk transforming into Bayside High’s ’98 prom queen. The safer alternative: a perfectly messy — yet elegant — side bun.

See how to do a messy side bun.

Wearing your hair down guarantees you’ll look like a frazzled poodle by midmorning. This pretty wraparound braid, on the other hand, stays put even after absorbing snowflake flutters and icy raindrops.

See how to do a wraparound braid.

Discover the secrets to a perfect blowout, from which brushes and hair dryers yield the best results to the all-important “how to make the back of my head look good when I can’t see it” dilemma.

See how to do a salon-quality blowout.

Hairstylist Julie Dickson, owner of Fox & Boy salon in NYC, shows us how to trim our own bangs. We know, we know, taking scissors to your mane seems pretty cray cray, but we promise it’s easier than it seems.

See how to trim your own bangs.