Photo: J Muckle/Studio D

1. Your hair will be easier to work with—and will stay in place longer—if you spritz on a lightweight styling spray (like Dove Heat Shield Styling Spray, $5) while it's still damp. 

2. Once it's dry, pull hair into a low ponytail and secure with an elastic. 

3. Coil the tail into a loose bun, and pin in place with four or five bobby pins (Ricky's sells 30 for $3). 

4. Don't fuss over shorter layers that might stick out—the loose silhouette is part of this style's appeal. You may want to smooth your hairline, however, with a few dabs of Cutler Fly-Away Control Stick ($23).