Wrapping your locks in a top knot and leaving it for at least an hour smooths hair and gives it volume at the crown, but there's also a loose bend to it, as though you'd set it in rollers. "That's how I style my own hair almost every day," says Carmel Bianco, a New York City-based hairstylist. "The bun is a nice pulled-back look for day, and then when I take it out at night, I have great volume and texture."

Step 1: Make a Bun

You want hair that's slightly damp for this look, so wait for it to be almost dry, or spritz dry hair with a bit of fresh water. Spray the whole head with spray gel to create a stiff texture. Flip hair over, then gather it at the crown of the head. Create a loose bun and pin it in place with hairpins. (Elastics can result in unflattering lumps.)

Step 2: Add Volume

Once hair is in place, spray a layer of hairspray over it. Focus on the base of the scalp to really give hair volume.

Step 3: Flip and Style

After an hour -- or a full day -- take out the pins, tip your head over and shake it, then flip hair back and make a part.

TRY: Pantene Pro-V Fine Root Lifter Spray Gel (drugstore.com) and Aveda Control Force Firm Hold Hair Spray (aveda.com)