Curling iron 101: How to get modelesque hair

For relaxed waves

1. Blow dry your hair until almost completely dry, but before you start, spritz your hair with finishing spray to give it a little texture and improve holding power.
2. Use a standard curling iron with a 1-1/2-inch barrel. Instead of securing the hair under the clamp, wrap your hair around the iron without opening it.
3. Wait 20-30 seconds, then slide out the iron. Repeat all over your entire head, then run your fingers through your hair to style.
4. Add a couple more spritzes of finishing spray to add some shine and extra hold.

For long, loose curls

Curl the entire head with a large barrel curling iron. Hold the curling iron vertically (perpendicular to the floor) rather than horizontally. Curl different sections in opposite directions.

According to celebrity stylist Larry Sims, this curling technique "allows ringlets to look and feel more organic." Sims recommends locking in the curls with göt2b smooth operator smoothing hairspray (just $5.99 at Wal-mart and most drug stores).

For cork-screw curls

To get sweet cork-screw curls, follow the easy steps in this video tutorial.

For natural, frizz-free curls

If you have wavy or curly hair, you want your hair to have natural, textured waves without looking frizzy.

1. Start by adding a heat protection spray to your hair (John Freida, TRESemme and Pantene products are good options) and then blow dry with a diffuser attachment. Scrunch your hair gently in sections as you dry it.
2. To finish off the look, use a 3/4-inch curling iron and twist sections of your hair around the iron. Start at the ends of your hair and just wrap it around a few inches, directing your hair away from your face. Release after a few seconds to create loose, beautiful waves, rather than obvious curls.

Get a Betty Draper 'do

Thanks to the popularity of Mad Men, Betty Draper-esque hairstyles have made their way onto the runway and the city streets.

In Betty's day, she would have had to sleep in curlers every night to get her hair just right. Fortunately for you, you can achieve the same look without all that hassle. You can use large hot rollers to create big curls.

1. Part your hair on the side, then separate your hair into large sections. Roll from the ends about three-quarters of the way up. Do your make-up while your hair sets, then remove the rollers.
2. You also can achieve the same look with a curling iron. Use a frizz-control serum before blow drying your hair. Part your hair to the side, then wrap large sections of hair around a 1-inch barrel curling iron from roots to ends to create deep waves. Take your time and wrap the front of your hair away from your face and the ends of your hair under.
3. Brush your curls gently into place with a natural bristle brush. Set the look with your favorite hairspray.

More curling iron tricks

Section your hair - When styling your hair, divide it into sections first and clip it up. Think about how your stylist does it at the salon. Working in a controlled, systematic manner yields better results.

Tuck it in - Avoid fishhooks (small sections bent backward) at the end of your hair by making sure you slide the curling iron to the very tip of your hair before you roll it up.

Use the right products - For smooth, beautiful curls, choose the right styling products that are best suited to your hair style and type. Serums add shine and de-frizz hair. Curl-enhancing products help produce more defined curls. Talk with your stylist about the best products for you.

More hairstyling tips

How to turn curly hair into soft waves
Beating curly hair blues
Transform frizz into fabulous hair