If you’ve got a hot date or just want to upgrade your daily hairdo for the evening, look no further than these easy styles. Whether you like volume, a swept-back look or something soft and wavy, you can craft something special in no time. First, if you have to meet up right after work, tote along a small brush, elastics, bobby pins and gel in your purse. Apply a dime-sized amount of gel for medium-length hair and smooth from roots to tips. Make a side part and give hair a sleek brush and secure at the nape of the neck in a ponytail with the elastic. Separate the ponytail into two sections, wrapping one around the elastic and securing with bobby pins; secure the other section under the elastic to make a messy bun. A high, sleek ponytail is another way to call attention to your face. Keep things soft by pulling a few tendrils down to frame your face.

For long styles with lots of volume, you’ll need a little extra time. Scrunch damp hair with a good gel, then blow dry while continuing to scrunch for those sought-after beachy waves. Or use some smoothing cream on damp hair while blowing dry around a round brush. Finish by curling hair with a large-barrel curling iron and separating curls with your fingers. Add shine by spritzing on a shine spray. Shine is key to any sleek do, up or down. So if you have stick-straight hair and aren’t sure what to do with it, then give a sleek, long look a try to show off your face. Use a vented brush to blow dry damp hair and apply a shine spray to smooth hair out with a bristle brush. Tuck ends behind your ear. It’s easy to get a pretty evening look with a little time and practice.