Afro-Chic

The look: You can achieve this coiffed 'fro with the help of a medium-size curling iron and a teasing comb. Twist small sections around the iron and release.

Switch it up: Add a short side part to bring the 'fro into 2007. Your curl-to-kink ratio will change each day, based on how you sleep and how humid it is, "but that's the beauty of the look," says Scurry.

Make it last: Cover hair with a silk bonnet at night to make the curls last longer and prevent matting. With daily care, your curly do should last from seven to ten days.

1. NuBone II Style 120 Teasing Comb, $7, Ray Beauty Supply, 800-253-0993.

2. Remington Curling Iron, $28, stylewithremington.com.

3. Optimum Care Super Protecting Shampoo, $7, drugstores.

Frizz-buster 
Coiffed 'fros need a light serum, such as Citré Shine Anti-Frizz Serum, $6, drugstores. Rub a few drops in your palms, then evenly distribute throughout the hair.

New Wave

The look: If you love a headful of waves and curls, this gorgeous texture is just a rod set away. This style is ideal for both relaxed and natural hair.

Switch it up: Try hair accessories to change the shape and style. A few bobby pins can help you create a soft Mohawk, and cute hair clips or combs will dress it up.

Make it last: Moisturizing shampoos and conditioners are the best building blocks for anyone with dry or frizzy hair. Cover your curls with a silk bonnet at night.

1. Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Creamy Aloe Shampoo, $6, drugstores.

2. Hollywood Hair Pins, $2, drugstores.

3. Diane Cold Wave Rods, $2, Ray Beauty Supply, 800-253-0993.

Frizz-buster 
A light pomade is perfect for this set. Try Aveda Brilliant Humectant Pomade, $18, aveda.com.

Let Loose

The look: Loose curls are excellent for those who prefer a look that doesn't scream "salon." You can achieve the easy allure of touchable hair with a medium-barrel curling iron and hair spray.

Switch it up: Go for a center part (so right now!), or lose the part altogether and try a sleek headband.

Make it last: Before you pull out the curling iron or the fancy molded flat iron shown at right, spray hair thoroughly with a flexible-hold hair spray. You can also use the spray on dry hair before you set it. At night you can pin-curl (the most comfortable option), or use sponge rollers. If you choose the latter, don't roll the hair all the way to the scalp. Instead, wrap the hair around the roller and let the roller hang from the scalp. Tie with a scarf.

1. Nexxus Headress Weightless Leave-In Conditioner, $20, drugstores nationwide.

2. FHI Heat Domed Flat Iron, $165, fhi.com.

Frizz-buster 
To keep body and bounce in your curls, use a superlight spritz, such as L'Oréal Studio Sedated Downright Smooth, $6, drugstores.

The Big Bounce

The look: Large, defined, springy curls created with a good old-fashioned roller set. Make sure every inch of the hair is dry before releasing the rollers.

Switch it up: Play with looks that are pinned half-up, half-down, or show off a high curly ponytail.

Make it last: Use a lightweight setting lotion before setting your hair to give curls staying power. This set can last up to seven days with minimal finger styling. If you pin-curl at night, you'll extend the set an additional week.

1. Diane Snap-On Magnetic Rollers, $2, Ray Beauty Supply, 800-253-0993.

2. Goody So Secure Clips, $2, drugstores.

3. Mizani Moisturfuse Moisturizing Conditioner, $13, drugstores.

Frizz-buster 
Try a spray oil that smooths frizzies and treats the scalp. We love Simply Organic Rejuvenating Hair and Scalp Sealer with shea butter and olive leaf extract, $22, simplyorganicbeauty.com.

Photography by Sean Burrowes