Don’t you just love how those school girls on TV never seem to experience any bad hair days? Whether it’s the preppy pretties on American series like “Gossip Girl” or the campus cuties on Asian dramas like “Boys Over Flowers,” their hairstyles are always as impeccable as their outfits.

It’s all make-believe, of course. To achieve hair perfection, they’ve got hours of prep time, plus a professional team of stylists whose only job is to be on standby and make sure every strand is in place.

How do we pull it off in real life, and still make it to school before the first bell rings? All you’ll need are a comb, a flat iron, elastic bands, bobby pins, hair spray, and 15 minutes of prep time.

MONDAY: Soft waves

Instead of just wearing it limp, this simple look adds body to your hair, and also serves as the base of your hairstyles for the rest of the week.

How to: Comb hair to untangle strands. Using a flat iron, clamp a small section of hair close to your scalp and turn it outwards about two or three times, with the iron moving downwards just a little. Grip the flat iron firmly at this angle and hold its position, then pull it down to the ends of your hair. Do the same for the rest of your hair, finger-comb, and finish with hairspray.

TUESDAY: Quinn ponytail

Channel “Glee’s” hottest cheerleader with a slicked-back ponytail softly curled at the ends—perfect for days when you need to be on the go and still look cute.

How to: Curl the ends of your hair. It doesn’t have to look too “done,” just enough to give the ends some volume. Next, gather all of your hair into a ponytail and tie with an elastic band. Carefully pull out a small portion of hair from the band and wrap it around the ponytail to cover the elastic. Secure with bobby pins. Use a fine comb to smoothen out the front and sides, then seal the look with hairspray.

WEDNESDAY: Half updo

A prettier alternative to the half-pony, the half updo goes well with a feminine or preppy outfit—it’s neat, romantic, and adorably girly.

How to: You have the option of curling your hair or wearing this style straight. Create a center part on your hair. If you’re used to a side part, just make sure it’s a little closer to the middle so you can have equal sections on both sides. Gather a portion of your hair on one side above the ear and twirl it back, then secure with bobby pins and use spray to keep it in place. Do the same on the other side.

THURSDAY: Double-flipped pony

If you usually prefer wearing your long hair in a no-nonsense low ponytail, here’s a great way to amp up an otherwise ordinary hairstyle.

How to: Curl hair to add body. Pull it back into a low ponytail and tie loosely with an elastic band. Using your index finger, poke a hole in the middle of your hair right above the elastic band, then flip the ponytail up into this hole and outwards. Tie another elastic band on the ponytail and do a second flip. Finish with hairspray.

FRIDAY: Korean bun

Looking forward to the weekend? Express your fun, fun, fun side with a messy top bun. It’s also the cutest way to keep hair away from your face.

How to: Gather all your hair into a high ponytail. When it’s tight enough and you twist the elastic band for the last time, pull the hair out like you would with a ponytail, except you stop when the hair forms a ball-shaped bun. Spread the bun out from its middle to create a bigger and rounder ball. Secure the sides with bobby pins until you get the bun you like. Apply hairspray.

SATURDAY: Side-braided pony

Fishtail braids and side French braids are all the rage these days, from runways to magazines. Wear your own version to a Saturday class or study group.

How to: Do a side part on your hair. On the bigger side, do a French braid (the braid that sticks to the scalp) from the top of head to near the ear, and then do a basic braid from there to the ends of your hair. Then, do three or four basic braids alongside your French braid. Once done, gather everything into a ponytail, and twirl the small braids around the ponytail. You can also braid this ponytail and tie with elastic band. Finally, keep everything in place with hairspray.