Marilyn Monroe is an enduring icon of beauty and style. Her signature look, including her blonde hair swept up in cascading curls, continues to inspire women around the world. But achieving that effortless glamour can seem daunting. Here’s everything you need to recreate Marilyn’s iconic hairstyle at home.
Gather Your Tools
Before starting your Marilyn Monroe hairstyle tutorial, gather the following items:
- Wide-tooth comb
- Heat protectant spray
- Blow dryer
- Round brush
- Curling iron (preferably 1.5 inches in diameter)
- Hairspray
- Bobby pins
- Hairbrush
How to Achieve Marilyn Monroe Hairstyle
Follow these step-by-step instructions to achieve Marilyn Monroe’s signature hairstyle:
Step 1: Prep Your Hair
Begin by washing and conditioning your hair, then towel-dry it. Apply a heat protectant spray to your damp hair to prevent damage from the hot tools you will be using.
Step 2: Blow-Dry Your Hair
Using a wide-tooth comb, detangle your hair, and divide it into sections. Starting at the back of your head, use a round brush and a blow dryer to dry each section of hair. Roll the brush under the hair, directing the airflow down the shaft of the hair, and away from the scalp to create volume.
Step 3: Curl Your Hair
Once your hair is completely dry, use a 1.5-inch curling iron to curl small sections of hair. Start at the bottom layer and work your way up, ensuring that all sections are curled in the same direction. Hold each curl for approximately 10 seconds and release the iron.
Step 4: Brush Out Your Curls
Using a hairbrush, gently brush out your curls to soften them and create loose waves. Be careful not to over-brush, as this can cause frizz.
Step 5: Pin Up Your Hair
Starting at the crown of your head, take a small section of hair and backcomb it by holding the ends of the hair and brushing downward toward the roots. This will create volume and texture. Smooth the top layer of hair over the backcombed section and secure it with bobby pins. Continue taking small sections of hair, backcombing them, smoothing the top layer, and pinning them in place until all of your hair is pinned up.
Step 6: Finish with Hairspray
Spray your hair with hairspray to hold the style in place. Use a mirror to check that all of your curls are even and that there are no loose strands.
Tips for Perfecting Marilyn Monroe Hairstyle
- Use a heat protectant spray to prevent damage to your hair
- Start with clean, dry hair for the best results
- Use the right size curling iron for your hair length and thickness
- Don’t over-brush your curls to avoid frizz
- Secure your hair with bobby pins to keep it in place
The Best Products
- Paul Mitchell Hot Off The Press Thermal Protection Spray
- T3 Featherweight 2 Hair Dryer
- Olivia Garden Ceramic + Ion Round Brush
- Hot Tools Signature Series Gold Curling Iron
- L’Oreal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray
Conclusion
Achieving Marilyn Monroe’s signature hairstyle may seem daunting, but with these step-by-step instructions and the right tools and products, it can be easily accomplished. This classic style is perfect for any special occasion and never goes out of fashion. Experiment with different variations to find the perfect look for you.
FAQs
- Is Marilyn Monroe’s hairstyle suitable for all hair types? While Marilyn’s hairstyle is flattering on most face shapes, it may not suit all hair types or lengths. Consult with your hairstylist to determine if this style is right for you.
- Can I achieve Marilyn Monroe’s hairstyle without hot tools? While hot tools are necessary to achieve the perfect curls, you can still create a similar style using foam rollers or braids. However, the result may not be as polished as when using hot tools.
- What face shape is best suited for Marilyn Monroe’s hairstyle? Marilyn’s hairstyle is versatile and suits most face shapes, particularly heart-shaped faces. However, it may not be the best choice for those with long or angular faces.
- How long does Marilyn Monroe’s hairstyle take to complete? The time it takes to complete Marilyn’s hairstyle depends on your hair length and thickness. On average, it takes about 30-45 minutes to complete.
- Can I wear Marilyn Monroe’s hairstyle on a casual day? Yes! Marilyn’s hairstyle is versatile and can be worn for any occasion, including a casual day out. Simply loosen the curls and pin up a smaller section of hair for a more relaxed look.
