Unlock Timeless Glamour: A Step-by-Step Guide to Marilyn Monroe’s Iconic Curls

Marilyn Monroe. The name itself conjures images of platinum blonde bombshell waves, a seductive pout, and an undeniable aura of old Hollywood glamour. Her hairstyle, a key component of her iconic look, remains a sought-after classic. Achieving those luscious, bouncy curls might seem daunting, but with the right techniques and a little patience, you can recreate this timeless style at home. This detailed guide will walk you through each step, from prep work to finishing touches, ensuring you can achieve your very own Marilyn Monroe moment.

Understanding Marilyn’s Curls: The Key Characteristics

Before diving into the how-to, it’s essential to understand what makes Marilyn’s curls so distinctive. They’re not just any curls; they are:

• Voluminous: Her hair boasted significant volume, particularly at the roots and crown.
• Soft and Bouncy: The curls are not stiff or crunchy. They’re soft to the touch with a noticeable bounce and movement.
• Defined but Relaxed: While defined, the curls aren’t overly tight ringlets. They possess a relaxed, almost effortless feel.
• Directional: The curls generally flow away from the face, creating a flattering, face-framing effect.
• Consistent Length: The overall look is one of consistent length, with the curls all falling relatively evenly. While some layering is present to achieve lift, the primary focus is on maintaining length and creating that full, voluminous texture.

Essential Tools and Products for Marilyn Monroe Curls

Having the right tools and products at your disposal is crucial for success. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Hair Clips: Sectioning your hair is key. Use clips to hold sections out of the way.
• Heat Protectant Spray: This is a non-negotiable. Protect your hair from heat damage.
• Mousse or Volumizing Spray: Apply to damp hair for added lift and hold.
• Small to Medium Curling Iron or Wand: A 1-inch or 1.25-inch barrel is ideal for creating those classic curls. Consider the barrel size relative to your hair length. The shorter your hair, the smaller the barrel, and the longer, slightly bigger is better.
• Velcro Rollers: Optional, but highly effective for achieving volume at the roots.
• Wide-Tooth Comb: For gently combing through curls without causing frizz.
• Hair Spray (Flexible Hold): A flexible hold hairspray will help set the style without making it stiff.
• Shine Serum or Oil (Optional): A small amount can add shine and tame flyaways.

Preparation: Laying the Foundation for Success

Before you even pick up a curling iron, proper preparation is essential. Here’s how to get your hair ready:

1. Start with Clean, Dry Hair: Wash your hair with a volumizing shampoo and conditioner. Avoid using heavy conditioners that can weigh your hair down. Make sure your hair is thoroughly dry before proceeding. You may choose to blow dry for extra volume.
2. Apply Heat Protectant: This is critical. Spray a generous amount of heat protectant spray evenly throughout your hair.
3. Apply Volumizing Product: If desired, apply a volumizing mousse or spray to your damp roots before blow drying. This will enhance lift and help the curls hold their shape. For those with fine hair, this step is particularly crucial.
4. Blow Dry for Volume (Optional): If your hair tends to be flat, blow-dry your roots upside down, using a round brush to lift the roots for added volume. This step will make a big difference in the overall finished look. Focus on lifting from the root for ultimate volume.
5. Section Your Hair: Divide your hair into manageable sections. Start with a top section, then create sections on either side of your head, and finally the back section. Secure each section with hair clips. This ensures you work methodically and don’t miss any pieces.

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Marilyn Monroe Curls

Now, for the exciting part – the curling process! Follow these step-by-step instructions carefully for the best results.

1. Start with the Bottom Sections: Release the bottom section of your hair from the clip. Take a small piece (about 1-2 inches wide) and clamp the curling iron at the mid-shaft of the hair, leaving the ends out. This method avoids the dreaded crispy curl at the ends.
2. Curl Away from Your Face: The most important aspect of creating Marilyn curls is that each curl needs to go away from your face. This helps frame your face and avoids curls collapsing into the face. Hold the curling iron horizontally. Wrap the strand of hair around the barrel, holding the clamp closed for a few seconds. Do not curl to the roots, leave about 2 inches from the root to create a bouncy voluminous effect.
3. Hold and Release: Hold the curl for 8-10 seconds (or longer for stubborn hair), then gently release the clamp and let the curl fall. Do not pull on the curl, let it loose from the iron without intervention.
4. Repeat on Each Section: Continue curling each piece in the bottom section in the same manner, ensuring all the curls are going away from the face. Work your way around the head and up, moving onto the next layer and so on. For the side pieces around the face, curl in the direction away from the face.
5. Curling the Top Sections: For the top section, take small sections and curl as usual. However, when it comes to the hair right at the front hairline, consider slightly over directing it towards the opposite side of your head before curling. This adds to the full voluminous look that is required.
6. Cool Curls Before Styling: Allow the curls to cool completely before you begin to style them. This helps them set in their shape and prevents them from falling out too quickly. Let them cool completely before any intervention.
7. Optional: Use Velcro Rollers at the Roots: For extra volume at the roots, take the top sections that you have just curled and gently roll them upwards onto large velcro rollers after they have cooled. Allow this to sit for around 20 minutes. This is an optional step however will allow for incredible root volume which is paramount for achieving the overall look.

Styling and Finishing Touches: Achieving the Marilyn Monroe Look

Once your curls have cooled, it’s time to style them into the iconic Marilyn Monroe look. Here’s how:

1. Gently Comb Through: Once cooled, remove all hair clips, and using a wide-tooth comb, gently comb through the curls. Be careful not to pull them too hard or you will flatten them. This will help separate the curls and create a softer, more relaxed wave. Alternatively, you could use your fingers to gently separate the curls.
2. Tease for Volume (Optional): If you feel your roots still need a little lift, gently tease the roots in small sections using a fine-toothed comb. Be careful not to overdo it, as you want to maintain a soft and natural look.
3. Shape and Style: Using your hands, gently shape and position the curls. Focus on creating that classic voluminous look, pulling curls away from your face. You may have to slightly reshape with your fingers or with the wide-tooth comb to get the shape right. Ensure you avoid creating a center parting. Instead, style the hair by creating a soft side part by pushing all the hair from one side onto the other. This creates a beautiful asymmetrical look.
4. Hair Spray: Lightly mist your hair with a flexible hold hairspray to set the style and keep your curls bouncy and in place. Focus the spray all around the perimeter of your hair for maximum hold.
5. Add Shine (Optional): If desired, apply a tiny amount of shine serum or oil to your palms and smooth over any flyaways and the ends of your curls. This will add extra shine and glamour to the overall look. Ensure you use a very minimal amount and avoid the roots.

Tips for Maintaining Your Marilyn Monroe Curls

To make your Marilyn Monroe curls last, consider these tips:

• Sleep on a Satin Pillowcase: This will reduce friction and help prevent frizz, keeping your curls looking good for longer.
• Avoid Touching Your Curls: The more you touch your hair, the more likely it is to lose its shape and become frizzy.
• Refresh with Dry Shampoo: On non-wash days, use a dry shampoo at the roots to absorb excess oil and maintain volume.
• Use a Silk Scarf: For extra protection while sleeping, consider lightly wrapping your hair in a silk scarf.
• Nightime Hair Routine: When maintaining curls, it is advisable to use a light styling cream and gently twist your hair into a very loose bun on the top of your head before you sleep. Be very gentle to not ruin the curl pattern. Remove the bun in the morning and style your curls.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, things might not go exactly as planned. Here are some common issues and how to troubleshoot them:

• Curls Falling Flat: This could be due to insufficient hold. Make sure you’re using enough mousse or volumizing product and a hairspray with decent hold. Also, make sure that the hair is completely cool before removing from the iron or rollers, otherwise the curls will not set in the shape.
• Frizz: This is often caused by heat damage. Make sure to always use heat protectant. Avoid excessive touching and combing of the hair. Use a shine serum or oil to smooth down frizz.
• Uneven Curls: Make sure you’re using consistent tension and heat when curling each section. Don’t overthink the placement of the hair, allow the curl to form organically and follow the direction it naturally wants to go.
• Lack of Volume: Focus on prepping the hair from the root. Use volumizing mousse and blow-dry upside down. Also, consider using Velcro rollers for root lift.

The Allure of Marilyn Monroe’s Hair

Marilyn Monroe’s iconic hairstyle is more than just curls. It embodies an era of Hollywood glamour, femininity, and confidence. While recreating her exact look may take a little practice, the effort is well worth it. These bouncy, voluminous curls are timeless and will make you feel glamorous and chic for any occasion.

With this detailed step-by-step guide and helpful tips, you are well on your way to achieving your own version of Marilyn Monroe’s signature curls. Don’t be afraid to experiment, be patient with yourself, and most importantly, have fun with it. You’re sure to turn heads with this classic and stunning style. Now go out there and rock those curls!