How to Create Marilyn Monroe-Inspired Curls

Marilyn Monroe's classic curly hairstyle looks stunning on all hair lengths. To achieve this vintage style, you'll need styling products, curlers or a curling iron, and bobby pins or duckbill clips. Start by curling medium-sized sections of hair to gently frame your face, securing them in place before moving on to the next section. You can also add stylish accessories. Additionally, comb through the curls to form soft Hollywood waves, depending on the style you wish to achieve.

Choose Your Curling Tools. You will be curling sections of hair about 2.5 cm wide. Decide whether you prefer using a curling iron (with or without a clip) or traditional rollers. Choose rollers that can wrap around at least 1.5 times the length of your hair for optimal results. You may use hot rollers or any type of rollers that work for you.

Begin by washing your hair as usual to ensure it’s clean. Use conditioner to shield your hair from heat if you're planning to use a curling iron. Optionally, pat your hair dry with a towel before rolling it into curlers. If using curlers, your hair should be left damp.

Blow-dry your hair to smooth it out, a step required only if you're using a curling iron. Prior to drying, apply a heat-protectant spray from roots to tips. If you prefer a part in your style, create it while drying.

• You can also spray a little root-boosting product before drying to add volume to your hair.

Spray a styling or anti-humidity product on your hair, starting from the roots and working towards the ends. Use a moderate amount of product, then comb through with your fingers.

• If you're using curlers, you can switch to mousse or gel, but these are not ideal for styling with a curling iron.

Take sections of hair about 2.5cm wide and wrap them around the curlers or curling iron. Apply a styling product or smooth gel or mousse on each section to help hold the curl. Begin this step before wrapping your hair around the rollers or curling iron, starting at the top and working downward. Secure the rest of the hair in a ponytail while working on the front sections.

• If using curlers, begin with the front sections of your hair.

Roll the front sections of hair towards your face. If you have a part, roll the sections of hair outward from the part. Roll the sections in the back away from your face, towards the crown and nape of your neck. Create an asymmetrical curl pattern for a more natural look. For a more classic appearance, make smaller curls at the top and larger curls at the back of the head.

• Create smaller curls with small rollers and larger curls with big rollers.
• If you prefer more curls, use smaller sections of hair.

Pin each curl close to your head. Use clips for this step. Clip each curl immediately after it has been set with the curling iron. Alternatively, leave the rollers in place until all hair is curled. Clip each curl as soon as you remove the rollers.

• Keep the clips in place for at least 20 minutes to allow the curls to set. This will also help your hair cool down if you've used a hot curling iron or rollers.

Remove the clips from your curls. Let the hair fall loosely around your head. If you want softer curls, dampen your fingers and gently separate the curls. This will loosen them up. You may choose to leave the curls near your face untouched at this point.

Gently comb the curls to shape your hairstyle. Use a paddle brush or wide-toothed comb. Gather several curls together as a group. Comb through two or three curls at a time to create fuller waves, or about five curls for a more defined wave pattern. For smooth waves like Marilyn Monroe’s, comb through all the curls.

Brush your hair in the direction of the curls you’ve created. For the sections near your face, follow the natural contour of your face, and for the sections near your neck, brush them towards the nape of your neck. Gently comb each section from the roots, brushing just a few times before letting your hair fall naturally.

• Spray a styling product on each section after brushing to help the curls hold better.
• Avoid over-brushing, as it can cause the curls to become frizzy. A few gentle strokes will suffice.

Finish styling your bangs. If you have bangs, brush them all at once. Sweep the bangs forward, then roll them under to achieve a voluminous curled side-swept look. Secure the bangs with a clip. Lightly spray a styling product to keep the curls in place.

• Tuck a small section of hair behind your ear and secure it with a clip for a polished touch.
• Add hair accessories, like a bow or a flower, to the pinned section to elevate the look with a touch of charm.