Marilyn Monroe hairstyles – Basic curls

Marilyn Monroe hairstyles - Basic curls

Step by step hairstyles: Achieve a vintage pinup look with the first of our two Marilyn Monroe hair styles – Basic curls made easy!

Have you ever looked at Marilyn Monroe and thought… if I could only have her hair? Even for just a day? Well, now her classic pinup hairstyle can be yours! Don’t fuss with pin curls or hot rollers when you have a curling iron. Our step by step hairstyles guide to achieving Ms. Monroe’s pinup hair is all done using a single curling iron. No matter if you have long hair or short hair, you can achieve this bombshell look and still have time to blow a kiss. You’ll have the boys saying “I Wannna Be Loved By You!”

What you’ll need to create this Monroe pinup hairstyle:

  • A Curling Iron
  • Hairspray
  • Frizz Control Product (optional)
  • Bobby Pins (optional)
  • Hair Tie

Step by step Monroe hairstyles: Basic curls

Step 1: Part your hair to any side you choose. Take the fringe (bangs) or the front little section of your hair and pin this up. This part will be saved for last. Take the rest of your hair and put it in a low ponytail.

Step 2: Take a small section of your hair on the side of your head. Based on how long your hair is, use the most appropriate barrel-sized curling iron when necessary. If your hair is short, use a smaller barrel curling iron. If your hair is long, use a larger one. Take this section of hair and curl it around the iron going towards your hair. Curl up to the scalp, keeping the iron vertical. Be careful not to make the curl too tight or this will make it difficult to separate later. Do this to all the sections of your hair on the sides.

Step 3: When you’ve finished the left side and right sides of your hair you need to start on the back. Curl the back of your hair in the same way as you did the sides – except you want to keep the curling iron horizontal instead of vertical.

Step 4: When your whole head is curled you can now start on the bangs. Curl this section horizontally but keep the iron at an angle with the point going up.

Step 5: Now that you look like Shirley Temple, start running your fingers through your hair gently. Keep doing this until you get the separation you want. If a curl is misbehaving, manipulate it with your fingers, turning it the way you want. If some parts are puffy you can add anti-frizz product. I sometimes add bobby pins to hold down the end of my bangs and the wild curls. Since your hair has so many curls, bobby pins get hidden inside of it. You can also add a flower or a bow for an extra touch!

For more step by step hairstyles a la Monroe check out