How to Create a Vintage Marilyn Monroe Pin Curl Hairstyle at Home
Marilyn Monroe’s hair has always been one of the most recognizable beauty looks from the 1940s and 1950s. The soft curls, side part, and glamorous shape create a feminine vintage style that still feels beautiful today. In this tutorial, the creator shows how to recreate a Marilyn Monroe-inspired hairstyle using simple curling techniques, pin curls, clips, and a little styling spray.
The look is designed to be flattering and girly, making it a great option for special occasions, photoshoots, vintage-inspired outfits, or anyone who loves classic Hollywood hair. The hairstyle focuses on creating rounded curls with plenty of shape and movement rather than tight modern curls.
Vintage Marilyn Monroe Pin Curls Hair Tutorial
Table of Contents
Start With a Deep Side Part
The first step is creating the right foundation for the hairstyle. Marilyn Monroe was known for wearing her hair with a side part, so the creator begins by moving the hair over to one side before curling.
The side part is important because it helps create the signature vintage shape. It gives the front of the hair more volume and allows the curls to fall across the face in a soft, flattering way.
Before starting, it helps to make sure the hair is easy to work with. Brushing out any tangles will make the curling process smoother and help each section form properly.
For the curls, the creator uses a curling wand and takes small sections of hair at a time. Each section is wrapped around the wand, keeping the curl close to the scalp.
The goal is not to create loose beach waves. Instead, the curls should have a more structured, rounded shape that can later be brushed into a smooth vintage style.
As each curl is created, the hair is rolled downward. The creator explains that the curls should not be rolled upward because the downward direction helps achieve the classic pin curl shape.
Working with smaller sections takes more time, but it creates a more defined result. Vintage hairstyles usually rely on careful shaping, so taking your time with each curl makes a big difference.
Turn the Curls Into Pin Curls
After curling each section, the creator explains that there are two ways to leave the hair:
Keep the curls as rounded “sausage” shapes for more volume.
Flatten them into pin curls for a smoother vintage finish.
For this hairstyle, she prefers flat pin curls because they work better for her hair type and create the shape she wants.
Pin curls are one of the key elements of old Hollywood hairstyles. They allow the curls to cool and set while keeping their structure. This helps create a more polished finish once the clips are removed.
The same curling and pinning process is repeated throughout the entire head until all sections are finished.
Styling the Shorter Hair at the Back
The creator mentions that the back section of her hair is shorter, making it slightly harder to curl with the wand. To handle this area, she uses a straightener instead.
She curls the shorter pieces underneath to blend them with the rest of the hairstyle. This keeps the back looking neat and prevents shorter ends from sticking out.
Using different tools for different sections is a practical approach. Not every part of the hair needs to be styled exactly the same way, especially when working with different lengths.
Let the Hair Set Before Removing the Clips
Once all the curls are finished, the most important part is allowing the hairstyle to set.
The creator leaves the curls clipped for around half an hour, explaining that the longer they can stay curled, the better the final result will be.
Letting the hair cool completely helps the curls hold their shape. Removing the clips too quickly can make the curls fall flat or lose their definition.
This waiting time is also when the vintage shape starts to develop. The curls become firmer and easier to style into that soft Marilyn Monroe-inspired look.
Brush Through the Curls for a Soft Finish
After the curls have set, the creator removes all the clips and lightly brushes through the hair.
At this stage, the hairstyle starts transforming from separate curls into a smooth vintage wave. Brushing helps blend the curls together while keeping the volume and rounded shape.
The goal is not to completely straighten the curls. Instead, the brushing creates soft movement and gives the hairstyle that glamorous old Hollywood appearance.
Use Clips and Hairspray to Shape the Style
After brushing, the creator uses small crocodile clips to adjust certain areas and help the hairstyle sit correctly.
She then applies hairspray to keep everything in place. Vintage hairstyles often need a little extra hold because the shape depends on carefully arranged curls and volume.
The hairspray helps prevent the curls from losing their form throughout the day while still allowing the hairstyle to look soft and natural.
Fix Any Loose Ends
The final styling step is cleaning up any small pieces that do not sit correctly.
The creator uses a straightener to reshape little ends that stick out. She curls them in the opposite direction to make them blend better with the rest of the hairstyle.
These small adjustments may seem minor, but they help create a polished finish. Vintage hairstyles usually rely on smooth details, so fixing uneven sections can make the entire look appear more professional.
The Finished Marilyn Monroe-Inspired Hairstyle
The completed hairstyle features soft, rounded curls with a side part and classic vintage volume. The overall effect is feminine, glamorous, and inspired by Marilyn Monroe’s famous beauty style.
The tutorial shows that you do not need complicated techniques or professional salon tools to recreate a vintage hairstyle. With a curling tool, clips, hairspray, and some patience, you can create a beautiful retro-inspired look at home.
This style works especially well for themed events, elegant outfits, photoshoots, weddings, or anyone who wants to add a little old Hollywood charm to their everyday appearance. The key is taking time with the curls, allowing them to set properly, and shaping the hair gradually until it has the soft, glamorous finish that makes Marilyn Monroe’s hairstyle so iconic.
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