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Classic Marilyn Monroe Hair Style

Marilyn Monroe is still a classic icon after all these years

I’m sure I don’t have to tell you who Marilyn Monroe was and why she is considered an icon of the silver screen.  Her style became the basis of what we regard as glamour and stardom today.  In 2008 we are seeing a repeat of her 1950’s mid-length, roller set, hair style.  This hair style is much more elegant and glamorous than straighter hair styles and not so surprisingly . . . modern looking once again! (The circle of life shows forth once again)

“Marilyn Monroe Classic Hair Style”Marilyn Monroe, actually wore what is called a graduated bob hair style, that was anywhere between jaw level and shoulder length.  The 2008 version has longer layers with fringe in the front and shorter layers in the back.  Although Marilyn Monroe’s hair was roller set, it can be worn smooth, even straightened, or wavy and tousled.  One of the reasons we are seeing a repeat of this hair style I believe, is that medium length hair styles can be quicker and easier to care for than long hair styles and more versatile than most short hair styles.
  

Katherine Heigl wears Marilyn’s Hairstyle

Recently, I showed a client this picture of Katherine Heigl, wearing a Marilyn Monroe hair style and convinced her to go for it.  It was a major move but I knew she was ready for something new. (I just love this job when I can give a client a new, exhilarating hair style change!!)  She was tired of her long hair style and truth be told, it began to age her. She had just worn it long for too many years. She loved the new cut . . . and so did her hubby!  She was a medium ash blonde with highlights and we lightened that up more which really made for a total makeover. 

The Marilyn Monroe hair style is also a great style for someone who wants to create more movement and body in their hair.  This medium length hair style looks great on every face shape; it really brings out the eyes because it frames the face.

As for color, it has been said that Marilyn Monroe and her hair stylist tried 9 different shades of blonde before settling on her famous platinum blonde.  As a hair stylist, I definitely DO NOT recommend trying 9 different shades of any hair color.  If you are curious about trying anything drastic, there are some online hair style programs (like Barb’s customized virtual hair style makeover) that allow you to try different hair colors and hair styles on your image.  It’s much safer for your hair and a lot of fun too!

You can style your hair like Marilyn Monroe’s too, just start with a side part and curl your hair with a ¾ to 1 inch size curling iron or hot rollers.  I like to use Matrix Sleek Look Iron Smoother, when curling hair with a curling iron or when using any heat on the hair.  It protects the hair from the heat, while providing frizz control.  It also offers extra holding power for the curls and added shine.

Matrix Sleek Look Iron Smoother

Spray on dry hair taking small sections; roll the bangs or fringe area under and downward slightly.  Roll the sides in small sections away from the face and downward, and then roll the back section under.  Let your hair cool down, before lightly finger combing out your curls.  Finish with a light misting of medium hold hair spray; you don’t want to weight it down with too much.  This curled hair style is appropriate for both formal and casual looks.  I think this hair style is fabulous and love to see the return of Marilyn Monroe’s legendary hair style!

Got a question, war story or comment about this topic? Click on the "Leave Your Comments" link at the very bottom of this article. Some of my best ideas for future articles come from reading reader comments. I'd love to hear from you!

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Nicole Ritchie Side Swept Bangs

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Can’t decide to cut in side swept bangs?

I had a client ask me the other day, if side swept bangs were still in style.  My honest answer was “Since they look good on you and you like them, keep wearing them!”  Side swept bangs draw attention to the eyes and look good on every face shape.  These bangs also soften and slim the angles of the face.  You can wear them with short or long hair as well!  They look ultra sleek on Nicole Richie, her soft side swept bangs and fringe give her a totally soft and feminine look.
  
Side swept bangs can be blended in with a layered hair style, but if you have a blunt haircut your bangs really don’t need to be blended in.  You need to keep your side bangs long and tapered to the side they are combed.  You can control the amount of hair you sweep over, by moving your part up or down.  Consider having your bangs cut with the slide cutting technique or razor cut.
  
Razor cutting your bangs give them a soft, wispy, grown-out look.  The razor cuts the ends at an angle so the hair moves more and blends better.  Fine and medium textured hair types respond well to razor cutting, showing visible separation on the ends.

 
Hilary Duff wears a retro side swept bang
 

Do you like Hilary Duff’s retro-looking side swept bangs?  You can create some of your own by backcombing underneath, then smoothing the top layer over them and spray with hairspray.  I like Joishape by Joico; it’s a shaping and finishing spray that you can use with blow-dryers and flat-irons.  Joishape is a lighter spray that allows you to work with your hair after spraying it.
 

 
Kate Hudson with under cut, side swept bangs

Another cutting option for side swept bangs is undercutting. Leaving a longer top section causes the hair to curve under slightly.  Most hair types respond nicely to undercutting, especially fine hair.  I like Kate Hudson’s under-cut side swept bangs because the ends are tapered underneath, giving her bangs a soft, round look.
 
I would say that side swept bangs are still very much in fashion, since they truly do look good on everyone!

Got a question, war story or comment about this topic? Click on the "Leave Your Comments" link at the very bottom of this article. Some of my best ideas for future articles come from reading reader comments. I'd love to hear from you!

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Bohemian Hair Styles

Bohemian Cher Hair Style of the 70s

Bohemian Hair Styles are Hot! 

When I think of Bohemian hair styles, I think of earthy and natural looking hair.  Long hair parted in the middle and hanging in loose subtle curls is a throwback to the 1970’s hippie scene.  Back then, young women wore long flowing hair with leather headbands, faded jeans and chunky jewelry, very much like some of our styles today.  With or without bangs, Bohemian hair enhances your natural beauty and brings out a feminine glow.  Loose face-framing curls can give you a soft, romantic look.

Thick straight bangs are one option, while some prefer long, side-swept, almost wispy bangs.  No matter what texture your hair is, wearing it in its natural state is perfectly Bohemian.

Brooke White and Carly Simon wore Bohemian Hair Styles

You can create this wild child hair, by scrunching even or layered hair sprayed with a curl activator such as TIGI’s, Curls Rock or a mousse like Paul Mitchell’s Sculpting Foam with conditioner.  Scrunching will give your hair more texture and volume, let your hair air dry and finger comb through.   Your bohemian hair style is uniquely yours to wear and as a hair stylist, I think our individual differences are what make each of us beautiful.
 
Bohemian hair styles are low maintenance and look ultra-feminine, so keep make-up fresh and light to go with your hairstyle.

Minka Kelly in half up do with braids

One quick and easy Bohemian hair style is long natural hair with two loose braids on either side of a center part, then connecting in the back.  Easy to do and looks sooo cute!

 
Sienna Miller in a Bohemian halo updo hair style

Want a  Bohemian  Updo hair style?  You can create a braided halo; start with a center part and a long braid.  Wrap the braid around your head and pin it down as you wrap, secure the end of the braid under the beginning of it.

Side braids connecting in back

Another Bohemian updo hair style starts with two French braids on the sides, which are braided to the neckline where the ends are secured with elastic.  Separating the ends into smaller sections, twist each section into a coil then pin it down, leaving the ends free.  It’s an artsy, Bohemian updo that turns out differently every time you create it.

Your Bohemian hair style may be as simple as pulling your hair off your face and letting long waves spill over your shoulders.  Whichever, you choose remember that Bohemian hair is clean, shiny and natural!

Got a question, war story or comment about this topic? Click on the "Leave Your Comments" link at the very bottom of this article. Some of my best ideas for future articles come from reading reader comments. I'd love to hear from you!

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