Smash, NBC’s newest musical drama, had its first season finale this week, so its a great time to look at Marilyn Monroe’s symbolic style, as portrayed by Megan Hilty and Katharine McPhee. A timeless bombshell look that inspires women, Marilyn’s hairstyle is old Hollywood glamor.
During the series, Katherine – introspective, brooding – and Megan – playful, sexy – have given us the two sides of the pinup, and roused a new generation to try fifties-throwback looks. From the hair to the makeup to the dresses to the jewels, Marilyn was all about highly polished glamour. Her brilliant blonde – always with romantic tousle – was her coup de grâce.
Find out how to get it with these Style Notes from ARROJO colorist, Mariesa Ferraro.
Step: To get Marilyn’s color requires a double process service. You should ask your colorist to take you to a solid pre-lightened color in a pale shade of blonde. Part two is to tone with a finishing glaze that adds shine and creates the perfect shade for you.
Step: The key to Marilyn’s look –– polished glamor, remember! –– was keeping it solid blonde. You never, ever saw her with roots. For the same statement of style, you need to do the upkeep. Roots should be touched up every four weeks.
Step: As an alternative, you can let roots grow in and go for a grungy Courtney Love look.
Step: For authentic styling, roller-set hair and brush out the set so you get lots of height, volume, and the alluring ‘C’ shaped motion of a cascading fifties ‘do. And don’t forget lashings of Russian red lipstick. Jewels and gloves –– optional.
Style Notes provided by Mariesa Ferraro, Senior Colorist, ARROJO studio, NYC.
