Retro Glam Hair

Charlize Theron

Charlize Theron

Glamour hair is back, as evidenced at the 2004 Oscars. Best tressed Charlize Theron, Renee Zellweger and Liv Tyler all shined in hairstyles which were pretty, sculpted and evoked an old-Hollywood feel.

These retro styles have a place with today's newest looks, even off the red carpet. Retro hair is all about soft curls, body and plenty of shine, and complements this spring's return to softer, more feminine fashions. Done right, it can be a great day look, or accessorized and done a little glitzier, for evening. The idea is to emphasize the prettiness of the style, without looking too 'costumey.' Here's how to achieve at-home versions of Oscar night's retro looks.

Each hair style starts with the right preparation, which includes the correct shampoo and conditioner selected for your hair type. Volumizing products provide fine, limp hair some of the curl and texture you need for these styles. A smoothing shampoo and conditioner combo will tame curlier hair as needed. Next, get prepared with the right styling product that will help you sculpt your hair to where it needs to go. Not sure which one is right for you? For fine hair, look for a product that adds volume, like a mousse or spray gel. A cream or wax will work to calm hair down coarse or curly hair. The final touch? A hair accessory. Delicate, brilliant clips are a great evening hair trend, and help keep hair in place. For day, make the clip or other hair accessory less shiny.

At Home How-to: Charlize Theron

Charlize won the coveted little gold guy, plus accolades for her head to toe glamour look on Oscar night. This Hollywood hair look emphasized soft, flattering curls.

Step 1: On towel-dried hair, apply the correct styling product for your hair type from hair roots to ends.

Step 2: Pre-dry hair with a blow dryer.

Step 3: Set up hair with desired part. Dividing hair into 1-inch sections, work a curling iron through, section by section. Starting from close to the scalp, spiral hair unto the iron's barrel, hold briefly, then release. Work through hair until complete.

Step 4: After allowing hair to cool, test curl - if curl has not taken, take the curl and pin it up to the scalp with a pin, rolling as you go. If curl is firm, separate with fingers and finger comb to desired look.

Step 5: Take hair accessory and pin back hair on one side back, away from the face