Want to nail Saoirse Ronan's '70s glam hair? You're in the right place.
This guide covers everything, from the tools you need to a clear step-by-step process. I've spent time breaking down this look so you don't have to guess.
You'll learn how to get that soft volume, rolled ends, and face-framing flow that makes this style so eye-catching.
We'll also cover the best products, common mistakes to avoid, and how to make it work for your hair type and length.
Your hair type or length doesn't matter here. There's something useful for everyone. No fluff, just clear steps that actually work.
Let's get into it.
What Makes Saoirse Ronan's '70s Glam Hair Perfect
This style blends old-school glamour with modern ease. Here's what sets it apart from other retro looks.
Saoirse Ronan's hair pulls from Julie Christie's golden-era style. Christie was known for loose, voluminous waves that looked effortless but put-together. Saoirse brought that back with a softer, less lacquered version that feels current.
The look is defined by full crown volume, soft brushed-out waves, ends that curve under, and face-framing layers. It's not a tight curl or a straight blowout. It sits right in between.
The secret is the rolled ends. Instead of curls that bounce up, the ends turn under slightly for a smooth, rounded finish. Set the hair in rollers and let it cool completely before brushing out. Rush that step and the shape falls flat.
The result is hair that looks full from root to tip with a clean finish that still feels relaxed.
Tools and Products Needed
Having the right tools makes all the difference. Here's what you'll need before you start.
Volumizing Primer and Mousse
Start with a volumizing primer on damp hair. This protects against heat and adds grip so the style holds longer.
Follow with a light mousse. Don't overload it. A golf-ball-sized amount is enough for most hair lengths. Too much mousse makes hair crunchy, not voluminous.
Blow Dryer and Round Brush
A high-powered blow dryer with a concentrator nozzle gives you the control you need. You want to direct the airflow, not just blast it everywhere.
Pair it with a large round brush. The bigger the barrel, the softer the wave. A 2-inch barrel works well for medium to long hair. Go smaller for shorter hair.
Hair Rollers
Velcro or foam rollers are your best friend for this look. After blow-drying, setting the hair in rollers locks in the shape.
Use large rollers on top for volume and medium rollers on the sides and ends. Let them sit for at least 20 minutes, or use a hooded dryer to speed things up.
Marcel Iron and Flat Iron
A Marcel iron gives you the most control for creating soft bends and C-shaped waves. It takes a bit of practice but produces the most authentic retro result.
If you don't have one, a flat iron works too. You can bend the hair around the iron and pull slowly to create a similar wave without a full curl.
Hair Oil for Shine
Finish with a light hair oil or shine serum. Just a few drops smoothed over the surface of the hair add that glossy, healthy look without weighing it down.
Avoid applying oil to the roots. It will flatten the volume you worked hard to build.
How to Achieve Saoirse Ronan Hair Step by Step
Follow these steps in order for the best result. Skipping steps leads to a look that falls flat, literally.
Apply Volumizing Products to Damp Hair
After washing, towel-dry your hair until it's damp but not dripping. Apply your volumizing primer first, working it through from roots to mid-lengths.
Then add a small amount of mousse, focusing on the roots and underneath sections. Comb it through with a wide-tooth comb to distribute evenly.
Rough Dry the Hair for Lift
Using your blow dryer on medium-high heat, rough dry the hair with your fingers. Flip your head upside down for extra root lift.
Don't aim for a polished look at this stage. You're just removing most of the moisture and building a base of volume. Stop when the hair is about 80% dry.
Set the Hair With Rollers
Section the hair and roll it onto large rollers, starting at the crown. Roll the top sections back and away from the face for lift. Roll the sides forward or back depending on the direction you want the wave to fall.
Secure each roller and let them cool completely. This step is what separates a lasting style from one that drops after an hour.
Brush Out the Curls for Soft Volume
Once the rollers are cool, remove them gently. Use a natural bristle brush and brush the hair in long, downward strokes to blend the sections together.
Don't be scared of the volume at this point. It will soften as you brush. Work through the hair until the waves look smooth and connected, not separated.
Create Face-Framing Bends
Take the front sections of the hair and use your Marcel iron or flat iron to create a soft C-curve that sweeps away from the face or toward it, depending on the look you want.
Saoirse's version tends to sweep slightly forward and down, framing the cheekbones. Hold the bend for a few seconds, then release slowly.
Bend the Ends Under
This is the key detail. Take the last two inches of each section and curl them under using your iron. You're not making a full curl. You're just giving the ends a soft inward flip.
This creates that rounded, polished finish that defines the '70s glam look.
Finish With Shine and Hold
Smooth a few drops of hair oil over the surface. Then mist a light-hold flexible hairspray from about 12 inches away. You want the hair to still move, not freeze.
Gently lift the crown with your fingertips if any volume has dropped. Done.
Tips for Long-Lasting Retro Volume
Getting the look right is only half the work. Here's how to make it stay all day.
- Backcomb the crown roots lightly before spraying. Just two or three strokes with a fine-tooth comb create a hidden lift that holds for hours without looking stiff.
- Lay the top layer smoothly over the backcombed section and set it with a light mist of spray. This keeps the volume looking natural, not puffed up.
- Use an anti-humidity spray if you live in a humid area. Apply it before and after styling to stop moisture from breaking down the shape.
- Avoid running your hands through the hair once it's set. Every touch loosens the structure. Use a brush to fix any section that needs adjusting.
- Finish with a cool shot from your blow dryer for about 30 seconds over the entire head. This seals the cuticle, adds shine, and helps the hold last longer than heat alone.
Best Hair Types and Lengths for This Style
This look works across many hair types, but there are a few adjustments to keep in mind.
Styling Short Hair
With short hair, focus on building volume at the crown and using a smaller round brush for the blowout. Use medium rollers instead of large ones.
The face-framing section becomes even more important with short hair. A small bend near the cheekbone goes a long way.
Styling Medium-Length Hair
Medium-length hair is the sweet spot for this style. It holds the roller set well and has enough weight to fall smoothly without going flat.
Use large rollers on top and medium on the ends. The brushout will come together quickly at this length.
Styling Long Hair
Long hair can make this style look heavy if not done right. Section the hair into more layers during the roller set so each part gets proper heat and hold.
Use a strong-hold mousse at the roots to support the weight of the length. The ends will need a bit more iron work to stay bent under.
Adjustments for Fine or Thick Hair
Fine hair benefits from extra mousse and more time in the rollers. Use a stronger-hold spray to keep the style from collapsing.
Thick hair may need a lighter touch with products to avoid stiffness. Focus on smoothing each section fully before moving to the next.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Small mistakes can undo all your hard work. Here's what to watch out for.
- Using Too Much Heat: High heat on every pass damages the hair and makes volume harder to hold. Use medium heat for the blowout and save high heat only for specific iron sections.
- Always Use a Heat Protectant: Damaged hair simply does not hold shape the way healthy hair does. This one product makes a bigger difference than most people expect.
- Skipping the Roller Set: A blowout and iron alone won't give you the full rounded shape this style needs. Even 10 minutes in rollers is far better than skipping them entirely.
- Overstyling the Ends: Too many iron passes fray the ends and make them look thin instead of full. Stick to two passes max, let the hair cool, then reassess before touching it again.
- Rushing the Cool-Down Time: Removing rollers before the hair cools completely means the shape won't set properly. Wait until each roller feels room temperature before taking it out
Conclusion
I hope this guide makes Saoirse Ronan's '70s glam hair feel doable for you. When I first tried this look, I skipped the rollers and wondered why it never looked quite right. Once I added that step, everything clicked.
This style is worth the extra time. It's classic, it moves beautifully, and it suits so many face shapes.
Give it a try this weekend. If it goes well, share this post with a friend who loves a retro moment. And drop a comment below. I'd love to hear how it turned out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I achieve Saoirse Ronan's '70s glam hair without a Marcel iron?
Yes, a flat iron works as a substitute. Bend the hair around the iron and pull down slowly to create similar soft waves and rolled ends.
How long does this hairstyle typically last throughout the day?
With proper product application and a roller set, the style can last 8 to 10 hours. Using a flexible hold spray and a cool shot finish helps maintain the shape longer.
Is this style suitable for very fine hair?
Fine hair can pull off this look well. Use a strong-hold mousse, spend more time in rollers, and finish with a medium-hold spray to support the volume and prevent collapse.
Do I need to wash my hair before attempting this style?
Day-two hair often holds styles better than freshly washed hair. If your hair is clean, apply a light dry texture spray before products to add grip and help everything hold.
How do I keep the crown volume from falling flat by midday?
Lightly backcomb the roots at the crown before spraying. This creates a hidden base of volume under the top layer that holds up throughout the day without looking stiff.
