Recreate Janelle Monae's Stylish Pompadour for Prom
If anyone knows how to rock textured hair, it's Janelle Monae. We love how she wears her locks in a cool pompadour every day! Her signature updo is the inspiration for our latest prom hair how-to, and we asked Anthony Dickey, celebrity stylist and owner of to show us how to create a similar look at home. Plus, he also shares his top secrets to keeping textured hair looking glossy!
1/6Learn tricks from a celebrity hairstylist on how to transform naturally textured hair into this retro-chic 'do.
Photo: courtesy of Hair Rules.2/6Apply Cream
Start by applying a conditioning styling cream, like Hair Rules Kinky Curling Cream, to wet hair. Make sure to saturate hair with the product so that the natural texture is stretched and defined, which is optimal for styling.
Hair Rules Kinky Curling Cream, $42. Hairrules.com.
Photo: courtesy of T3.3/6Dry Hair
Let hair air-dry, use a diffuser, or use a hooded dryer to define spiral curls and take out wetness. Kinky hair (wet or dry) is great for molding into updos.
T3 Featherweight Lu Dryer with Diffuser, $250. Sephora.com.
Photo: courtesy of Hair Rules.4/6Dickey's Bonus Tips
If you have a naturally kinky and dry texture, conditioning is essential. Putting your hair up is the perfect opportunity to give it an extra conditioning treatment—either by layering it underneath your styling product, or as a glosser. Try our Hair Rules Leave in Conditioner to detangle, hydrate, and revitalize porous and parched hair.
Hair Rules Nourishment Leave In Conditioner, $18. Hairrules.com.
Photo: courtesy of CHI Organics.5/6Dickey's Bonus Tips
Some of the best conditioning treatments can easily be made at home with ingredients found right in your kitchen! Save time and money, and cut down on your exposure to chemicals and additives by using rich oils such as olive oil, avocado oil, or jojoba oil on your hair.
CHI Organics Olive Nutrient Therapy Glaze, $18. Target.com.
Photo: courtesy of Tasha.6/6Twist and Pin
To recreate Janelle’s 40s-style pompadour, simply twist and pin up your hair with large or small hairpins, depending on the thickness of your hair. Start at the nape of your neck, work upward, and finish the twist in front—either to the side or middle of the head, depending on the style you’re trying to achieve. Secure the twist in place with a few hairpins to create a sleek and sexy silhouette.
Tasha Crystal Hair Pins, $28. Nordstrom.com.
