Finger waves are a classic women’s hairstyle achieved by molding S-shaped waves uniformly using hair gel and fingers or heated tools. What better way to finish off your glamorous appearance than with beautifully sculpted strands and a striking statement?!
Reimagined for a contemporary audience, the iconic style from the 1920s has never faded from the red carpet! You’ve seen starlets Amandla Stenberg, Beyonce, Zoe Kravitz, and Kate Upton showcasing their stunning waves blended with braids, updos, and vibrant hair colors, setting the trend for every enthusiast.
Professional hairstylist Stephanie Anderson from The Living Room Hair Lounge in Michigan designed a radiant, softly waved pixie cut that demonstrates just how adaptable it is – whether your hair is short, long, natural, or straight, you can flaunt high-fashion waves even from the comfort of your own home!
Whether for an elegant event, a themed party, or simply whenever you feel your hair needs a boost, all you require are a curling iron, your favorite brush, and plenty of gel or hairspray for a polished, shiny finish. Another option is to use your fingers to press and shape sections of your hair if you’re seeking that genuine vintage vibe! Don’t miss this opportunity to explore modern techniques for achieving Old Hollywood-inspired hair!
Before your upcoming hair appointment, take a look at these captivating photos of popular finger wave styles.
#1: Chic Blonde Finger Waves
Embrace a glamorous Marilyn-Monroe inspired finger wave hairstyle with a contemporary flair. I adore the sophistication of the finger waves. Additionally, I’ve seamlessly integrated them into today’s aesthetics with a stylish textured finish. The secret lies in prepping your hair effectively by utilizing a high-quality mousse during the blow-drying process. Plus, the perfect balance of hairspray and a bit of patience when curling and setting the finger waves is essential. Add some volume to your remaining hair for a more contemporary, effortless appearance that complements your style/event.
#2: Stylish Short Finger Waves
Choose a modern and sophisticated finger-waved hairstyle. Those dramatic waves can be dressed up or down and are simple to maintain. I recommend getting a relaxer or texturizer to achieve a finger wave hairstyle. Unless your hair texture allows for a sleek, polished appearance. There is nothing sophisticated about voluminous finger waves.
#3: S-Wave Hairstyle
The S-wave hairstyle is a classic choice that delivers an elegant and refined look. It is popular for weddings, themed occasions, festive gatherings, or photoshoots. Recreating this finger wave hairstyle can be done in several ways. The traditional method involves horizontal sectioning and pinning of the curls. Begin at the top and continue downwards until the hair is completely cooled. A medium-hold hairspray such as Big Spray & Play Cucumber Water + Fresh Gardenia should be lightly sprayed on each section of your hair. Backcombing will provide volume and help your style last longer.
#4: Elegant Finger Waves for Short Hair
Delicate finger waves complement a short style like the pixie showcased here. This technique highlights the graceful layers beautifully.
#5: Finger Wave Inspired by Madonna
Finger waves inspired by Madonna present a timeless appearance with an adventurous femme fatale twist. This look is ideally suited for nape-length hair and can be styled using Paul Mitchell Super Sculpt Styling liquid, along with long flat clips to secure until dry. When executed with precision, this hairstyle is designed for longevity and can develop beautifully over several days.
#6: Classic Finger Wave Updo
This timeless interpretation of the traditional finger wave hairstyle, featuring a bun or any updo, transports you back to the 1920s. The striking curves of the waves create an enchanting look and highlight multi-toned hair beautifully. Utilize a curling tong or wand to craft these stunning Marcel waves around the forehead area.
#7: Swift Weave Finger Waves
Shorter waves can be achieved with the swift finger wave weaves. This creates layers and makes them appear more intricate and captivating. Plus, hair this short still offers texture thanks to those beautiful finger waves.
#8: 20s-Inspired Finger Waves
The 20s-inspired finger waves are a timeless hairstyle that captures feminine elegance. It is traditionally performed on short hair to achieve maximum control. Utilizing foam or gel-like lotion along with a rat tail comb helps in pressing, styling, and securing your hair for a more durable finish. Accurate saturation is essential when styling finger waves, as well as allowing your hair to dry completely.
#9: Golden Vintage Waves
To truly enhance golden vintage finger waves, use an air-dry cream combined with a touch of gel and shape the waves in damp hair. Let them air-dry overnight and utilize a wide-tooth comb to carefully tease them out for a softer look. By allowing them to air dry in that arrangement with a gel combination, the waves will hold better and remain smooth and more defined.
#10: Elegant Finger Waves
A lovely distinction between cool finger waves and traditional beach waves is the meticulous arrangement finger waves exhibit, which highlights your long blonde hair beautifully. The folds and the “S” shape created by the waves showcase the tones of your hair, enhancing your caramel and ash-brown shades. Elevate it with a French braid and transform it into contemporary finger wave styles.
#11: Chic Finger Waves on Dark Hair
The remarkable aspect of using dark hair as a base for those wavy textures is that the light reflects in such a way that it enhances your hair’s shine even further. And with such short hair, too, the choppy cut creates an ideal finger waves hairstyle.
#12: Missy Elliot’s Iconic Finger Waves
Missy Elliot’s iconic finger waves represent a classic look suitable for any event. These waves work best on short hair that is either chemically relaxed or has naturally loose waves. Your stylist can experiment with a side part, smaller waves, and even uniquely designed waves along your hairline. To create this style, apply a mildly diluted foam wrap to wet hair, and finish off with a gloss or sheen spray.
#13: Elegant Finger Wave Curls
These finger wave curls showcase a beautiful balance between the textures. The essential silhouette of a stunning Marcel wave with pronounced ridges and peaks of silky hair that transition into tousled textures allows a finger wave style to be styled up or styled down. It’s a classic hairstyle with a modern edge. Invisible Roller & Working Hairspray was used to create a curly wave with minimal heat styling. You can achieve the desired look while also addressing signs of chemical damage simultaneously.
#14: Elegant Loose Finger Waves
A timeless Hollywood wave or elegant loose finger wave hairstyle that evokes the grandeur of silver screen icons from the 1940s. The allure lies in the curls that have been styled and shaped to create lovely ridges and valleys. This results in a soft, bouncy, and glamorous appearance, with its “peek-a-boo” framing highlighting the cheekbones and eyes. What I find most captivating are the flat roots that sculpt effortlessly into beautifully classic face-framing. Medium to thick hair is ideal, with lengths extending below the shoulders. Extensions can also be employed for added volume.
Despite its gentle look, the intricacy of the style shouldn’t be underestimated. Finger waves are challenging to replicate, so enlisting the help of your stylist or a specialist is the preferred route. Mousse and a high-hold hairspray are essential for achieving an intense hold and shine that will effectively set the curls for that desired bounce and sculpting. The curls should be brushed, teased, pinned into place, and spritzed to maintain the polished finish.
#15: Elegant Finger Waves
These beautiful finger waves can only be achieved by carefully tightly arranging hair. If coiled to perfection, your long hair can attain a delightful bounce thanks to a retro style.
#16: Marcel Curl Waves
The marcel curl waves resemble the appearance of finger waves. A finger wave hairstyle is traditionally crafted on short hair but can also be achieved on women with longer tresses using a marcel curling iron. It’s commonly utilized during weddings or formal events to recreate a vintage look. Flat elongated clips are used to maintain the shape of the curls for a longer duration.
#17: Elegant Finger Waves for Long Hair
Choose a sophisticated style that transports you to the ’20s. These chic finger waves provide a texture unlike any other. Finger-waving your hair enhances volume for your long locks.
#18: Glamorous Pixie Cut with Finger Waves
A stunning Hollywood pixie cut featuring finger waves. The S-shaped style can be emphasized or toned down. I opted for rich, striking finger waves. Missy Elliott once sported both the cut and style, and she looked incredibly chic. Such contemporary finger waves were also showcased in one of Jason Wu’s runway shows! The products used to secure the waves were foam wrap and gel, and then it was set under the hairdryer for 20 minutes. The finishing touches included hairspray and oil sheen.
#19: Cornrowed Wave Styles
Cornrowed wave styles are a creative braid design that blends waves from the roaring 20s era and braids. A stunning design is executed with small scalp braids and precise hair parting, techniques held by experienced hair braiders. Have fun with the wave style by adding some color braid hair, too!
#20: Timeless Finger Waves in Half-Up Hairdo
Explore a chic finger wave hairstyle trend that transports you to the glamorous age of cinema. Use a generous amount of gel along with a precise comb to create these stunning finger waves.
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