7 finger wave hairstyles for short and long hair

Get ready to channel your inner vintage vixen with the stunning resurgence of finger wave hairstyles! Whether you're in New York, Los Angeles, or just want to add a touch of 1920s Hollywood glam to your look, finger waves are back in style. Known for their sleek, sculpted waves, finger waves offer a chic alternative to modern bangs and boho braids. We'll unveil seven fabulous finger wave hairstyles just for you.

So, what is the meaning of finger wave?

Finger waves are a classic hair styling technique that involves shaping the hair into S-shaped waves using the fingers and a comb. This style originated in the 1920s and 1930s and became a symbol of the flapper era, often associated with the glamorous look of that time.

To create finger waves, the hair is typically wet or dampened with a styling product like setting lotion or gel, then molded into waves by pinching and forming ridges with the fingers and a comb. The style can be done on short or medium-length hair and is often seen as elegant and vintage.

How long do finger waves last?

On average, finger waves last:

Under ideal conditions: 5-7 days

• Using strong-hold gel or setting lotion

• Thorough drying with a hood dryer or air drying

• Protected during sleep with a silk or satin scarf

Normal conditions: 3-5 days

• Using moderate-hold styling products

• Air drying or partial drying

• Minimal nighttime protection

High humidity or poor maintenance: 1-2 days

• Using light-hold products or no product

• Insufficient drying

• No nighttime protection

4 finger waves for short hair

Here are four stunning finger wave hairstyles that will elevate your look and have you feeling like a 1920s Hollywood star. Each style comes with detailed steps and tips.

1. Classic finger waves

With it, you will be happy to embrace the timeless elegance of classic finger waves. This style features smooth, defined waves that lie flat against your head, creating a sleek and sophisticated look. It can be wore for short bobs and pixie cuts.

How to achieve it:

Step 1. Make your hair damp and then use a strong-hold gel to get some moisture.

Step 2. Use a fine-tooth comb to create a deep side part.

Step 3. Comb the hair in a wave pattern, using your fingers to shape the waves.

Step 4. Secure each wave with metal hair clips and allow the hair to air dry or use a hood dryer.

Step 5. Remove the clips and brush through the waves for a smooth finish.

Why we love it: Classic finger waves are the epitome of timeless beauty. You can wear it for any occasion.

2. Side-parted waves

Add a modern twist to the traditional finger wave with a deep side part. This variation gives your hair a bit more volume and asymmetry. It is so trendy and chic that suitable for short hair, side-parted waves can be dressed up or down.

How do you do this type of finger wave:

Step 1. Give a lightweight mousse to damp hair for added volume.

Step 2. You need to create a deep side part and section the hair.

Step 3. You need to use your fingers and a comb to form the waves on the larger section of hair.

Step 4. You need to pin the waves in place with metal clips and let the hair dry naturally or use a blow dryer.

Step 5. Once dry, remove the clips and lightly spray with hairspray to set the style.

Why we love it: The side-parted waves bring a contemporary edge to a classic style.

3. Finger wave pixie

For those rocking a pixie cut, finger waves can add texture and sophistication. This style works well with shorter hair and is supposed to generate a polished and stylish look. It's a fantastic way to transform a simple pixie cut into a head-turning hairstyle.

How to do this finger waves:

Step 1. Add a styling gel to damp hair and comb it through evenly.

Step 2. Starting at the front, use a comb and your fingers to create small, defined waves.

Step 3. Also, pin each wave in place with a small clip.

Step 4. Allow the hair to dry completely, either naturally or with a hair dryer.

Step 5. Remove the clips and smooth any flyaways with a bit of pomade or serum.

Why we love it: The finger wave pixie combines edginess with elegance.

4. Vintage hollywood waves

Channel your inner movie star with vintage Hollywood waves. This style takes the classic finger wave up a notch by adding more pronounced, dramatic waves.

How to do:

Step 1. Put a heat protectant to dry hair and use a curling iron to create loose curls.

Step 2. Brush through the curls to soften them and create a wave pattern.

Step 3. Use your fingers to define the waves and secure them with clips.

Step 4. Let the waves set for about 15 minutes, then remove the clips.

Step 5. Finish with a shine spray for a glamorous touch.

Why we love it: Vintage Hollywood waves exude glamour and sophistication, making you feel like a true star at any event.

3 finger waves in long hair

Finger waves are not just for short hair—they can look absolutely fabulous on long hair too! Here are three beautiful finger wave hairstyles that will add a touch of vintage glamour to your long locks. You can review them in this corner.

1. Vintage hollywood waves

Channel your inner movie star with vintage Hollywood waves. This style takes the classic finger wave up a notch by adding more pronounced, dramatic waves that flow down your back.

How to do:

Step 1. Your hair should be clean and dry hair . If you need, you can apply a heat protectant.

Step 2. You can use a large-barrel curling iron to create loose curls all over your head.

Step 3. Brush through the curls with a boar bristle brush to form soft waves.

Step 4. Using your fingers, define the waves and clip them in place with metal clips.

Step 5. Let the waves set for about 15 minutes, then remove the clips.

Why we loveiIt: Vintage Hollywood waves exude old-school glamour and sophistication.

2. Half-up finger waves

Combine the elegance of finger waves with the practicality of a half-up style. This look is great for keeping hair out of your face while still showcasing those beautiful waves. Believe me, it's good enough for both casual and formal occasions.

Steps to do this finger waves:

Step 1. You should should be damp and you need to apply a strong-hold gel.

Step 2. Create a deep side part and section off the top half of your hair.

Step 3. Using a fine-tooth comb, create finger waves on the top section, securing each wave with metal clips.

Step 4. Let the waves set by either air drying or using a hood dryer.

Step 5. Once dry, remove the clips and gently brush through the waves.

Step 6. Pull the top section back and secure it with bobby pins or a decorative clip, leaving the bottom section loose.

Why we love it: The half-up finger waves offer a perfect blend of style and functionality. They keep hair out of your face while showcasing a glamorous wave pattern.

3. Loose finger waves

For a relaxed, bohemian take on finger waves, try loose finger waves. This style gives you the vintage vibe of finger waves but with a more laid-back, modern twist.

How to do this finger wave hairstyle:

Step 1. Try a lightweight mousse to damp hair for added volume and texture.

Step 2. Like others, try to create loose waves using a curling wand, wrapping large sections of hair around the barrel.

Step 3. Once all the hair is curled, use your fingers to separate and soften the waves.

Step 4. You can choose to apply a flexible-hold hairspray to keep the waves in place without making them stiff.

Why we love it: Loose finger waves provide a relaxed, boho-chic look that's easy to achieve and maintain.

So, which finger wave haircut you are going to try? Share with your ideas in the following.