In this article
Time to transform yourself into a vintage vixen, courtesy of the fabulous comeback of finger wave hairstyles!
Popular for their sculptured waves, finger waves provide a trendy option to contemporary hairstyles such as bangs or boho braids. Here are 7 great finger wave hairstyles for you.
Now, what does finger wave mean?
The finger wave hairstyle is one of the most popular and chic styles ever invented. It involves shaping the hair to resemble an S-shaped wave through the fingers and a comb.
The origins of finger waves trace back to the 1920s and 1930s. The finger wave hairstyles were a hallmark of that era and represented the glamour of that period of time.
Finger waves are created when the hair is dampened with a styling product, such as setting lotion or gel. Using fingers and a comb, S-shaped waves are created out of the hair.
Top 1. Classic finger waves
Why we love it: Classic finger waves represent timeless beauty. Wear them for any occasion!
Bring elegance into modern hairstyles by incorporating the vintage technique of classic finger waves, an exquisite hairstyle that will make you feel like a high fashion model.
The main characteristics of this styling technique include the formation of very sharp "S-shaped" waves lying perfectly flat on the head, thus giving a glossy appearance.
The best choice for short hairstyles, classic finger waves are sure to make you shine in a wedding ceremony or other fancy party with retro style.
How to do it:
Step 1. Dampen your hair and apply strong-hold gel to moisten it.
Step 2. Using a fine-toothed comb, create a deep side part.
Step 3. Style your hair in the wave form using only your fingers.
Step 4. Secure each wave with metal clips and leave the hair until it dries naturally or dry it using a hood dryer.
Step 5. Release the hair from the clips and brush the waves carefully.
Top 2. Side-parted waves
Why we love it: The side parted waves add some modern flair to the traditional finger waves.
Add some modern flair to old school finger waves by giving your hair an asymmetric look with a deep side part.
Your hair is going to become super chic with this modern twist as it would shift the weight of hair to one side, making it extremely asymmetrical and voluminous at the roots.
Great for short hairstyles, this style can work wonders as it can make any short haircut very chic and elegant.
How do you do this kind of finger wave:
Step 1. Use mousse on wet hair for volume effect.
Step 2. You should create a deep side part and split your hair into sections.
Step 3. You have to create waves in the bigger part of your hair using only your hands and comb.
Step 4. Pin waves down with metal clips and let them dry naturally or with help of a blow dryer.
Step 5. Once dry, you have to unpin them and fix with some hairspray.
Top 3. Finger wave pixie
Why we love it: Finger waves on pixies give edgy flair and elegance.
When it comes to those with a short pixie cut, finger waves are definitely a must-have if you want to bring some extra texture and elegance to your hair.
It looks absolutely fabulous on short hairstyles, adding a touch of glossiness and elegance to them.
Such hairstyle is great for making a stunning impression by transforming your pixie cut into a cool and chic haircut.
How to do finger waves:
Step 1. Apply styling gel into damp hair and distribute it.
Step 2. With the help of a comb, start creating small waves with your fingers starting from the front hairline.
Step 3. Pin each of the waves firmly in place.
Step 4. Leave it to dry naturally or with a hair dryer.
Step 5. Unpin the waves and add pomade/serum to smooth any flyaways.
Top 4. Vintage hollywood waves
Why we love it: Vintage Hollywood waves are elegant and glamorous.
Go for an all-time favorite look with the help of vintage Hollywood waves.
This stunning hairstyle makes the finger waves more interesting with its added curves which add drama and catch the eyes when highlighted under the lights.
The style can easily give you a red carpet look by giving your short hair some volume with wavy sculptured waves gracefully framing your face.
How to do:
Step 1. Apply a heat protector on your dry hair and use curling iron to make loose curls.
Step 2. Smooth out the curls by brushing them and creating wave effect.
Step 3. Use your fingers to form the waves and fix them with clips.
Step 4. Keep your hair in this position for 15 minutes before removing the clips.
Step 5. Use a gloss spray on the waves to complete the style.
Top 5. Half-up finger waves
Why we like it: Finger waves give you an ideal combination of style as well as functionality. You will have your hair neatly secured, yet with an elegant wave pattern.
Mix together the sophistication of finger waves with the relaxed yet functional half-up look.
This hairstyle is ideal to keep your hair away from your face and highlight those beautiful waves falling behind you.
It perfectly balances old Hollywood-style glamour with today’s convenience.
Trust me; this stylish hairdo will definitely impress during casual weekends as well as elegant events.
Steps to achieve finger waves:
Step 1. Your hair must be wet and need a strong-hold hair gel to work on.
Step 2. Make a deep side parting and separate the upper half of your hair.
Step 3. Using a fine tooth comb, make waves on your hair, and hold them using metal clips.
Step 4. Give time to these waves to set either using a hair dryer or a hood dryer.
Step 5. When they are dry, take out metal clips, and gently brush them.
Step 6. Tie the upper half back with the help of bobby pins.
Top 6. Loose finger waves
Why we like it: Loose finger waves help to create a relaxed, chic yet very feminine hair style.
To give a more relaxed, bohemian feel to the hairstyle, opt for loose finger waves.
This hairdo will make you look beautiful in the vintage style but with some modern elements to it.
The waves will not be shaped close to the head; instead, they will be slightly loosened and combed out to give softness and flexibility of touch to the hairdo.
Loose finger waves are great for creating a romantic, relaxed yet modern hair style.
The process of creating this finger wave hairstyle:
Step 1. Use mousse to make your hair easier to shape.
Step 2. As in other variants, try creating loose waves using a curling iron, rolling large chunks of hair around its barrel.
Step 3. After having waved the whole hair, separate the waves using your fingers.
Step 4. You may wish to fix the hairdo with a flexible-hold hairspray if needed.
How long do finger waves last?
Finger waves usually last between 3 to 7 days, mainly depending on hair type, weather conditions, and proper care.
Being an elaborate hairstyle, this one does not require the use of heat styling devices but, still, requires specific drying techniques to make them last long.
Always tie your hair up in a silk or satin scarf during sleep to avoid damaging your locks and causing frizz.
However, to prolong the life of finger waves, what you really need is done during the hair drying process. Remember to wait until your hair becomes completely dry and cool before removing the styling clips.
The fastest way to dry your finger waves without harming the hair is to use the Laifen SE 2 high speed hair dryer.
With a very fast brushless engine, it ensures faster drying by creating a powerful flow of air to help fix wet styling gel and lotions.
Moreover, the Laifen SE 2 creates millions of negative ions and seals the hair cuticle to prevent the hair from being dry and frizzed.
In conclusion
This amazing revival of finger waves shows us that glamour never gets old; it only reinvents itself.
Whether it’s the sleekness of the classic pixie haircut or the more relaxed nature of the boho-loose waves, each of these seven hairdos provides an excellent way to add some drama to the otherwise boring hairstyles such as braids and layers.
Finger waves combine vintage glamour from the twenties with a touch of modernity, giving you a unique way to stand out wherever you go.
Pick your styling gel of choice and rock one of these seven hairdos.
FAQs
What are finger waves?
It is a traditional hairstyle, which involves shaping wet hair into S-shaped waves with the help of both fingers and a comb.
How long do finger waves last?
If properly taken care of, with a silk scarf and the usage of hold-gel, the finger waves could easily last up to three to seven days.
Can finger waves be done on long hair?
Certainly, there exists the variation of finger waves, the Hollywood vintage waves, which go perfectly on long hair.
Do finger waves require a hair dryer?
Although you can do without it, nevertheless, in order to achieve quick results and a neat appearance of the hair, a hood or blow dryer is useful.
Are finger waves damaging to hair?
Definitely not, since the major elements in finger waves are gels/mouse rather than heat.
Shop The Post
