Classic Hollywood Waves
Perhaps the most iconic vintage look, Hollywood waves are all about deep, uniform S-shaped waves that flow in one continuous line. This style, made famous by 1940s film stars like Veronica Lake and Rita Hayworth, exudes pure glamour. To get a modern,
simplified version, start by creating a deep side part. Using a 1-inch curling iron, curl 1-to-2-inch sections of your hair all in the same direction, away from your face. For extra hold, you can pin each fresh curl to your scalp to let it cool completely. Once all sections are curled and cooled, gently brush through them with a paddle brush. Keep brushing until the individual curls merge into a single, cohesive wave pattern, then finish with a light-hold hairspray.
The Effortless Pin Curl Set
For a heat-free method that delivers soft, bouncy waves, look no further than the pin curl. Popular from the 1930s through the 1950s, this technique involves creating small, flat curls and pinning them against your head to set. Start with damp, detangled hair and apply a setting lotion or mousse for hold. Take a one-inch section of hair, and starting from the end, roll it up into a neat circle towards your scalp. Secure the coil flat against your head using a double-prong clip or bobby pins, being careful not to leave a dent. For a classic wave, alternate the direction you roll the curls in each row (clockwise, then counter-clockwise). Let your hair dry completely — this can take a few hours or you can sleep on it with a protective scarf — before removing the pins and brushing the curls out.
Roaring Twenties Finger Waves
For a dramatic and sleek look straight from the 1920s and '30s, finger waves are the ultimate statement. This style creates a series of 'S' shapes that sit flat against the scalp. While mastering the traditional technique takes practice, a simplified approach can give you a similar feel. Start with very wet hair saturated with a strong-hold gel or mousse. Create a deep side part. Place your middle finger flat on your hair near the part and use a fine-tooth comb to push a section of hair forward, creating a ridge against your finger. Then, comb the hair back in the opposite direction below your finger. This push-and-pull motion creates the wave. You can use long clips to hold each ridge in place as you work down the hair shaft. Let the style air dry or use a diffuser on low heat before removing the clips.
Quick Waves With a Flat Iron
If you're short on time but still want a vintage-inspired wave, your flat iron can be a surprisingly effective tool. This method creates a softer, more relaxed version of the classic Hollywood wave. Start with dry hair and apply a heat protectant. Take a one-inch section of hair and clamp the flat iron near the root. Gently bend your wrist to create an outward curve, then slide the iron down a couple of inches. Next, flip your wrist to bend the hair in the opposite direction, creating the next part of the 'S' shape. Continue this alternating back-and-forth motion as you move down the hair shaft. The key is a continuous, fluid movement. This technique works on all hair lengths and gives a wonderfully modern nod to a classic style without the need for pins or rollers.
