How To Do Finger Waves?
The first thing that comes to mind when considering sophisticated hairstyles are finger waves. In the 1920s and 1930s, these distinct S-shaped waves gained popularity. Originally linked primarily to the flapper style of the Jazz era, these waves are now a stylish option for both formal and informal events for anyone wishing to embrace vintage or retro feelings. The finest aspect? All hair lengths and types look good in this style.
To be honest, finger waves aren't the easiest hairdo for beginners to pull off on a special occasion. Instead, creating those flawless waving patterns that cascade over the shoulders calls for perseverance and close attention to detail. But you can easily ace these waves if you have the correct gear and follow our guide. Without further ado, let's dive right into the how-to manual!
What Are Finger Waves?
A finger wave is a hairstyle that typically uses your fingers, holding materials, and styling tools to create sleek, "S-shaped" hair on your scalp.
Although this style is frequently seen on women with short hair and is in fact one of the most popular, you can still style it with longer hair by taking inspiration from the long finger wave haircuts of recent superstars.
Things You Will Need to Create Perfect Finger Waves
Before you jump in front of the mirror to make finger waves, you need to gather the following supplies and equipment:
The secret weapon for creating moisturized, well-defined, and silky wave patterns throughout hair is mousse.
Hair gel: This essential product ensures that the waves stay in place and don't frizz out or fall out by adding structure and hold.
Fine Tooth Rat Tail Comb: This comb will help create flawless S waves and smooth out flyaways, gel, and mousse through your hair.
Big Clips: These clips will help hold the hair in place while you do waves on a single section to avoid any mixing of sections.
Blow Dryer with Diffuser: It will help quickly dry out the hair. You can also air dry your finger waves if you have enough time.
A mirror(optional): Help you to see the back hair shape
A head scarf(optional): Warp your hair and wait for drying
How to Make Finger Waves on Short Hair as a Novice: A Comprehensive Guide
Since you now know what you need to make waves, let's move on to the detailed instructions.
Step 1: Begin with Clean and Damp Hair
It is simpler to style and shape damp hair into waves. So, wet your hair with your spray bottle. For optimal results, be sure to start with clean, conditioned hair.
Step 2: Apply Styling Products
One of the most crucial measures is to use styling products to relax your hair. Either mousse or gel, or both, can be applied. You need to use a styling gel that is strong enough to keep the waves in place. Then mousse is applied to your hair to keep the wave patterns visible and to moisturize it. You will become frustrated otherwise.
Use a comb to smooth and evenly distribute the styling materials throughout your hair.
Expert Advice: A lightweight, water-based style gel with a matte finish is essential if you have greasy hair. Nonetheless, if your hair is particularly dry, go for a light-textured, hydrating gel that contains argan oil and aloe vera.
Step 3: Part your Hair
Using the end of your rat tail comb, first divide your hair into an off-center or side part. After that, make vertical portions in the main parts at the top and bottom.
Typically, you'll need four or six of these portions, each about an inch broad. The secret is that the more parts you have, the smaller and more complex your waves will be. Therefore, make a decision based on your desired wave appearance.
Step 4: Create Vintage-inspired C-shape Waves with your Hands and a Comb
Take one of the vertical parts and form it into C-shaped waves with a comb. To achieve flawless C-shaped waves across the segment, simply pinch the hair at the base of the C and use your fingers. To make your waves appear like a reversed C, make sure they face the opposite direction.
Step 5: Use a Duckbill Clip to Secure Waves if You Have Thick Waves (optional)
The Duckbill clip's best feature is that it provides a firm grip without leaving any creases. Holding the flat side of the clip against your head, position it diagonally across the wave once the waves have formed on one area.
You can also omit this step if your hair is thin or really short.
Step 6: Repeat the Same Process with Each Section
Now, go through each vertical section of your head again using the same procedure.
Step 7: Dry your Hair Well
After creating and trimming all of the waves, allow your hair to air dry. Use a blow dryer with a diffuser to expedite the process. If not, let your waves air dry while you do the rest of your hair or apply makeup.
Step 8: Give Final Touch-up
After your hair has completely dried, carefully take out the clips and split the waves with your fingers to provide additional definition. For added hold, finish with a small spritz of hairspray.
Which Hair Length Is Best for Finger Waves?
Finger waves have long been considered ideal for styling short hair and pixie cuts. But medium to long hair lengths can also look great with them. All you'll need is more time, more work, more duckbill clips, powerful gel, and a strong holding spray.
Are you unsure if the work will be worthwhile? Hear us exclaim, "Yes, those wavy patterns will look even better when cascading like a waterfall on medium to long hair lengths." One important piece of advice is to tie a scarf around the top of your head while drying your hair and leave the clips in for longer. This will assist establish the waves and solidify the design.
How Long Do Finger Waves Last?
Depending on your hair type, finger waves often last three to five days. However, you can make these waves linger up to a week if you use the right style products and wear protection at night. Wearing a silk scarf or satin while you sleep will help reduce friction and prolong the life of your waves. In the end, how much work you spend into keeping your waves will determine how long they last.
Tips for Styling Finger Waves
- Make all things sleek before creating "S" Shape finger waves, and if you plan to do a part, make it clear also.
- Make sure your hair is moist enough, dry hair won't work on finger waves, it will turn back quickly.
- If you are a beginner, don't try to create too many "S" shapes, it can be challenging for your first time.
- A mirror is necessary to check the back shape.
Wrapping It Up!
One of the most intriguing and popular retro and vintage-inspired hairstyles is finger waves. Their definition and flawless C-shaped design allow the wearer to create a striking appearance. The euphoria surrounding these waves hasn't diminished, despite their excessive presence in the cosmetics industry. The finest aspect? Regardless of your hair length—short, medium, or long—you may rock them.
The quality and quantity of the style materials you use ultimately determine how your waves seem, so if you feel like styling these waves, make sure you have the appropriate items in your vanity. How long your waves last will also depend on your hair type and the aftercare you do. I sincerely hope you find this material to be worthwhile. Watch this space for more.
