Finger waves: retro elegance for a diva-style look
The waves that frame the face for a perfect Hollywood star look
G-Club
February 24th, 2025
February 24th, 2025
If you loved the vamp look, you can't complete it without this hairstyle. Finger waves are the perfect example of a timeless hairstyle. Elegant and glamorous, they defined the stars of old Hollywood and continue to captivate today's celebrities.
Finger Waves: What Are They
Finger waves are an elegant vintage hairstyle characterized by tight, defined waves created by shaping the hair with fingers and a comb. They became a style icon during the roaring '20s and '30s, symbolizing the glamour and sophistication of Hollywood. With their perfect, sculpted waves, these hairstyles had the power to transform any woman into a diva. Among the most famous to rock this look are some of the most iconic movie stars, who brought pure magic to the big screen with their finger waves. One of the first and most closely associated with this style is Greta Garbo, famous for her mysterious charm. Her ability to blend elegance and sensuality made finger waves a hallmark of her unique style. Marlene Dietrich also played a key role in making this look timeless. With her androgynous allure and bold style, Dietrich brought finger waves into the spotlight in iconic films like Morocco (1930). Her hairstyle, with perfectly defined waves, became a symbol of modern femininity. Dolores Costello, known as the "muse of silent cinema," was also a pioneer of the finger wave.
How to Create Finger Waves
To create finger waves, start with damp hair and apply a gel or mousse for hold, like The Homecurl and The Controlling Type by Fenty Hair. Create a side part and divide your hair into sections. Take a small section, comb it with a fine-tooth comb, move it forward, and then push it backward, creating an "S" shape to form the wave. Secure each wave with a bobby pin. Continue alternating the direction of the waves across your head. Dry the hair, spray with hairspray to set the look, and remove the bobby pins. You can comb the hair for a softer effect or leave the waves more defined.
Finger Waves Today
Finger waves are not just a thing of the past. Today, these perfect waves are still part of the repertoire of super chic hairstyles. Modern celebrities like Zendaya, Doechii, and Rihanna love bringing back this vintage look for special occasions. Wearing finger waves today is like embracing the history of cinema with a touch of modernit: a perfect fusion of retro glamour and contemporary style.