"Finger Wave Tutorial: Master the Flapper Hairstyle"

Flapper Finger Waves: A Timeless Icon of the Roaring Twenties

The Roaring Twenties, a decade synonymous with jazz music, speakeasies, and the women's suffrage movement, also gave birth to an iconic hairstyle that continues to captivate and inspire: the finger wave. This distinctive hairstyle, characterized by its deep, undulating waves, is a symbol of the era's newfound freedom and rebellion. Let's delve into the history, creation, and enduring appeal of the flapper finger wave.

Birth of the Flapper: A New Woman Emerges

The 1920s saw significant societal changes, with women gaining the right to vote and entering the workforce en masse. This newfound independence was reflected in their fashion choices, with the corseted, long-haired Victorian look giving way to shorter, looser styles. The flapper emerged as the quintessential symbol of this new era, embodying youth, freedom, and modernity.

Creating the Finger Wave: A Revolutionary Technique

The finger wave hairstyle was born out of this spirit of innovation and rebellion. Created by French hairstylist Marcel Grateau, the technique involved combing the hair back and forth with the fingers to create deep, symmetrical waves. This method was a departure from the traditional use of curling irons and pins, allowing for a more natural, effortless look.

1930s hair - The hair was more grown out now since the 1920s. Finger and marcel waves quickly came to popularity. Hair was worn mid-length and curls were set on the shoulders. 1920 Makeup Trends, 1920s Womens Makeup, Old Makeup Aesthetic, 1920s Women Makeup, Makeup In The 1900s, Vintage Stage Makeup, 1929s Makeup, Nostalgic Makeup History, 1924 Makeup
1930s hair - The hair was more grown out now since the 1920s. Finger and marcel waves quickly came to popularity. Hair was worn mid-length and curls were set on the shoulders. 1920 Makeup Trends, 1920s Womens Makeup, Old Makeup Aesthetic, 1920s Women Makeup, Makeup In The 1900s, Vintage Stage Makeup, 1929s Makeup, Nostalgic Makeup History, 1924 Makeup

Marcel Grateau: The Father of Modern Hairstyling

Grateau, a visionary in the world of hairstyling, was known for his innovative techniques and use of hot water to set styles. His finger wave method, first introduced in 1920, quickly gained popularity among the fashionable set, becoming a staple of the flapper look.

The Flapper Finger Wave: A Style for All

Initially popular among the wealthy and fashionable, the finger wave soon became a style adopted by women of all backgrounds. Its versatility was a key factor in its widespread appeal. Whether worn loose and wavy or tightly combed back, the finger wave could be adapted to suit individual tastes and face shapes.

Accessories and Variations

Flapper finger waves were often accented with decorative combs, headbands, or feathers, adding to their glamorous allure. Variations on the style included the 'Eton crop,' a short, severe cut with deep finger waves at the sides, and the 'Bob,' a chin-length style with waves at the ends.

1920 Makeup, 20s Hair, Flapper Hair, 1920s Hair, 1920s Women, Flapper Girl, Chapeau Femme, Retro Hairstyles, Sophia Loren
1920 Makeup, 20s Hair, Flapper Hair, 1920s Hair, 1920s Women, Flapper Girl, Chapeau Femme, Retro Hairstyles, Sophia Loren

The Enduring Legacy of the Flapper Finger Wave

Despite the passage of time, the finger wave hairstyle continues to captivate. Its timeless appeal lies in its ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia while remaining relevant and modern. From the red carpet to the runway, the finger wave has been reinterpreted by countless stylists, proving its enduring status as a style icon.

Modern Interpretations

In recent years, celebrities such as Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, and Zendaya have all embraced the finger wave, giving it a contemporary twist. Whether worn as a sleek updo or a loose, cascading style, the finger wave remains a powerful symbol of individuality and rebellion.

Embracing the Finger Wave: Tips for a Modern Look

If you're inspired to try the finger wave for yourself, here are some tips for achieving a modern take on this classic style:

Our 50 Favorite Hairstyles of All Time
Our 50 Favorite Hairstyles of All Time

  • Start with damp hair and apply a heat protectant to prevent damage.
  • Using a comb, create deep waves by alternating the direction of your strokes.
  • Set the waves with rollers or a heat styling tool, then finish with a strong-hold hairspray.
  • For a more modern look, consider a deep side part or a textured, undone finish.

Whether you're a fan of vintage styles or simply appreciate a good wave, the flapper finger wave is a timeless classic worth exploring. So go ahead, embrace your inner flapper, and let your hair do the talking.

Finger waves with pin curls.. Bridesmaid Hairstyles Old Hollywood, Jazz Age Makeup, Gatsby Make Up And Hair, Old Hollywood Hair Tutorial Short, 1920s Hair Long Gatsby Tutorial, Flapper Girl Hair And Makeup, Old Hollywood Glamour Hair Tutorial, 1920s Hair Gel, 1920s Ballroom Hair
Finger waves with pin curls.. Bridesmaid Hairstyles Old Hollywood, Jazz Age Makeup, Gatsby Make Up And Hair, Old Hollywood Hair Tutorial Short, 1920s Hair Long Gatsby Tutorial, Flapper Girl Hair And Makeup, Old Hollywood Glamour Hair Tutorial, 1920s Hair Gel, 1920s Ballroom Hair
Finger Waves For Long Hair, Finger Waved Long Hair, Cabaret Hairstyles, Vintage Goth Hairstyles, Cabaret Hair, Long Hair Finger Waves, Dramatic Finger Waves, Finger Waves Photoshoot, Burlesque Short Hair
Finger Waves For Long Hair, Finger Waved Long Hair, Cabaret Hairstyles, Vintage Goth Hairstyles, Cabaret Hair, Long Hair Finger Waves, Dramatic Finger Waves, Finger Waves Photoshoot, Burlesque Short Hair
How to do finger waves for glamorous vintage style - [EN] Jean Louis David
How to do finger waves for glamorous vintage style - [EN] Jean Louis David
Wedding Guest Hairstyles | Elegant 1920s Hair Ideas
Wedding Guest Hairstyles | Elegant 1920s Hair Ideas
Finger Waves Hair Tutorial
Finger Waves Hair Tutorial
Short hair finger waves
Short hair finger waves
Flapper Short Hairstyles, Pixie Cut Frizzy Hair, Finger Waves Women, Gelled Pixie Cut, Pixie Cut Betty Boop, Short 20s Hairstyles, Short Swirly Hair, Y2k Pixie, Finger Waves Bun
Flapper Short Hairstyles, Pixie Cut Frizzy Hair, Finger Waves Women, Gelled Pixie Cut, Pixie Cut Betty Boop, Short 20s Hairstyles, Short Swirly Hair, Y2k Pixie, Finger Waves Bun
10 Timeless 1920S Hairstyles That Define The Roaring Twenties
10 Timeless 1920S Hairstyles That Define The Roaring Twenties
1920s Braided Hairstyles, Vintage Finger Waves Short Hair, Roaring 20s Hairstyles Short, Great Gatsby Hairstyles Short, Gatsby Hair Short, Gatsby Hairstyles Short Hair, 1920s Hair Short Gatsby, 1920s Waves Short Hair, Hair 1920s Hairstyles
1920s Braided Hairstyles, Vintage Finger Waves Short Hair, Roaring 20s Hairstyles Short, Great Gatsby Hairstyles Short, Gatsby Hair Short, Gatsby Hairstyles Short Hair, 1920s Hair Short Gatsby, 1920s Waves Short Hair, Hair 1920s Hairstyles
'20
'20
Slicked Back Hair 1920s, 1920s Hair Edges, Finger Waves Flapper, 30s Finger Waves, 1920s Finger Waves, Hair Finger Waves, Marcel Wave, Short 20s Hairstyles, Short Hair Fancy Styles
Slicked Back Hair 1920s, 1920s Hair Edges, Finger Waves Flapper, 30s Finger Waves, 1920s Finger Waves, Hair Finger Waves, Marcel Wave, Short 20s Hairstyles, Short Hair Fancy Styles
Flapper vintage hairstyle finger waves tutorial with hair gel & aluminium wave clips
Flapper vintage hairstyle finger waves tutorial with hair gel & aluminium wave clips
1920 Waves Hairstyles, 20s Wave Hair, 1920s Waves, 20s Waves, 20s Finger Waves, Flapper Waves, 20s Waves Short Hair, 1920s Hair Rollers, Great Gatsby Finger Waves
1920 Waves Hairstyles, 20s Wave Hair, 1920s Waves, 20s Waves, 20s Finger Waves, Flapper Waves, 20s Waves Short Hair, 1920s Hair Rollers, Great Gatsby Finger Waves
curly hairstyles 1920
curly hairstyles 1920
Wet Hair Style, Couture Hair, Slick Waves, Finger Waves With Pearls, Wet Look Hairstyles, Burlesque Hairstyles, White Finger Waves, Wet Look Waves, Wet Waves
Wet Hair Style, Couture Hair, Slick Waves, Finger Waves With Pearls, Wet Look Hairstyles, Burlesque Hairstyles, White Finger Waves, Wet Look Waves, Wet Waves
1920s Curly Hairstyles, 1920 Curls, 1920s Hair Curly, 1920s Curls, Finger Waves Short Hair Vintage Curls, 1920s Curly Hair, 1920s Hair Curlers, Pin Curls Long Hair, Curly Hair 1920s Vintage Hairstyles
1920s Curly Hairstyles, 1920 Curls, 1920s Hair Curly, 1920s Curls, Finger Waves Short Hair Vintage Curls, 1920s Curly Hair, 1920s Hair Curlers, Pin Curls Long Hair, Curly Hair 1920s Vintage Hairstyles
20s Aesthetic, 1950s Hairstyles, 1920s Hair, Patron Vintage, Hollywood Hair, Myrna Loy, Flapper Girl, Actrices Hollywood, 1920s Fashion
20s Aesthetic, 1950s Hairstyles, 1920s Hair, Patron Vintage, Hollywood Hair, Myrna Loy, Flapper Girl, Actrices Hollywood, 1920s Fashion
Redirect Notice
Redirect Notice
Clean Girl Hair Ideas 2026 for Women Who Love Effortless Chic
Clean Girl Hair Ideas 2026 for Women Who Love Effortless Chic
20s Hair, Gatsby Hair, Types Of Hair Color, Flapper Hair, Cabelo Formatura, 1920s Hair, Ballroom Hair, Tagli Capelli Lunghi, Coiffure Mariage
20s Hair, Gatsby Hair, Types Of Hair Color, Flapper Hair, Cabelo Formatura, 1920s Hair, Ballroom Hair, Tagli Capelli Lunghi, Coiffure Mariage
Sideburns Short Hair, Hair Style 30s, Short Curly Female Hairstyles, Fingerwave Curls, Pixie Cut With Hair Accessories, Waves Hair Black, Short Hair Styles With Gel, Finger Waves On Pixie Cut, Pixie Cut Formal Hairstyles
Sideburns Short Hair, Hair Style 30s, Short Curly Female Hairstyles, Fingerwave Curls, Pixie Cut With Hair Accessories, Waves Hair Black, Short Hair Styles With Gel, Finger Waves On Pixie Cut, Pixie Cut Formal Hairstyles
1920s Films, Betty Blythe, 1920s Movies, Vintage Theatre Photos, Film Noir Hairstyles, Film Noir Hair, 1920s Long Hair, 1920 Makeup, Motion Pictures 1920s
1920s Films, Betty Blythe, 1920s Movies, Vintage Theatre Photos, Film Noir Hairstyles, Film Noir Hair, 1920s Long Hair, 1920 Makeup, Motion Pictures 1920s
♡︎
♡︎