The timeless and elegant finger wave hairstyle has made a stunning comeback, sweeping through salons and social media feeds alike. This iconic '20s and '30s style is now being reinterpreted for medium hair lengths, offering a fresh and glamorous look that's perfect for modern women. If you're wondering how to achieve or style finger waves on medium hair, you're in the right place.
Finger waves define their wearer's face beautifully, creating soft, sculpted waves that cascade gently on the shoulders. But how do you get this vintage look that's as popular in 2022 as it was in 1922?
The Art of Creating Finger Waves on Medium Hair
The process might seem intricate at first, but once you've mastered the technique, finger waves are surprisingly easy to create at home.
First, you'll need the right tools and products: a wide-tooth comb, a fine-tooth comb, hair clips, a rat-tail comb, some setting lotion, and obviously, medium-length hair.
Preparing Your Hair
Start by washing your hair and applying a good conditioner to make your hair pliant and moisturized. While your hair is damp, apply a leave-in conditioner or a styling product with hold. This will help your finger waves retain their shape after setting.
Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle your hair, then part it as you desire. For a sleek, vintage look, consider a deep side part or a sleek center part. Secure the sections you won't be working on with hair clips.
Creating the Waves
Now the fun begins! Start by taking a section of hair about 1-2 inches wide, and comb it smooth using your fine-tooth comb. Using your index finger (and maybe your thumb), curl this section of hair away from your face, creating a C-shape or an S-shape, depending on your desired wave pattern.
Pin this curl in place with a hair clip or a bobby pin. Repeat this process all over your head, working in small sections and always curling away from your face. Once you've curled the entire head, let it set for at least 10-15 minutes, or until your hair is completely dry. Remove the pins and gently unravel the waves for a gorgeous, wavy look.
Styling Your Finger Waves
Finger waves can be worn in a myriad of ways, from casual to dressy, depending on the occasion and your mood.
For a classic, vintage look, let your finger waves fall loose on your shoulders. To enhance the look, you can use a shine serum to add gloss and separation to your waves. For a more polished appearance, lightly smooth any frizz with a flat iron or a blow dryer on low heat.
And The Versatile Twist?
If you prefer a more modern interpretation, consider embracing the twist-out. After creating your finger waves, let them set overnight. In the morning, gently unravel the twists, scrunching in some mousse or curl-enhancing cream to encourage definition and natural texture. This method provides a sleek-curl hybrid that's dän trendy and chic.
Or, for a look that's equal parts vintage and edgy, try a half-up half-down style with finger waves. Style the waves on the lengths of your hair, then gather the top half into a sleek or messy bun, leaving the waves tumbling down your back. The combination of a chic updo with the luxurious texture of finger waves creates a look that's perfect for both day and night.
Remember, practice makes perfect when it comes to finger waves. Don't be discouraged if it takes a few tries to master the technique. Before long, you'll be rocking these iconic waves like a '20s flapper – and turning heads in 2022!