How to Do Finger Waves

1930s woman with a fingerwave hairstyle

Finger waving is a hairstyle that has been used for many generations, because the hair products and accessories available to us today weren't always around. Finger waving was the technique used on those classy women of the 1920s and '30s. Many formal hairstyles still employ the same basic finger-wave principles today.

Things You'll Need

• Water Comb Waving lotion or styling product Hair pins or clips Hair dryer

Instructions

How to Do Finger Waves

1. Wash and condition the hair. Pat dry, leaving the hair damp. Part the hair wherever you please.

2. Apply the waving lotion or styling product, combing it through the damp hair for even distribution. Only do one side at a time to avoid the product drying and creating a need for additional applications.

3. Starting at the front of the head, use your index finger to guide the comb. You'll be using an almost circular motion to pull and draw the hair. Insert the comb into the first section of hair (an inch or two wide) with the teeth pointing slightly up, under your finger.

4. Slowly pull the comb forward, about one inch, using your finger as a guide. Flatten the comb against the head, with the comb's teeth still inserted in the ridge. Place your middle and index fingers on either side of the comb and squeeze the hair, applying slight pressure to the head, emphasizing the ridge.

5. Keeping the comb in the hair, turn the teeth down and slowly comb in the opposite direction forming a dip in the hollow part of the wave.

6. Repeating the same steps, complete the first ridge. Then use the same steps, starting under the first wave, to create the second ridge and so on until the entire side is done. Then begin on the opposite side and repeat every step again. By the time you get all the way around the head, you should not see any break in the ridges or waves; they should flow uninterrupted.

7. Once all of the waves are set, pin the hair in place and blow-dry it. Softly comb out the hair and reset the waves with your fingers. This should create a soft, beautiful look.

Tips & Warnings

• You can carefully place a net over the hair before drying to help it stay in place.

• Do not try to increase the height of the ridge with your fingers as it will be unstable and likely will fall. Do not burn the skin or hair by using the dryer too close, too hot or for too long.

References

• Hair Finder
• Vivid Infinity