How to Do a Finger Wave Hairstyle

You'll need a comb to fashion finger waves.

A finger wave hairstyle was popular in the 20s and 30s in America. The finger wave is styled by a hairdresser or at home, using the fingers to create curls or waves in the hair. The style was most popular before hair rollers and curling irons were invented. With the invention of these styling tools the finger wave hairstyle became outdated because it was time-consuming. However, if you do not have a curling iron or a hair roller, you can still give yourself a wavy hairstyle by using the finger wave technique.

Things You'll Need

• Finger wave lotion
• Comb

Instructions

1. Part the hair as close to the scalp is possible using your comb. Comb the hair until it is smooth.

2. Add finger wave lotion to the hair. Place a quarter-sized amount of finger wave lotion to your palm and rub between your hands. Add the lotion to one side of the head only until the area is completely and evenly coated. Comb the lotion through, combing with the hair's natural parts to limit bumps and buckling.

3. Shape the hair by combing it. Start to create volume at the very front of the part by combing it up slightly. Keep the hair smooth as you comb. Make an approximately 1-inch bump next to the part at the very front of the hair with the comb, then press the comb directly against the scalp to hold the bump in place. Pinch the bump between your extended pointer and middle fingers, but do not try to increase the height of the bump with your fingers after it has been created with the comb.

4. Point the teeth down against the scalp without removing the comb from the hair. Comb the hair tightly against the scalp, then dip back up again in a semicircle motion. This will create a shallow dip in the hair as you hold the bump with your two fingers. Remove the comb from the hair and remove your fingers. You have created the first finger wave.

5. Pinch the high end of the dip with your two extended fingers. As you pinch this area, repeat the semicircle motion with the comb to create a dip in the hair. Continue this process until you have created as many finger waves as desired.

Tips & Warnings

• Finger waves should stay in place with waving lotion, but you may spray your hair with hairspray to seal it, if desired.

• Keep waving lotion out of the reach of children.

References

• Vivid Infinity: Finger Waving
• Revamp Vintage: Finger Waves

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish