Finger waves have been around for years and even though the style falls in and out of the trends, they always seem to come back better and stronger than ever over the years.
If you want to try finger waves for the first time, here are five tips from Behind The Chair you should consider.
Make sure the hair is wet
Most stylists will tell you that it is impossible to do a traditional finger wave without completely saturated hair.
Saturate with water AND product, then comb through. “If you don’t, you won’t get moldability and pliability,” Behind The Chair Stylist Mary says.
As you work, re-wet the hair often. (It is, however, possible to do a dry finger wave, stylist Janel Sealy Smith has demonstrated this technique many times on her Instagram.)
Create a part
If you’re new to finger waves, start with a deep side part, which allows for an asymmetrical design with strong, sculpted waves.
Center parts are not for the faint of heart (or newbies), as mastering the exactness of perfectly-mirrored sides may elicit anxiety that teeters on madness.
Create finger waves based on framing the face
Behind the Chair Stylist Mary begins her finger waves around the face because this sets the tone for the rest of the style.
“The structure of the face determines where you place the wave,” she says. “It’s instinctive—something you learn by doing.”
Make sure the hair is 100% dry
A finger wave set must be completely dry. Laurent compares a mastered finger wave to a sculptor’s work—it’s a process that can’t be rushed.
Once your finger waves are complete, use a hooded dryer for at least an hour until the set is completely dry.
More looks to try
Try Finger Waves at home
Have you rocked finger waves before? Let me know if you would ever try this style below!
