The finger waves are defined ‘S’ shaped waves that are often worn flat against the head. The style first popped up in the 1920s as a way to spice up the strict bob of fun-loving flappers. Then, it reemerged in the 90’s as a popular style for black hair. Now, finger waves are back again, for short and long hair, in more ways than we can wrap our heads around!

Recommended Video After finger waves were seen on the runway at Marc Jacobs, Gucci, Stella McCartney, Jason Wu, Salvatore Ferragamo, and then on the red carpet and in Solange’s video Don’t Touch My Hair, the retro hairstyle has really become very popular again. The good news is modern iterations of the finger waves can still look very feminine, but also absolutely contemporary, even futuristic.

Modern Takes on Finger Waves

Today we mainly don’t do finger waves all over the head, however you can go with this idea too, while upgrading it with a modern color. Think pastel or neon. Finger waves only along the hairline and natural curly or straight texture in the back are a more popular choice of today.

Products and Tools for Finger Waves

If you want to create real glossy finger waves, not the Marcel waves, you are going to work without any hot styling tools, but only with your fingers and a comb. So, you are going to need a small tooth comb and a strong sculpting gel, like Pantene or Redken Hardwear 16 super-strong sculpting gel.

Advertisement Besides the classic finger wave technique we describe below, some variations of finger waves can be done with the use of secure sectioning clips. This is when you pinch the ridge not with your fingers but with a clip for more pronounced, dimensional waves.

There are also dry waves that resemble finger waves. These are done with a straightener. See the figer wave styles gallery below.

How to Do Finger Waves

The 20’s and 30’s finger waves were styled with the help of a fine-toothed comb and hairdresser’s fingers who pressed and molded gelled hair into the curvy S-shaped sleek waves. Today this technique is also used, preferably on shorter or thinner hair, along with other methods applied for longer lengths and thicker manes.