If you have a shorter haircut, ask your stylist to create a rock’n’roll effect with a deep side part and texturizing hairspray for added dimension. This is an effective way to prevent formal bob styles from looking too traditional or boring.
This style can be enhanced further with a balayage highlight, in which your colorist uses hand-painting techniques to apply lighter hues at the ends of your strands for an organic effect.
Finger Waves
Finger waves were one of the most fashionable hairstyles of the 1920s and are still an eye-catching statement style for women today. Boasting smooth, glossy locks that boast old Hollywood glamour, finger waves can be worn in both long tresses or shorter styles like pixie cuts.
The technique involves applying styling gel to damp hair and using a fine-tooth comb or fingers to form S-shaped waves close to the scalp in an even distribution pattern, creating S-shaped waves closer to your scalp for an instantly wet-looking style that complements any outfit.
TZR spoke with top stylists and experts in the field to gather tips on achieving gorgeous finger waves at home, along with products they recommend for achieving long-term wearability.
To achieve an ideal wave shape, begin with a side part and clip off an inch-wide section beyond your parted line. Next, slide your comb underneath this new ridge to form a new curve in an opposite direction until you achieve your desired wavelength.
Beach Waves
Beach waves offer more natural-looking curls than glamorous spirals and are ideal for those with wavy or curly locks. According to hairstylist Franck Izquierdo, beach waves should appear “messy, lived-in, and textured.”
To achieve this look, use a leave-in conditioner or lightweight mousse on smoothed strands before using texturizing spray on 80 to 85 percent-dried hair for an effortless style.
Another way to create this look without heat is to braid your locks into two pigtails and secure them with scrunchies before sleeping on them. In the morning, untwist your braids and carefully finger comb through them so they retain shape.
At a salon, permanent beach waves can also be achieved using perm solutions. A salon professional will use rods to create texture while clarifying and applying perms – the best part being no work at home is required!
S-Wave
While you might be used to styling beachy waves, taking this style to a glamorous level is possible with just a bit of additional work. To achieve S-waves with a soft, alluring texture, use our Miracle Styling Cream on damp hair before detangling with either a wide-tooth comb or your fingers instead of brushing.
Use a ceramic flat iron to form S-shaped bends in each section of hair. Since ceramic plates contain negative charges that counteract the heat from your flat iron, creating waves with beautiful sheen while sealing in more moisture and adding shine.
Pin your hair in S-shaped pin curls, for a ’40s flapper vibe. This look is more elegant than beachy waves and suitable for any event that calls for some added glitz. For best results, pin sections from the front of the head to the nape of the neck in one-inch areas.
Braid Waves
Making waves without heat can be challenging, but this simple technique will produce stunning, natural-looking waves that last all day. Beauty blogger Cara from MaskCara and Redken have collaborated to show you how you can create these soft waves quickly and easily.
Start with damp hair and use Sam Villa’s Volume Lift Shampoo and Conditioner to amplify volume and strength in your strands. Divide into two equal sections and braid them tightly; leave these braids overnight before unraveling them in the morning to reveal heatless flowing waves!
If you want to add definition and dimension to your waves, try applying sea salt spray or dry wax to the curls for a rock ‘n’ roll style. Or experiment with different sizes and placements of braids; French braids tend to create tighter, more structured waves, while crown braids may produce looser, flowing ones.
