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!

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.

How to Do Finger Waves

The step-by-step guide how to do this retro style:

1. The style is done on wet hair. Apply some setting lotion for sleekness and hold or use a strong hold gel.

2. Comb hair back. Start at the hairline.

3. Work from right to left. Go with your comb from the hairline towards the back for a few inches, stop holding the comb with teeth in the hair, put your middle finger in front of the comb and press the hair. Slide the comb to the right side for an inch and lay it down. Now you’ve got the ridge between the comb and your middle finger. Pinch the ridge with your index finger. Holding the ridge, comb the hair under the pinched section to the tips.

4. Move to the left and do the same to add to the wave across the head you are working on.

5. Now go a bit down to mold the second row. Work from left to right. Press hair with your middle finger right below the first row of the wave. With a comb in your hair, slide it to the left for an inch and lay it down. Pinch the ridge with your index finger and comb the hair under the pinched ridge to the tips. Go on like this working to the right and adding to the wave across the head.

Natural Hair Finger Wave Pixie

One or two eye-catching statement waves are the best for ladies who don’t have time to create a full head of finger waves. Not only will it give your haircut a completely new look, it can also make a casual hairdo look formal.

Cherry-Colored Finger Wave Hair

Slightly messy finger waves, rather than the usual neat rows, are the ultimate volumized style for short hair. These lush cherry-colored waves alternate in direction and size to add a fun edge to the look, as well as plenty of texture. Not adding a parting to this style, also creates a much more modern twist on the classic finger waves.