How To Create A Classic Hollywood Waves Hair Style

Vintage Waves are still a thing, and quite honestly they are just as popular as ever before. We wanted to take some time and share our technique for  How To Create A Classic Hollywood Waves Hair Style, and share tips from behind the scenes at runway shows around the world.

 

 

Key Takeaways 

  • Learn how to create a classic Hollywood waves style with these steps and tips.
  • Adjust the curling iron size for looser or tighter waves. Use the Iles Formula Finishing Serum for protection and prep the hair before sectioning and curling. 
  • Brush the curls with a dressing brush to create the wave pattern, and use a rat tail comb to accentuate the waves. Get creative and personalize the style to your liking.

 

How To Create A Classic Hollywood Waves Hair Style by Iles Formula

Photo:  Magnolia Rouge



As you will see in the images shown here, the waves can go from tighter to looser and can be worn on shorter to longer hair.  By adjusting the size of your curling tongs, you will be able to achieve any of these looks.  Larger irons for looser waves, and smaller irons for tighter waves.  That will be the only thing that will change, the technique will stay the same.  Now that we shared that important piece of information, let's get right into it.



What You Will Need


Before we begin, let's first discuss what you will need for How To Create A Classic Hollywood Waves Hair Style.  Before even starting to style the hair, it is always recommended to use a styling product and product that will provide protection.  For this we recommend our Iles Formula Finishing Serum.  This is a high performance product, so a little bit goes a long way.  Apply mid lengths to ends for best results.

How To Create A Classic Hollywood Waves Hair Style by Iles Formula

Next you will need some clips, a hairdryer, your curling tong (iron), a dressing brush, and a rat tail comb.

How To Create A Classic Hollywood Waves Hair Style by Iles Formula

How To Create A Classic Hollywood Waves Hair Style by Iles Formula

How To Create A Classic Hollywood Waves Hair Style by Iles Formula



After you have gathered all of the necessary tools that you will need just follow these steps and you will have this technique mastered.


Step 1


First, start by applying your Iles Formula Finishing Serum mid lengths to ends and prep your hair by blowing it out with your hair dryer.  Some people like to skip or rush through this step, but believe it or not it is the most important step. Preparation is key, so take the time to do it right by building in the foundation.


Step 2


After the hair is properly prepped, we will section the hair.   Now is the time to determine where you will part your hair.  After you have placed the part, we will begin at the bottom nape area, and create a 1 inch think section using your rat tail comb.  All of the other hair will be wrapped and clipped on top of the head.



Step 3


Now we will begin curling.  Before we begin this part though, determine which direction you will need the curls to go.  Meaning if your hair is parted on the left and you want the waves to direct away from the face, then this means that we will want to curl every single section in that direction.  Once you have determined this, we begin curling.  Each section we curl will be 1 inch thick.  Try to stay very consistent with this, as that is how you will get best results.  Place the iron vertically, with the tip pointed down, and begin wrapping the hair around the iron.  The time it will sit on the iron, will depend on your hair's density.  If the wrapped hair feels warm to touch, then it is finished.

When you release the curls, gently un wrap them as to not disrupt the curl pattern, as it is still vulnerable to change until it has cools.  Which leads us to our next step.



Step 4

After releasing each section, wrap the curls gently back into place and clip them using your duck bill clips.  Doing this will give you a stronger curl patter that will hold all day.  This happens as a result of allowing the hair to cool completely in the curled position.

How To Create A Classic Hollywood Waves Hair Style by Iles Formula

Photo:  minq.com


Step 5


Continue to repeat this same process throughout the entire head shape.  If you would like to create a looser version just increase the iron size and the section size.  Remember every single section is being curled in the exact same direction, using the same tension.


Step 6


After the entire head is complete and all of the curls have cooled completely you can now remove the clips and let the curls down.  Be gently when removing the clips as to not disrupt the curl too much.


Step 7

This part is super important.  Use your dressing brush to brush through the curls.  Brush in large sections and continue brushing.  When you think you have brushed enough, keep brushing.  This step is important because by brushing with the dressing brush, you are causing the waves to all fall into place with one another.  You will start to see the wave pattern happen.  At this point if you still have some time before you have to head out, you can use your duck bill clips as pictured below to help push those curves into the waves.

How To Create A Classic Hollywood Waves Hair Style by Iles Formula

Photo:  become gorgeous.com

Step 8

This final step can be a little tricky, because it is very easy to over do it, so think less is more.  If you really want to push those waves into place and add more definition to them, start at the top at the first wave, take your rat tail comb and place it horizontally just underneath the first wave.  Gently push the comb up under the wave until you see the wave start to have more definition.  Please note, this is not a teasing method, simply a push of the wave.  If you tease, you will completely destroy the pattern of the wave.  Follow this trick where ever the waves need to be accentuated a bit.

Add your own detailing to personalize it to your liking and this is really all there is to it.  Below we have provided images of other variations of finished results, ranging from tighter waves, to looser waves, and also showing shorter variations as well.


How To Create A Classic Hollywood Waves Hair Style by Iles Formula

Photo:  Liz Martins

How To Create A Classic Hollywood Waves Hair Style by Iles Formula

How To Create A Classic Hollywood Waves Hair Style by Iles Formula

Photo:  Femme Actuelle

Get creative, take these foundations and make them your own.  If you try any of these, be sure to tag us in on social media @ilesformula_hair and #ilesformula, we love to see all of your beautiful posts.

 

FAQs 

Can you do Hollywood waves with layers? 

Hollywood waves are best on one length hair. The one length hair gives fluidity to the waves. 

How long do Hollywood waves last? 

The classic Hollywood waves hairstyle can last all day if you use the correct products and techniques. Depending on your hair type, the weather, and your event, you can also determine if your style will last more than one day. 

Do I need extensions for Hollywood waves? 

No, you do not need extensions for Hollywood waves, unless you need to blend some layers.

Is the classic Hollywood waves hairstyle suitable for all hair types? 

Yes, the classic Hollywood waves hairstyle is suitable for all hair types. You can choose to have looser or more defined waves depending on the end result you are looking for. 

Do I need to use a heat protectant when creating the classic Hollywood waves hairstyle? 

Yes, using a heat protectant when creating the classic Hollywood waves hairstyle is always recommended to help protect your hair from heat damage. A heat protectant creates a barrier between the hot styling tool and your hair, so you lessen the likelihood of dry, brittle hair down the road. Using a heat protector like Iles Formula is ideal as it never weighs hair down or ever becomes greasy.The texture it delivers is always one of sumptuous spun silk, perfect for Hollywood waves.


Leave a comment

Please note, comments must be approved before they are published

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.