17 Finger Wave Hairstyles for a Vintage Look
Finger waves have been showing up everywhere lately, from red carpet events to everyday street style. Originally popular in the 1920s and again in the 1990s, this sleek, sculpted wave pattern is having a real moment again. It works on natural hair, straightened hair, and wigs alike, which is a big part of why it has aged so well. Here are 17 finger wave hairstyles worth trying if you want to bring this classic look into your current routine.
What Exactly Are Finger Waves
Finger waves are a styling technique rather than a haircut. Wet or gelled hair is molded into an S shaped wave pattern using a comb and the fingers, then set to dry either with clips or under a dryer. Once set, the waves hold their sculpted shape close to the head, creating a smooth, glossy finish that looks polished from every angle.
Why Finger Waves Are Trending Again
Part of the appeal is how versatile the technique actually is. Finger waves work on short hair, long hair, natural curls that have been pressed straight, and even wigs, so nearly anyone can try the look regardless of their starting texture. The style also photographs beautifully, with the light catching each ridge of the wave pattern, which is a large reason it keeps showing up on social media and in editorial photo shoots.
Classic Finger Wave Styles
1. Traditional Full Head Finger Waves
Waves set from root to tip across the entire head create the most authentic, vintage inspired version of this style.
2. Side Part Finger Waves
A deep side part combined with waves gives an elegant, asymmetrical look that feels a bit more modern than a centered pattern.
3. Finger Waves With a Slick Back Front
Smoothing the front section back before the waves begin gives a sleek, glossy start to the style before the wave pattern takes over.
4. Soft Finger Waves
Looser, less defined ridges give a gentler, more relaxed take on the classic sculpted look.
Short Hair Finger Wave Looks
5. Finger Waves on a Pixie Cut
Even very short hair can hold a few rows of waves near the front and sides, adding texture to an otherwise simple cut.
6. Finger Waves on a Bob
A chin length bob with waves throughout gives a full, vintage inspired shape that suits nearly every face type.
7. Cropped Finger Waves With Undercut
Waves on top paired with a shaved or closely cropped undercut create a bold, modern contrast against the classic pattern.
Long Hair Finger Wave Styles
8. Long Finger Waves
Waves set through longer lengths create a dramatic, flowing version of the style with more movement than shorter takes.
9. Finger Waves With Curls at the Ends
Waves near the roots transitioning into loose curls toward the ends combine two textures into one dynamic look.
10. Half Up Finger Waves
Waving just the top section of long hair while leaving the rest down or curled offers a softer, more casual variation.
Finger Waves for Special Occasions
11. Bridal Finger Waves
Paired with a veil or a simple hairpiece, finger waves bring a timeless, romantic quality to bridal hair.
12. Finger Waves With a Deep Side Sweep
An exaggerated side sweep at the front adds drama, making this a popular choice for red carpet style events.
13. Finger Waves With Rhinestone Clips
Small decorative clips placed along the wave pattern add sparkle and turn a classic look into something more festive.
14. Gatsby Inspired Finger Waves
Paired with a low, jeweled headband, this version leans fully into the 1920s aesthetic that originally made finger waves famous.
Modern Twists on Finger Waves
15. Finger Waves With Color
Bold or bright hair color adds a fresh, contemporary edge to a technique that is otherwise rooted firmly in the past.
16. Finger Waves With Braided Sides
Cornrows or small braids along the sides paired with waves on top blend two classic techniques into one detailed style.
17. Finger Waves on Natural Curls
Setting waves directly into pressed natural hair keeps healthy texture intact while still achieving the sculpted, retro pattern.
How to Get the Look at Home
Finger waves take practice, but a few basics make the process easier.
Start with clean, product free hair and apply a strong hold gel or setting lotion evenly through each section before shaping. Use a fine tooth comb to mold the wave pattern, working in small sections rather than trying to shape the whole head at once. Secure each wave with duckbill clips before it dries, and leave the clips in until the gel is completely set. A hooded dryer speeds up the setting process significantly compared to air drying alone.
Products That Help Finger Waves Hold
A strong, flake free gel is the most important product for this style, since it needs to hold the shape without stiffening the hair completely. A light edge control can clean up the hairline once the main waves are set. Finishing with a shine spray, applied lightly once the style is fully dry, brings out that classic glossy finish without disturbing the wave pattern underneath.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using too little product is one of the most common issues, since finger waves rely on strong hold to keep their shape throughout the day. Removing clips before the gel has fully dried can also cause the waves to loosen or lose their crisp definition. It helps to be patient during the setting process, since rushing this step is usually what causes the pattern to fall flat later on.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do finger waves typically last? With the right product and careful maintenance, finger waves can hold their shape for about a week before needing to be reset.
Do finger waves work on natural, unpressed curls? They work best on straightened or pressed hair, since the technique relies on a smooth surface to shape the wave pattern clearly.
Is it hard to learn finger waves at home? It takes some practice, though many people get comfortable with the technique after a few attempts using video tutorials as a guide.
Can finger waves be done on a wig? Yes, and this is actually a popular option, since it allows the style to be prepped in advance and worn without daily upkeep.
Final Thoughts
Finger waves remain a striking, versatile style decades after they first became popular, and their return to the spotlight makes sense once you see how well they photograph and how many variations exist. From a classic full head pattern to a modern twist with color or braids, there is a version on this list worth trying if you want a look that feels both nostalgic and current at the same time.
