Hollywood waves have been a beloved hairstyle for generations, made famous by the glamorous icons of the silver screen. But did you know that this classic look does more than just turn heads? Surprisingly, Hollywood waves offer a range of benefits for your hair.
I love a good, classic look so much that these days, I often reach for my vintage clothing and hair accessories. With that combo, I love creating Hollywood waves in my hair because they make my hair look great, and I always get compliments on the style.
So, let’s dig into the hidden perks and how you can achieve this stunning, classic style at home. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a total novice, get ready to discover why waves are more than just a pretty hairstyle.
Hollywood Waves Enhance Volume and Texture
Creating Hollywood waves not only adds glamour and sophistication to your look but also enhances the volume and texture of your hair. The perfectly sculpted waves add dimension to your hair, making it look fuller and more voluminous. That’s because creating smooth waves makes it possible to create an illusion of thicker and more textured hair. Moreover, this style is perfect for those with fine or thin hair as it offers the much-needed volume without the need for excessive product application.
In addition to enhancing volume, Hollywood waves give your hair a soft and silky texture. This is because the waves help to create natural curls and bounce, adding movement to your hair. The style also makes your hair look more healthy, shiny and well-nourished.
They Add a Touch of Glamour to Any Look
This classic hairstyle has been popular in Hollywood for decades and is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re getting ready for a fancy night out or a day at the office. With perfect waves in your hair, you’ll feel confident and glamorous.
Hollywood Waves Provide Long-Lasting Hold
In addition to their stylish appearance, Hollywood waves provide long-lasting hold that will keep your hair looking great throughout the day. This means you won’t have to constantly touch up your hair, giving you more time to enjoy your days—and that’s something I can get on board with.
Whether you have straight or curly hair, waves are a great way to add extra texture and body to your locks. Plus, with the right tools and techniques, you can achieve this look without damaging your hair with excessive heat styling or products.
Achieving a long-lasting hold can be relatively simple if you follow the right steps. Start by prepping your hair with a styling product to help hold your waves in place. Then, using a curling iron or hot rollers, create loose waves that will form the foundation for your Hollywood waves. Once the waves have set, you can use a little hairspray to help keep them in place.
How to Create Hollywood Waves at Home
Before we dive into the styling process, it’s important to have the right products and tools on hand. You’ll need a curling iron with a barrel size of 1 1/2 inches, a heat protectant spray, a paddle brush, a comb, hair elastics, and hairspray to achieve a flawless Hollywood wave.
The curling iron is the most important tool in this process, so if you don’t already own a favorite, investing in a high-quality one that heats up quickly and evenly is essential. A heat protectant spray is also crucial to prevent damage to your hair from the curling iron’s heat.
When it comes to styling, using a paddle brush to detangle your hair and a comb to create a deep side part will help you achieve the iconic Hollywood wave look. Hair elastics will be useful for sectioning your hair while you work, and a strong hold hairspray will keep your waves in place all day.
Preparing Your Hair
To achieve the perfect Hollywood waves, your hair must be primed before styling. This involves washing your hair with a clarifying shampoo to remove any product build-up and residue, ensuring that your hair is clean and ready for styling. After washing, apply a generous amount of a nourishing conditioner to help hydrate and protect your hair from any heat damage caused by hot styling tools.
Once out of the shower, towel dry your hair gently to prevent breakage. Then, apply a heat protectant serum or spray to your locks. This step ensures that your hair remains healthy and shiny. Finally, use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to gently detangle your hair, avoiding any unnecessary pulling or tugging that can lead to breakage.
Creating the Waves
Now that your hair is prepped and ready, it’s time to create those iconic Hollywood waves. Begin by parting your hair where you normally would, and then take a section of hair starting from the front. Using a curling iron or wand, wrap the section of hair around the barrel, holding it for about 8-10 seconds. Release the hair and immediately clip it in place with a hair clip.
Repeat this process, working your way down each section of hair. As for which type of hair clip, I find that metal ones work best for my long hair, but if the curl is still pretty hot, they can leave a dent-like mark on my hair.
Once you’ve finished curling all of the hair, Let the curls sit until they’re cooled to keep the waves in for longer. Then, remove the hair clips and gently run your fingers through your waves to loosen them. Next, take a comb and gently tease the crown of your hair to add volume. It’s important not to use a fine-toothed comb because combing through your curls may cause them to look frizzy.
To help your waves set and last throughout the day or evening, spritz them with a lightweight hairspray. This will also add a bit of shine and polish to the finished look. And if you really want to go old school, try a bit of hairdressing (think VO5 – remember it? You can still buy it in department stores and on Amazon) and apply it to the ends of your hair.
Get the Look
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