Latest Hollywood Waves Tutorial from Instagram You Can Easily Recreate at Home

Olga Markuse

Olga is a professional wedding hairstylist based in the UK. She specializes in modern, effortless, relaxed looks, which emphasize her client’s best features. Olga's hairstyles have been featured in print magazines such as Salonfocus and Weddings & Honeymoons. The stylist is sharing her knowledge and love for hair by training and mentoring other hairdressers.

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updated on December 12, 2024

Would you believe you can make those snazzy vintage waves as seen on Pinterest? With this detailed step-by-step tutorial, you will master Hollywood waves hairstyle in a flash. In her detailed video, Elena, a professional hairstylist, shares some easy tricks on how to do this sophisticated hairstyle at home. Here are our key takeaways to guide you through the process.

For utmost results, you are going to need:

Thermal protection spray (we recommend always using it to protect your hair, especially if it’s bleached or chemically processed).
The best vintage wave would require tight ringlets as a base, so Elena recommends a 19 mm wand. However, for longer hair or to get a softer look, you can use a wider barrel curler.
Small metal sectioning clips to let your curls cool down and keep their pattern.
No-crease hair clips to lock in the shape of the waves.
Some texturizing powder for the roots (it can potentially be replaced with a dry shampoo).
A lot of hairspray, according to the author of this video lesson.
Elena suggests a boar bristle brush as the best tool for a smooth and refined finish.

The secret to beautiful, seamless Hollywood waves is in curling all the hair in the same direction. If you are after a full-blown vintage vibe, direct the curls towards your face. For a modern twist, curl your hair away from your face. Regardless of your preference, ensure that you follow the same direction around your entire head.

Once all your hair is curled and pinned up… take a selfie – it looks very cute. Then let your hair properly cool down, it is crucial for long-lasting waves. When your hair is set, carefully take the metal clips out one by one. Start brushing the curls from the bottom and spray every ringlet with a flexible hold hairspray. Your goal is to make sure you have sprayed virtually every strand. Hold the can at least 30 cm away from your hair.

When you just start brushing, it will quite likely look not exactly like you expected. Don’t be put off by the first look. Another secret to the best vintage waves is persistent brushing. Carry on until your hair starts falling into waves.

Using texturizing power on the root area will add some volume. Also, you can gently backcomb the crown to make it fuller. If your hair is getting static, rub a few drops of hair oil between your palms and run through your locks. Finally, take a few no-crease hair clips and place them strategically to form that sought-after Hollywood wave silhouette. Set with strong hold finishing spray.

While this hairstyle might seem complex at first glance, once you practice it a couple of times, you will always know how to do it, just like riding a bike.