Hollywood waves, also known as retro or vintage waves are classic, sultry and all around gorgeous. Today’s take on Hollywood waves is natural and modern – it’s full and voluminous but also fresh and natural. Although they’re also known as ‘retro’ waves, you don’t want your Hollywood waves to become too retro or outdated. There are ways to wear them now that give ode to the past while looking even more beautiful in the present. Take a look at 6 Hollywood waves tutorials we love, as well as how to get the perfect Hollywood waves!
3 Tips and Hacks for Perfect Hollywood Waves
1. Use a Heat Protectant Spray
To get the perfect Hollywood waves, you’re going to be using a curling wand or curling iron, so it’s really important to use a heat protectant spray on your hair first. It will help heal and protect your hair from heat damage, as well as give it a healthy looking shine!
2. Add Dry Shampoo for Volume and Texture
Volume and texture are an essential feature of Hollywood waves – they don’t look the same without them. A great way to add both volume and texture is with dry shampoo! It will refresh your strands and add life to your hair, giving the look some extra oomph!
3. Brush Out Your Curls
For a fluffy, voluminous look, brush out your curls with a paddle brush (make sure to let your hair cool for about 5 minutes after you’re finished with the curling iron). Many of us are used to never brushing out our curls, but for this look, it’s key! Carefully brush out your curls with a soft bristle paddle brush – it will transform the curls into a uniform bend.
2 Hollywood Waves Tutorials for Short Hair
Retro Waves | Hair Tutorial | MakeupByAlli
These retro-inspired Hollywood waves are so gorgeous for short hair. The waves are easy to create, and will elevate your look from day to night. She suggests working with second day hair so it’s easier to style. She uses an argan oil to smooth out and soften her hair, and the NuMe 25 mm wand to get her Hollywood waves. She also uses a lightweight hairspray to hold the waves in place! You don’t want to use anything too heavy that will weigh down your hair.
How to: Retro Finger Waves Short Hairstyles | Milabu
These glam retro waves are totally Marilyn Monroe-esque. It’s a beautiful style for short hair that you can do in not much time at all! You’ll need a curling iron (she uses the Hot Tools signature iron), as well as Bumble and Bumble Styling Lotion for heat protection, and styling hair clips, both long, and short. Use her tips and hacks to perfect this look and transform into Hollywood glam!
2 Hollywood Waves Tutorials for Medium Hair
Hollywood Waves Hair Tutorial | Hannah Schroeder
The foundation of a great hairstyle is the products you use in your hair to keep it healthy. She begins the video showing us which shampoo and conditioner she uses (Olaplex Bond Maintenance Shampoo and the Olaplex Bond Maintenance Conditioner), that repairs, strengthens and hydrates the hair. She uses a curling wand to get her Hollywood waves and a sectioning comb to soften the waves and make them fall to a natural curl.
Old Hollywood Glam Vintage Waves | Easy Hair Tutorial | Arna Alayne
Another gorgeous Hollywood wave tutorial for medium hair, follow along as she guides you through this simple and easy tutorial. You’ll be left with a look that’s perfectly Hollywood glam that you can wear to a party, wedding, or anytime you want to glam it up. She shows you tricks such as how to get more volume and uses products like the GHD heat protect spray, a curling wand, and a paddle brush to fluff up the curls!
2 Hollywood Waves Tutorials for Long Hair
Old Hollywood Waves Tutorial | Barbara De Medeiros
If you have long hair, this Hollywood waves tutorial is for you! It’s classy and chic and will make you look incredibly glam. She uses the NuMe Octowand, with different sized barrels to achieve her vintage waves, and teaches you exactly how to get the look. You’ll also need some duckbill clips to help hold the waves in place. Follow her step-by-step tips and you can’t go wrong!
Big Voluminous Romantic Waves | Kane and Pia Muehlenbeck
These Hollywood waves are so incredibly romantic! They’re voluminous and glam, and perfect for any special occasion. Whether it’s a date night or an event, these waves are sure to make a statement! She uses hair extensions, but you can just skip that part if you already have long hair. She suggests using a hair powder to give your hair more volume and offers tips to achieve the perfect amount of lift! She uses a 38 mm curling iron and you’ll also need hair clips.
Hollywood waves are perfect for any special occasion! Whether you have short, medium or long hair, there’s a tutorial for you!
