When it gets to matters hair, this is one area you must get it right. Life is not perfect but certainly, your hair can be! While at it, this guide focuses on making ladies glow with a very limited budget. Imagine styling, curling, and waving your hair at home before a day out just to look good! You don’t need a stylist to do this. For the classic hairstyle that dates back to the 1920s, finger waves are still appreciated to date with many including top celebrities rocking them. They simply ooze a lady’s class, glamor, and style.
Image: Shutterstock
A variety of styles that one can make finger waves on long natural hair are available. This goes on to prove that every lady rocking her long natural hair can wear finger waves. How cool is that! Whether you want that office glamor, wedding look, informal or formal look, finger waves provide perfect hacks for every classy lady! This step-to-step guide shows you how to make finger waves on long natural hair including what you need and also the different hairstyles you can try while making the waves.
What You Need:
First things first, a hack! Have your hair well hydrated and moisturized as you begin this process to save the large amount of gel that would be used. This will help out in preventing your hair from drying out once the gel is used.
Another tip to note is that this style will work out well for straight-cropped, fine-textured, and relaxed hair.
Remember! What you need is readily in the market and as a lady, we want to believe that almost every product you need is right in your styling area! Here are some of the products required;
Hair Spritz:
This is like your homemade conditioner
and for maximum benefits of your hair, including hair growth, hair health, and re-hydrating your scalp, you can add products such as; Rose Water, Oils, Glycerin, and Aloe Vera Juice.
Gel:
This will be used in large amounts while making the waves. Sculpting gel is more preferred since it holds the hair in place while also maintaining the soft texture of your hair.
Comb (Wide Tooth):
This will help to detangle your hair painlessly. The comb will also be gentle which means it’s unlikely to destroy your hair.
Comb (Fine Tooth):
This will help in creating your finger waves.
Hooded Dryer (Optional):
To quickly set your hair in place.
Hair Spray:
This will help in keeping your hair in proper shape.
Hair Clips/Clamps:
This will help in ensuring the waves are in the right pattern before drying. Clamps are easier to remove after the waves have dried as compared to pins.
Patience: Yes! Making finger waves is a time-consuming process and your level of patience will be tested!
QUICK STEP-TO-STEP PROCESS ON HOW TO MAKE FINGER WAVES ON LONG NATURAL HAIR
- Wash Your Hair
Washing and conditioning your hair will be the first process to ensure your hair is moistened and hydrated to help form the S-shape with your fingers and the fine-tooth comb. This is also the step where the hair spritz will come by. This combination will help to dampen your hair.
- Gel Will Now Come In Handy
The next step is to use gel to help put your hair in place. You will be required to cover your hair with a generous amount of gel to have enough slip to enable you to make waves. This will also ensure that your hair is not tangled or snagged. We expect sculpting gel to be a win for this process.
- Time To Make The Waves
After correctly completing the first two processes, it’s time to make waves and this is where your hair clamps will come in handy. Go ahead to choose where you want your waves to start. Use your fine-tooth comb or your fingers to make the waves (ensure your waves are S-shaped) as you clamp them nicely. Make as many waves as you desire while clamping. Clamping in combination with the gel will help keep your hair in place while it dries.
Note: If you have a hooded dryer, you can use it to fasten the drying process. The duration in which you sit under the dryer will largely depend on the length and thickness of your hair.
Wonder why these finger waves were popular in the 1920s? The simple answer is they were very simple to make as you have seen!
TOP FINGER WAVES HAIRSTYLES FOR LONG HAIR
Below are some of the top different finger waves hairstyles you can try on your long natural hair:
THE MODERN FINGER WAVE STYLE
(Image Courtesy of Popsugar)
This will be slightly fast. You will have to first curl your hair. What’s required is for you to add hairspray to your hair roots and the length of it while you put your hair into a side parting across your face. You can then begin your curling process by use of hair straighteners or curling irons.
Once the curling process is achieved, you can now begin making your finger waves at the front. This will be done using your fingers, comb, and heat to help set the curls into the shape you prefer. In the end, you will have made finger waves on your hair in a little time.
THE TRADITIONAL FINGER WAVE STYLE
(Image Courtesy of Digital Trends)
This style was originally worn by ladies with short hair but there has since been a transition with long-haired ladies now rocking it. The style is easy to make and as opposed to the modern finger wave style, the traditional style will not require any heat for styling.
To rock this, you will be required to dampen your hair and apply a desirable amount of gel to help out in holding the style. After identifying where you want your curls to begin, clamp your hair and use your comb to push your hair to the clamp. This will create a wave and you can repeat the process to make as many waves as you wish. Your patience will then be tested as you wait for the hair to dry. Only then can you remove the clamps.
THE FINGER WAVE FRENCH PLAIT
(Image Courtesy of Cosmopolitan)
This style brings a blend of vintage and classic and is yet another finger wave hairstyle that is well-suited for your long hair. The much detail in the style sees the look glowing at the back of your head. While many styles can be done by you at home, this is a style that will need more than two hands. A friend conversant with styling can give a hand or head to a professional stylist to help get the look.
A tip for this style is to wash your hair at least three days prior so that it has much texture on the day of styling.
CHIC CHIGNON WITH A DETAIL OF FINGER WAVES
Image: Instagram
Another hairstyle you can rock and is easily achievable from your house. This is a style ideal for formal occasions and sees a blend of traditional finger waves style and a chic updo. Take a third of your front hair and leave that section. Spray your remaining hair as you backcomb the roots. You will then pull the length back while at the same time clipping under itself to achieve a chic updo. You can then go ahead to create your desired finger waves on the section that was earlier left. Kindly note that this will be done after achieving your style’s pinned-up element and the removal of the length.
The finger waves you make should be away from your face and they should be blended into your updo. A point to note is that this style will work well with dry hair and hair sprays to make styling easier.
1940s FINGER WAVE STYLE
This style is vintage-inspired and sees a blend of classic finger waves coupled up with rolls at the front. This 1940 style looked different from the original 1920 style since it was softer and more tailored for long hair. For this style, the curls at the front would soften and at the same time balance the waves and this would add texture while creating height to the style.
Presently, the curls can be achieved by the use of a curling iron as opposed to rollers that were used then. A quick process on how to go about this style. For the addition of the finger rolls, you need to backcomb your hair roots, take the curling iron and proceed to make a large demi-curl at the front.
To Sum It Up!
Your long natural hair is ready to bail you out with easy different hairdos of your liking available. From curly, straight, to wavy, you have a variety of ways to jazz your hair and avoid those bad hair days. Always remember that your hair’s length and texture will influence the choice of finger waves hairstyle you desire. What works on one texture might not work on another. Some styles will also depend on your hair’s dryness or dampness. This is why it is important to understand your hair perfectly.
Understand your hair, wave it, flip it, dress up, and go out girl! And remember, your hair is the only crown you cannot take off, so why not be a queen on it!
Last updated on: August 8, 2021