23 Amazing Finger Wave Styles For Women To Try
Learn how to style your hair to get this amazing timeless African hairdo.
Monica DickensonCertified Trichologist 
Monica Dickenson has more than 30 years of experience as a dedicated technician and business owner. She is very passionate about providing the best service possible to anyone experiencing hair loss and has certifications in hair replacement... more
anjali sayeeBTech Experience: 7 yearsAnjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy ... more
madhumati chowdhuryMA (English Literature) Experience: 7 yearsMadhumati is an associate editor with seven years of professional experience. She has previously worked as an editor, proofreader, and a writer with various organizations, helping her navigate through... more
bhumika dagaMA (English) Experience: 2.5 yearsBhumika is a content writer with 2.5 years of expertise in crafting articles across diverse genres. She graduated from the University of Delhi and completed her post-graduation from Indira Gandhi Nati... more
Image: alyssascottj / Instagram
Chic and classy, Finger Waves never disappoint! But they can be notoriously difficult to style. So, we are sharing the best finger wave styles to inspire you!
Many celebs, like Zendaya, Janelle Monae, and Rihanna, have stolen the spotlight on several occasions with the finger waves. These flawlessly sculpted waves are a part of African hairstyles and have been around since the late ‘40s to early ‘50s. Certified trichologist Monica Dickenson says, “Finger waves are one of the most versatile hairstyles, one that all ethnicities can wear.” Keep reading to explore 22 amazing ways you can style your hair in finger waves.
Scroll down now and get waving!
Before You Get Started- Finger waves are suitable for heart-shaped faces as they add symmetry to the frame.
- You will need duckbill clips, extra hair gel, and strong-hold hairspray to make finger waves on medium to long hair.
- Finger waves are appropriate for straight, fine, and relaxed hair textures.
- Before going to bed, wrap your hair with a silk hair wrap to maintain the finger waves.
In This Article
23 Suave Finger Wave Styles You Will Love
1. Embellished Soft Finger Waves
This embellished finger wave look is perfect for when your bangs grow out and you want to try a unique, retro look with them. Add to your beauty with gem-topped bobby pins or readily available stick-on gems.
2. Marcel Finger Wave Chignon
You can achieve finger waves on longer hair with a marcel curling iron. Style the front hair sections in finger waves and tuck them into a chignon at the back. It makes for a stunning and popular wedding hairstyle!
3. Glossy Finger Waves
We’ve always associated good hair with shine. Flaunt your pixie locks with this amazing finger wave style that is uber glossy! Use a hair gel while doing this style to flatten the finger waves against your head completely.
Quick Tip4. Golden finger wave
Who wouldn’t want their hair to look as golden as the sun? Ever since this finger wave fashion come around, short-haired women all over the world are rejoicing.
5. ‘S’ Finger Waves
The ’S’ finger wave style has a more laid-back, beachy vibe. While finger waves are more defined and pointed at their curves, this ‘S’ finger wave style is ruling with its soft curves.
6. Partial Finger Waves
Adding vintage finger waves to your regular hairstyles can jazz them up. It always gives your hair a faux undercut feel. Opt for this look if you want a sharp, sleek hairstyle.
7. Mild Finger Waves
If this is your first time trying finger waves, opt for this milder style. You can sport this look on long hair as well as a pixie cut.
8. Baby Finger Waves
Styling baby hair is often a problem. That’s where finger waves come in! All you need is some oil or mousse and a comb. You can also use a toothbrush to style your baby bangs in finger waves.
9. Smooth Finger Waves
Smooth criminal, indeed! While sharp finger waves add definition, smooth finger waves look more like the ocean. They look glossy and add joie de vivre to your hairstyle.
10. Hollywood finger wave
Hollywood – the place where imagination comes to life! Let your imagination run wild with these stunning Hollywood waves. I’m sure you’ve seen many a celeb sporting this stunning hairstyle. It is red carpet-approved. to add glamor to the look. What more could you want?
11. Flapper finger wave
The ‘20s were big on finger waves and flapper hairdos. So, why not mix the two? It looks glamorous and works for any formal event. Fabulous!
Trivia12. Kinky Finger Waves
Kinky curls and waves go hand in hand. So, it’s no surprise that styling your kinky hair in some sculpted finger waves can take your hair look up a good few notches.
13. Shadow Root Finger Waves
The shadow root is a new fad that has taken the world by storm. It looks extremely cool and suave. Accentuate it and take it to the next level with these stunning finger waves.
14. Tri-Finger Waves
Sometimes, two is too little, and four is just too much. So, opt for these tri-finger waves instead! You can switch the sizes of the waves to suit your style.
15. Undercut Finger Waves
The undercut is a badass look! It looks edgy, cool, and seemingly impossible to outdo. You can take it a notch higher by adding some finger waves to the undercut. Talk about a badass hair look!
16. Soft Set Finger Waves
Soft set finger waves look very beautiful. They are soft, so they don’t need to look too sculpted or be done with very small sections. Tease your hair before you do these finger waves to add height to your hairstyle.
17. Wine Finger Waves
Who doesn’t like a good glass of wine to relax at the end of the day? Take it to the next level with these stunning wine-colored finger waves. Don’t they look enticing? I can almost smell the wine in the air when looking at this style!
18. Ombre finger waves
Finger waves are a brilliant way to show off your new ombre. They accentuate the fading shades perfectly! If you have hair that is thicker at the bottom, opt for step finger waves.
19. Finger Waves Bangs
Why opt for normal bangs when you can take things up a notch with these stunning finger waves? Sculpt your hair in these waves depending on the length of your bangs. I’m sure you’ll catch everyone’s attention!
20. Side finger waves
Sometimes, all you need is a little swag on the side to make you look even more stylish. That is where these stunning side finger waves come in. They add just the right amount of edge to your look.
21. Elegant Finger Waves
Adding some big finger waves to your updo can dial the heat up perfectly. It also makes your hairstyle look super classy and graceful! You don’t just have to pair it with a low bun. You can also try out this look with a high bun to create a truly sophisticated style.
22. Finger Waves Sideburns
Curly hair looks flawless. But whenever you style your curly hair, I’m sure the baby hair sticks out. This is one way to style your baby hair. Add definition to it by sculpting it in some stunning finger waves.
23. Mermaid Waves
Mermaid waves are a perennially enchanting hairstyle that features long, ocean-kissed locks. Achieving this look typically involves using a curling wand or iron, allowing the curls to fall naturally. You can apply a touch of sea salt spray to enhance the texture and impart an authentic seaside feel.
Fun FactTasha, a YouTuber, shares her experience of trying finger waves on her newly dyed short pink hair. She starts by wetting and parting her hair. Then she applies some hair mousse and spreads it through and over her hair with a thin-toothed comb. Then she pushes her hair back and forwards, from the top till the ends, to create a wave. She also cleans up her hair as she does this to keep her locks looking proper. However, this technique may not work for those with short hair. She says, “It is a bit messy but that is obviously because my hair really isn’t long enough for this yeah. So it still has a bit of a mind of its own but I’m really chuffed. I think it looks really cool, so this tutorial was really super short and sweet (i).”
Infographic: Top 10 Finger Wave Styles For A Classy Look
If you want a classy and chic look, go for finger waves. These are among the few hairdos that can take your look to a whole new level. While they do need some maintenance, the end result is worth the effort. In the infographic below, we have listed the top 10 finger wave styles you can try. Check them out. Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
Finger waves styles are the best way to get a classy look. These are a part of African hairstyles. There are many ways to style finger waves. Glossy finger waves, golden finger waves, partial finger waves, mild finger waves, baby finger waves, smooth finger waves, Hollywood finger waves, flapper finger waves, kinky finger waves, shadow root finger waves, and undercut finger waves are a few ways to style finger waves. These finger waves are suitable for any hair type. Choose any finger waves to flaunt your style.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are finger waves out of style?
No. Lizzo, a popular American singer, was spotted sporting finger waves during the 2022 BET awards.
How long can finger waves last?
Finger waves can last for about a week if you style and set them with hairspray.
What is the purpose of finger waving?
Finger waving with combs or fingers helps shape your hair in S-pattern. It is a sleek hairstyle that looks good on pixie cuts.
Do finger waves help hair grow?
Possibly. Anecdotal evidence suggests that since finger waving locks in nutrients and hydration, it may help hair growth.
Who started finger waves?
Although it is unknown who created finger waves, actresses Josephine Baker and Bette Davis are known to have popularized this style.
Key Takeaways
- Chic and classy, finger waves are a part of African hairstyles and have been around since the late ‘40s to early ‘50s.
- Sharp finger waves add definition, and smooth finger waves make a calmer and milder statement.
- There are multiple ways to wear a finger waves hairstyle and it can be done on a variety of hair types.
Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team
Looking for a hairstyling guide to show you the way to embrace the vintage beauty queen in you? Watch this step-by-step tutorial to create the perfect retro-inspired finger waves.
Personal Experience: Source
StyleCraze's articles are interwoven with authentic personal narratives that provide depth and resonance to our content. Below are the sources of the personal accounts referenced in this article.
i. Finger wave hair tutorial | TINIETASHAAhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuW4GPfQQhg
