Finger wave

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MDafoeBob20s

CharlesannaBColes1921

Finger wave is a method of setting hair into waves (curls) that was popular in the 1920s and 1930s and again in the late 1990s in North America and Europe. Silver screen actresses such as Bette Davis and Anita Page are credited with the original popularity of finger waves. The style was the first wave to be created without the use of a curling iron, relying instead on a technique of pinching and pushing the hair into waves by hand and securing them with hair gel or hair lotion and bobby pins.

History

The finger wave technique became popular in the 1920s as a way for women to style their growing locks into the close-fitting, wavy hairstyles that were in vogue at the time. This period, known as the Roaring Twenties, was marked by its embrace of new fashions and lifestyles, with the finger wave becoming a symbol of the modern woman. The style made a comeback in the late 1990s, as part of a broader revival of 1920s and 1930s culture and fashion.

Technique

Creating finger waves involves applying hair gel or lotion to damp hair, combing the hair into the desired shape, and then pressing and pinching sections of hair between the fingers and combing in alternate directions to create waves. The waves are then set by allowing the hair to dry, either naturally or with the help of a hair dryer. The result is a series of smooth, sculpted waves that lie close to the scalp.

1. Preparation: The hair is washed and towel-dried to leave it damp but not wet. A generous amount of hair gel or lotion is applied to help set the waves. 2. Shaping: Using a fine-toothed comb, the hair is combed into the desired direction. The stylist then uses their fingers to press the hair into waves, securing each wave with a clip or bobby pin. 3. Drying: The waves are allowed to dry naturally or with a hair dryer set on a low heat. Once dry, the clips or pins are removed, and the hair is gently combed to soften the waves without disturbing their shape.

Cultural Significance

Finger waves were more than just a hairstyle; they were a statement of elegance, sophistication, and modernity. In the 1920s, they represented a break from the more traditional, longer hairstyles of the previous era, aligning with the decade's flapper culture and the newfound freedom and independence of women. The style's resurgence in the 1990s paralleled a renewed interest in vintage fashion and beauty standards, showcasing the timeless appeal of the finger wave.

Modern Adaptations

Today, finger waves are often seen on the red carpet and in fashion editorials, sometimes in their classic form and other times as a starting point for more elaborate hairstyles. Modern hairstylists may use additional tools and products, such as hair mousse and hairspray, to create variations on the traditional finger wave that are suited to contemporary tastes and hair types.