1920s flapper easy finger waves hair tutorial
1920s flapper easy finger waves hair tutorial

Today I have a tutorial for soft finger waves.  I wanted to have a video with this tutorial but my computer decided that a video upload was too much to ask, so we did step-by-step pictures. I hope that it's easy to understand! 

You will need:
a rat-tail comb
a brush
gel or setting lotion- or both!
hairspray
spray bottle of water
a bunch of long clips


1.) Soak your hair. somewhere between sopping wet and towel dried is good.

2.) Part your hair however you like. A middle part is a good flapper look and a side part is good for that 40's movie starlet style.

3.) Section off the hair to be waved. Tie the hair not to be waved in a hair tie or clip so it doesn't get in your way.

4.)Starting at the part, comb down about 1 inch
1920s flapper easy finger waves hair tutorial

5.)with the comb about 1 inch down from the part and still in your hair, pull the comb towards the mirror.
1920s flapper easy finger waves hair tutorial

6.) With your other hand, place your fingers against the side of the comb and hold the hair very firmly against your head
1920s flapper easy finger waves hair tutorial via va-voom vintage
7.)Remove the comb and comb the section of hair out straight.
8.)Starting just below your fingers, comb down about 1 inch and this time, pull the comb away from the mirror. Insert a clip in the middle of the wave. Ta-da! This is your first wave.

1920s flapper easy finger waves hair tutorial via va-voom vintage
1920s flapper easy finger waves hair tutorial via va-voom vintage
1920s flapper easy finger waves hair tutorial via va-voom vintage

Repeat the process as far down as you like and on both sides of the head. As your hair dries, you can spritz it with more water and use more mousse or gel. If you have enough clips (and patience) you can wave your entire head in the same manner or just wave the front and finish the back in pin curls. What are pin curls, you ask? I'll have a pin curl tutorial up very soon!!
1920s flapper easy finger waves hair tutorial via va-voom vintage
9.) Leave the clips in for at least 2 hours. If in a hurry, you can cheat and blow-dry. Finish with hairspray before you take out the clips. If you have any renegade hairs that just don't want to run with the pack, teach them who's boss with a little extra mousse and hairspray.
Since my computer was being very snotty this afternoon, I found this brilliant video from Miss Tami Lee instead. It shows the movements of the comb very well.




I also recommend checking out the amazing 1920s Beauty Guides for original hair and makeup tutorials from the 1920s!


1920's make-up Guides