The short answer
Finger waves are a classic hairstyle in which the hair is moulded into smooth, glossy, S-shaped waves that sit flat and close to the head, created by shaping wet hair with the fingers, a comb and styling product, then letting it set. A glamorous look dating back to the 1920s and 1930s, finger waves have long been loved and endlessly revived, worn on short cropped hair, on longer hair, on natural hair and on relaxed styles, and often paired with other looks. They are all about sculpted, sleek, elegant waves. In the UK the styling products are sold by beauty supply shops, and salons create the style.
What to remember
- Finger waves are a classic style of smooth, S-shaped waves set flat and close to the head.
- They are created by shaping wet hair with the fingers, a comb and styling product, then setting it.
- The look dates back to the 1920s and 1930s and has been revived ever since.
- They are worn on short and long hair, natural and relaxed, for a sleek, glamorous look.
- The styling products are sold by beauty supply shops, and salons create the style.
For the African and Caribbean communities in Britain, styling like finger waves is a proud, creative part of hair culture. Finger waves are the sleek, glamorous look for the wedding or the party, the sculpted waves that turn heads, the vintage elegance made fresh, the craft of the stylist and the beauty supply shop. Choosing the products and having the waves set is part of a rich culture of Black hair and beauty, carried and celebrated across the diaspora.
There is real heritage and skill in it too, in the artistry of Black hair, from the glamour of finger waves through the decades to today, passed down and constantly reinvented. It reflects a whole culture of creativity, care and self-expression, and the salons and beauty supply shops in our neighbourhoods keep that culture thriving. Helping someone achieve a beautiful set of finger waves, or a friend discover the style, is part of that shared pride. That creativity and care is the spirit behind finger waves.
What are finger waves?
Finger waves are one of the most iconic and enduring hairstyles, a look built entirely from smooth, sculpted, S-shaped waves that lie flat and close against the head, catching the light for a glossy, elegant finish. The name comes from the technique, because the waves are shaped by hand, using the fingers together with a comb and styling product to mould wet hair into ridges and hollows that dry into set waves. The result is sleek, polished and glamorous, quite different from loose, bouncy curls.
Finger waves have a long history, rising to fame in the glamour of the 1920s and 1930s and being revived again and again ever since, always feeling both vintage and fresh. They are a much loved style across Black hair culture in particular, worn beautifully on short, cropped natural hair, on pixie cuts, on longer hair and on relaxed styles, and sometimes combined with curls, updos or colour. Finger waves sit within the world of styling we cover alongside other classic and creative looks such as the silk press and twist out, prized for their sculpted elegance.
How are finger waves created?
Creating finger waves is a real craft. The hair is first dampened and coated with a styling product that gives hold, traditionally a setting lotion or styling gel, so it can be moulded and will keep its shape as it dries. Then, working in sections, the stylist uses a comb and the fingers to shape the hair into the characteristic S-pattern, pressing and pinching alternating ridges and troughs so the waves lie flat and even against the head. It takes patience and skill to get clean, uniform, well-defined waves.
Once the waves are shaped, the hair is left to set and dry fully, sometimes under a hooded dryer or air dried, which locks the waves in place, and any clips are then removed. On short natural hair the waves hug the head in a sleek cap of waves, while on longer hair they can flow into curls or an updo. This is general hair information rather than medical advice. Because it is a precise technique, finger waves are often best done by a skilled stylist, though many people also learn to create them at home with practice. Well set, finger waves are strikingly sleek and long-lasting for a set style.
Styles and when to wear them
Finger waves are wonderfully versatile within their sculpted, elegant look. On short, cropped hair, an all-over cap of finger waves is a bold, chic statement that has become a signature look. On longer hair, finger waves can be set at the front, sides or crown and blended into curls, a bun or a half-up style, giving a vintage-glamour feel. They can be worn on natural, relaxed, coloured or wig hair, and they suit both everyday sleek styling and special occasions like weddings, parties and photo shoots, where their polished elegance shines.
Because they are a set style, finger waves last well when cared for, kept smooth with a satin or silk scarf or bonnet at night and protected from moisture and frizz. Their timeless, glamorous quality is exactly why they keep coming back into fashion and why they are a favourite for making a statement. For a crisp, professional finish, or help learning the technique, it is well worth seeing a stylist at one of the African hair salons near you. Elegant, sculpted and timeless, finger waves are a classic worth knowing.
Where to find products and salons in the UK
Getting finger waves in Britain is easy, as both the products and the skills are available. Beauty supply shops stock the styling gels, setting lotions, edge products and combs used to create and hold finger waves, and staff can advise on which products give the best hold for your hair. Many African and Caribbean hair salons and stylists are skilled in finger waving and can create the look for you, whether a full head on short hair or waves worked into a longer style.
If you want finger waves, a beauty supply shop can point you to the right styling products, and a salon can create the look with a professional finish. You can find beauty supply shops near you for the products, and African hair salons near you to have the style done. Sleek, sculpted and glamorous, with a history stretching back a century, finger waves are a timeless style to enjoy.
Frequently asked questions
What are finger waves?
Finger waves are a classic hairstyle in which the hair is moulded into smooth, glossy, S-shaped waves that sit flat and close to the head, created by shaping wet hair with the fingers, a comb and styling product, then letting it set. Dating back to the glamour of the 1920s and 1930s, they have been revived ever since and are worn on short and long, natural and relaxed hair.
How are finger waves created?
Finger waves are created by dampening the hair and coating it with a styling product for hold, then, working in sections, using a comb and the fingers to shape the hair into an S-pattern of alternating ridges and troughs that lie flat against the head. The hair is then left to set and dry fully, which locks the waves in place. It is a precise technique that takes patience and skill.
Can you do finger waves on short natural hair?
Yes. Finger waves are a signature look on short, cropped natural hair, where they hug the head in a sleek cap of sculpted waves, and this is one of the most popular ways to wear them. They can also be done on longer hair, set at the front or crown and blended into curls or an updo. A good styling gel and skilled shaping are key on any length.
How long do finger waves last?
As a set style, finger waves last well when cared for, often several days to a week or more, especially if protected at night with a satin or silk scarf or bonnet and kept away from moisture and frizz. Good hold products and a clean, well-set finish help them last. Humidity and moisture are the main things that loosen the waves.
Where can I get finger waves in the UK?
The styling gels, setting lotions and combs used for finger waves are sold by beauty supply shops, and many African and Caribbean hair salons and stylists are skilled in creating the style. You can find beauty supply shops near you for the products and African hair salons near you to have finger waves set with a professional finish.
