Finger Waves Are Here to Stay—Here Are 19 Modern Ways To Wear Them

Like sleek buns and classic bobs, finger waves have always been in. The iconic entertainer Josephine Baker is widely credited for making the intricate hairstyle popular in the 1920s, and the wavy look has remained prominent ever since.

The beauty of finger waves is that they lend more range than one might initially think. Whether your hair is short, mid-length, or long, the ways in which you can wear the sculpted style are seemingly endless. Ahead, we've rounded up 19 celebrity-approved ways to wear finger waves.

Soft Waves

Jodie Turner-Smith was quite the head-turner at the 2022 Met Gala red carpet, fully committing to the Gilded Glamour theme. Opting for a middle part puts a twist on the classic finger wave style.

Perfect Pixie Waves

Saweetie's pixie is a nod to the '20s and '90s. If you want your waves to be just as tight and laid-back as the rapper's, make sure to set your hair until it is completely dry.

Precisely Sculpted Waves

Ruth Negga's finger waves are neatly formed and set with the utmost precision. The clean side part and perfectly swooped S-shapes make this such a classic example of the throwback style.

Futuristic Waves

Cara Delevigne's large waves are perfectly molded, like an intricate sculpture. Asymmetrical waves opposite a slicked back side add a futuristic element to the finished look.

Wavy Mullet

We always look forward to seeing Cardi B's hair looks. The rapper took the Paris Fashion Week streets with a finger wave mullet moment. Marrying hairstyles from different eras is a great way to play outside of the box and create a memorable look.

Purple Waves

An easy way to modernize a classic 'do like finger waves is to maintain the key elements, like style and shape, but go for an unexpected color. Justine Skye, for example, sported the look in her signature purple hue.

Flapper Bob

Add a feather headpiece, and Demi Lovato is flapper-ready. The singer flawlessly executes a 1920s-inspired, defined, deep-wave bob. Use a strong hair spray to help hold the shape of your waves and tame flyaways.

Sleek and Shiny

Zendaya's chocolate brown waves are uber-sleek and shiny, giving the illusion of a wet look. Using a gel to set your waves can help you achieve similar results. Just be sure to choose one that doesn't leave behind a crunchy cast or flaky residue.

Mermaid Waves

Angela "Blac Chyna" White is a mermaid dream in lilac waves. Paired with blue eyeshadow, the model and entrepreneur show how makeup and hair can work together to nail a theme.

Voluminous Waves

EGOT winner Viola Davis attended the 86th Academy Awards in a finger-wave ear-length bob. The cropped length, large waves, and heightened volume show just how versatile the wavy hairdo can be.

Golden Waves

In addition to her legendary reads, NeNe Leakes is known for her signature platinum blonde hair. Here, the reality TV queen and actress is serving short blonde finger waves that perfectly frame her face.

Pastel Pink Waves

Halsey is no stranger to experimenting with color. Short haircuts are a go-to for the singer, and here she opts for a faint pink finger wave pixie.

Slicked-Down Waves

Jada Pinkett-Smith's slicked-down pixie cut is accentuated with finger waves and a dainty side curl. While updating classic hairstyles is always fun, the actress makes a case for keeping it simple.

Cascading Waves

With this style, Dascha Polanco brings her finger waves forward, creating an S-shape frame around the perimeter of her face. She plays with texture by keeping the rest of her cascading hair sleek and straight.

Blonde-Brown Waves

A pixie cut spotlights the intricacy of finger waves. Keyshia Cole's blonde haircut is a prime example. Her blonde-brown hair color makes the wavy 'do stand out even more.

Glamorous Waves

Classic waves and big cascading curls take us back to the soft Hollywood glam of the 1940s. Priyanka Chopra's take on finger waves proves that the style can be adapted for both long and short hair.

Sideswept Waves

Iman's finger waves are swooped to one side and neatly tucked at the nape of her neck. The high-shine finish makes the look feel even more elegant and glamorous.

Swooped Waves

Here, beauty mogul Rihanna went for a side-swept finger wave style. Her precisely sculpted, jet-black waves in jet black are absolutely stunning. But we'd expect nothing less from such a hair chameleon.

Vintage Waves

Halle Berry looks mesmerizing no matter her hairstyle, but we especially love her short hair moments. Her finger-wave pixie cut is such a timeless choice.

Read the original article on Byrdie.