As brides begin to finalize their wedding day look, one hairstyle trend is making a stunning comeback: Old Hollywood-inspired waves. These waves exude luxury and grace, evoking the golden age of cinema with their glossy, structured appearance. Versatile and stunning, they complement nearly any wedding theme—from grand ballroom affairs to boho-chic outdoor celebrations. Plus, they photograph beautifully, ensuring your hair looks breathtaking in every picture. It’s no wonder this classic style has become a favourite for modern brides.
Achieving Old Hollywood waves doesn’t mean a trip to the salon. With the right tools, a bit of practice, and high-quality hair extensions, you can create this glamorous, red-carpet-ready hairstyle from the comfort of your home. Extensions play a key role in adding the volume and length needed to achieve this iconic look, making them perfect for brides with fine or short hair.
Note: This is a detailed, step-by-step guide designed to help you achieve salon-worthy Old Hollywood waves at home. Download and print the link below for easy reference while styling!
Step-by-Step Tutorial for Achieving Old Hollywood Waves
Tools You’ll Need To Get Started
3/4" or 1" curling iron (at the hottest setting)
Comb
Alligator clips
Duck bill clips (at least 20)
Teasing brush
Heat protectant
Sculpting spray
Setting spray
Wax stick
Bobby pins (optional)
Heat protectant gloves (optional)
Hair extensions (optional)
This red carpet-worthy look works best with lots of hair, which can be easily achieved with hair extensions. High-quality Remy extensions hold heat styling beautifully, ensuring the waves stay intact throughout your big day. For this tutorial, we’ll focus on temporary clip-in extensions. If your extensions are already installed, you can skip those steps.
Preparation
Apply Heat Protectant: Apply liberally to prevent heat damage.
Start with Day-Old Hair: Clean, dry hair at least one day old holds curls better.
Brush Thoroughly: Remove tangles before starting.
Step 1: Part and Section the Sides
Choose Your Part: Side parts complement this look best. Use a comb to create a left or right side part, starting from the front of your hairline and running back.
Section the Sides:
Divide the right and left sides of your hair vertically from the part to just behind your ears.
Twist and clip these two sections forward with alligator clips or ponytails to keep them out of the way.
Step 2: Curl the Back – Lower Section
Section the Hair:
Create a horizontal section at the nape of your neck, about three fingers wide.
Clip the rest of your hair up and out of the way. Avoid curling too much hair at once to ensure even heat distribution.
Add Extensions (Optional):
Tease the roots lightly and clip extensions to the roots of your hair. Secure with bobby pins if needed.
Part the Hair: Divide this section vertically into two smaller parts.
Prep Part One of Two: Brush to remove tangles, then spray with sculpting spray from root to tip.
Curl the Hair:
Place a hot curling iron under the roots, and wrap your hair around the barrel twisting as you move down.
Ensure the ends are wrapped for a polished look.
Once the curl is heated, carefully remove the iron, hold the curl in place, and secure it with duckbill clips (2–3 clips per curl).
Repeat: Complete the remaining part in this section using the same technique.
Step 3: Curl the Back – Middle Section
Section the Hair: Release a two-finger-width section from the clipped-up hair.
Add Extensions (Optional): Use the widest extensions for this section as it’s the widest part of your head.
Part the Hair: Divide this section into three smaller, vertically angled parts.
Complete the Section: Brush, spray, curl, and clip as before.
Step 4: Curl the Crown
Section the Hair: Measure this final back section using the two-finger rule to ensure even curls.
Part the Hair: Divide this section into two angled parts.
Complete the Section: Brush, spray, curl, and pin each part.
Step 5: Curl the Larger Side Section
Divide the larger side of your part into three horizontal sections.
Brush, spray, and curl each section, starting at the bottom. Pin each curl securely with duckbill clips.
Step 6: Curl the Smaller Side Section
Brush the smaller side section and ensure it’s tangle-free. Do not separate this section further.
Use a wax stick to smooth baby hairs.
Curl this section as one larger piece,
Pin the curls with duckbill clips.
Step 7: Let the Curls Set
Spray your entire head with setting spray to lock in the curls.
Let the curls set for at least 30 minutes or longer for better hold.
Step 8: Remove Clips and Finish the Back
Starting at the back, carefully remove the duck bill clips, working your way up section by section.
Gently separate the curls using your fingers or a comb.
Use your fingers to mould the curls into soft waves and spray with volumizing hairspray.
Step 9: Style the Sides and Crown
Remove the clips from the sides and smaller sections.
Add accessories, like vintage pins or bobby clips, for extra glam.
Tease the roots at the crown for added volume and mould the curls into place with your fingers.
Apply setting spray liberally to lock in the style.
Optional Tip: Heatless Old Hollywood Waves
If you prefer a no-heat alternative, use foam rollers or flexi rods to set your hair overnight. Follow the same steps to style and finish the waves.
Your Big Day Deserves the Best!
Old Hollywood waves are more than just a hairstyle—they’re a statement of elegance and confidence. With the right extensions and styling techniques, you can achieve this iconic look effortlessly.
Why MANESTORY?
Our premium Remy hair extensions are made to last, perfect for timeless styles like Old Hollywood waves. With easy options like clip-in extensions, you’ll get a natural, flawless look for any occasion.
✨ Enhance this show-stopping look with extensions – Shop MANESTORY!
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