How to Do Hollywood Waves
Romantic, stylish and suitable for almost every face shape and hairstyle, it is no surprise that the Hollywood Waves hairstyle has been sweeping the fashion industry and red carpet events. One cannot possibly look anything less than glamorous in this hairstyle, which rose in popularity in the early 1920s with the flapper girls sporting Marcel Waves. The Hollywood waves were here to stay throughout the 1930s until the late 1950s when more relaxed, "hippie" hairstyles and voluminous toupees took over.
Fifty years later, and just in time for the roaring 2020s the Hollywood waves hairstyle has made a much-welcome comeback, and you don't want to miss out on it. In this blog, Paul Edmonds, an award-winning hairstylist who has worked on the sets of Downton Abbey and House of Elliot, will show you how to easily do Hollywood waves at home, without using heat.
What are Hollywood Waves or Marcel Waves?
Old Hollywood waves are known with many names – Marcel Waves, Jessica Rabbit waves or retro waves. What distinguishes this hairstyle from a regular blow-dry is the pattern of the waves, which run in one continuous line, creating a sleek and stylish effect. It's a hairstyle, which requires precision and time, and this is exactly why it's well worth learning how to do your own Hollywood waves at home.
If you are preparing for a big event or a wedding, and would rather trust a professional hairstylist, the team at Paul Edmonds can help.
What You Need for Marcel Waves
Normally you would need curling irons and a blow dryer for the perfect Marcel waves. However, Paul Edmonds recommends this no-heat method, which can be achieved overnight.
The curls formed using the scarf curling method will serve as a base for the Hollywood Waves.
You'll also need:
A wide tooth comb
Nourishing hair oil, such as Shu Uemura Essence Absolue
Stylish hair clips to accessorise your hair
How to Get Hollywood Waves?
Once you've curled your hair using the no-heat method by Paul Edmonds, the process of creating the Hollywood waves is quite simple.
Use the wide-tooth comb to gently brush downwards through the tight curls and push them back in place until a continuous line is formed.
Then, use just a couple of drops of Essence Absolue to stroke over the hair and bring the waves together.
Finally, to finish off the front, and create a stylish Flapper look, secure the waves with two of your favourite hair clips.
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