Hollywood Waves | Vintage Hair Styles

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Hollywood Waves: Sleek, Side-Parted Glamour

Create show-stopping Hollywood waves that bring red-carpet glamour to your hair. Hollywood waves hairstyles use soft, flowing curls to add shine, bounce and movement while maintaining a touch of elevated, Old Hollywood glamour.

Follow our step-by-step Hollywood waves tutorial to discover how to do Hollywood waves at home. Perfect for any length, these soft Hollywood waves are ideal for special occasions or when you want to enjoy every day glam. Quick to style and full of movement, your Hollywood waves hair will be sure to make them stop and stare.

SHOP THE LOOK

GHD THE ALL ROUNDER - PADDLE BRUSH

£26.00

GHD SHINY EVER AFTER - FINAL SHINE SPRAY

£15.95

NEW GHD CHRONOS CURVE GRAND TONG (32MM BARREL) FOR BIG VOLUMINOUS CURLS

£189.00

GHD CURLY EVER AFTER - CURL HOLD SPRAY

£18.95

GHD THE SECTIONER - TAIL COMB

£11.50

GHD THE ALL ROUNDER - PADDLE BRUSH

£26.00

GHD SHINY EVER AFTER - FINAL SHINE SPRAY

£15.95

NEW GHD CHRONOS CURVE GRAND TONG (32MM BARREL) FOR BIG VOLUMINOUS CURLS

£189.00

GHD CURLY EVER AFTER - CURL HOLD SPRAY

£18.95

GHD THE SECTIONER - TAIL COMB

£11.50

STEP-BY-STEPS

STEP 1:

PREP AND HEAT PROTECTION

Start with dry hair. Apply a heat protectant spray with built-in curl hold, ghd Curly Ever After, misting evenly from roots to ends.

STEP 2:

CREATE A SIDE PARTING

Using a tail comb, The Sectioner, define a side parting that flatters your face. This frames the face and gives the waves a polished editorial look.

STEP 3:

SECTION THE HAIR

Divide hair into clean sections and clip the top layer out of the way, starting underneath. This makes styling more manageable and ensures each curl is properly placed.

STEP 4:

CURL THE LENGTHS

Using ghd Chronos Curve Grand Tong, wrap each section around the clamp, pointing the barrel downwards. Hold each curl for 3 to 5 seconds, then release gently. Continue until all hair, including front pieces, is curled.

STEP 5:

BRUSH TO SOFTEN WAVES

Once curls have completely cooled, hold the lengths lightly with one hand. Using a paddle brush, start brushing the lower third of the hair slowly and gently. Finish by lightly brushing underneath and over the top to smooth.

STEP 6:

FINISH AND SET

Spray a light, flexible-hold hairspray, ghd Shiny Ever After, over the waves to lock the style in place while keeping movement intact. Avoid spraying directly on the face or scalp to maintain shine.

STEP 7:

FINAL LOOK

Top Tips to Refine the Finish

Work in sections to maintain consistent waves.
Brush slowly to smooth without flattening.
Keep the curling barrel angled downward to create flowing movement.
Spray hold lightly – the foal is soft, touchable waves, not stiff curls.

Who This Style Works Best for

Long hair, from just below the shoulders to waist length, works beautifully for this technique. It’s ideal for hair with natural movement or second-day texture that needs a soft, sleek refresh.

This style is perfect for glamorous events, evening occasions, or whenever you want hair that feels polished yet playful. The side parting adds an editorial, face-framing finish that elevates the waves without being rigid.

Common Styling Questions Answered by our Expert Grant Williams

How do I get a side parting to stay in place?

Set the part by blow-drying the hair into place, then define with a tail-comb and mist the roots lightly with hairspray. This ensures the waves stay soft while the part stays sharp.

For blow-drying, check out our range of hairdryers.

Can I do soft Hollywood waves on shorter hair?

This look works best on long hair, but medium-length hair can also be waved; the curls may sit higher and have a slightly different finish.

Can I create a Hollywood wave hairstyle for weddings or bridal hair?

Yes! Hollywood waves are perfect for weddings and bridal occasions where you want elegant, long-lasting movement. Use a flexible-hold hairspray and work in sections to ensure the waves stay soft but structured.