So… If any of you have been through cosmetology school or have been someone’s hair model for the state board exam, you know how difficult finger waves can be to achieve! As most stylists will tell you, passing state boards was probably most exciting because we think to ourselves “NO MORE FINGER WAVES…EVER!” But, as luck would have it, this 1920′s inspired look has made a serious come back, which, in turn, means so did the never ending learning process of how to do them. Luckily, unless you are prepping for your state board exam (in which case, practice by the book) you don’t need to be as meticulous about finger waves as long as you are achieving the same look in the end. And, when not prepping for your state boards, you have the option of using these magical little tools called “waving clips.” Who knew?! So if you’re looking to achieve those some fabulous finger waves like Tyra Banks is rocking, here’s a quick and EASY step by step to achieving this retro-fabulous hair at home!

What you’ll need: 

- A fine tooth comb like this Cricket comb.

- A strong hold gel. We love this one by One ‘N Only!

- Waving clips (optional)

Here’s how to: 

1.)  Start with wet, towel dried hair and liberally apply a setting lotion or medium- firm hold gel like the one mentioned above. Be sure that your hair has enough product in it to stay in a molded position.

2.)  Decide where you would like your finger waves to begin (side parting is recommended)

3.)  Once you have chosen which side you would like to start on, preferably starting with the heavy side, comb all the hair from the first side section toward your face.

4.)  Then, once hair is combed forward, lay your finger parallel and just below the part, making sure to hold your finger down firmly to hold the hair in that position.  (This is where you would use a waving clip if you chose to make your life a little easier)

5.)   Using your comb, position the teeth straight towards the head and begin combing the hair back in the opposite direction, sideways along your finger, away from the face. Secure with a waving clip if you choose to.  These will create your first C-shaped ridge.

6.)   Repeast the process, combing hair towards your face again, and continuing through step 5.

7.)   Repeat entire process on back of head, repeating the side to side combing motion.

8.)   Once at the ends of the hair – this is where you can put your own personal twist on it. You can either do the typical pin curl placement, or add rollers, a low bun, chignon or other up-do.

9.)   Allow finger waves, and setting of your choice to dry completely before styling

10.) Using the wide end of your comb, gently and lightly brush out finger waves to give them volume without looking slicked down, or leave as is like the fabulous Tyra Banks did!

Enjoy you’re gorgeous retro waves!