How to Create Retro-Glam Hollywood Waves for Holiday Parties

Many times the satin sheen of holiday party dresses immediately seems to bring to mind equally glossy hair coiffed with the regal waves of old Hollywood. These retro waves offer a great deal of class to any hair color and hair type and are actually quite easy to accomplish with a minimum amount of tools and effort.

Hair Care Supplies Needed:

Hair Dryer
1" to 2" barrel curling iron
Leave-in Conditioner
Glossing Serum or Shine Enhancing Hair Spray
Hair Spray
Round Brush

Process:

Begin the styling process with hair that has been shampooed and conditioned. When you get out of the shower, also use a leave-in conditioner.

Part your hair slightly to one side.

Dry your hair slowly on low heat to prevent frizz and static creation as much as possible. Use your round hair brush to add a bit of oomph at the roots by wrapping the roots around your round brush and targeting the area briefly with heat from the hair dryer. Be careful not to overdry your hair.

Separate your hair into several manageable sections. Ensure each section is brushed smooth before breaking out the curling iron.

Take your curling iron and clamp one section of hair in the barrel and twist your hair only slightly after clamping. Ideally you will move your hand barely one-quarter of a turn downward while the hair is secured. Visualize that we want a large wave vs. a continual curl. Hold the hair for a few moments and release. Progress down your hair in evenly graduated increments until you reach the bottom.

Continue the wave-making process all the way around your head being careful to keep your waves aligned as you move from section to section.

Seal your look with shine-enhancing hair spray and anti-frizz hair spray when you are done.

Avoid combing your hair or handling it too much even with your hands after these waves are placed. Since retro-glam waves are exceedingly precise, especially when compared with today's tousled waves, a collapsed curl or hair section can completely spoil the effect.

Tips to Enhance the Look:

Have your hair trimmed, even just a tiny trim, before entering the holiday party season. This will help add bounce.

A haircut with medium length layers works really well at accentuating this hairdo.

If you have frizz or static prone hair, consider shampooing and conditioning your hair several hours before styling.

Secure the very front piece of your retro waves with a small bobby pin at the temple to add a quaint feeling to the style!