How to Do Hollywood Waves at Home, According to Pro Hair Stylists

While other curly and wavy hairstyles create variation in curl direction, texture, and shape, Hollywood waves rely on uniformity. Rather than distinct curls, the final look gives the effect of a single undulation moving through the whole head of hair. It’s meant to look polished and sculpted. And while it’s often used on long hair, the Hollywood-waves technique can be used on any length: Celebrity stylist Renato Campora created “a flawless, timeless, healthy-looking Hollywood glamour Marcel wave bob” for Selena Gomez on her wedding day earlier this year.

How to do Hollywood waves at home

Step 1: Prep the hair.

If you’re starting from wet hair, and especially if your hair is naturally textured, take a note from Campora and blow it out using a large round brush. Before creating Gomez’s bridal waves, he used this technique to “achieve a voluminous and polished base” with hair that was “noticeably shiny, bouncy, and full of life.”

Whenever you’re planning to style your hair with a hot tool, you’ll want to start with clean, dry hair, and apply a heat protectant from roots to ends. “If your hair has trouble holding a curl, you can add a texture spray as well,” Avila says. She also notes that a deep side part works best for a classic Hollywood-waves look: “Use a fine-tooth comb to make a clean part on the side you prefer.”

Step 2: Section.

Since the final Hollywood-waves look is all about uniformity and precision, it’ll be easier to work in small sections. “Clip the top half up, and start curling from the bottom layers,” Avila says. “Use about one-inch sections for that Old Hollywood, sculpted S-wave look.”

Step 3: Curl.

Campora previously shared that when styling Hollywood waves, he begins at the front of the head (just above the ear) and works his way across in horizontal sections using a three-quarter-inch spring curling iron. “Wrap hair in one direction, going away from the face on the side parted with less hair,” Avila recommends. “Hold your curling iron vertically with the grip on top, so when released, the curl can drop down.”

Step 4: Pin.

There’s never been a better time to enlist an old Hollywood trick: pinning your curls as they cool for added hold and definition. “Once the section is evenly heated, clip the curl against your head to cool, and let all curls cool completely before taking them down,” Avila says.

Step 5: Brush into waves.

Forget every negative thing you’ve heard about brushing out curls for this style. Here, it’s the shortcut to achieving Hollywood-level body. Once you’ve removed the pins, Avila recommends using a boar-bristle brush to gently brush through your curls in a downward motion. Continue until they look fully blended—seamless waves rather than individual ringlets.

Step 6: Refine the wave pattern.

Once you’ve brushed out your curls, “Use your fingers or the tail of a comb to guide the wave ridges.” Avila says. For a more sculpted look, she recommends using a bit of styling pomade to lock in the shape.

Step 7: Set.

Once you’re happy with your wave pattern, spray your midlengths to ends with a generous amount of medium-hold hairspray. To create uniform movement and a high-gloss finish, you’ll probably want to use a bit more than your typical blowout. As a final touch, Avila recommends running your hands over the surface of your hair with a touch of hair oil “for a beautiful, glossy finish.”

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How to add body to your waves

Unlike mermaid waves, which have a free-hanging, boho look, Hollywood waves are big and voluminous. If you have naturally thin, fine, or straight hair, it’s worth taking a few extra measures to amp up the body for this look. “To add more volume, you can prep your hair with a volume spray or mousse before blow-drying,” Avila says.

Another pro tip: “When the curls are finished, you can hold the section at the very top that was parted with more hair and spray with hairspray at the base holding it in a lifted position until dry,” she says. To accentuate volume on the side of your part with more hair—and to channel true Old Hollywood energy—you can also tuck or pin your hair behind your ear on the lighter side.