Key Takeaways
Hollywood waves offer timeless elegance and can be styled with a middle or side part for a classic look.
To create Hollywood waves, use a curling iron on sectioned hair and let each curl cool before brushing.
Maintain your Hollywood waves throughout your wedding by using hairspray and sleeping on a silk pillowcase.
Picking out a bridal hairstyle is no easy feat. Not only do you need to find a coif that aligns with your personal style, but you also have to select a 'do that pairs perfectly with your dress, makeup, and overall wedding aesthetic. Plus, it can be incredibly difficult to decide whether you'd like to go full-on glam for your big day or opt for a pared-back hairdo that simply elevates your natural beauty. Our solution to help combat this dilemma? Embrace Old Hollywood waves.
“Hollywood waves are classic, glamorous curls that cascade down in smooth, S-shaped waves, reminiscent of old Hollywood stars. They’re popular in wedding hairstyles for their timeless elegance and sophistication to any bridal look," shares celebrity hairstylist Danielle Priano. “The elegance of Hollywood waves lies in their polished yet soft appearance, perfect for brides seeking a timeless and sophisticated style."
Priano further adds that this coif exudes "glamour and grace, enhancing the bride’s natural beauty. Everyone looks amazing with Hollywood waves, and their timeless appeal ensures that the bride will look back on her wedding photos with fondness for years to come.” The best part? This style is relatively easy to achieve at home and only requires you to follow a few simple steps to get the look.
Meet the Expert
Danielle Priano is a New York-based celebrity hairstylist, with clients like Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Graham, and Lindsay Lohan.
Interested in learning how to execute this classic style? Below, find out all there is to know about Hollywood waves when planning out your wedding day hair.
Photo by Alice Ahn Photography
How to Choose the Right Hollywood Waves for Your Wedding
While Old Hollywood waves may seem like one type of look, this hairdo can be styled in a myriad of ways. For instance, you can opt to sport your hair with a middle or side part, or create loose or tight waves depending on your personal preferences. Priano, in particular, loves loose waves, vintage waves, and deep side-part waves when creating this 'do.
“Loose waves provide a relaxed and romantic vibe, ideal for bohemian or beach-themed weddings," she shares. "Vintage waves evoke a sense of nostalgia and are perfect for brides embracing a retro aesthetic. Deep side-part waves add drama and glamour, accentuating facial features and complementing sleek, modern bridal looks."
Unsure which wave style will be most flattering for you? Consider your hair length, your face shape, and even your wedding theme, all of which will impact the way you sport your 'do "Brides with shorter hair may opt for tighter waves to add volume and dimension, while those with longer hair can experiment with looser waves for a more relaxed feel,” Priano explains. “Face shape also plays a role, with deep side-part waves flattering oval and heart-shaped faces, while vintage waves soften angular features. The wedding theme should also be considered, ensuring the wave style complements the overall aesthetic of the event.”
Photo by Roey Yohai
How to Achieve DIY Hollywood Waves for Your Wedding
Here, Priano provides a step-by-step breakdown of how to get Old Hollywood waves on your own.
Prep Your Hair
Before you start styling your Hollywood waves, it's important to adequately prep your hair before you begin the process. According to Priano, brides should thoroughly cleanse and condition their hair, in order to create a proper base for their styling products to sit on. She also adds, “If you tend to have oily hair, I may even suggest using a clarifying shampoo before the wedding to leave the hair very clean and fluffy. This provides a smooth base for styling and helps the waves hold their shape.”
Apply a Heat Protectant
Once you've washed and conditioned, you'll then want to apply some form of heat protectant since you'll be using a blow dryer and a curling iron to achieve this look. Priano explains, “Using heat-protectant products is crucial to prevent heat damage and maintain the health of the hair when styling with hot tools. They create a barrier between the hair and heat, reducing the risk of breakage and preserving the hair’s natural shine. I love to prep the hair with the SexyHair Big Altitude Mousse before the blowout to add volume and heat protection!”
Use a Curling Iron or Wand to Create Your Waves
Is your hair prepped, dry, and ready to go? If yes, go ahead and plug in your curling iron or wand and begin styling your look. “Start by sectioning the hair and curling small sections away from the face," shares Priano. "After each curl, gently release the hair from the iron and allow it to cool before brushing through with a soft-bristle brush to blend the waves seamlessly.” Finally, spray a generous amount of hairspray to keep your waves in place from day to night.
Another tip? If you’re into the look of Hollywood waves but want a bit more dimension, Priano explains that "Varying the size of the curling iron barrel or wand for natural-looking waves, alternating the direction of the curls for added texture, and using a light-hold hairspray to set the style without weighing it down" are all great ways to achieve a more unique style. "One of my favorite tricks is to spray the SexyHair So Touchable Flexible Hairspray on each section before curling to make sure the hair holds the curl throughout the whole event," she adds.
The barrel size of your curling iron or wand will determine how tight or loose your waves turn out. Tight waves are a result of small barrels, while loose waves are created by using large barrels.
Add a Hair Accessory
While you could wear your Old Hollywood waves on its own, we love the idea of incorporating hair accessories to complement the look. “Accessories such as hairpins, headbands, and barrettes can complement Hollywood waves by adding a touch of sparkle or sophistication,” says Priano. “Delicate jeweled pins can be strategically placed throughout the waves to add sparkle, while a statement headband can elevate the overall bridal look. Opt for accessories that enhance the style rather than detract from it, and place them strategically to complement the wave pattern and facial features.”
How to Maintain Hollywood Waves Throughout Your Wedding
“To maintain Hollywood waves throughout the wedding day, avoid touching or running fingers through the hair too often, which can cause frizz and disrupt the waves," shares Priano, who also adds that hairspray should be your best friend when styling this look. "Additionally, using the SexyHair Big Spray and Play Harder for extra hold can help lock in the style after it is finished," she notes.
Have a brunch or event the day after you say "I do"? You can easily preserve your waves overnight by loosely braiding your coif before you sleep to extend the longevity of your style, explains Priano. “Also, try sleeping on a silk pillowcase to reduce friction and prevent frizz, and using dry shampoo to refresh the roots and add volume the next day," she advises.
