1. Deep Side Part Waves
The classic old-Hollywood look - a deep side part with smooth, glossy waves sweeping across the face in one connected S-shape. The strong part gives it that vintage-starlet drama, lifting the hair high on one side so it falls across the forehead and frames the eyes. Because the sweep adds width at the top and softness at the jaw, it flatters almost every face shape, especially oval and heart. Set on medium to long hair with a 1 to 1.25 inch iron, it suits weddings and events.
Who it suits: Everyone; especially flattering on oval and heart faces.
Tip: Set the part before curling and pin the waves as they cool for the smoothest finish.
2. Middle Part Hollywood Waves
A crisp middle part gives Hollywood waves a modern, symmetrical feel while keeping all the glossy glamour of the classic set. Splitting the hair evenly frames the face on both sides and lets the S-bends fall in balance, which reads fresher than the vintage side sweep. It flatters oval and heart-shaped faces particularly, and a touch of crown volume stops the part from looking flat. Best on smooth, medium to long hair, it suits modern brides, date nights and current, editorial glam.
Who it suits: Anyone who suits a center part; modern brides.
3. Brushed-Out Glam Waves
Brushing the cooled curls out into soft, connected S-waves is the single step that separates Hollywood waves from ordinary ringlets. Running a boar-bristle brush through fully-set curls blends the individual spirals into one continuous, satiny wave with a smooth, expensive finish that catches the light. The result looks polished and uniform rather than curly or piecey, exactly the old-Hollywood signature. It works on any length and colour - brush more for a sleeker look, less for more definition.
Who it suits: Anyone wanting the signature smooth finish.
Tip: Brush through fully-cooled curls with a boar-bristle brush for seamless waves.
4. Sleek Long Hollywood Waves
On long hair, Hollywood waves cascade over one shoulder in a full, glossy sweep that shows off the uniform S-pattern from root to tip. The extra length lets several wave bends stack down the hair, so the effect is dramatic and unmistakably red-carpet. A deep side part gives the cascade direction, and a shine spray keeps the whole length luminous rather than dull at the ends. It flatters most face shapes and suits weddings, galas and any high-impact occasion.
Who it suits: Long hair; brides and red-carpet looks.
5. Short Hollywood Waves
On bobs and short hair, Hollywood waves become striking, finger-wave-inspired glamour with tight, sculpted S-bends sitting close to the head. A smaller barrel keeps the waves proportionate to the length, and a strong deep part gives that sharp vintage sweep across the forehead. Because the shorter cut puts the wave pattern right by the face, it reads bold and elegant rather than fussy. It suits a chin-length bob or lob and pairs beautifully with a jewelled clip or a bold earring.
Who it suits: Bobs and short hair.
Tip: Use a smaller iron and focus on one clear deep part.
6. Half-Up Hollywood Waves
Pinning the top and crown section back while the glossy waves flow loose below gives an elegant half-up look that keeps the face open and shows the S-bends in motion. The lifted crown adds a little height and structure, so the style reads dressed-up without committing to a full updo. It suits medium to long hair and pairs naturally with a clip, comb or crystal pins at the pinned section. Flattering on most face shapes, it works for weddings, parties and events.
Who it suits: Weddings and events.
7. Side-Swept Waves
Sweeping every wave over one shoulder is the ultimate red-carpet move, gathering the glossy S-bends into a single dramatic cascade down the front. Baring one collarbone and shoulder elongates the neck and shows off earrings, a necklace or a beautiful neckline, which is why it flatters so reliably in photos. A deep side part gives the sweep its direction and lift. It works best on medium to long hair with a smooth, brushed-out finish and suits events, galas and striking moments.
Who it suits: Events, photos and red-carpet glam.
8. Bridal Hollywood Waves
Softening the classic set into looser, romantic waves gives a timeless bridal choice that is glamorous but never stiff or dated. Wider S-bends and a touchable, brushed-out finish keep the look feeling like the best version of natural hair, which photographs beautifully across a long wedding day. A deep side part or centre part both work, and the soft waves leave room to tuck in a veil, comb or hair vine. Best on medium to long hair, it flatters almost every face shape.
Who it suits: Brides and formal events.
9. Vintage Finger Waves
The most vintage version of all - sculpted, defined finger waves pressed close to the head in crisp, ridged S-bends for full 1920s-30s glamour. Set with gel, a fine comb and clips rather than a curling iron, the waves are graphic and precise, hugging the scalp so the shape reads as a design feature. It suits short hair and bobs especially, though it can be shaped at the front of longer hair too. A true statement for a Gatsby party, an art-deco wedding or a themed event.
Who it suits: Vintage-themed events and short hair.
10. Modern Relaxed Waves
A looser, more relaxed take keeps the smooth glamour but breaks the waves up with the fingers so they feel current and undone rather than rigidly set. The S-bends are still there, just softer and a little imperfect, which reads modern and wearable enough for everyday. It suits medium to long hair and almost any part, and a light shine spray keeps it glossy without looking done. This is how to wear Hollywood waves day to day - polished but never overworked.
Who it suits: Anyone wanting glam that feels current.
11. Waves with a Statement Clip
Pinning one side back with a jewelled clip adds vintage sparkle while quietly holding the deep part and sweep in place all evening. Tucked in just behind the ear where the hair lifts away, the clip becomes a focal point that glints against the smooth, glossy waves. Choose crystal, pearl or an art-deco style to match your jewellery, keeping the waves soft so the clip reads as the finishing flourish. It works on any length from a bob to long hair and suits events and dressed-up looks.
Who it suits: Events and dressed-up looks.
12. Glossy Dark Waves
On dark brunette or black hair, Hollywood waves look especially glossy and dramatic, because deep colour reflects light in a way that makes every smooth S-bend read mirror-bright. The high contrast between the glossy surface and the shadowed depth of the waves gives a rich, film-noir glamour that photographs beautifully. A shine spray pushes the gloss to its peak, and a deep side part adds classic sweep. It suits medium to long dark hair and anyone who wants sleek, high-impact shine.
Who it suits: Dark hair wanting high-shine glam.
Tip: Finish with a shine spray to maximize that mirror-like gloss.
13. Hollywood Waves with Bangs
Adding soft, waved bangs to glossy Hollywood waves gives a full retro-glam look straight out of vintage film. Whether the fringe is curtain-style and parted or curled to echo the waves, it frames the eyes and softens the pulled-back glamour, tying the era-inspired vibe together. The bangs also disguise a high forehead and add a nostalgic, film-star softness that all-back waves can miss. It suits anyone with a fringe on medium to long hair - romantic for retro events or a softer take on classic waves.
Who it suits: Anyone with bangs; retro looks.
14. Waves into a Low Bun
Sweeping waved hair into a soft low bun or chignon at the nape gives an elegant updo that keeps glossy wave texture framing the face. The S-bends at the temples and hairline stop the bun from looking severe, while the smooth, gathered knot reads formal and refined. It sits low enough to show off earrings and an open neckline, and it holds beautifully through a long evening. Best on medium to long hair with enough length to twist and pin, it suits black-tie events, brides and galas.
Who it suits: Formal events and brides.
15. Medium-Length Hollywood Waves
On shoulder-length or lob hair, Hollywood waves are polished and endlessly versatile, with just enough length to show a full S-wave pattern but stay easy to manage. The mid-length works worn all-down, half-up or swept to one side, so a single set can suit both a formal event and an elevated everyday look. It flatters most face shapes and pairs happily with a clip or a deep side part. A flattering, low-fuss length for anyone who prefers not-too-long hair.
Who it suits: Medium and lob-length hair.
16. High-Volume Glam Waves
Building volume at the crown before the waves fall gives a fuller, more dramatic old-Hollywood-bombshell look with real body. A gentle backcomb at the roots lifts the top so the glossy S-bends cascade with height rather than lying flat, which balances a longer or rounder face and reads instantly luxe. It suits medium to long, thick or extension-boosted hair and pairs well with a deep side part. Finished with shine spray, the waves feel red-carpet-ready and full of movement.
Who it suits: Anyone wanting bombshell drama.
Tip: Backcomb gently at the crown before smoothing the top layer over it.
17. Waves Tucked Behind One Ear
Tucking one side sleekly behind the ear, often secured with a hidden pin, while the other falls in glossy waves creates an elegant asymmetry that puts earrings on display. The smooth, pinned side keeps the look clean and modern, while the loose side keeps the S-bends and movement, so the contrast reads intentional and chic. It suits any length from a bob to long hair and pairs beautifully with drop or chandelier earrings. A classic red-carpet trick that flatters most face shapes.
Who it suits: Events where you want to show earrings.
18. Platinum Hollywood Waves
On platinum or blonde hair, Hollywood waves channel the ultimate silver-screen glamour, since the pale, icy colour shows off every smooth S-bend and the way the light travels along it. The brightness makes the wave definition crisp and photogenic, giving that classic bombshell-blonde effect from the golden age of film. A shine spray keeps the light tone luminous, and a deep side part adds vintage sweep. It suits medium to long blonde or platinum hair and pairs beautifully with bold red lips.
Who it suits: Blonde and platinum hair.
19. Waves with a Vintage Headband
Slipping an embellished headband or hair vine across sculpted waves adds Gatsby-era glamour and holds the whole set neatly in place. Worn low across the forehead in true 1920s style or further back like a crown, the band frames the face and turns the waves into a full period look. Crystal, pearl or beaded styles all catch the light against the glossy S-bends. It suits short to medium hair especially - a ready-made statement for an art-deco party or a vintage-inspired wedding.
Who it suits: Themed events and brides.
20. Undone Hollywood Glam
The softest, most modern take leaves the smooth waves slightly undone, broken up with the fingers instead of a heavy brush-out for a lived-in, effortless glamour. The S-shape and shine are still there, just relaxed and a little imperfect, which reads current and wearable rather than formal or set. It suits medium to long hair and almost any part, and a light shine spray keeps it glossy without looking overdone. This is red-carpet polish translated for real life.
Who it suits: Anyone wanting effortless, modern glam.
Tip: Break up the waves gently with your fingers instead of a brush for a softer finish.
How to Choose Your Hollywood Waves
Start with the part, because it sets the whole mood. A deep side part is the classic, most glamorous choice and flatters most faces; a middle part reads more modern and symmetrical. For length, long and medium hair suits sweeping, cascading waves, while bobs and short hair look stunning in sculpted finger-wave-style glam. Think about the occasion, too: soft, romantic waves suit brides and date night, while sharp, high-shine waves make a red-carpet statement. And decide on finish - a fully brushed-out, glossy wave is peak old-Hollywood, while a softly broken-up wave feels more current.
Styling Tips for Smooth, Glossy Waves
The secret to Hollywood waves is smoothness and shine. Curl all sections in the same direction (away from the face) so the waves connect into a uniform S-shape, then let the curls cool completely - this is what makes them last. Brush through fully-cooled curls with a boar-bristle brush to blend them into soft, seamless waves, and use your fingers or a wide comb to shape the S-bends. Finish with a flexible hairspray and a shine spray for that glossy, expensive gloss. Starting with smooth, heat-protected hair makes everything easier.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The biggest mistake is not brushing the curls out - unbrushed curls look like ringlets, not Hollywood waves, so the brush-out is essential. Curling sections in different directions breaks up the uniform S-pattern, so always curl away from the face. Brushing warm curls collapses them, so let them cool fully first. And skipping shine leaves the waves looking dull rather than glamorous - a shine spray at the end is what gives that signature red-carpet gloss. Smooth, cooled, brushed and shiny is the formula.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Hollywood waves?
Hollywood waves are smooth, glossy, uniform S-shaped waves brushed out to a polished finish, usually with a deep side or middle part. They give an old-school, red-carpet glamour and are a favorite for weddings and events.
How do you keep Hollywood waves from falling out?
Let the curls cool completely before brushing them out, which sets the shape, then brush into waves and lock with a flexible hairspray. Cool, fully-set curls hold far longer than warm ones, and a pin-curl set makes them last even longer.
Do Hollywood waves work on short hair?
Yes, they look striking on bobs and short hair as sculpted, finger-wave-inspired glam. Use a smaller-barrel iron, curl in one direction, and focus on one clear deep side part with a smooth, brushed-out finish.
What is the difference between Hollywood waves and beach waves?
Hollywood waves are smooth, uniform and glossy for a glam, polished look, while beach waves are tousled, uneven and matte for an undone, casual finish. The brush-out and shine are what make waves 'Hollywood.'
What part is best for Hollywood waves?
A deep side part is the classic, most glamorous choice and flatters most faces, giving that vintage-starlet sweep. A middle part is a more modern, symmetrical alternative. Set the part before curling for the cleanest result.
Which hollywood waves look are you saving?
Hollywood waves are proof that a little polish goes a long way - the smooth finish, the clear part and the glossy shine are what turn simple waves into red-carpet glamour. Set them well, brush them out, and lock in the shine, and they carry any special occasion. Save your favourites for your next wedding, event or date night.
