Things I've learned as a self-trained enthusiast of vintage hair waving.

 ..and sometimes need to re-learn :)

 

 

Don't wait until the day of your special event to try your hairstyle for the first time!

The more you practice the specifics of the hairstyle the better the outcome will likely be. Don't get discouraged because each time you try you will learn something! So give yourself 1-3 (or more) times to practice to reduce your stress for the "bigger" event.

 

 

So. Many. Products.

Don't underestimate how a product, paired with your hair type, can influence success or failure to your expectations. In general for waves, you want a product that holds strongly but is flexible. For the sculpted look of finger waves, a product that has a very strong hold will help keep those carved peaks and valleys longer.

In the 1920s and 30s, women and men absolutely used hair products for hold and shine! Commonly called 'Setting Lotion' for hold and 'Brilliantine' for shine. It's not necessarily "more authentic" to not use any product (what I thought early on in my waving-journey silly me).

 

 

Context is important.

There is always context and nuance behind the images we see. Sometimes we assume those perfect waves in vintage photos were the everyday norm. Accomplishing a Marcel, Water or Finger wave was still a skilled endeavor. In the 1920s-30 era, being a hair "Marceller" was a job listing you might find in the local newspaper! Let's remember:

-it's possible vintage photos of beautifully waved hairstyles were likely styled the day before or day of taking the portrait.

-often but not always, waves were applied to shorter hair that had been cut and tapered at the ends by your hairdresser with the purpose to aid the look of waves that end in tight curls close to the head and neck. 

-some women were starting with their hair already permed. Sometimes wave tools like 'Marcelettes' or 'Baldwin Marcellers' were used to help "re-set" or extend the life of the Marcel wave you might have paid for. Of course this was not always the case...plenty of women were adding waves to straight hair too!

-don't forget cloche hats, headbands, turbans and headscarves were also popular at this time, certainly adding wearability time to the life of your waves.