8/10/14

Hair History: Finger Wave

Finger waves were developed in the 1920s to add style to, and soften the hard appearance of, the bobbed hairstyles that became very popular during the flapper period. It is the shaping or moulding of the hair while wet into "s"-shaped curved undulations with the fingers and comb. These waves when dried without being disturbed will fall into beautiful deep waves. Finger waving differs from other types of waving in that there are no heated irons used on the hair. A famous hairstylist from Paris named Antoine, was very influential during this time and designed many hairstyles and wigs for the famous Parisian singer, Josephine Baker. It is said he created the original recipe for finger wave gel: 1/4 cup of flax seed to 1 cup of water -- Boil on the stove until thickened, and strain the liquid into a jar; add 3 drops of rosemary oil, and refrigerate. Of course, now we have better hair potions for this style.