GET THE LOOK
Hollywood Waves: Sleek, Side-Parted Glamour
Create show-stopping Hollywood waves that bring red-carpet glamour to your hair. Hollywood waves hairstyles use soft, flowing curls to add shine, bounce and movement while maintaining a touch of elevated, Old Hollywood glamour.
Follow our step-by-step Hollywood waves tutorial to discover how to do Hollywood waves at home. Perfect for any length, these soft Hollywood waves are ideal for special occasions or when you want to enjoy every day glam. Quick to style and full of movement, your Hollywood waves hair will be sure to make them stop and stare.
STEP BY STEPS
PREP & HEAT PROTECTION
Start with dry hair. Apply a heat protectant spray with built-in curl hold, ghd Curly Ever After, misting evenly from roots to ends.
CREATE A SIDE PARTING
Using a tail comb, The Sectioner, define a side parting that flatters your face. This frames the face and gives the waves a polished editorial look.
SECTION THE HAIR
Divide hair into clean sections and clip the top layer out of the way, starting underneath. This makes styling more manageable and ensures each curl is properly placed.
CURL THE LENGTHS
Using the ghd Chronos Curve Classic Tong, wrap each section around the clamp with the barrel pointing down. Hold for 3–5 seconds, then release and repeat until all hair is curled.
BRUSH TO SOFTEN WAVES
Once curls have completely cooled, hold the lengths lightly with one hand. Using a paddle brush, start brushing the lower third of the hair slowly and gently. Finish by lightly brushing underneath and over the top to smooth.
FINISH AND SET
Spray a light, flexible-hold hairspray, ghd Shiny Ever After, over the waves to lock the style in place while keeping movement intact. Avoid spraying directly on the face or scalp to maintain shine.
FINAL LOOK
Brush thoroughly through the hair using the ghd Oval Dressing Brush; the more you brush the softer this look will be.
SHOP THE LOOK
GHD THE ALL ROUNDER - PADDLE BRUSH
GHD SHINY EVER AFTER - FINAL SHINE SPRAY
GHD CURLY EVER AFTER - CURL HOLD SPRAY
GHD THE SECTIONER - TAIL COMB
NEW GHD CHRONOS CURVE CLASSIC TONG (26MM BARREL) FOR DEFINED WAVES
GHD THE ALL ROUNDER - PADDLE BRUSH
GHD SHINY EVER AFTER - FINAL SHINE SPRAY
GHD CURLY EVER AFTER - CURL HOLD SPRAY
GHD THE SECTIONER - TAIL COMB
NEW GHD CHRONOS CURVE CLASSIC TONG (26MM BARREL) FOR DEFINED WAVES
TOP TIPS TO REFINE THE FINISH
• Work in sections to maintain consistent waves.
• Brush slowly to smooth without flattening.
• Keep the curling barrel angled downward to create flowing movement.
• Spray hold lightly – the foal is soft, touchable waves, not stiff curls.
• Brush slowly to smooth without flattening.
• Keep the curling barrel angled downward to create flowing movement.
• Spray hold lightly – the foal is soft, touchable waves, not stiff curls.
WHO THIS STYLE WORKS BEST FOR
Long hair, from just below the shoulders to waist length, works beautifully for this technique. It’s ideal for hair with natural movement or second-day texture that needs a soft, sleek refresh.
This style is perfect for glamorous events, evening occasions, or whenever you want hair that feels polished yet playful. The side parting adds an editorial, face-framing finish that elevates the waves without being rigid.
COMMON STYLING QUESTIONS ANSWERED BY OUR EXPERT GRANT WILLIAMS
Can I create Hollywood waves on second-day hair?
Yes! Our tools hold curls on all hair types. Be sure to first apply heat protection and work in sections to smooth and curl without flattening the texture.
How do I get a side parting to stay in place?
Set the part by blow-drying the hair into place, then define with a tail-comb and mist the roots lightly with hairspray. This ensures the waves stay soft while the part stays sharp.
For blow-drying, check out our range of hairdryers.
Can I do soft Hollywood waves on shorter hair?
This look works best on long hair, but medium-length hair can also be waved; the curls may sit higher and have a slightly different finish.
Can I create a Hollywood wave hairstyle for weddings or bridal hair?
Yes! Hollywood waves are perfect for weddings and bridal occasions where you want elegant, long-lasting movement. Use a flexible-hold hairspray and work in sections to ensure the waves stay soft but structured.