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Make Me Bridal Pro: Mel Kinsman
Hollywood waves are everywhere right now. Flip through any bridal magazine and they're all over the place.
The look gives you those deep S-shaped curves that are pure Old Hollywood. Think Veronica Lake or Rita Hayworth but way easier to actually wear.
What's different now is brides are getting them done for garden weddings and small ceremonies, not just the fancy hotel receptions. They photograph really well and if your stylist knows their stuff, they'll last 8 to 12 hours easy.
You need shoulder length hair at minimum. After that your artist can make them tight and structured or go looser and softer depending on what your dress is like and what kind of feel you want.
Wondering if this could work for you?
Take a peek at these gorgeous Hollywood wave hairstyles by our Make Me Bridal Professional Hair & Makeup Artists for inspiration.
Make Me Bridal Pro: Gavin Harvie Hair
Make Me Bridal's Top 17 Hollywood Waves Wedding Hair Looks
Choosing Hollywood waves (or Hollywood curls wedding hair) is a popular choice for women seeking that classic big-screen look from their bridal hairstyle.
Also called cascading waves, this style goes back to the 1940s when Veronica Lake had that peek-a-boo hair that covered one eye. Women everywhere were trying to copy it at home with setting lotion and those little pin curls.
The look kind of vanished for ages but then came back big time in the 2000s. Blake Lively was wearing it all the time during Gossip Girl. Lana Del Rey's basically made it her whole thing.
Now you see the waves on all sorts of brides, the full on glam ones and the ones going for something a bit more low key. Stylists use different sized barrels now and finishing sprays that Lake definitely didn't have back then.
For weddings it works because it photographs so well from literally every angle. Your side profile looks amazing, the back shows off all the wave pattern and even those overhead shots that guests take during the ceremony turn out gorgeous.
It transitions really well too if you're doing an outfit change. Keep the waves for your ceremony dress then shake them out a bit for the evening, you've got a completely different look without getting your stylist back.
The staying power's good as well, most brides get a solid 10 hours out of them before they start dropping.
Image credit: Charlotte Wise
Make Me Bridal Pro: Katy Djokic - Wedding Hair & Makeup
Old Hollywood Glamour
So what IS the Hollywood waves hairstyle and how does it differ from a standard curly blow dry or tonged beachy waves? The main defining feature is that the waves run in one continuous line, which has a very polished effect.
Make Me Bridal Pro: Gavin Harvie - Wedding Hair & Makeup
Make Me Bridal Pro: Gavin Harvie - Wedding Hair & Makeup
Side Swept Hollywood Waves Wedding Hair
The other key elements of Hollywood Waves Wedding Hair are a deep side parting, and smooth, brushed out curls with volume at the roots.
It can be a tricky look to get right yourself, so it’s best to leave it to the professionals. One of our Make Me Bridal hairstylist pros will be able to create the look for you (check out our artist directory to find one close to you).
Make Me Bridal Pro: Aridal Makeup & Hair
Make Me Bridal Pro: Gavin Harvie - Wedding Hair & Makeup
Loose Curls and Defined Waves
One of the best aspects of Hollywood waves is that they’re so versatile. They can be looser and larger curls or more defined waves, depending on the level of glamour you want to create.
Make Me Bridal Pro: Gavin Harvie - Wedding Hair & Makeup
The Ultimate Wavy Wedding Hair
They are flattering on all face shapes, and suit many different types and lengths of hair. (Although for shorter hair, finger and Marcel waves may be a better option, as they lie flat against the head.)
Make Me Bridal Pro: Bethany Alden Hairstylist
Long Lasting Hollywood Glam
Hollywood waves also tend to last well throughout the day. Your hairstylist will add a light hairspray to keep it intact, but you won’t have any falling updo dramas to worry about, so you can really let loose on the dance floor!
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Make Me Bridal Pro: Max It Up Bridal & Special Occasion Hair
Make Me Bridal Pro: Zoe Sharman hair and makeup
Hollywood Waves with Hairpiece
Since Hollywood waves are already a dramatic look, keeping accessories minimal’s a good idea. A jewelled slide or embellished hairpiece work perfectly, especially with the side parting. For a more organic, boho alternative, you could consider tiny flowers, tied into the waves.
Image credit: Katy Gell
Make Me Bridal Pro: Gavin Harvie Hair
Hollywood Curls with Veil
If you want to wear a veil, a retro flyaway veil is a great option, as is a more formal chapel or cathedral length veil, placed at the back of the head. A mantilla or birdcage veil will hide the face-framing waves that are characteristic of this style, so are better avoided.
Make Me Bridal Pro: Ieva Genovesi Hair and Make-up artist
Image credit: Victoria Amrose Photography
Make Me Bridal Pro: SJM Beauty | Make-up Artist
Hollywood Waves and Bold Red Lip
When it comes to makeup, it’s really up to you. A classic combination for a vintage look is Hollywood waves with a bold red lip, but you can just as easily pair the style with a smoky eye, or with more natural makeup in earthy tones. Talk to your makeup artist to figure out the right look for you and your wedding style.
Make Me Bridal Pro: Gavin Harvie - Wedding Hair & Makeup
Make Me Bridal Pro: Katy Djokic - Wedding Hair & Makeup
Bridal Hollywood Waves are a popular choice for a reason!
It is a classic look which really takes the breath away and will ensure that all eyes will be on the blushing bride for her moment.
Looking for further inspiration? Keep checking back at Make Me Bridal for more beautiful looks and bridal expressiveness!
If you need help, get in touch with one of our Bridal Hair and Makeup Pros Near You!
