There is a kind of glamour that never goes out of fashion, and on New Year’s Eve it is the only kind that matters. Old Hollywood waves hairstyles for women are New Year’s Eve glamour in its purest form: polished, dramatic and timeless, with deep, glossy waves that catch the light every time you turn your head. Think of the silver screen icons, all red lips and sculpted curls, and then imagine that same magic on you, at midnight, in a sparkling dress. In this guide I am sharing eighteen old Hollywood waves hairstyles for women for a glamorous New Year party, with the pin-curl method, a twenty-minute curling-iron method, ideas for short and long hair, shine secrets and the makeup that completes the look.
Why Old Hollywood Waves Are New Year’s Eve Glamour in Its Purest Form
Old Hollywood waves work on New Year’s Eve because the night itself is theatrical, and this hairstyle is theatre in the best sense. The deep, uniform waves frame the face like a portrait, the shine reads as luxury, and the whole look photographs like a film still, which is exactly what you want when the clock strikes twelve and every camera in the room comes out. Unlike loose, beachy waves, which can look casual, old Hollywood waves are deliberate and polished, and they pair beautifully with the sequins, velvet and satin of a New Year outfit. The style also suits the season, because it looks wonderful under warm party lights and it holds up well in a heated room. Old Hollywood waves hairstyles for women are the choice for anyone who wants to feel like the most glamorous version of herself as one year ends and another begins.
Who Old Hollywood Waves Suit Best
Almost everyone can wear old Hollywood waves, and that is part of their magic. If your hair reaches your shoulders or beyond, you can build the classic look, and if your hair is shorter, a smaller barrel iron and a little pinning will give you the same sculpted effect on a bob. Women with naturally wavy hair will find the style comes easily, while women with straight hair will need heat and setting spray to hold the wave, but the result is just as beautiful. The deep side part that defines the look is especially flattering on round and square faces, because the asymmetric sweep lengthens and softens the face, and it is lovely on oval faces too, where the symmetry of the waves really shines. If you wear glasses, the waves keep the hair away from your frames, and if you are dancing at midnight, the style is secure enough to survive the countdown.
What Old Hollywood Waves Really Are
Old Hollywood waves are a specific kind of wave, and knowing what makes them different is the key to getting them right. The waves are deep, uniform and sculpted, all curled in the same direction, with a deep side part and a smooth, glossy surface. They are not beach waves, which are loose and uneven, and they are not curls, which are tight and bouncy. The classic method uses pin curls: the hair is curled, pinned flat against the head to cool, and then brushed out into a single, smooth wave pattern. The modern method uses a large barrel curling iron, curling every section in the same direction and then brushing the curls together into waves. Either way, the finish is the same: a polished, sculpted wave that looks like it was painted on, with a mirror shine and a soft, touchable texture.
The Details That Make the Waves Look Expensive, Not Costumey
The difference between old Hollywood waves that look expensive and ones that look like a costume is all in the finish. First, the waves must be brushed out: tight curls left unbrushed look like a period drama, while curls brushed into smooth waves look like modern glamour. Use a soft bristle brush and brush gently, in the direction of the waves, until they merge into one continuous pattern. Second, the shine must be real: a light shine spray or a drop of hair oil on the surface gives the mirror finish that defines the look. Third, the parting must be deep and clean, made with a tail comb and checked from the front and the back. Fourth, keep the makeup modern, with a red lip and a winged liner, rather than going full vintage, because the contrast between classic hair and fresh makeup is what keeps the look from feeling like fancy dress.
The Pin-Curl Method, Step by Step
The pin-curl method is the traditional way to make old Hollywood waves, and it gives the most authentic, long-lasting result. Start with damp hair and work a setting lotion or a light mousse through it, then blow-dry smooth with a round brush. Part the hair deeply to one side, then take a two-inch section, curl it with a medium barrel iron, and while the curl is still warm, wind it flat against your head and pin it with a bobby pin or a duckbill clip. Repeat all over, curling every section in the same direction, and let the pins cool completely, which takes about twenty minutes. Remove the pins, brush the curls gently with a soft bristle brush until they merge into waves, and set the pattern with your fingers. Finish with a light mist of flexible-hold hairspray and a touch of shine spray, and you will have waves that last until the new year arrives.
The Tools and Products to Have Ready Before You Start
Old Hollywood waves need a few specific tools, and having them ready makes the whole process much smoother. You will want a good hairdryer with a nozzle, a large round brush for the blow-dry, and a medium or large barrel curling iron, depending on your hair length. A soft bristle brush is essential for brushing the curls into waves, and a tail comb makes the deep side part sharp. For pinning, keep bobby pins and duckbill clips nearby, and for products, have a setting lotion or light mousse, a heat protectant, a flexible-hold hairspray and a shine spray within reach. A hand mirror lets you check the back of the waves, and a velvet headband or a crystal slide is a lovely finishing touch. Lay everything out before you start, because once the curls are pinned, you will want to leave them alone to cool.
Old Hollywood Waves Hairstyles for Women: Looks 1 to 3, Classic Glamour
Let us start with the three classics, because they are the ones that define the whole style. Look one is the classic deep side-part wave, with all the hair swept to one side in smooth, uniform waves, worn with a red lip and a sparkling dress. Look two is the centre-part wave, which is softer and more modern, with the waves falling evenly on both sides and a gentle shine. Look three is the vintage wave with a finger-wave front, where the front section is sculpted into a smooth S-shaped wave that frames the face like a portrait. All three share the same foundation: a deep parting, a glossy surface and waves that all flow in the same direction. If you are new to this style, start with look one, because the deep side part is the most forgiving, and once you have the brushing technique down, the other two follow easily.
Looks 4 to 6: The Curling-Iron Method in 20 Minutes
If pin curls sound too slow for a busy New Year’s Eve, the curling-iron method gets you there in about twenty minutes, and the result is just as glamorous. Look four is the quick iron wave, made by curling two-inch sections on a large barrel iron, all in the same direction, and brushing them out into smooth waves. Look five is the iron wave with a deep side part, which adds drama and a lovely asymmetric sweep. Look six is the iron wave with volume at the crown, made by backcombing the top section lightly before curling, which lifts the whole style. The keys are heat protectant, curling every section the same way, and letting the curls cool for a few minutes before you brush them out, because brushing hot curls makes them fall. A light mist of flexible-hold hairspray after brushing keeps the waves in place without making them stiff.
Looks 7 to 9: Old Hollywood Waves for Short Hair
Old Hollywood waves work beautifully on short hair, and the results are some of the most elegant looks in this guide. Look seven is the wavy bob, with the hair curled on a small barrel iron and brushed into soft, sculpted waves that frame the face. Look eight is the short finger wave, where the front section is shaped into a smooth S-wave with a comb and setting lotion, which looks wonderfully vintage. Look nine is the wavy pixie, with the longer top pieces curled and brushed into a soft wave, worn with a deep side part and a crystal slide. The trick with short hair is to use a smaller iron and smaller sections, because the waves need to be in proportion to the length. A little setting lotion gives the grip that short hair needs, and a shine spray gives the glossy finish that defines the style.
Looks 10 to 12: Old Hollywood Waves for Long Hair
Long hair and old Hollywood waves are a match made in heaven, because you have the length to make deep, dramatic waves that really show off the pattern. Look ten is the full-length wave, with the hair curled from root to tip in uniform waves that fall past the shoulders. Look eleven is the half-up wave, where the top section is pinned back with a crystal slide and the rest falls in waves, which is a lovely choice if you want the hair off your face for dancing. Look twelve is the wave with a low side ponytail, where the waves are swept to one side and tied low with a velvet ribbon, which looks glamorous from every angle. Long hair can get heavy, so use a strong-hold spray and pin the waves in a few places at the back. If your arms get tired curling, take breaks between sections, because relaxed, even curls always look better than rushed ones.
Looks 13 to 15: Waves With a Deep Side Part
The deep side part is the signature of old Hollywood waves, and these three looks show how versatile it can be. Look thirteen is the dramatic deep part, with the hair swept almost entirely to one side, creating a sweeping curtain of waves that covers one cheek and shows off one earring. Look fourteen is the soft deep part, where the parting is deep but the waves are looser and more relaxed, which feels modern and wearable. Look fifteen is the deep part with a tucked side, where the shorter side is tucked behind the ear and pinned with a crystal slide, which shows off the earring and keeps the hair tidy. To make a deep part, use the pointed end of a tail comb and draw the line from the front hairline back, then check it in the mirror from the front and the side. A deep part also shows off symmetry, so take a moment to make the waves even before you finish.
Looks 16 to 18: Waves With Vintage Accessories
Accessories are where old Hollywood waves go from beautiful to unforgettable, and New Year’s Eve is the night to wear them. Look sixteen adds a crystal headband, worn across the front of the waves, which catches the light and looks like jewellery in the hair. Look seventeen is the wave with a feather or crystal hair comb, pinned above the ear on the fuller side, which is wonderfully vintage and very glamorous. Look eighteen keeps the waves simple and adds a single pearl pin at the parting, which is subtle, elegant and perfect if your dress is already sparkling. The rule with accessories is to choose one and let it shine: crystal with a plain dress, pearls with a sequinned one, and nothing at all if your earrings are already doing the talking. If you want more New Year hair ideas, see our guide to New Years Eve Hairstyles for Women With Medium Hair Elegant, which has more festive inspiration.
Setting Spray and Shine Secrets
Old Hollywood waves live or die by their setting and their shine, so these are the secrets worth knowing. Start with a setting lotion or a light mousse on damp hair, because it gives the waves memory and helps them hold their shape. After curling, let the curls cool completely before brushing, and brush with a soft bristle brush in the direction of the waves, not against them. Set the finished pattern with a light mist of flexible-hold hairspray, holding the can about thirty centimetres away so the mist falls evenly. For shine, use a light shine spray or a single drop of hair oil smoothed over the surface with your palms, and avoid heavy oils, which weigh the waves down. A silk pillowcase the night before also helps, because it keeps the hair smooth and frizz-free before you even start.
Makeup: Red Lips and Winged Liner
Old Hollywood waves demand old Hollywood makeup, and the formula is simple: flawless skin, a winged liner and a red lip. Start with a smooth base, a light foundation and a little concealer where you need it, then add a soft blush on the apples of the cheeks. For eyes, use a neutral shadow, a black liquid liner flicked into a wing at the outer corner, and plenty of mascara or a pair of false lashes for drama. The red lip is the star: choose a blue-red if your skin is cool, or a warm brick red if your skin is warm, and line the lips first so the colour stays sharp all night. Keep the brows defined but soft, because a strong brow frames the waves beautifully. Finish with a setting spray, because your makeup needs to last as long as your waves, from the first toast to the countdown.
How to Make Your Waves Last Until Midnight
Old Hollywood waves are built to last, but a few habits make the difference between waves that hold until midnight and ones that fall flat by ten. Build the style on hair that is not freshly washed, and use a setting lotion or mousse before you curl. Let every curl cool completely before you brush it out, because a hot curl brushed too soon will drop straight. Mist the finished waves with a flexible-hold hairspray, and then leave them alone: touching the waves breaks the pattern and adds frizz. If you wear a coat with a high collar, put it on carefully so it does not rub the back of the waves, and take it off slowly when you arrive. Carry a small comb and three bobby pins in your clutch, and if a wave drops, re-curl just that section with a small iron or pin it back with a crystal slide.
Common Old Hollywood Wave Mistakes to Avoid
The most common mistake is curling the sections in different directions, which gives you a mess of curls instead of a smooth wave pattern. Curl every section the same way, and the waves will line up beautifully. The second mistake is brushing too hard, which turns the waves into frizz; use a soft bristle brush and brush gently, in the direction of the waves. The third mistake is skipping the heat protectant, which leaves the hair dull and damaged, and dull hair cannot shine the way old Hollywood waves should. The fourth mistake is using too much hairspray, which makes the waves crunchy and stiff; a light mist is enough. Finally, do not practise for the first time on New Year’s Eve. Try the waves once beforehand, time yourself, and take a photo from the back, so there are no surprises when the party starts.
Frequently Asked Questions About Old Hollywood Waves Hairstyles for Women
Before you pick up a curling iron, here are the answers to the questions I hear most about old Hollywood waves hairstyles for women at New Year parties. The style looks intricate and salon-made, but it is really a handful of simple steps repeated, and most women can learn it in an evening. The key points are heat protectant, curling in one direction and letting the curls cool, and once you have those, the rest is practice. Below are the three questions that come up again and again, from timing to doing it on your own.
How Long Do Old Hollywood Waves Take?
Allow forty-five minutes to an hour the first few times, including the blow-dry, curling, pinning and brushing out. The pin-curl method takes longer, because the curls need twenty minutes to cool, while the curling-iron method takes about twenty to thirty minutes once you know the steps. If you are short on time, curl only the top and front sections and leave the underneath looser, because those are the parts people actually see. Do a trial run the weekend before your party so you know your real timing, and add ten minutes for faffing. If you are going to a salon, book a one-hour styling slot and bring a photo of the waves you like, plus any accessories you want to wear.
Can I Do Old Hollywood Waves on My Own?
Yes, and most women do. The curling-iron method is the easiest to do on yourself, because you can see what your hands are doing in the mirror, and the waves sit at the front where you can reach them. Start with the quick iron method if the pin-curl method feels tricky, and practise twice before the party. Use a hand mirror to check the back, and remember that a slightly imperfect wave looks softer and more romantic than a perfect one. If your arms ache, rest them between sections. And if the back will not cooperate, ask a friend to curl the back sections, because old Hollywood waves are a lovely thing to do together while you get ready.
Will Old Hollywood Waves Work With a New Year Party Dress?
They work with almost every New Year party dress, from a sequinned mini to a velvet gown to a tailored jumpsuit. The waves lift the whole look, show off necklines and statement earrings, and balance a full skirt beautifully. With a strapless or off-the-shoulder dress, old Hollywood waves are especially stunning, because the bare shoulders and the sculpted hair create a classic, glamorous line. With a high-neck dress, the waves keep the look from feeling heavy. If your dress is very sparkly, keep the hair accessories minimal, and if your dress is plain, let a crystal headband or pearl pins add the festive detail. For another party-ready idea, take a look at 15 Christmas Party Hairstyles for Medium Hair Women for more looks to try this season.
Save These Old Hollywood Waves for Your New Year Party
Pin this look to your New Year party board so you can find it when you are getting ready. The image below is the one to save, with all eighteen old Hollywood waves in one place.
Want a caption for your own pin? Try our free Pinterest Caption & Pin Generator to create a caption for this look in seconds. Then follow Nova Fashion on Pinterest for more New Year party hair ideas, and save your favourite wave from this list to practise before New Year’s Eve. I hope one of these eighteen looks is the one you wear when the clock strikes twelve, and that it holds beautifully, from the first toast to the last dance.