21+ Red Carpet-Worthy Hollywood Waves for Medium Hair You Can Recreate

Let me tell you something – after styling hair for A-listers and everyday goddesses for over a decade, I’ve learned that Hollywood waves aren’t just reserved for the red carpet. These timeless, glamorous styles are absolutely achievable at home, and medium-length hair is actually the sweet spot for creating those coveted vintage-inspired waves that scream old Hollywood elegance.

I’ve personally recreated every single one of these looks (yes, even on my own hair during those late-night Instagram tutorials that somehow get a million views). The best part? You don’t need a team of stylists or $500 worth of products. Just the right technique, a bit of patience, and maybe a glass of wine to channel your inner movie star while you work.

1. Classic Side-Swept Vintage Waves

This is my go-to when clients want that Veronica Lake mystique without the drama. The deep side part creates an asymmetrical elegance that’s both sophisticated and sultry.

Start with damp hair and apply a volumizing mousse from roots to ends. Create a dramatic side part – I’m talking 80/20 ratio here, not some timid little shift. Use a large barrel curling iron to create loose S-curves, always curling away from your face on the heavier side.

2. Finger Wave Sophistication

Trust me, finger waves look intimidating but they’re surprisingly doable once you get the rhythm. I teach this technique in my masterclasses because it’s pure liquid gold for special occasions.

The secret is working with slightly damp hair and a strong-hold gel. Create the waves by literally sculpting with your fingers – push the hair forward, then back, creating that signature serpentine pattern. Don’t rush this; good finger waves are like good wine, they need time to develop.

3. Voluminous Pin Curls

Pin curls are having a major moment, and honestly, it’s about time. I’ve been predicting this comeback for years because they create the most gorgeous texture and hold.

Section your hair into small pieces and curl each section into a tight coil, then pin it flat against your head. The magic happens when you remove the pins – you get these bouncy, structured curls that look effortlessly glamorous. Pro tip: sleep in them for the most incredible next-day hair.

4. Asymmetrical Wave Drama

This is for my clients who want classic glamour with a modern twist. The asymmetrical styling creates movement and keeps things from looking too “costume-y.”

Create loose waves throughout, then sweep everything to one side and secure behind one ear with bobby pins. The key is making it look effortless – like you just ran your fingers through perfect waves. I always finish with a light mist of shine spray because the light-catching effect is everything.

5. Textured Beach Waves with Vintage Flair

Sometimes you want that Hollywood glamour but with a more relaxed, lived-in feel. This style bridges the gap between red carpet and real life perfectly.

Start with a texturizing spray on damp hair, then scrunch while blow-drying with a diffuser. Once dry, use a wide-barrel curling iron to add loose waves, but don’t make them too perfect. The goal is controlled chaos – waves that look like you spent the day on a yacht in Monaco.

6. Deep Wave Glamour

When my clients want to channel their inner Jessica Rabbit, this is the look I create. These waves are bold, dramatic, and unapologetically glamorous.

Use a medium-barrel curling iron and create deep, defined waves throughout your hair. The trick is alternating the direction of each curl to create that undulating pattern. Once you’ve curled everything, gently brush through with a paddle brush to soften and blend the waves.

7. Retro Victory Rolls

Victory rolls are pure vintage perfection, and they’re surprisingly versatile. I style these for everything from themed parties to modern brides wanting something unique.

Section the front portions of your hair and roll them back away from your face, securing with bobby pins. The rolls should sit high and proud – hence the name “victory.” Keep the back flowing in loose waves to balance the structured front elements.

8. Soft Romantic Waves

This is my signature style for romantic occasions – weddings, anniversaries, or those dinner dates where you want to look effortlessly stunning.

Create loose waves using a large barrel curling iron, then immediately run your fingers through them to soften. The goal is waves that look like they happened naturally, not like you spent two hours with hot tools. I always finish with a light oil to add that touchable softness.

9. Old Hollywood Glamour Waves

This is the ultimate red carpet look – the style that makes photographers go crazy and other women ask for your stylist’s number.

Start with a volumizing mousse and blow-dry with a round brush for maximum body. Create defined waves using a medium barrel curling iron, then brush through gently with a boar bristle brush to create that smooth, polished finish. The key is making every wave look intentional and perfectly placed.

10. Tousled Vintage Waves

Sometimes perfection is overrated. These deliberately imperfect waves give you that “I woke up like this” vibe while still looking red carpet ready.

Create your waves as usual, then literally tousle them with your fingers while the hair is still warm from the curling iron. The result is waves that look effortless but still polished. I love this look because it photographs beautifully but doesn’t require constant touch-ups.

11. Pin-Up Inspired Waves

Channel your inner pin-up girl with these playful yet sophisticated waves. They’re flirty, fun, and guaranteed to turn heads.

The secret is creating smaller, more defined waves that have serious bounce. Use a smaller barrel curling iron and don’t brush through the curls – just gently separate them with your fingers. Add a bold red lip and you’re ready to star in your own vintage photo shoot.

12. Asymmetrical Peek-a-Boo Waves

This modern take on vintage waves adds an element of mystery and sultry sophistication. One of my most requested styles for date nights.

Create loose waves throughout, then sweep the hair to create that peek-a-boo effect over one eye. The contrast between the hidden and revealed creates serious allure. Secure with bobby pins that match your hair color for a seamless look.

13. Voluminous Side-Part Waves

When you want maximum drama with minimal effort, this is your go-to. The extreme side part creates instant glamour, while the volume adds that movie star factor.

Create a dramatic side part – I’m talking 90/10 here – then curl all your hair away from your face. Tease the roots on the fuller side for extra height. This look is all about creating that swept-across drama that photographs beautifully from every angle.

14. Retro Barrel Curls

These structured curls are pure vintage perfection. I love creating this look for clients who want to feel like they stepped out of a classic movie.

Use a large barrel curling iron and create uniform curls throughout your hair. Don’t brush them out – instead, gently separate each curl with your fingers to maintain that perfect barrel shape. The result is structured glamour that looks effortlessly polished.

15. Textured Wave Layers

This modern interpretation of Hollywood waves adds dimension and movement through strategic layering. Perfect for medium hair that needs extra body.

The key is working with your hair’s natural texture while enhancing it with loose waves. Use a texturizing spray before curling to add grip and hold. The layers create movement that looks effortless but incredibly sophisticated.

16. Glam Rock Waves

Sometimes you want Hollywood glamour with an edge. These waves have all the sophistication of classic styles but with a modern rock-and-roll attitude.

Create loose waves with a bit more texture and volume than traditional styles. The key is making them look slightly undone – like you’re a rock star who just finished a photoshoot. Add some texturizing spray and scrunch for that perfectly imperfect finish.

17. Romantic Vintage Curls

These softer curls are perfect for romantic occasions where you want vintage charm without the formality of structured waves.

Create medium-sized curls throughout your hair, then gently brush through with a wide-tooth comb to soften. The goal is romantic, touchable curls that move beautifully. I always finish with a light-hold hairspray to maintain the shape without stiffness.

18. Structured Hollywood Waves

When you want absolute perfection and red carpet glamour, these precisely crafted waves deliver every time. This is the look I create for award shows and premieres.

Every wave must be exactly where it should be. Use clips to section your hair and work methodically, creating each wave with intention. The result is sculptural beauty that looks like it was carved by a master artist.

19. Casual Vintage Waves

Sometimes you want that vintage feel without the formality. These relaxed waves give you old Hollywood charm with modern wearability.

Create loose waves throughout your hair, then run your fingers through them to soften and relax the shape. The goal is vintage inspiration with contemporary ease. Perfect for daytime events or casual elegance.

20. Dramatic Side-Swept Waves

This is the ultimate statement style – dramatic, bold, and absolutely unforgettable. Perfect for when you want to make an entrance.

Create a deep side part and sweep everything to one side, creating cascading waves that flow over one shoulder. The drama is in the asymmetry and the way the light catches the waves. This look requires confidence, but it’s worth every bit of effort.

21. Classic Finger-Combed Waves

This technique creates the most natural-looking waves with a vintage feel. It’s my secret weapon for creating waves that look effortless but incredibly polished.

After creating your basic waves, use your fingers like a wide-tooth comb to gently separate and shape each wave. The finger-combed technique creates natural-looking texture that moves beautifully and photographs like a dream.

22. Bombshell Vintage Curls

When you want to channel your inner bombshell, these voluminous curls deliver maximum impact. This is pure Hollywood glamour at its finest.

Create large, bouncy curls throughout your hair, focusing on volume at the roots. The key is making each curl look full and luscious. Don’t be afraid to go big – this look is all about drama and confidence.