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The “S” Wave: Steps to This Face-Framing Look

The unique S-like shape is created with a simple flat iron and allows stylists to highlight a client's favorite features.

by Staff
October 30, 2020
The “S” Wave: Steps to This Face-Framing Look

 

2 min to read


Richard Mannahis the Global Artistic Director for Joico and he demos a cool curl technique with a unique “S” shape.   Working with a flat iron, he molds and shapes the hair to frame the face and favorite facial features.

Breaking down the “S” Wave:

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  • Picture yourself holding a section of hair.

  • Now, slowly lift that section up and watch the snake-like bend that’s created. Stop there.

  • Holding hair in that position, begin tapping the flat iron onto the shape to lock it in.

  • Next, direct that same section sideways to form another bend (picture a snake, if you need a guide).

  • Again, tap this bend with the heat of the flat iron – locking it in.

  • And so it goes…all the way down, until you have a series of one-dimensional waves from top to bottom.

Note: Richard pivots to a more traditional curling iron for back sections; watch the video for specifics.

Other tips: 

SECTIONING: Always separate the front sections from the back; and begin in the front. Take 1.5-inch horizontal sections and work the wave away from the cheekbone to frame the face. Feed the hair into the iron and keep tapping to create this “S” shape. It’s a great wave for minimal volume around the sides.

MAINTAINING CURL: Don’t touch the hair while it’s cooling down. This will set the wave and give you more holding power.

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