The wicks hairstyle is a modern take on retro elegance that has become a popular and stylish look. With its voluminous body, pretty waves, and face-framing tendrils, wicks add glamour and vintage appeal to any look. In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know to achieve the chic wicks hairdo.
What are Wicks?
Wicks refer to the wispy, curled strands of hair that frame the face. They are pieces that are separate from the rest of the hairstyle and are left out to elegantly curl around the cheeks, neck, and collarbone.
Wicks create a soft, romantic vibe. They can vary in volume and curl size, allowing for customized retro looks. Wicks are often paired with voluminous, set styles like pin curls or finger waves for maximum vintage appeal.
The Origins of the Wicks Hairstyle
Wicks have their origins in 1920s and 1930s hairstyles, when short bobs and curls were popular. Actresses and style icons like Clara Bow, Louise Brooks, and Jean Harlow famously wore wavy short hairstyles accentuated by delicate finger waves and wispy tendrils.
The style saw a revival in 1970s disco culture. Stars like Farrah Fawcett brought wicks back into fashion with fuller, teased styles framed by lots of free-flowing waves and curls. This retro yet glamorous look is where the wicks style draws its vintage inspiration from today.
How to Style Wicks for a Modern Look
Here are some tips to nail the wicks hairstyle:
Curl the Wicks
Separate out 1 inch pieces around the face and lightly curl them away from the face with a curling iron or finger curling.
Alternate the curl direction for dimension. Try curling back or toward the face as well.
Mist curls with hairspray to set the shape. Backcomb for volume if desired.
Create Volume
For the body of the hair, backcomb and lightly tease the roots to boost volume.
Set the hair in large pin curls or soft finger waves to establish retro shape.
Smooth the top with styling products for a sleek finish.
Finish with Retro Styling
Apply a smoothing serum from midshaft to ends for polished texture.
Lock in styles and curls with a firm hold hairspray.
Add a vintage touch with a fabric hair scarf or decorative comb.
Set the look with bold cat-eye liner and red lipstick.
Wicks Styling Tips and Tricks
Follow these tips to achieve perfect wicks every time:
Add subtle highlights around the face to accentuate wicks.
Try different partings like deep side parts or curved parts to change the vibe.
For extra volume, tease the entire crown area before smoothing outer layers.
Curl wicks away from face for lift. Alternate inward curls too for interest.
Set styles with a strong holding spray. Finger curl to touch up curls as needed.
Finish with a serum on the hair shaft and ends only to avoid flattening roots.
Wicks Hairstyles for Different Hair Lengths
Wicks work beautifully on hair of any length when styled well. Here are some options:
Short Hair
Finger wave bob – Waves crest close to the head with wicks curling forward along the jaw.
Curly pixie – Tight curls with volume on top and side draping ringlets as wicks.
Slicked pompadour – Wicks curl back from the temple with a petite pomp front.
Medium Length Hair
Shoulder length glam waves – Big retro curls with curled tendrils grazing the shoulders.
Pin curl lob – Curled under ends meet chin-length wicks brushed back behind ears.
Tousled midi waves – Piecey brushed out curls with subtly curled wicks.
Long Hair
Half up retro hair – Curled ends are pulled into a bow accent with curled framing pieces left free.
Braided crown – A braided crown gives way to finger waves ending in wispy tendrils.
Side parted glam – Deep side part with sleek waves on one side and full teased waves on the other.
Wicks for Different Face Shapes
When styling wicks, consider your face shape to find the most flattering look:
Oval faces – Any wicks style will complement oval faces nicely.
Round faces – Wicks curled away from the face slim the silhouette.
Heart faces – Center parts with curled wicks soften wider foreheads.
Square faces – Curved parts and shoulder grazing tendrils soften angles.
Adjust the volume, curl direction, parting, and length of wicks to best flatter your features.
Conclusion
With their romantic and alluring retro vibe, wicks hairstyles are the perfect way to add a touch of vintage glamour to any look. Whether styled sleek or voluminous, wicks beautifully frame the face for a feminine finish. With curling tips, tricks for different lengths and face shapes, and inspiration from iconic retro stars, you have everything you need to create gorgeous wicks hair. So grab those curlers, turn up the tunes, and get ready to channel some old school Hollywood elegance with this timeless style.