How to Get Victoria’s Secret Angel Waves: Step-by-Step Guide to Iconic Runway Hair
Discover the tips, tools, and pro secrets behind Victoria’s Secret Angel waves and recreate this glamorous yet effortless hairstyle at home.
How to Get Victoria’s Secret Angel Waves: A Complete Runway Hair Tutorial
Nothing defines effortless glamour like the signature Victoria’s Secret Angel waves: glossy, bouncy, perfectly tousled yet smooth and polished hair that graces every VS runway. Decades after first debuting, these waves remain a symbol of feminine confidence and aspirational beauty. The good news? Achieving Angel hair isn’t reserved for supermodels or stylists backstage; with the right tools, products, and pro-approved methods, you can recreate this look at home regardless of your natural hair type or length.
Table of Contents
- What Are Victoria’s Secret Angel Waves?
- Prepping Your Hair
- Essential Styling Tools and Products
- Step-by-Step Styling Process
- Finishing Touches and Shine
- Expert Tips and Troubleshooting
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Are Victoria’s Secret Angel Waves?
Victoria’s Secret Angel waves are best described as loose, voluminous curls that merge beachy texture with red carpet polish. This iconic style features mid-length to long hair that’s full of body yet still soft, with each strand catching the light. The ends have a more relaxed bend—never too tight or springy. The roots keep a touch of natural movement, while the shininess and uniformity are what set them apart from typical ”beach waves.” This hairstyle works for almost any occasion, making it as versatile as it is glamorous.
Prepping Your Hair for Angel Waves
Preparation is critical for achieving lasting, authentic Angel waves. Each step—from washing to drying—sets your foundation for success.
1. Wash and Condition for Volume
- Use a volumizing shampoo and conditioner to give strands lift without weighing them down.
- Tip: Avoid heavy, oil-based products as these can flatten the hair and reduce movement.
2. Towel-Dry and Detangle
- Gently squeeze out excess water with a microfiber towel to prevent frizz.
- Detangle using a wide-tooth comb—starting from the ends and working upward.
3. Apply Primer and Heat Protectant
- Smooth a dime-sized amount of heat protectant through damp hair to shield against damage.
- If your hair is fine or lacks natural volume, apply a volumizing mousse or bodifying spray from roots to mid-lengths for extra fullness.
Essential Tools and Products for Runway Waves
A seamless Angel hairstyle depends just as much on your toolkit as on your technique. Here are the key items you’ll need:
| Tool/Product | Description | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Blow Dryer (with nozzle) | Professional-grade dryer with concentrator nozzle | Smooths cuticle; creates volume |
| Round Brush | Medium-to-large ceramic round brush | Lifts roots and adds shape during blow-drying |
| Curling Iron or Wand | 1” to 1.25” barrel, clip or clipless | Creates the signature loose waves |
| Texturizing Spray | Dry spray or sea salt mist | Adds volume, grip, and definition |
| Light Hold Hairspray | Flexible hold, brushable formula | Secures waves without crunch |
| Shine Serum or Spray | Light, non-greasy finisher | Boosts gloss and radiance |
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Create Victoria’s Secret Angel Waves
Follow these steps for waves that last—and look like you just stepped off the runway.
Step 1: Smooth Blow-Dry
- After priming hair, blow-dry using a round brush. Focus on pulling hair up and away from the scalp for maximum lift at the roots.
- Tip the blow dryer’s nozzle down the shaft of each section to smooth the cuticle and boost shine.
- If you have a natural part, blow-dry hair in the opposite direction to encourage volume.
Step 2: Section Hair for Uniform Styling
- Divide hair into 4-6 horizontal sections using clips, starting from the nape and working upward.
- Smaller sections result in tighter waves and more hold while larger sections create looser, natural movement.
Step 3: Curl—The Angel Way
- Using a 1”–1.25” barrel curling iron or wand, hold the tool horizontally and wrap 1- to 1.5-inch sections around the barrel, alternating direction with each section.
- Always curl pieces framing your face away from your face.
- Leave the tips of your hair unwrapped (about an inch) for a more natural, modern finish.
- Allow each curl to cool in your palm or clip it to your head to help ”set” the pattern for longer-lasting waves.
Step 4: Allow Curls to Cool Completely
- Do not disturb or brush curls until they are fully cool; this preserves their bounce and hold.
Step 5: Break Up and Shape the Waves
- Gently run your fingers through the cooled curls to separate them. Avoid using a brush, which can deflate the shape and disturb the wave pattern.
- For extra volume, flip your head upside down and give your roots a quick shake or scrunch.
Finishing Touches and Shine
It’s the glossy, touchable finish that distinguishes Angel waves from ordinary textured styles. Here’s how to elevate your look:
1. Build Body and Texture
- Mist a dry texturizing spray or sea salt spray throughout your hair, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends.
- Scrunch gently or use your fingers to lift at the roots for even more volume.
- If you crave supermodel height at the crown, gently backcomb a small section at the roots before smoothing over with your fingers.
2. Enhance Gloss
- Lightly spritz a shine spray or smooth a shine serum over waves, being careful not to weigh them down.
- Target the ends and mid-lengths for luminosity while keeping roots fresh and non-greasy.
3. Set Your Look
- Finish with a flexible, brushable hairspray to keep your waves in place while maintaining movement and softness.
- Angel waves should look lived-in—not stiff or crunchy.
Expert Tips, Tricks, and Troubleshooting
- For Fine Hair: Use mousse, volumizing spray, and texturizers more liberally. Opt for smaller barrel irons to create tighter waves that relax into the ideal shape.
- For Thick or Coarse Hair: Use smoothing creams before blow-drying to tame flyaways. Stick to larger sections to avoid over-volume.
- Facing Frizz? Always use a heat protectant and finish with a lightweight oil or serum to tame frizz and enhance manageability.
- Want Longer-Lasting Waves? Pin up each curl immediately after removing it from the iron and let it set until completely cool for maximum hold.
- Make Your Waves Last Overnight: Loosely braid waves at night or wrap in a silk scarf. Gentle brushing in the morning revives bounce and shine.
Quick Troubleshooting Table
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Flat roots | Apply volumizing spray at roots, blow-dry hair upside down, backcomb at crown |
| Frizzy ends | Use heat protectant before styling; apply small amount of serum after waving |
| Waves won’t hold | Allow curls to cool completely before touching; use mousse or texturizer as base |
| Too shiny or greasy | Avoid heavy products on roots; use only a mist of shine spray at mid-lengths to ends |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I achieve Angel waves on short hair?
A: Absolutely! While the look is iconic on long hair, short and shoulder-length styles also benefit from these techniques—just use smaller barrels and finer sections for control.
Q: Does this style work for naturally curly or textured hair?
A: Yes—with preparation. Smooth natural texture with a blow dryer and paddle or round brush before applying waves, or embrace a more textured, tousled version by curling random sections only.
Q: How do I keep my waves from falling flat?
A: Use volumizing products before blow-drying, curl smaller sections, and let set clips cool fully. Avoid overloading with oils or conditioner.
Q: What’s the secret to glossy, touchable waves?
A: The blend of heat protectant, healthy hair, professional blow-dry, and a lightweight shine spray—plus, remember not to brush out waves too roughly.
Q: Should I brush my hair after curling?
A: Preferably not with a brush; fingers offer a more natural separation without frizzing or flattening the pattern. A wide-tooth comb works for extra definition.
Final Words: Own Your Angel Hair
With these professional secrets and a little practice, you can capture the glamour of Victoria’s Secret Angel waves for any occasion. Remember: preparation, the right products, mindful styling, and a focus on touchable shine will give you hair that looks and feels runway-ready—every single day.
