27 Glamorous Hollywood Waves Tutorials For Formal Evening Galas

Hey, it’s Hailey. So you’ve got a formal evening gala coming up. You want that red-carpet glow. Hollywood waves are the ultimate glam move. But they can feel tricky. I get it.

That’s why I rounded up 27 tutorials. Each one is simple. Each one gives you that polished, expensive look. Whether you have a quiet luxury bob or long layers, there’s a wave for you.

We’ll cover old money hair, romantic goth hairstyles, even glitchy glam hair. You’ll find your perfect match in minutes. Grab your curling iron and let’s go.

1. Classic Hollywood Waves with a Side Part

This is the gold standard. Start with a deep side part. Curl one-inch sections away from your face. Pin each curl with a clip. Let them cool completely.

• Use a 1.25-inch curling iron.
• Alternate curl directions.
• Brush out with a boar bristle brush.

Finish with strong hold spray. For 2026 hairstyles, add a drop of shine oil. It gives that old money hair look. Perfect for any gala.

2. Old Money Hair: Soft Brushed Waves

Old money hair is all about effortlessness. You want waves that look natural. Not crunchy. Start with a blowout. Then curl large sections. Brush thoroughly.

• Use a 2-inch curling iron.
• Curl away from face.
• Brush for 2 minutes.

Spray with light hold hairspray. This works on a quiet luxury bob too. It’s elegant and timeless. Great for formal evenings.

3. Quiet Luxury Bob with Hollywood Ends

A quiet luxury bob is short and chic. But you can add Hollywood waves just at the ends. Curl only the bottom two inches. Leave the top smooth. This keeps it modern.

• Flat iron the top section.
• Curl ends with a 1-inch wand.
• Pin curls for 10 minutes.

Brush out gently. Add texturizing spray. This is a top 2026 hairstyle for galas. It feels fresh and expensive.

4. Romantic Goth Hairstyles: Dark Glossy Waves

Romantic goth hairstyles are dramatic and moody. Use a deep side part. Curl with a 1-inch iron. Don’t brush too much. You want defined, glossy waves.

• Use a shine serum.
• Set with flexible hold spray.
• Add a black velvet ribbon.

This works with a vampire haircut too. The length adds mystery. Perfect for a formal gala with edge.

5. Glitchy Glam Hair: Undone Hollywood Waves

Glitchy glam hair is intentionally imperfect. Curl random sections. Don’t pin them. Spray with sea salt spray. Then brush lightly. You want texture and volume.

• Use a 1.5-inch iron.
• Curl in different directions.
• Scrunch with fingers.

Add a metallic hair clip. This is a 2026 hairstyle that feels modern. It’s glam but not fussy.

6. Asymmetrical Lob with Deep Waves

An asymmetrical lob is shorter on one side. Longer on the other. Curl the longer side into Hollywood waves. Keep the shorter side sleek. This contrast is stunning.

• Flat iron the short side.
• Curl the long side away from face.
• Pin and cool.

Brush the curls into soft waves. Spray to hold. This is a modern take on old money hair.

7. Vampire Haircut Meets Hollywood Glam

A vampire haircut has sharp, face-framing layers. Add Hollywood waves for a gala. Curl each layer. Pin them up. Let cool. Then brush into waves.

• Use a 1-inch iron.
• Curl toward your face.
• Set with strong spray.

This blends romantic goth hairstyles with classic glam. It’s bold and beautiful.

8. Hime Cut with Soft Hollywood Curls

A hime cut has straight sidelocks and bangs. Curl only the back of your hair. Leave the front pieces straight. This mix is striking. Use a 1.25-inch iron.

• Curl back sections away from face.
• Pin and cool.
• Brush into soft waves.

Spray the sidelocks with shine spray. This is a unique 2026 hairstyle. Perfect for a formal gala.

9. 2026 Hairstyles: Modern Hollywood Waves

For 2026, Hollywood waves are softer. Less structured. Use a center part. Curl medium sections. Brush out gently. You want a lived-in look.

• Use a 1.5-inch iron.
• Alternate directions.
• Brush with a paddle brush.

Add a hair gloss for shine. This is old money hair with a twist. It’s easy and elegant.

10. Glamorous Waves for Fine Hair

Fine hair can hold waves. You just need the right steps. Start with mousse on damp hair. Blow dry upside down. Then curl with a 1-inch iron. Pin each curl.

• Use small sections.
• Spray each curl with hairspray.
• Let cool for 15 minutes.

Brush out gently. Tease the roots. This gives volume. It works for any gala.

11. Thick Hair Hollywood Waves

Thick hair needs a strong hold. Use a 2-inch curling iron. Curl large sections. Pin them with large clips. Let cool for 20 minutes. This sets the wave.

• Use a heat protectant.
• Divide hair into four sections.
• Spray with maximum hold.

Brush out with a wide tooth comb. Then use a boar brush. This creates smooth, glamorous waves.

12. Short Bob Hollywood Waves

Short bob? You can still get Hollywood waves. Curl one-inch sections. Curl away from your face. Pin them close to your head. Let cool. Brush out.

• Use a 1-inch iron.
• Curl all hair in same direction.
• Pin with small clips.

Spray with medium hold. This gives a vintage feel. It’s a quiet luxury bob with drama.

13. Long Hair Mermaid Waves

Long hair can do mermaid waves. They are looser than classic Hollywood. Use a 1.5-inch iron. Curl two-inch sections. Leave the ends straight. Don’t pin.

• Curl away from face.
• Spray with sea salt spray.
• Scrunch with hands.

This is a romantic goth hairstyle if you use dark hair. It’s soft and glamorous.

14. Side-Swept Hollywood Waves

Side-swept waves are classic. Start with a deep side part. Curl all hair away from your face. Pin each curl. Let cool. Brush all waves to one side.

• Use a 1.25-inch iron.
• Keep curls tight.
• Brush into place.

Spray with strong hold. This is perfect for old money hair. It’s elegant and formal.

15. Glitchy Glam with Colored Hair

Glitchy glam hair loves color. If you have pastel or vivid hair, use a 1-inch iron. Curl small sections. Don’t brush too much. You want texture and separation.

• Use a light hold spray.
• Add a shiny hair pin.
• Tease the crown.

This is a 2026 hairstyle that stands out. It’s romantic goth meets modern glam.

16. Vampire Haircut with Soft Waves

A vampire haircut has sharp angles. Soft waves balance it. Curl only the mid-lengths and ends. Leave the top smooth. Use a 1.25-inch iron.

• Curl away from face.
• Pin for 10 minutes.
• Brush out gently.

Add a deep side part. Spray with shine spray. This is dramatic and gala-ready.

17. Hime Cut with Glamorous Volume

The hime cut is striking. Add volume to the back. Use a 1.5-inch iron. Curl large sections. Pin them up. Let cool. Brush out into waves.

• Keep sidelocks straight.
• Tease the crown.
• Spray with strong hold.

This mixes old money hair with modern edge. It’s perfect for a formal gala.

18. Asymmetrical Lob with Vintage Waves

An asymmetrical lob can go vintage. Curl the longer side with a 1-inch iron. Curl toward your face. Pin each curl. Let cool. Brush into waves.

• Keep the short side sleek.
• Use a setting spray.
• Add a vintage hair comb.

This is a 2026 hairstyle that feels timeless. It’s glamorous and easy.

19. Romantic Goth Hairstyles with Braids

Romantic goth hairstyles can include braids. Create a small braid on each side. Pin them back. Then curl the rest of your hair into waves. Use a 1-inch iron.

• Curl away from face.
• Pin and cool.
• Brush out gently.

Spray with strong hold. This is dark, romantic, and perfect for a gala.

20. Glossy Waves for Curly Hair

Curly hair can get Hollywood waves. Start with wet hair. Apply a smoothing cream. Blow dry with a round brush. Then curl with a 1.5-inch iron. Pin each curl.

• Use high heat.
• Spray each section.
• Let cool completely.

Brush out slowly. This gives a glossy finish. It’s a quiet luxury bob alternative for long hair.

21. Glitchy Glam with Hair Tinsel

Glitchy glam hair loves sparkle. Add hair tinsel to your waves. Curl your hair first. Use a 1-inch iron. Pin each curl. Let cool. Then brush out.

• Attach tinsel with a knot.
• Place near the face.
• Spray with light hold.

This is a fun 2026 hairstyle. It’s perfect for a formal evening gala.

22. Old Money Hair with a Headband

Old money hair loves a headband. Curl your hair into soft waves. Use a 1.25-inch iron. Pin each curl. Let cool. Brush out. Then add a padded headband.

• Push headband back.
• Leave face-framing pieces out.
• Spray with medium hold.

This is elegant and simple. It works on a quiet luxury bob too.

23. Vampire Haircut with Wet Look Waves

Wet look waves are modern. Start with damp hair. Apply gel. Curl with a 1-inch iron. Don’t brush. You want defined, shiny waves.

• Use a strong hold gel.
• Curl small sections.
• Spray with shine spray.

This is a romantic goth hairstyle. It’s bold and gala-ready.

24. Hime Cut with Hollywood Glam

The hime cut is unique. Add Hollywood glam to the back. Curl only the back sections. Use a 1.25-inch iron. Pin each curl. Let cool. Brush out.

• Keep sidelocks straight.
• Spray with strong hold.
• Add a shiny hair clip.

This is a 2026 hairstyle that blends old and new. It’s perfect for formal galas.

25. Asymmetrical Lob with Glitchy Glam

An asymmetrical lob can go edgy. Curl random sections. Use a 1-inch iron. Don’t pin. Spray with sea salt spray. Then scrunch with your hands.

• Curl different directions.
• Tease the crown.
• Add a metallic clip.

This is glitchy glam hair. It’s fun and modern. Great for a formal gala with a twist.

26. Romantic Goth Hairstyles with Veil

Romantic goth hairstyles love a veil. Curl your hair into waves. Use a 1-inch iron. Pin each curl. Let cool. Brush out. Then add a black veil.

• Place veil at crown.
• Pin securely.
• Spray with strong hold.

This is dramatic and elegant. It’s perfect for a formal evening gala.

27. 2026 Hairstyles: Metallic Hollywood Waves

For 2026, metallic hair is trending. If you have silver or platinum hair, curl with a 1.5-inch iron. Pin each curl. Let cool. Brush out into waves.

• Use a purple shampoo first.
• Spray with shine spray.
• Add a crystal hair pin.

This is glitchy glam hair at its best. It’s bold and gala-ready.

So there you have it. 27 ways to get glamorous Hollywood waves. Whether you love old money hair or romantic goth hairstyles, there’s a look for your gala. Pick one, practice once, and you’ll be ready to shine.

My best tip? Don’t stress the perfect wave. The magic is in the brush-out. Take your time. You’ve got this.

Now go save this post to Pinterest so you can find it later. And tell me in the comments: which tutorial are you trying first? I read every single one.