So, you've mastered the art of creating those beautiful fingerwave ridges with your comb and fingers, just like in the tutorial! That's fantastic. But after all that effort, how do you make sure those waves stay put and look perfect once they're dry? This is where finger wave clips become your best friend, and let me tell you, learning how to use them properly was a game-changer for me! When I first started trying fingerwaves, I’d get frustrated because my waves would fall flat or lose their definition after drying. I’d seen people mention using 'Bobby pins' or a 'hair net' in tutorials, but the real secret to sharp, long-lasting waves often lies in using proper setting clips. Don't worry, it's super easy once you get the hang of it! Why Clips Are Your Fingerwave Superheroes Think of clips as tiny little sculptors holding your hair in its newly formed shape while it sets. The tutorial shows you how to 'pinch ridge between two fingers, hold, and brush hair back and down,' and 'while holding comb hair forward' to create the wave. Once you've formed that perfect 'ridge,' you need something to keep it there. That's where clips come in. They prevent the hair from relaxing as it dries, locking in that beautiful, defined S-shape. Choosing the Right Clips You'll often see terms like 'duckbill clips,' 'single-prong clips,' or specifically 'finger wave clips.' For classic fingerwaves, I find the flat, single-prong metal clips with a rounded end work best. They're thin enough not to leave dents and can really hug the curve of your wave. Some people also use larger duckbill clips, especially for thicker hair, but be mindful of potential indentations. How I Use Finger Wave Clips for Perfect Set Here's my personal technique after I've applied 'lots of water!' and 'product' (like 'Ultra Wet' gel) to 'soak the hair!': Form the Wave: After you've created your first 'ridge' and pressed the hair down, gently slide a clip underneath the top curve of the wave, ensuring it holds both the top and bottom sections of that 'S' curve firmly against your scalp. Placement is Key: I always make sure the clip lies flat against my head and doesn't bend or distort the wave. You might need multiple clips per wave, especially if your hair is longer or thicker, to secure the entire ridge. Place them strategically at the peak and valley of each 'S' shape. Continue Along the Wave: As you move along creating subsequent waves, follow the same process. Don't be shy with clips – the more securely you set them, the better your waves will hold. Drying Time: Once all your waves are clipped, you absolutely need to let your hair dry completely. This is where the 'sit under a dryer' step comes in handy. If you don't have a hooded dryer, air-drying works, but it takes much longer. Make sure your hair is bone dry before you even think about removing the clips. If it's even slightly damp, your waves will likely fall. Gentle Removal: This is crucial! Once totally dry, gently remove each clip in the reverse order you put them in. Be super careful not to pull or tug at the hair, as this can disrupt the wave pattern. After removing the clips, resist the urge to brush immediately! A light spritz of flexible hold hairspray can help. Sometimes, I'll gently loosen the waves with my fingers or a wide-tooth comb for a softer look, but usually, they're perfect as is. Using clips transformed my fingerwave game from 'almost there' to 'wow!' Give it a try, and you'll see what I mean!