water-waving
Definition
Noun: The act or process of styling hair into a wavy pattern using water, typically by dampening the hair and setting it in waves without the use of heat or chemical treatments.
Usage Examples
- (The method of forming hair waves with water alone.)
- (The service of creating wavy hair using water.)
Advanced Usage
- "water-waving technique": a specific method of hair styling that involves wetting the hair and using fingers, combs, or rollers to create waves.
- The water-waving technique is popular among those with naturally straight hair who want temporary waves without damage. (The approach to forming waves with water.)
Variants and Related Words
- Water-wave (n): a single wave or curl formed by water-waving.
- Each water-wave was carefully set with clips until the hair dried. (An individual wave created by the water-waving process.)
Synonyms
- Wet-setting: the process of shaping hair while it is damp to create curls or waves.
- Finger-waving: a similar technique using fingers to form waves in wet hair.
Related Idioms
- Make waves: to cause a significant impression or disruption (used metaphorically, not directly related to hair).
- Her new hairstyle really made waves at the party. (Created a strong impression, though not necessarily via water-waving.)
Notes
- Water-waving is distinct from heat-styling methods (e.g., curling irons) and is often considered gentler on hair. It is commonly used in vintage hairstyles from the 1920s–1940s.