How To: Create Quick, Polished Waves with Compressed Styling

Behind the chair, time is money. So what if you could save time while still creating a professional finish that perfectly sets off the client's new cut or color?

This is when compression styling can save the day, says salon owner and educator Anna Peters. The technique uses larger sections, tension, heat, and compression to quickly create a polished wavy or curly texture to complement the client's final look. It's also a great method to teach guests for at-home styling, she says.

Salon educator Anna Peters teaching the "compressed curling" method for creating quick polished waves

"That finish is not an extra step. It is necessary to show off all your beautiful work … and really make it that final touch for the client," says Peters, a Sam Villa ArTeam member and owner of re:TREAT Color + Hair Design and Studio in Clovis, CA.  

"So I want to share with you a quick way to get beautiful results with this compressed styling technique."

Tools Needed:

• Marcel iron used at a safe color-treated heat setting (Peters is using Sam Villa Artist Series 2-in-1 Marcel Iron and Wand 1.5" at 392°).
• Flat iron used without heat (Peters is using Sam Villa Sleekr Professional Flat Iron).
• Paddle brush (Peters is using Sam Villa Artist Series Paddle Brush).

_{Watch the full tutorial on YouTube}

Step by Step: Compressed Styling 

1. Section head into 5 large vertical sections: two on each side and one in the back. The side sections will be directed towards the face, and the back section will be neutral.
2. Comb through front section toward the face. Place the Marcel iron barrel as close to the base as possible with the tip facing up, turn and pull the section away from the face with ample tension, and let the hair heat up. 
3. Drop the tip out and make a full rotation until the barrel tip is facing up again. 
4. Repeat this down the hair shaft. The entire large section will then be tightly twisted (it’s fine if shorter layers stick out). 

Compress and set twisted section with the cool plates of an unheated flat iron.

5. Using the cold flat iron, press down the entire twisted section with the unheated plates to cool and further compress the hair, setting the wave pattern. Leave the section twisted until the entire head is set.
6. Repeat this method down all remaining sections of the hair.
7. Have client lean their head back. Gently brush through to break up the sections and create a polished wave pattern.

“This technique provides just enough natural texture to enhance the cut, highlight color, and make your guest feel that you have given them a full salon experience with a beautiful finish,” Peters says.

Learn more about Sam Villa Education here.