Crimp Hair Guide: Tips, Styles & Techniques
Is it time to rediscover the electrifying charm of crimped hair? Crimped hair is experiencing a massive resurgence, and it's more versatile and stylish than ever before.
Dive into the world of crimped hair, where nostalgia meets contemporary flair. Our comprehensive guide explores the techniques, tools, and stunning looks that will help you master this iconic hairstyle. From the subtle texture of barely-there waves to the bold statement of deeply crimped locks, there's a crimped style to suit every personality and hair type. Remember the early 2000s? Crimped hair was a staple, and if you were trying to emulate your favourite celebrity looks, chances are some crimped styles were thrown in.
Lets take a look at the basics of this iconic style.
Feature | Description |
---|---|
What it is | A hairstyle achieved by creating a textured, wavy, or crimped effect on the hair using heated tools or alternative methods. |
Appearance | Creates a distinctive pattern of ridges or waves, with variations depending on plate size and technique. |
Effect | Adds texture, volume, and a retro yet contemporary vibe. |
Tools | Typically involves a crimping iron (resembling a straightener with ridged plates) or a waver (featuring multiple barrels). |
Popularity | Experiencing a revival, appealing to millennials, Gen Z, and anyone seeking a bold and unique hairstyle. |
Hair Types | Works on various hair types, from fine to thick, with specific techniques for each. |
Key techniques | Involves sectioning hair horizontally, crimping each layer from bottom to top, and using heat protectants. |
Non-Heat Options | Can be achieved without heat using braiding techniques or overnight methods. |
Volume | Increases the amount of volume to the hair, adding flair. |
For more in-depth information on the history and evolution of this iconic hairstyle, you can explore resources like Allure's article on the crimped hair trend.
One of the easiest ways to get the crimped look is with a crimping iron. These tools, similar to a hair straightener, have ridged ceramic plates that create those distinct, zig-zag waves. Wavers, which feature three distinct barrels, can also be your go-to for looser, more beachy crimps, especially if you have longer or thicker hair. Remember, hair crimpers create the most defined small waves on your hair.
When it comes to technique, sectioning your hair horizontally and crimping each layer from the bottom up is key. Consider gathering your crimped locks into a high ponytail for maximum impact, or experiment with half-up, half-down styles to showcase the texture. Creating crimped hair ideas and style guides is a dream; there are so many ideas to choose from, and they\u2019re all my favorites!
Ready to crimp your hair? There are a few essentials to remember. Always start with clean, dry hair. Crimping damp hair can lead to uneven results and potential damage. Apply a heat protectant before you start, and use a nourishing deep conditioner both before and after to keep your hair healthy. Be mindful of the temperature settings on your crimping iron; excessive heat can damage your hair, making it brittle and prone to breakage. Don't forget to clean your crimping iron after each use to keep it in top condition.
For a neater, more defined look, take your time and ensure each section is properly crimped. Crimping can work for any hair type, from fine to thick, but may require different approaches. Coarse, thick, and wavy hair often holds crimps longer, while fine, dry hair might need a little extra help. Experimenting with crimping a small section of straight or fine hair can create a striking contrast, adding depth and interest.
Crimped hairstyles are all about adding distinctive texture to your hair. They are an easy way to jazz up a boring look when you want to feel extra! Crimping can also add the right amount of volume to your hair. The sleek and straight tresses look bouncy and wavy when crimped using a crimper or a straightener.
Yes, crimping adds flair to short styles like pixies and bobs. Use small crimping irons for precision on short locks.
Here\u2019s a quick overview of dos and don\u2019ts to keep in mind:
Do:
- Clean your crimping iron after use.
- Use a nourishing deep conditioner before and after heat.
Dont:
- Crimp damp hair.
- Use excessive heat.
There are those situations where you dont have the tools, and thats okay.
You may get that 80s crimped locks without heat or with the help of hot styling tools. In the 80s, people would braid their hair and leave it overnight. To crimp your hair without a crimper, try braiding your hair overnight or using the "twist and curl" method. Apply a texturizing product, braid your hair tightly, and let it set. Unravel the braids or twists to reveal your crimped style.
And then there are those situations where you dont have the tools, and thats okay. You can get crimp hair, regardless of your hair length. Crimping can work on each and every hair type but we really love it on naturally textured hair to add extra volume and interest. Plus it is less work than crimping naturally straight hair! All you have to do is take a look at the best crimp hairstyles and follow them.
As with your crimper, you still want to start out with clean and dry hair before you attempt to crimp. Ensure that you wash your hair with a shampoo and condition it to smoothen the tresses. Some conditioners coat the hair and lock out humidity, which is normally good but if there is still a little crimp in your hair after it dries you'll want to repeat the shampoo(at your convenience) and you don't want conditioner to hinder this.
If you would like to experiment on straight or very fine hair, we recommend crimping a small section as the contrast will make it really stand out.
For a classic crimp, consider using a crimper from brands such as Hot Tools. The small metal plates have tiny grooves for creating a perfect zigzag texture, whether you crimp your entire mane or just a few sections for a fun accent.
Crimped hair can work for any hair type, from fine to thick. Here are some tips for crimping different hair types:
Crimped hair for fine hair:
- Use a low heat setting.
- Apply a volumizing product beforehand.
- Crimp small sections for a more defined look.
Crimped hair for thick hair:
- Work in smaller sections.
- Use a higher heat setting (with caution and heat protectant).
- Crimp the hair for a longer period of time.
Here are some of the things that make the style so desirable today.
Crimped hair is a hairstyle that involves using heated tongs or a crimper to create a textured, wavy, or crimped effect on the hair. The look of crimped hair can vary depending on several factors, including the type and length of hair, the heat setting of the crimper, and the stylists technique. Crimping your hair adds volume to your tresses.
80s girls were ahead of the time as they knew to make your hair look fuller and cooler!
So, whether you're aiming for a full head of crimps, or just a few accents, mastering the art of crimped hair opens up a world of creative possibilities. Go ahead, elevate your style and embrace the crimped hair revolution!


