Transform your everyday hair into a vibrant, voluminous masterpiece with the art of hair crimping! This retro-inspired styling technique, popularized in the 1980s, is making a bold comeback for its ability to add texture, volume, and personality to any look. Whether you're aiming for a full-on crimped style or subtle waves for a modern twist, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to crimp hair like a pro. Crimped hair is making a comeback, and it's easier than you think to get the look. Here's how to make it work beautifully.
What’s Crimped Hair?
Crimped hair is a unique hairstyle characterised by its zig-zag, textured waves created using a specialised styling tool called a hair crimper. Unlike curling irons that produce smooth curls or flat irons that straighten hair, crimpers feature plates with a corrugated design that presses hair into a distinctive, crimped pattern. This style adds instant volume and texture, making it ideal for those seeking a bold, retro-inspired look or a subtle boost to flat hair. Crimping can be applied to the entire head for a dramatic effect or used selectively to enhance specific sections, offering versatility for both classic and modern hairstyles.
In the 1980s, crimped hair was a staple of pop culture, often paired with vibrant makeup and bold outfits. Today, it’s celebrated for its ability to add flair to any hair type, whether straight, wavy, or curly. Crimping is especially effective for fine hair, as it creates the illusion of fuller, thicker tresses without the need for complex styling techniques.
Why Choose Crimping?
Crimping is more than just a nostalgic trend; it’s a versatile styling method that offers several benefits:
Volume Boost: Crimping adds instant volume, making it perfect for fine or flat hair.
Low Maintenance: Once crimped, the style holds well throughout the day with minimal touch-ups.
Versatility: Crimp hair entirely for a bold look or sparingly for a natural, beachy vibe.
Heat Styling Ease: With the right tools and techniques, crimping is quick and beginner-friendly.
Whether you’re preparing for a special event or just want to switch up your daily look, crimping is an excellent way to express your style.
Tools You’ll Need to Crimp Hair
Before you start, gather these essentials. A little prep goes a long way, especially when heat styling is involved. Having everything ready makes the process smoother and faster:
- A high-quality hair crimper (e.g., Alan Truman Diamond Slim Hair Crimper for precise results).
- Shampoo and conditioner for clean, smooth hair.
- Heat protectant spray to shield hair from damage.
- Anti-frizz serum and volumising spray for enhanced hold.
- Flexible hold hairspray to set the style.
- Clips to section hair during styling.
- A comb or brush for detangling and parting hair.
Investing in a reliable crimping iron with adjustable temperature settings ensures safe and effective styling for all hair types.
Step-by-Step Guide to Crimping Your Hair
Before you start, gather these essentials. A little prep goes a long way, especially when heat styling is involved. Having everything ready makes the process smoother and faster.:
Start with Clean, Dry Hair
Crimping works best on clean, dry hair to ensure the texture holds and to prevent damage. Wash your hair with a nourishing shampoo and conditioner to smooth your tresses. Allow your hair to air dry completely or use a blow dryer on a low-heat setting. Crimping wet or damp hair is a big no-no, as it can damage hair follicles and lead to breakage.
Apply Heat Protectant and Styling Products
To tame frizz and enhance hold, apply a dime-sized amount of anti-frizz serum to your hair. Follow with a volumising spray to help the crimped texture last longer. Finally, spritz a heat protectant spray evenly across your hair to shield it from the crimper’s heat. These products ensure your hair stays healthy and the style looks polished.
Preheat Your Crimping Iron
Plug in your hair crimper and set the temperature between 180°C and 200°C for effective styling without burning your hair or scalp. Allow the plates to heat up for about a minute. For thin or damaged hair, use a lower heat setting (around 120°C–150°C) to minimise damage, while thicker hair may require higher heat for optimal results.
Section Your Hair
Divide your hair into manageable sections using clips to keep unstyled hair out of the way. Start with a 1–2 inch section at the bottom. Working in smaller sections ensures even crimping and prevents missed spots.
Crimp Hair Section by Section
With your non-dominant hand, hold a section of hair taut. Position the crimper as close to the scalp as possible without burning it, and gently clamp down for 5–7 seconds, depending on your hair’s thickness. Release the crimper and move it down the hair strand, overlapping slightly with the previous crimp to avoid gaps. Continue until the entire section is crimped. Repeat this process for all sections, working from the bottom up for a uniform look.
Create a Natural Look with Irregular Sections
For a more casual, modern vibe, crimp hair sparingly in irregular sections. Leave some sections uncrimped to create a carefree, beachy style. After crimping, gently tousle your hair with your fingers to blend the crimped and uncrimped sections for a natural, voluminous effect.
Set the Style
Lock in your crimped style with a flexible hold hairspray. This keeps the texture in place without making your hair look stiff or artificial. Avoid heavy sprays that can weigh down your hair and diminish the volume.
How to Create Modern Crimped Hair
While the classic all-over crimped look is bold and nostalgic, modern crimping focuses on subtlety and versatility. Here’s how to adapt crimping for a contemporary style:
Accent Crimping:
Crimp only the mid-lengths or ends of your hair for a soft, textured effect. This works well for loose waves or a half-up, half-down style.
Mixed Textures:
Combine crimped sections with loose curls or straight hair for a dynamic, multi-textured look. For example, crimp the underlayers of your hair and leave the top smooth for a sleek yet voluminous style.
Crimped Updos:
Incorporate crimped hair into braids, ponytails, or buns for added texture. A crimped high ponytail adds drama, while a crimped braid offers a bohemian vibe.
Subtle Volume:
Crimp just the roots of fine hair to add lift without an overtly retro look. Brush out the crimped sections lightly for a softer effect.
Experiment with these techniques to tailor crimped hair to your personal style, whether you’re going for a festival-ready look or a chic, everyday vibe.
Tips for Maintaining Crimped Hair
To keep your crimped style looking fresh and your hair healthy:
Avoid Overwashing: Crimped hair holds better on slightly textured hair, so skip washing for a day or two to maintain the style.
Sleep on Silk: Use a silk pillowcase to reduce frizz and preserve the crimped texture overnight.
Refresh with Dry Shampoo: On non-wash days, use dry shampoo to absorb oil and add volume to your crimped hair.
Limit Heat Exposure: Avoid frequent crimping to prevent heat damage. Use your crimper no more than once or twice a week.
Troubleshooting Common Crimping Mistakes
Here are solutions to common issues, adapted from wikiHow’s guide on using a hair crimper:
Uneven Crimps:
If your crimps look inconsistent, ensure you’re overlapping the crimper slightly with each clamp to avoid gaps. Work in smaller sections for better control.
Flat Results:
If your crimps lack volume, double-check that your hair is completely dry before styling. Use a volumising spray and crimp closer to the roots for added lift.
Heat Damage:
If your hair feels dry or brittle after crimping, lower the heat setting and always use a heat protectant. Consider deep conditioning weekly to restore moisture.
Style Fading Quickly:
To make crimps last longer, apply a lightweight styling product before crimping and finish with a flexible hold hairspray.
Why Crimping Remains a Timeless Trend
Crimping is a fun, creative way to elevate your hairstyle, offering endless possibilities for customisation. From bold, all-over crimps reminiscent of the 80s to modern, subtle textures, this styling technique adapts to any occasion. Investing in a quality crimping iron, like the Alan Truman Diamond Slim Hair Crimper, ensures professional results at home. So, go ahead and crimp hair to unleash your inner style icon, sport your look with confidence and make every day a great hair day!
Conclusion
Crimping your hair is an exciting way to embrace both nostalgia and modern flair, offering a versatile styling option for beginners and seasoned beauty enthusiasts alike. With the right tools, techniques, and a touch of creativity, you can transform flat, lifeless hair into a voluminous, textured masterpiece that turns heads. Whether you opt for a bold, retro-inspired look or a subtle, contemporary twist, crimping empowers you to express your unique style effortlessly. So, grab your crimping iron, follow this guide, and let your hair shine with confidence and personality!
