How to style crimped hair

Crimped hair is back, but not as you might remember it. We're not thinking of a throwback to the 80s, or even the novelty butterfly clip-adorned crimped hair of the 2000's.

Crimped hair is back but the new twist is hydrated and styled in a way which makes it fit for now. To achieve perfectly crimped hair, you’ll also need to ensure you use the right products to look after your tresses to avoid heat damage and unwanted frizz. Below, our head of education Laura Elliott shares how to style crimped hair, as well as answering all your biggest questions about the trend.

What is crimped hair?

Crimping is a styling technique that adds patterned zigzag waves to your hair. This usually appears on longer hair to add volume and texture to tresses. Crimping is typically done by placing hair inside a crimping iron, which has zigzag heated plates to print onto your locks. The effect? Crinkled hair!

Was crimped hair an 80s or 90s style?

The 80s first popularised crimping due to the big hair trend, but it had a resurgence in 1990 after Christina Aguilera sported the look at the LA Billboard Awards.

The crimping iron was actually invented over 50 years ago, in 1972, by hair stylist Geri Cusenza for Barbra Streisand's hair. But it wasn’t until the late 1980s that crimping became popular due to the big hair trend, where everyone wanted voluminous locks. After making a comeback in the 1990s, crimping stayed around right through the early 2000’s.

Is crimped hair still fashionable?

Absolutely, crimped hair has recently returned but with a slightly new look to align with a renewed focus on hair health. Crimped hair now incorporates generally much looser, hydrated and healthy-looking waves. Read on as we share how to achieve this look!

How long does crimped hair last?

Typically, crimped hair can last 1-2 days. The look can last longer on people with naturally curly and wavy hair, as it doesn’t overly disrupt the natural flow of your locks. The right hair care and finishing sprays can also help to ensure longer hold and styling.

Can straight hair be crimped?

Crimping is usually done to add volume to straight hair as was done in the 90s but can generally be used to style any hair type. Some people choose to straighten their hair before crimping to achieve the traditional look.

How do you crimp hair?

Loose crimped hair, also known as mermaid waves, is achieved using a crimping tool which generally has three sections, compared to the 80’s style crimper which had many small zigzags on the heat plate to create tiny waves.

1. Prep the hair

To start, wash your hair with an appropriate pairing like our AMPLIFY Volumising Shampoo & Conditioner, which gets hair ready for a lift! This range uses silk proteins which give the hair a smooth finish; just massage the products into the hair before rinsing.

2. Apply a heat protectant spray

To avoid heat damage, apply a heat protection spray and dry your hair with a tool like our new HERØ Ionic Hairdryer. Once the hair is dry, apply the heat protection spray again, ready for crimping. Our GUARD Heat Protection Spray is an ideal solution as it helps against moisture loss and protects hair against heat of up to 220 degrees.

3. Section the hair

Gently brush your hair with a round brush then begin sectioning (the smaller the section, the tighter the wave will be). This will help ensure you don’t miss any of your hair! Whilst going through your hair when crimping starts, you can also use clips to hold the hair you are not working on if needed.

4. Get crimping

Start at the root of each section and work your way down. Ensure you don’t touch each crimped section until it has fully cooled. For each section, avoid placing the crimper in the same place, as this creates identical waves. Instead, adjust the placement slightly for a more natural finish. For looser waves, gently run your fingers through your waves once they have cooled.

5. Finishing touches

Complete the look with a texture spray to give extra lift and volume. Described as ‘backcomb in a bottle’, our TEXTURE Finishing Spray works perfectly as it adds build shape and movement. Just hold the can 20-30 cm away from the hair and spray section-by-section. 

For something a little extra, arrange the hair into braids or pigtails. This adds even more style to your look, leaving you with statement locks.

6. Add products for hold

Add hairspray for longer-lasting waves. We recommend CONTROL Flexible Hold Finishing Spray to give a strong, yet natural hold. Shake the can, hold it upright and spray in a sweeping motion 15 cm from the finished style.

7. Rehydrate hair

Crimping can be hard on your hair, so make sure that you don’t do it too often and rehydrate your hair with your next wash. Use a duo like our HYDRATE Moisture Shampoo & Conditioner which transform  dry hair and enhance shine. We would also recommend using a treatment like our HARMONY Intensive Care Treatment, which repairs damaged hair to appear much more healthy. Massage through wet hair for 3-5 minutes and rinse out.

How do you get crimped hair without a crimping tool?

If you want crimped hair but don’t own hair crimpers, here’s how you can still achieve the perfect crimped look.

Simply section your hair and apply heat protection spray. Platt each section. Then, use a straightening iron and press and hold the braid, working your way down the full length of the braid. Hold each time for a few sections. Once hair is cooled, unplait the braids and finish with hairspray.

How do you naturally crimp hair?

To naturally crimp hair without heat, start by sectioning hair. Braid each section, ensuring to start the braid as close to the root as possible. You can also use curling rods or a headband. By morning you’ll have well-styled curls without the damage! 

Crimping is an iconic way to bring lift and body to your locks. Find out more about our full range of specially selected solutions for big hair: Volumising Hair Products