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We’ve all heard the saying “fashion comes back around”, and crimped hair is no exception. This eclectic look was made famous in the 1980s when it turned heads paired with bold colours and accessories. It had a brief revival in the early 2000s, when it was sported by celebs including Tyra Banks, Christina Aguilera, and Britney Spears. Now, crimping is getting a makeover for the 2020s.
This time, the crimped look comes with a contemporary twist. Today’s crimping tools are wider, creating more of a defined wave than the tight, frizzy, Z-shaped crinkles synonymous with the ‘80s crimp, ensuring your crimped style can be unmistakably modern.
Crimping is a fun and highly textured style that’s perfect for when you feel like experimenting with your look. From parties to holiday-ready style, this guide teaches you some new methods to get the crimped look, and modern styling techniques to bring your crimp into the 21st Century.
3 WAYS TO CRIMP YOUR HAIR
Let’s start with the basics. Nowadays, there’s more than one way to create a crimp.
1. How to crimp with a crimper
Just like in the ‘80s, a crimping iron is the simplest way to achieve that defined, textured crimp. These handy heated tools look just like a wide-plate straightener, but the plates are shaped into anything from a tight, sharp zig-zag, to wide-spaced waves.
Many crimping iron models come with changeable plates, so while your tool is cool, you can swap out the crimping pattern to suit your designed look.
Like any heated hair tool, it’s essential to apply heat protection before styling with a crimper. We recommend Magical Quick Dry Potion for advanced protection and irresistible shine.
2. How to crimp with a straightener
If you’re just experimenting with crimping and aren’t ready to invest in a crimping iron, this DIY method might be for you – but be warned, it can be time-consuming.
To achieve an at-home crimped effect without a specialised crimper, start by braiding all of the hair on your head into tiny three-strand braids, each secured with a clear elastic band. The smaller and tighter your braids, the tighter the crimped effect you’ll achieve.
Next, spritz your braids all over with Quick Dry Magical Potion for heat protection. Then, plug in your CLOUD NINE Original Iron, and run it gently over each braid, being careful to steer clear of the elastic bands.
Once you’ve completed this step on all your hair, cut each of the elastics and unravel your braids. You’ll be left with delightfully textured hair – just like a real crimp.
3. How to crimp with the 2-in-1 Contouring Iron Pro
If you’re looking for an ultra-modern, wide-spaced crimp that looks nothing like those ‘80s crinkles, look no further than the 2-in-1 Contouring Iron Pro.
Our most innovative multi-purpose tool, the 2-in-1 Contouring Iron Pro can straighten, curl, and even achieve a wide, wavy crimp thanks to its curved Sericite-infused plates.
As always, begin with a spritz of CLOUD NINE’s Magical Quick Dry Potion to protect your shine. To get that defined wave effect, hold the iron down on one part of your hair, then release, flip it around, and repeat slightly lower, creating alternating curves in and out as you go. Repeat across all your hair for a wide crimped look.
9 WAYS TO STYLE CRIMPED HAIR
1. Crimped Hollywood Waves
Wide, deep, defined waves are the epitome of the modern crimp. This sleek waved look is packed with S-shaped strands that can be styled neat and shiny for a Hollywood glam look.
To create crimped waves, use a wide triple-barrel iron or wide wave crimper consistently throughout your hair, beginning a few inches from your roots and stopping at your ends. Apply crocodile clips until the hair cools to define each wave further and ensure your style holds. Distribute a tiny dab of Magical Remedy throughout your hair after styling to help keep your crimped waves looking clean and defined all day or night.
2. Crimped accents
If you’re picking up the crimpers to channel some serious retro energy, this is the look for you – plus, it’s super simple to create. After spritzing with Magical Quick Dry Potion, crimp sections of your hair at random and style the rest deliberately messy and wavy. A bit of salt spray and a few light ‘scrunches’ with your hands can really help to bring out your natural texture.
This look isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but you can’t deny it’s got impact. Whether you’re headed to a fancy dress event as an ‘80s rocker or just prefer more avant-garde style, these crimped accents will put all eyes on you.
3. Half-up, half-down crimped hair
One way to make a playful half-up, half-down style pop even more is to add crimping into the mix. This versatile and practical look sweeps your hair out of your eyes, making it a fantastic second or third-day styling option for crimped hair.
To style a half-up, half-down crimped look, simply brush the front strands of your hair back and secure them with a snag-free silk hair bobble or clip at the back of your head, revealing the crimped details underneath. This look suits wide or narrow crimp styles from the day before, so you can showcase your retro zig-zags or deep and defined waves in a new way.
4. Crimped high ponytail
Double up the '80s-inspired energy by pairing your crimped hair with an attitude-packed high ponytail. This classy look is much more glamorous than the typical crimped style, making it the ideal way to add the wow factor for any occasion.
Start by brushing straight, sleek hair into a neat, slicked-back high ponytail. Smooth a small dab of Magical Remedy over the scraped back section to moisturise and smooth. Then, spritz Magical Quick Dry Potion all over your ponytail for heat protection. Plug in your crimping iron and crimp your ponytail to get your desired effect. This look works well with tight or wide-spaced crimps, crimped all over or just a few crimped accents – the choice is yours.
5. Crimped pixie cut
Who said pixie cuts have to be straight every day? Just because your hair is short, doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with a crimping iron.
While it can be hard to wrap shorter strands around a curling iron, crimping provides a funky alternative that’s easier to achieve.
Begin with a generous spray of Magical Quick Dry Potion – because short hair needs care and protection too. Next, crimp your hair from root to tip, paying special attention to the longest parts to add extra texture and interest. Overlap crimps for a modern, messy look, and finish with a minimal spray of lightweight hairspray for a gentle hold.
6. Backcombed crimped hair
Embrace retro style with big, backcombed and crimped hair. This look is perfect for an ‘80s-themed fancy dress party, or even a rock concert. Spoiler: it calls for a lot of hairspray.
It may look messy, but backcombed crimped hair does require some careful styling. First, section your hair into three pieces. Backcomb the middle piece into a small beehive using the CLOUD NINE Luxury Texture Comb and plenty of texturizing spray. Use your hands and the comb to shape it, and secure it at the back of your head with bobby pins. Don’t forget to leave a few strands loose to frame your face. Now it’s time to crimp. You can either crimp all the remaining hair for a consistent look or just add a few crimped accents here and there to embrace the messy energy. Just don’t forget to apply Magical Quick-Dry Potion first.
7. Messy loose crimped hair
If you love messy, beachy waves, this style might be your new favourite way to achieve them. It uses a rounded, wide crimper or triple-barrel wand to create natural-looking waves perfect for on holiday or at home.
By using your crimper or iron less uniformly, you can create a messy effect that looks completely effortless. Start with a spritz of Magical Quick Dry Potion to guard your hair from heat, then crimp from root to end and finish with a texturizing salt spray. You could also use the method described earlier in this guide to achieve messy loose crimped hair with the 2-in-1 Contouring Iron Pro.
8. Crimped and coloured
If crimped hair isn’t impactful enough on its own, you can pair it with bright colours for an ultra-bold look. The irresistible combination of pastels, brights, and metallics with fun texture has been seen everywhere from the runway to the big screen.
Take inspiration from festival looks worn by famous faces at Coachella, Glastonbury, and more, by accessorising your crimped and coloured look with boho accessories like beads, feathers, and hair charms. Or go one step further and add texture by mixing in some curls using our Curling Wand.
There’s just one final thing to remember: take extra care when heat-styling coloured hair. Use the CLOUD NINE Temperature Calculator and a tool with Variable Temperature Control to style at a lower heat and keep your colour looking fresh.
9. Crimped and braided
Sticking with the boho theme, pairing crimped sections of hair with mini braids creates a modern hippie look that looks especially amazing on longer hair, as the combination of textures stands out from the crowd.
Part your hair down the middle and cover it with a generous spray of Magical Potion heat protectant. Add mini three-strand braids and two-strand twists at random intervals throughout your hair, starting from the parting. Crimp and loosely curl the remaining sections of your hair for a texture-packed look. To keep your mini braids in check, apply a small amount of Magical Remedy – it moisturises and smooths.
FAQS: CRIMPED HAIR
Is crimped hair in style?
Crimped hair is definitely back in style. While it’s not for everyone, this textured effect certainly adds character to any look. To ensure your crimp looks modern and on-trend, keep it wide-spaced – aim for deep and defined waves rather than tight and tiny crinkles.
How long does hair crimping last?
Like any heat styling, hair crimping lasts differently depending on your hair type and the products you use. With the help of a light-hold hairspray and gentle handling, your crimp could last until you next wash your hair.
Can you crimp curly hair?
All hair types can be crimped, with the right prep. To achieve the desired crimped look on curly hair, you may want to consider either blowdrying your hair straight or straightening your hair before crimping. This will provide a straight base that’s ideal for using a crimping iron or triple barrel wand.
It’s especially important to prepare and protect your curly hair before all this heat styling. Don’t forget to spritz a generous spray of Magical Quick Dry Potion over your entire head before turning on the tools.
Does crimping damage your hair?
Like any kind of heat styling, crimping can damage your hair if done at a temperature that’s too high. Choose a crimping tool that comes with Variable Temperature Control so you can adjust the heat you’re applying and prevent avoidable damage.
Not sure what temperature is perfect for you? Consult the CLOUD NINE Temperature Calculator before you style, so you can ensure your hair looks and feels its best for the long term.
We’d love to see your crimped looks on our socials – head to TikTok, Instagram and Facebook.
