Crimped Hair Comeback: How to Rock the Trend Without Looking Dated

Crimped hair is not only famous in the ‘80s but it remains an extraordinary beauty in this day and age. From zig-zags to soft waves, this throwback style is an integral part of everyone’s life. Whether you’re heading to a night out, festival, or just want to try something new, this hairstyle is a must-try option. 

What is crimped hair? Who Should Try a Crimped Hairstyle?

This hairstyle refers to stranded styled in a plethora of tiny zig-zag ridges or waves. This hairstyle is created with a hair crimper. However, you can use braids or a flat iron to achieve a similar effect.

Crimped hair is perfect for any woman looking to refresh her look with something bold and playful. This retro-inspired style is a quick, creative way to add texture, volume, and personality to your hair — no matter the length or cut.

Women with thicker hair may need a bit more time to achieve the crimped effect, but the payoff is worth it — extra volume and lively movement. Those with finer hair will also love how crimping instantly adds body and makes their locks appear fuller and more dynamic.

How to Crimp Hair (Using a Crimper or Straightener)

Crimping your hair is quick and effortless with the right tools. A crimper is specifically designed for this purpose, making it the easiest way to achieve neat, defined crimps with minimal effort.

For best results, start with clean, completely dry hair. Once your crimper is heated, work in small sections, pressing from the roots down to the ends to create uniform texture and volume.

If you don’t have a crimper, you can still achieve the look with a straightener. Simply wash and dry your hair, then braid it into several small, tight plaits — the smaller the braids, the deeper the crimps. Run the straightener over each braid until it’s warm, let them cool completely, and then unravel for beautiful, wavy crimps full of texture and bounce.

How to choose a suitable hair crimper?

Selecting the right crimping tool plays a vital role in styling your crimped hair. Crimping irons vary from depth to width. 

• Small: The size of mini crimping irons’ plates is typically about an inch wide. These narrower irons are created with the purpose of precisely styling, such as bangs, shorter hair length, or specific hair sections. 
• Medium: Mid-sized crimpers are often the standard tool for creating unique ‘80s hairstyles.

• Large: The largest crimping irons are also regarded as wavers. These tools are featured with three distinct barrels and remind us of triple curling iron. If you have very long or thick hair and feel into looser crimps, wavers are your best choice.

6 crimped hairstyles ideas to try now

With so many styles to choose from, finding your perfect match can feel overwhelming — but we’ve got you covered. Explore the stunning options below to discover the look that best suits your personality and vibe.

All-over

There is no hairstyle which can personify the “go big or go” motto better than an all-over one. To achieve a real throwback look, you can crimp your hair locks from the top to the bottom. A little use of spray can help your crimps shine in a high-gloss way.

Brushed out

If you want your crimps to appear attractive but you do not have enough time styling, don’t forget to brush through your crimped locks gently to achieve fluffy, loose crimp. To prevent your accomplished hairstyle from frizzing up, a quick mist of an anti-frizz spray first is necessarily applied. 

Crimped hair with braids

Braids are a legendary hairstyle in which your natural hair is overdue for a wash. If you want to show off a second-day hairstyle without washing natural hair, your hair needs to be tied in pigtails or a loose side braid. The harmonized texture contributes to the dimensional and alluring hairstyle that pulls attention away from your greasy roots.

Small crimped hair accents 

Small crimped hair accents are born for those who are unsure about all-over crimps. This hairstyle requires you to crimp only a few hair sections and provides you with a cool visual element. It can be regarded as a trial period where you can experience freely before offcially try a whole hair look.

Jumbo

Crimping with an XXL size styling machine, the crimped hair appeared exactly like mermaid-inspired S-waves. The plethora of retro flair leads to an attractive hairstyle with a beachy vibe. As a result, don’t forget to give jumbo hairstyles a try this scorching summer.

Heat-free

Weaving a simple braid is the fattest and most convenient way to achieve this hairstyle without any heat styling tools. To achieve this attractive look, you have to start with damp hair and continue braiding your hair in approximately one-inch sections. When you’ve accomplished your whole head, don’t forget to remove the braids and tousle your hair locks to achieve simple hairstyles. 

How to crimp hair with 4 simple steps

• Step 1: Lightly straighten your natural hair: The more straight your hair is, the more stable your wave patterns will appear. As a result, before starting crimping, you have to get rid of any coils or curls. 
• Step 2: Divide hair into small sections: Unity plays the most vital role in maintaining crimp hairstyles’ beauty. To achieve the desired outcome, you need to divide and crimp your natural hair in sections. To have 4 equal segments, you part your natural hair horizontally from top to bottom and then split each other in half, from left to right side. Last, don’t forget to take advantage of scrunchies or duckbill clips to secure each hair section. 

• Step 3: Start crimping your hair: You have to begin with one loose hair section, hold your crimper horizontally over your hair strands and clamp it down about a few inches below your hair roots. Next you maintain your crimper stable for 10 to 15 seconds to create a fixed texture. The next action is to move your crimper’s plates below the previously styled hair section until you crimped the whole hair length. 
• Step 4: Set your final look: To lengthen its maintenance, you can use high-qualified hairspray at Jen Hair Salon.

FAQ

Has crimped hair still been trendy?

Crimp hairstyles stood the test of time. While it is not a best choice for all of us, this textured effect adds attractiveness to any look. To ensure your hairstyle is always on-trend and modern, don’t forget to keep it wide-spaced-aim for defined and deep waves rather than tiny and tight crinkles.

How long does crimped hair last?

Depending on the products you use and your hairstyle, hair crimping lasts differently. With the help of gentle handling and a light-hold hairspray, your crimp could last beautifully until your next hair-washing time.

Does crimping damage your natural hair?

Like any type of heat styling, crimp hairstyles can do damage to your natural hair if the temperature is too high. As a result, you should opt for a qualified crimping tool to effortlessly adjust the heat which is safe for your natural hair.

Whether you’re channeling elegant or vintage vibes, crimped hair is fit to clearly express your unique style. Its versatility in texture provides you with a modern and fresh look everyday. Don’t forget to go to Jen Hair

Read more:

• Top 80s Hair Styles Easy To Do That Become Trendy In 2025
• Top 5 stunning hairstyles with curly bob hair to try now
• How to care for curly hair – 10 popular curly hairstyles
• What’s Fluffy hair? Top 7 Distinguish Fluffy & Frizzy hair