Crimped hair, once a staple of the ’80s, has made a major comeback in recent years. With its unique, textured waves, crimped hair adds volume and style to any look. Whether you’re aiming for a retro vibe or just want to amp up your hair’s texture, crimping is a versatile and easy-to-achieve hairstyle that can transform your look in minutes. This comprehensive guide will provide you with step-by-step instructions, tips, and tricks on how to create perfect crimped hair at home, ensuring your locks turn heads with every flip and swoop.
To embark on your crimping journey, you’ll need a few essential tools. First and foremost, a crimping iron is non-negotiable. Unlike traditional flat irons or curling wands, crimping irons feature two or more heated plates that press down on the hair, creating the signature crimped texture. Additionally, a heat protectant spray is crucial to shield your hair from damage caused by heat styling. Lastly, a wide-tooth comb or brush will help you gently detangle your hair before crimping, ensuring an even and frizz-free finish.
Before you begin crimping, it’s essential to prepare your hair. Start by washing and conditioning your hair as usual, then towel-dry it to remove excess moisture. Next, apply your chosen heat protectant spray evenly throughout your hair, focusing on the lengths and ends where heat damage is most likely to occur. Once your hair is prepped, you’re ready to start crimping. Divide your hair into sections, working with one section at a time for precision and control. Place a small section of hair between the heated plates of your crimping iron, ensuring that the hair is evenly distributed between the plates. Clamp down on the hair for a few seconds, then slowly slide the iron down the section, releasing the hair once you reach the ends. Repeat this process until you’ve crimped all of the sections, and voila! You’ve mastered the art of crimped hair.
Sectioning and Preparing Hair
Sectioning Hair
Divide your hair into several sections before crimping to create volume and avoid tangles. Start by separating the top layer of hair from the bottom layer. Clip the top layer up out of the way. Then, divide the bottom layer into two or more sections, depending on the thickness of your hair. Clip these sections away from the middle section.
Continue sectioning the hair, working your way up from the bottom layer. Once you have sectioned all of the hair, it should be divided into several small, manageable sections.
Preparing Hair
Detangling
Before crimping, it’s important to detangle your hair to prevent breakage. Use a wide-toothed comb or brush to gently remove any knots or tangles. Start at the ends of your hair and work your way up to the roots.
Heat Protectant
Apply a heat protectant spray to your hair before crimping to prevent damage from heat styling. Spray the protectant evenly throughout your hair, focusing on the ends. This will help to seal in moisture and protect your hair from becoming dry or brittle.
Using a Crimping Iron
Choose a crimping iron with plates that are the appropriate size for your hair type. For fine hair, use a crimping iron with narrow plates. For thick hair, use a crimping iron with wider plates.
Plug in the crimping iron and allow it to heat up to the desired temperature. The temperature will vary depending on your hair type. If you have fine hair, use a lower heat setting. If you have thick hair, you can use a higher heat setting.
To crimp your hair, take a small section of hair and clamp it between the plates of the crimping iron. Hold the crimping iron in place for a few seconds, then release it. Repeat this process until you have crimped all of the hair in the section.
Crimping with a Flat Iron
Using a flat iron to crimp your hair is a relatively simple process that can be completed in a matter of minutes. Here are the steps you need to follow:
Sectioning the Hair
Start by sectioning your hair into small, even sections. The smaller the sections, the more defined your crimps will be. Clip the top sections of your hair out of the way so that you can work on the bottom layers first.
Crimping the Hair
Take a small section of hair and clamp it between the plates of the flat iron. Hold the flat iron closed for a few seconds, or until you hear a slight sizzling sound. This will create a crease in the hair. Release the flat iron and move it down the hair shaft about half an inch. Repeat this process until you reach the ends of the hair.
Setting the Crimps
Once you have crimped all of the hair, allow it to cool completely. This will help to set the crimps and prevent them from falling out. Once the hair is cool, you can brush through it to remove any excess product and to make the crimps appear more natural.
Volume and Texture Techniques
Achieving voluminous, textured crimped hair requires a combination of techniques to enhance the hair’s appearance and set the desired style.
Sectioning Hair
Divide your hair into smaller sections to facilitate crimping evenly and avoid tangling. Use clips to isolate each section.
Brushing and Detangling
Thoroughly brush your hair to remove any knots or tangles. Brushed hair crimps more effortlessly and evenly.
Using a Crimping Iron
Select a crimping iron with the desired plate size for the type of crimp waves you want to create. Divide the section of hair and place it between the iron plates, ensuring even distribution.
Holding the Iron
Hold the iron perpendicular to your head and perpendicular to the section of hair you’re crimping. Move the iron slowly down the length of the hair, maintaining even pressure.
Setting the Crimp Waves
Allow the crimped section of hair to cool for a few seconds before releasing it. This sets the crimp waves and prevents them from losing definition.
Teasing and Backcombing
For extra volume and texture, gently tease the crimped roots of your hair with a teasing comb. Backcombing adds an additional layer of texture and lift.
Using Dry Shampoo or Texturizing Spray
Spray dry shampoo or a texturizing spray at the roots of your crimped hair. This absorbs oil, creates a matte finish, and enhances the texture and volume.
Finishing Touches for Crimped Hair
Once you’ve crimped your hair, there are a few finishing touches you can add to complete the look.
Volumizing Spray
Use a volumizing spray to add extra volume to your crimps. Spray the product evenly over your hair, focusing on the roots. Use your fingers to scrunch the hair and create volume.
Hairspray
To keep your crimps in place, use hairspray. Spray the product evenly over your hair, holding the can about 8-10 inches away. Let the hairspray dry completely.
Curling Iron
If you want to add some extra curls to your crimped hair, use a curling iron. Wrap small sections of hair around the barrel of the curling iron and hold for a few seconds. Repeat until you’ve curled all of your hair.
Blow Dryer
To create a more polished look, use a blow dryer to smooth out the crimps. Use a low heat setting and hold the dryer about 6 inches away from your hair. Use your fingers to gently brush through the hair while drying.
Diffuser
If you want to add volume to your crimps without using a blow dryer, use a diffuser. Attach the diffuser to your hair dryer and hold it about 6 inches away from your hair. Turn on the dryer and move it around your head, gently squeezing the hair to create volume.
Glossing Spray
To add shine and definition to your crimps, use a glossing spray. Spray the product evenly over your hair, holding the can about 8-10 inches away. Let the spray dry completely.
Hairspray
To keep your crimps in place, use hairspray. Spray the product evenly over your hair, holding the can about 8-10 inches away. Let the hairspray dry completely.
Curling Iron
If you want to add some extra curls to your crimped hair, use a curling iron. Wrap small sections of hair around the barrel of the curling iron and hold for a few seconds. Repeat until you’ve curled all of your hair.
Blow Dryer
To create a more polished look, use a blow dryer to smooth out the crimps. Use a low heat setting and hold the dryer about 6 inches away from your hair. Use your fingers to gently brush through the hair while drying.
How to Do Crimped Hair
Crimped hair is a fun and funky way to add some texture and volume to your hair. It’s a great look for parties, concerts, or just a day out with friends. Here are the steps on how to do crimped hair:
- Start with clean, dry hair.
- Section your hair into small sections.
- Take a crimping iron and clamp it down on a section of hair, close to the roots.
- Hold the iron in place for a few seconds, then release.
- Repeat steps 3 and 4 until all of your hair is crimped.
Here are some tips for crimping your hair:
- Use a crimping iron that is the right size for your hair. If the iron is too small, it will take longer to crimp your hair. If the iron is too large, it will create large, loose crimps.
- Don’t hold the iron in place for too long, or you will damage your hair.
- If you want to create a more dramatic look, you can crimp your hair in different directions.
