Do you want to add some texture and volume to your hair? Crimped hair might just be the answer you’re looking for. Crimped hair has made a comeback from the 80s and 90s and is now a popular trend. It adds a playful and edgy look to any hairstyle and is a great way to switch up your usual look.
Crimped hair may seem like a complicated style to achieve, but with the right tools and technique, it can be easily done at home. Before you start crimping, it’s important to prepare your hair properly by washing, drying, and using a heat protectant. Once you’re ready, you can use a flat iron to create beachy waves or tighter crimps, depending on your preference.
In this article, we will guide you through the process of crimping hair with a flat iron, from preparing your hair to achieving different crimped looks, and finally, how to care for your crimped hair to keep it looking its best.
What is crimped hair?
Crimped hair is a playful and voluminous hairstyle characterized by its distinct zigzag or wave-like patterns. Harking back to the vibrant 1980s, this style injects texture and body into the hair, creating a standout look. Nowadays, crimped hair has evolved, embracing a softer and more natural edge, often seen on celebrities like Kim Kardashian. While a traditional crimping iron can craft the iconic kinks, many opt for the versatility of a flat iron to achieve both beachy waves and tighter crimps.
This hairstyle isn’t just about the visual appeal; it’s about depth and dimension. With the right technique, whether it’s expertly sectioning the hair or applying a heat protectant before styling, crimped hair can transform a simple hairstyle into a bold fashion statement. It suits numerous occasions, easily dialed up for drama or toned down for a hint of whimsy. Crimped hair—reimagined with a modern twist—offers a fun, bouncy alternative to the usual straight or curly hair looks. Whether you’re aiming for a bundle of tight crimps or a more relaxed beachy hair style, crimped hair is a beauty hair care hair option that speaks to individuality and flair.
Preparing your hair
Before you bring your flat iron anywhere near your strands, it’s crucial to prepare your hair properly to ensure a smooth crimping process and to minimize damage. Beginning with clean hair is the first step. If your tresses are prone to collect oil or products, consider washing your hair the evening before you plan to crimp. This gives your hair ample time to air dry, which is gentler on your locks than blasting it with a dryer. Remember, celebrity stylist Justine Marjan echoes the sentiment that hair must be thoroughly dried before heat styling; damp or wet hair under high temperatures is a recipe for damage and breakage.
Washing and drying your hair
Upon washing your hair, it is imperative to dry it completely before crimping. Wet or damp hair is exceedingly vulnerable to damage when exposed to heat, resulting in breakage and an increased likelihood of split ends. If mornings are a rush for you, washing your hair the night prior can be a lifesaver. Gently brush your hair post-wash to detangle and prep it for drying. For those with thick hair that retains water, using a blow dryer on a cool setting will expedite the process while still protecting the hair’s integrity.
Using heat protectant
Once your hair is free of moisture, the next vital step is to safeguard it with heat protectant. Regardless of hair texture and type, this product is essential in maintaining hair health when you regularly use heat styling tools. The protectant acts as a barrier on the hair shaft, keeping moisture locked in, and minimizing the adverse effects of high temperatures. There’s a broad range of protectants available, from sprays to creams and oils—choose one that best suits your hair needs and styling habits.
When applying the heat protectant, ensure to coat every inch of hair evenly, focusing on the ends which are more prone to damage. Let the product settle for a moment; this not only enhances its protective properties but ensures it won’t cause sizzling when the flat iron makes contact. With your hair prepped and protected, you’re now ready to create those eye-catching crimps without the guilt of potential heat damage.
Creating beachy waves
To achieve the coveted beachy waves look with a flat iron, it is essential to start by properly preparing and sectioning your hair. This technique allows for those relaxed, tousled waves that evoke a day spent by the ocean, effortlessly styled to suit even short hair, like a blunt bob cut. To begin, you need to ensure your hair is dry, detangled, and protected with a good heat protectant. Using a tool like the Bed Head Deep Waver can significantly simplify the process, especially when combined with strategic flipping of the iron for added volume and texture.
Sectioning your hair
Successfully creating a beachy waves hairstyle with a flat iron begins with partitioning your hair into manageable sections. Sectioning guarantees that each wave is evenly applied and distinct. Start by splitting your hair into horizontal layers from the bottom up. Depending on the thickness of your hair and the look you’re aiming for, these layers can be broad for softer waves or narrower for more defined waves. For added volume, consider adding layers into your cut beforehand. Secure each section with hair elastics, clips, or pins, and then focus on one bundle of hair at a time to ensure you maintain control over the styling process.
Using a flat iron to create beachy waves
Using a flat iron for creating beachy waves begins with the right technique. After sectioning, take a small bundle of hair, and with your flat iron, create a C-curl, rotating the iron in alternating directions—a method that mimics the ebb and flow of ocean waves. Start close to the roots but not too close to avoid unnecessary heat exposure to your scalp, and twist the iron to form the curves. To ensure your waves have a more natural look, vary the size and direction of the C-shapes. Practice with the flat iron turned off until you feel confident in your motions to prevent the risk of burns. To add instant volume, gently massage the roots with your fingers once you’ve curled the hair.
Using hair spray for hold
Once you’ve achieved your beautiful beachy waves, it’s time to secure them with hair spray. A spray that doubles as a heat protectant is an excellent investment for longer-lasting hold and healthier hair. Spritz your hair into sections, maintaining a bit of distance to cover each area equally. This will not only hold the curls in place but also add a protective layer against potential heat damage. A bit of hairspray can lock in the style, ensuring that your beachy waves withstand the elements and time. Remember to mist lightly; too much product can weigh down your hair and lessen the bouncy, carefree appearance you’ve worked to create.
Tips Table:
| Tip | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Section your hair | To ensure even waves and easier styling |
| Use a deep waver | For easier beach waves on short hair |
| Alternate flipping | For added texture and volume |
| Vary the C-shapes | For a natural, beachy look |
| Use hair spray | To hold the style and protect from heat |
Steps List:
- Prepare your hair with washing, drying, and heat protectant.
- Section your hair for even and manageable wave creation.
- Select the right flat iron or deep waver.
- Create C-curl waves with the flat iron, alternating directions.
- Massage the roots for volume.
- Apply hair spray to hold the beachy waves in place.
Achieving tight crimps
To sport the bold and retro-inspired tight crimped hairdo that’s made a modern comeback, it’s crucial to master the technique with the tools at hand – primarily a flat iron. These ultra-defined textures hark back to the 90s but can be achieved without the traditional crimping iron. When aiming for tight crimps, consider the size of the sections you work with; generally, smaller sections ranging from ½ to 1 inch wide will yield very pronounced crimps. Ensuring your hair is completely dry and brushed through facilitates a smoother crimping process, allowing the flat iron to seamlessly create those crisp, zigzag patterns.
How to achieve tighter crimps with a flat iron
Achieving tighter crimps using a flat iron is a great way to create a bold, textured style. The key to getting these defined crimps is to start with hair that is dry, detangled, and has been prepped with a heat protectant spray to minimize damage. Begin by dividing your hair into numerous small sections; the smaller the sections, the tighter the crimp. Traditionally, six even sections will suffice, but you can adjust as needed based on the thickness and length of your hair.
After your sections are determined, apply a styling mousse or texture spray to provide extra hold and grit to the hair. This step not only aids in forming tighter crimps but also helps maintain the style throughout the day. When using the flat iron, the method involves applying consistent pressure and heat. Clamp the iron down on a section of hair and then guide it along while flicking your wrist back and forth, roughly every inch, to form a zigzag pattern. For the tightest crimps possible, ensure that the heat and tension are consistently applied so that each ‘crimp’ is well-defined. Finish up the process with a bit of hairspray to hold your new texture in place and prevent frizz.
Using hair elastics for a crimped look
If you’re looking for an alternative way to achieve tight crimps without constant heat application, you might want to consider using hair elastics. This method involves braiding your hair in small, tight braids, and then securing each with a small hair elastic. For those with curly or wavy hair, it’s recommended to straighten your hair before creating the braids for a more distinct crimped effect.
Start by sectioning your hair into as many parts as you desire, depending on how tight you want the crimps to be. Once your hair is separated, begin braiding it – the smaller the braid, the tighter the crimp will be. Secure the ends with hair elastics and run a flat iron over each braid, allowing the heat to set the crimped style. Let the braids cool completely before removing the elastics. After unbraiding, you can spritz on heat protection spray or styling mousse to protect and define your crimps, finishing with a sweep of hairspray for extra hold and polish. This method of using hair elastics is a great way to achieve remarkable crimps without needing specialized tools, making it an accessible beauty hack for those craving a crimped look at home.
Caring for crimped hair
Crimped hair is a fun and playful style that requires proper care to maintain its texture and health. Just as important as achieving the look with flat irons and braids is knowing how to nurture it after processing. The introduction of heat can strip the hair of moisture, leaving it in need of some extra love to restore its natural balance. Let’s delve into the best practices for caring for your crimped locks with a focus on hydration and styling techniques.
Using hair oils for added moisture
Post-styling with heated tools, like a flat iron, it’s vital to replenish the moisture in your hair. Hair oils are a perfect solution for this. Incorporating oils like argan, coconut, or jojoba into your beauty routine can help revitalize dry strands and add a beautiful shine. These natural oils are excellent for hydrating the hair shaft and ensuring that your crimped hair doesn’t just look good but feels soft and healthy too.
It’s best to use a small amount to avoid greasiness—just a couple of drops will do the trick. Rub the oil between your palms and gently work it through the ends of your hair. This practice can help prevent breakage and fight against split ends, ensuring your crimped style looks fresh and bouncy for as long as possible.
Brushing and styling crimped hair
Maintaining the integrity of your crimped hair means knowing how to handle it post-styling. It’s crucial to avoid brushing immediately after you open the braids as it can lead to frizz and a loss of the defined crimp pattern. Instead, if you find your crimps are too tight or you want to soften them a bit, gently use your fingers to separate and loosen the hair. This will help maintain the desired texture without causing unnecessary frizz.
When you feel the crimps need a little more definition or support, reach for a texture spray just before styling and a light hold hairspray after crimping. These products will help to enhance the appearance of your crimps and keep them in place without weighing down the hair. During the styling process, remember that if you wish to touch up or intensify the crimp effect, rotate the flat iron 180 degrees while moving down the strand, but move with care to preserve the existing pattern. For more flexibility and a softer look, a quick flick of the flat iron back and forth can introduce a wave-like texture that still nods to the crimped style without making it too pronounced.
