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When long, sleek hair had its time to shine, we thought nothing could top it. But then came crimped hairstyles, and suddenly, straight hair needed a major glow-up. Enter Christina Aguilera and Britney Spears in the late ‘90s and early 2000s, rocking crimped hair with unapologetic confidence. Fast forward to 2025, and crimping is back, revamped for a whole new generation.
Today’s crimped hairstyles aren’t about the tight, Z-shaped crinkles of the ‘80s. Instead, they come with a contemporary twist. Modern crimping tools are designed with wider plates, creating defined, soft waves that scream chic, not dated. Whether you're attending a party, heading to a festival, or simply craving a bold new look, crimping is here to add playful texture and volume to your hairstyles for long hair.
Ready to dive into the world of crimped hairstyles? Here’s everything you need to know about achieving this trendy look and styling it.
8 Ways to Crimp Your Hair
If you’re itching to try crimped hairstyles, there are several methods to experiment with, from heat tools to heat-free hacks. Here are five fabulous ways to achieve the look:
1. Classic Crimping Iron:
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This is the OG way to get crimped hairstyles. Modern crimping irons come with adjustable heat settings and wider plates, so you can create soft, natural waves or tighter textures.
- How to Use: Section your hair, clamp the crimper close to your roots, hold for a few seconds, and move down the strand.
- Pro Tip: Always use a heat protectant spray before crimping to prevent damage.
2. Braids and Heat:
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Want crimped hairstyles but don’t have a crimper? No worries. Use this quick braid-and-heat method.
- How to Use: Braid your hair into small sections and run a flat iron over each braid. Let the braids cool before unraveling.
- Pro Tip: The smaller the braids, the more defined the crimp will be.
3. Heat-Free Overnight Braids:
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For a no-heat alternative, braiding your damp hair overnight is a game-changer.
- How to Use: Wash your hair, towel-dry until damp, and braid it into small or medium sections. Sleep on it and unravel the braids in the morning.
- Pro Tip: Apply a lightweight mousse before braiding for long-lasting texture.
4. Crimp with a Waver Tool:
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A waver tool creates soft, S-shaped waves rather than tight crinkles, perfect for modern crimped hairstyles.
- How to Use: Section your hair and clamp the waver tool over each section, holding for a few seconds.
- Pro Tip: Finish with a shine spray for that extra glossy effect.
5. Twist and Flat Iron Hack:
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This hack is perfect if you’re short on time but want to try crimped hairstyles.
- How to Use: Twist small sections of your hair tightly and run a flat iron over the twists. Let the twists cool before unraveling.
- Pro Tip: For more texture, use smaller sections of hair.
6. Crimped Ponytail Perfection:
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Take your high ponytail to the next level by adding texture with crimped hairstyles.
- How to Use: Crimp your hair before gathering it into a high ponytail. Wrap a small section of hair around the hair tie for a polished finish. The crimped texture gives your ponytail a playful, voluminous vibe that’s perfect for any occasion.
- Pro Tip: For more contrast try it with highlighted hair, use smaller sections of hair.
7. Half-Up Crimped Crown:
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This style combines the best of sleek and crimped hairstyles, giving you a look that’s both elegant and edgy.
- How to Style: Crimp the lower half of your hair, then pull the top section into a half-up style. Secure with a chic clip or bow. The contrast between smooth and textured hair adds depth and dimension to your look.
- Pro Tip: For more texture, use smaller sections of hair.
8. Crimped Ends with Straight Roots:
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For a subtle take on crimped hairstyles, try crimping just the ends of your hair.
- How to Style: Keep the roots and mid-lengths sleek and straight, then use a crimper or waver tool on the ends. This modern take on crimping adds a unique twist without overwhelming your overall style.
- Pro Tip: This is a must-try for post-root touchups. Finish with a shine spray for that extra glossy effect.
What to Do After Crimping Your Hair?
Once you’ve mastered the art of crimping, it’s important to style and maintain your hair to make it last longer. Here’s what you need to do:
- Seal the Style: Use a lightweight hairspray to lock in the texture without making your hair feel stiff or crunchy.
- Add Volume: For extra oomph, gently tease the roots with a comb.
- Hydrate: Crimping can dry out your hair, so use a nourishing hair serum or oil on the ends to keep them hydrated.
- Touch Up: If some sections lose their crimp, quickly go over them with your crimper or a flat iron twist. Protect
- Overnight: Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce frizz and keep your crimped hairstyles intact.
Why Crimped Hairstyles Are Perfect for Long Hair?
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Crimped hairstyles add depth, texture, and volume, making them an ideal choice for hairstyles for long hair. Whether you’re crimping your entire mane or just a few sections, the result is always effortlessly cool. Pair your crimped hair with accessories like headbands, clips, or scarves to elevate the look further.
Crimped hairstyles have come a long way since their ‘80s and ‘90s heyday. With modern tools and techniques, you can rock this textured style in a way that feels fresh and trendy. From heat-free hacks to advanced crimping irons, there’s a method for everyone to achieve this look. So go ahead, grab your crimper (or braid your hair tonight), and unleash the crimped queen within you. Long hair or short, it’s time to own the crimped revolution!
At Be Beautiful, we love the crimped hairstyle for its fun, textured look that adds volume and dimension. This timeless trend brings a playful edge to any style, offering a unique, chic alternative to traditional straight or curly hair. So try it out and give your locks some extra flair!