Crimped hairstyles are firmly back in vogue, infusing texture, volume and personality into every hair type. Whether your locks are cropped or cascading, crimps can be customised to suit any occasion, from carefree, beach‑ready waves to bold, sculpted volume. At Rush Hairdressers, our stylists are masters of the crimp, ready to craft a look that’s as unique as you are.
What is Crimped Hair?
Crimped hair is defined by its distinctive zig‑zag or wave‑like pattern, created by pressing hair between the hot plates of a crimping iron. Ranging from tight, sharply defined crimps to loose, beachy waves, the style is endlessly versatile, perfect for when you want to switch up your look.
Origins of Crimped Hair
Crimped hair first stormed fashion in the 1980s, embodying the decade’s love of bold volume and texture. Musicians and style icons alike embraced the look, and although it briefly receded, it has evolved into a retro‑chic favourite in salons today.
How to Crimp Your Hair
- Tools: Use a specialised crimping iron for pronounced crimps; for subtler texture, a flat iron set to a lower heat can create beachy crimps.
- Preparation: Always apply a quality heat‑protectant spray before styling to shield your hair.
- Technique: Crimp from the roots for maximum lift, or start midway down for a more relaxed vibe.
- Pro Tip: Rush stylists are experts at tailoring crimp height and intensity to your hair’s thickness and length.
Why Crimped Styles Work Wonders on Long Hair
Long hair paired with crimps gains instant volume and a fuller silhouette. Crimps bring straight or fine hair to life, and they accentuate natural waves in curly hair. The result? A dynamic, textured style that stands out in any setting.
Top 20 Crimped Hairstyles
1. Crimped Hollywood Waves
Structured crimps flow into classic waves, exuding red‑carpet glamour, just like Naomi Campbell and Halle Berry masterfully showcased on the runway and at award ceremonies. The uniform crimps melt into soft S‑waves at the ends, creating a sculpted yet fluid shape that holds all day. This look pairs beautifully with deep side parts and bold lip colours for maximum drama.
Best for: Medium to long straight or slightly wavy hair.
Styling Tip: Apply a smoothing serum to damp hair, crimp in 2–3 inch sections, then brush out gently and finish with a light‑hold hairspray for soft, flowing waves.
2. Crimped Accents
Strategic crimps around the face or crown add subtle lift and definition, echoing Dua Lipa’s off‑duty textured vibes that frame the cheekbones beautifully. The rest of the hair remains sleek, offering contrast and drawing attention to crimped panels for a chic, editorial finish. Ideal for highlighting face‑framing layers or accentuating a fresh blow‑dry.
Best for: Any hair type or length seeking a hint of texture.
Styling Tip: Crimp small face‑framing sections, then smooth the rest back for a peek‑a‑boo effect, seal with a texturising spray.
3. Crimped Hair with Pigtail Braids
Playful pigtails infused with crimps lend volume and grip ensure each braid looks fuller and more intricate, while loose strands soften the look for a youthful, laid‑back vibe. Perfect for summer days or fun weekend outings when you want a low‑fuss style.
Best for: Medium to long straight or wavy hair.
Styling Tip: Crimp first, loosely braid each side, then tug at the braids for added fullness; finish with sea salt spray.
4. Crimped Hair with Updo
An elegant updo underpinned by crimps offers depth and security, perfect for formal occasions, as seen on Zendaya at high‑profile galas. The hidden texture lends grip, so twists and pins stay put all evening without slippage. Pair with statement earrings to show off the crimps at the nape of the neck.
Best for: Medium to long hair of any texture.
Styling Tip: Crimp roots and mid‑lengths, smooth sides back into a bun, and mist with flexible‑hold spray.
5. Messy Loose Crimped Hair
Soft, undone crimps capture Gigi Hadid’s off‑duty model aesthetic, creating a rough‑textured, free‑spirited look. Slightly tousled and imperfect, this style feels carefree and works equally well with hats or headbands for a relaxed, boho look. It’s a go‑to for beach days, festivals or casual coffee dates.
Best for: Fine to medium hair of any length.
Styling Tip: After crimping, scrunch in a sea salt spray and tousle with fingers for maximum beachy movement.
6. Crimped Ponytail
A high ponytail accentuated by crimps from mid‑shaft to ends channels Rihanna’s athletic‑glam style with striking motion. The texture adds bounce, ensuring the pony moves beautifully without looking flat. Great for gym‑to‑cocktail transitions when you need both polish and personality.
Best for: Long straight or slightly wavy hair.
Styling Tip: Secure pony at crown, crimp tail in sections, then smooth the top with a shine‑enhancing serum.
7. Crimped Pixie Cut
Tiny crimps add dimension to a pixie cut, invoking Lady Gaga’s bold, avant‑garde spirit with edge and volume. The subtle zig‑zag texture breaks up flatness and accentuates short layers, creating playful highlights of light and shadow. A perfect choice if you crave low‑maintenance styling with maximum impact.
Best for: Fine to straight short hair.
Styling Tip: Work a small amount of matte wax through crimped sections to define texture without stiffness.
8. Crimped Lob
Loose crimps throughout a shoulder‑skimming lob echo Alexa Chung’s cool‑girl street style, adding subtle bounce. The crimps add weightless volume, preventing a lob from looking too blunt and giving movement with every turn of the head. Ideal for office days or dinner dates when you need a versatile, polished look.
Best for: Medium‑length straight or wavy hair.
Styling Tip: Alternate crimp direction in each section for a tousled finish; spritz with volumising mist.
9. Fishtail Braids on Crimped Hair
Intricate fishtail braids over crimped lengths recall Vanessa Hudgens’s Coachella looks, combining detail with texture. Crimps ensure the braid holds shape and appears full without extra padding, creating an artisanal, handcrafted effect. Perfect for weddings or boho‑inspired events when you want a standout braid.
Best for: Long straight or wavy hair.
Styling Tip: Crimp fully, then braid; loosen the braid gently and set with a medium‑hold spray for lasting shape.
10. Crimped Bubble Braid
Voluminous bubbles on a crimped braid, evocative of Billie Eilish’s festival‑ready inventiveness, make a playful statement. The crimps between each elastic add dimension, ensuring each bubble stays defined and buoyant. Great for sporty events or playful street style that turns heads.
Best for: Long straight hair.
Styling Tip: Tie sections with elastics, crimp between each, then gently pancake each bubble for fullness.
11. Backcombed Crimped Hair
Dramatic root‑lift meets crimped lengths for retro‑glam vibes, reminiscent of 90s supermodels on the runway. The contrast between the smooth top layer and textured mid‑lengths adds instant height and a luxe finish. Wear with minimal accessories so the volume remains the focal point.
Best for: Thick medium to long hair.
Styling Tip: Crimp mid‑shaft to ends, backcomb roots gently, then smooth the top layer and lock with flexible spray.
12. Colourful Crimped Hair
Pastel and vivid crimps catch the light, making every hue pop with sculptural texture. The crimps create tiny prisms of colour, giving a multidimensional, artistic finish that’s perfect for creative festivals, photo shoots or anyone eager to experiment with bold hair colour.
Best for: Pre‑lightened hair of any length.
Styling Tip: Use a colour‑protect shampoo and finish with a glossing spray to boost shine and definition.
13. Brushed Out Crimped Hair
Soft, voluminous waves emerge when crimps are brushed out, evoking Beyoncé’s signature romantic texture. This technique blurs sharp lines into soft, cloud‑like waves that drape elegantly over the shoulders. Perfect for date nights or evening events when you want soft movement.
Best for: Medium to long hair of any texture.
Styling Tip: After crimping, run a boar‑bristle brush through hair and apply a lightweight serum to tame frizz.
14. Jumbo Crimped Hair
Oversized crimps make an architectural statement, Christy Turlington’s 90s catwalk revival brought this look to life. The wide‑rib pattern creates bold shadows and highlights, adding runway‑ready attitude to everyday wear. Best paired with a minimalist outfit to let the hair take centre stage.
Best for: Thick long hair.
Styling Tip: Section hair into large chunks, crimp with a wide‑tooth iron, then finger‑comb for softness.
15. Crimped Bob
A sleek bob gains movement and interest from uniform crimps, mirroring Cara Delevingne’s edgy urban flair. The chiselled crimps add geometric intrigue, preventing the cut from feeling too boxy or static. Wear with a matte lip and statement earrings for a fierce finish.
Best for: Short straight to wavy hair.
Styling Tip: Crimp in small sections, then shake out gently and mist with texturising spray for hold.
16. Side‑Swept Crimp Hair
A deep side part with sweeping crimps channels Lily Collins’s red‑carpet elegance, adding body and asymmetry. The crimps drape luxuriously over one eye, creating an alluring, cinematic vibe. Ideal for black‑tie events or when you want to make a sophisticated entrance.
Best for: Medium to long hair of any texture.
Styling Tip: Crimp the entire head, then sweep to one side and secure behind the ear with a decorative pin.
17. Crimped Ends
Smooth roots transitioning into crimped tips give a modern edge: Olivia Wilde’s chic minimalism at its best. The subtle textural contrast draws the eye downward, elongating the silhouette for a sleek finish. A perfect introductory crimp if you’re new to the trend.
Best for: Medium to long straight hair.
Styling Tip: Straighten roots first, crimp lower two‑thirds, then apply a shine spray to emphasise contrast.
18. Crimped Bob with Bangs
A textured fringe and bob offer bold framing, recalling Emma Stone’s playful experiments with short cuts. The crimps in the bangs add bounce and flirtatious movement, making every glance dynamic. Pair with bold brows and minimal makeup to keep focus on your hair.
Best for: Short straight to slightly wavy hair.
Styling Tip: Crimp bangs with a small‑barrel iron, then set with a lightweight gel for separation and hold.
19. Crimped Waves with Face‑Framing Layers
Crimps highlight layered cuts, creating a soft frame around the face akin to Taylor Swift’s red‑carpet waves. The alternating crimps and layers accentuate cheekbones and jawlines, offering an effortlessly polished finish. Perfect for everyday elegance or special occasions.
Best for: Medium to long hair of any texture.
Styling Tip: Crimp main lengths, then lightly crimp face‑framing layers and tousle with fingers for blend.
20. Crimped Messy Bun
A relaxed bun with textured crimps peeking through captures Vanessa Hudgens’s boho‑chic festival vibe. The crimps give the bun weight and dimension, ensuring it stays in place without pins. Ideal for casual days when you want an undone but intentional style.
Best for: Medium to long hair of any texture.
Styling Tip: Crimp hair fully, gather into a loose bun, pull out tendrils around the face, and mist with flexible‑hold spray.
Styling Your Crimped Hair
For a Sleek, Polished Look
For a more refined crimped style, work a small amount of pomade or gel through the crimps to define each zig‑zag and smooth any flyaways. Use a fine‑tooth comb to gently shape the crimps, then finish with a glossing spray for extra shine. Applying a light thermal‑protectant before styling helps lock in that sleek finish without weighing hair down, making it perfect for board meetings or evening receptions.
For Volume and Texture
To boost body and fullness, apply a volumising mousse or sea salt spray to damp hair before you crimp. Focus product at the roots and mid‑lengths, then blow‑dry with a diffuser to encourage lift. After crimping, gently tousle with your fingertips to break up uniformity and create a fuller, lived‑in texture, ideal for brunch dates or music festivals.
Casual or Sophisticated Styles
Crimped hair is endlessly adaptable. For a laid‑back, beachy vibe, mist in a sea salt spray, scrunch lightly, and tuck a few strands behind your ears or under a baseball cap. For an evening‑ready look, brush through gently, add a few decorative pins or a silk headscarf, and set with a light‑hold hairspray to hold the crimps in place. Accessories like barrette clips or velvet ribbons can instantly elevate your crimped style from casual to couture.
Tips for Maintaining Crimped Hairstyles
Regular Trims
Crimped hair is more prone to split ends and breakage, so we recommend booking a trim every 6–8 weeks. Keeping the ends fresh ensures your crimps look crisp and prevents the texture from becoming frizzy or droopy over time.
Hydration and Care
Heat styling can leave strands feeling dry and brittle. Incorporate a deep‑conditioning masque or intensive hair bath into your routine once a week, and follow with a leave‑in conditioner that seals in moisture. Using a hydrating oil on the ends will help maintain softness and keep your crimps defined without stiff residue.
Avoid Over‑Heat Styling
Give your hair a break by alternating crimp days with no‑heat styling. Embrace braids, twists or simply let your natural texture shine. Always spritz on a heat‑protectant before you crimp, and consider lowering the iron’s temperature if your hair is fine or colour‑treated. These steps safeguard your strands and extend the life of your crimps.
Book Your Crimped Hairstyle Appointment at Rush
Ready to bring back the crimp? Book an appointment at your nearest Rush salon and let our expert stylists create the perfect crimped look for you. Whether you’re after subtle texture or bold volume, we’ve got you covered.
FAQ’s
Crimped hairstyles feature a zig‑zag or wave‑pattern pressed into the hair with a crimping iron. This technique adds instant texture, lift and visual interest, transforming flat locks into a voluminous, eye‑catching style.
Yes, crimps have enjoyed a major revival in 2025. Modern twists on the classic 80s look are everywhere, from high‑street salons to red‑carpet events, proving the style’s timeless appeal when paired with contemporary cuts and colour.
Begin with clean, dry hair and apply a heat‑protectant. Section your hair into 2-3 inch panels, clamp each section with your crimping iron (starting at the roots or mid‑lengths, depending on your desired lift), and hold for a few seconds. Work methodically around the head, then finish with a light‑hold hairspray to set.
Yes, crimps can enhance and redefine natural curls by adding uniform texture, or they can blend different curl patterns into a cohesive look. For tighter curls, crimp smaller sections to avoid overwhelming the natural pattern.
Use an anti‑humidity spray or smoothing serum immediately after styling. Sleeping on a silk pillowcase and avoiding high humidity for at least 24 hours post‑crimp will help maintain definition and prevent frizz.
Limit crimping to once a week (or every fortnight) to reduce heat stress. Between crimp days, nourish with hydrating treatments and embrace protective styles, this balance keeps your hair healthy and your crimps looking fresh.
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