How to Use a Hair Crimper

Co-authored by Noël Reid-Killings

Last Updated: November 10, 2022 References

Hair crimpers are styling tools with zig-zag plates that add textured waves to your hair. You can use a crimper to create a unique, all-over style or to add volume to your hair. Try playing around with tight, uniform waves and large, tousled waves to create different looks. If you plan to crimp your hair often, consider investing in a crimper with ceramic plates, since ceramic will cause the least amount of heat damage.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Crimping Your Hair

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1
Wash and dry your hair. Crimping will work best on clean hair. Wash your hair with a volumizing shampoo and conditioner. Allow hair to air dry or blow dry it completely as your hair crimper won't work on wet hair. ^{[1]
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- Using a heated crimping iron on wet hair could cause damage to your follicles.
2
Apply a styling product to your hair. If you are prone to frizzy hair, apply a dime-sized amount of anti-frizzing serum. Next, mist a volumizing styling spray or spritz all over your hair. Your hair will hold a crimp longer if it has a thickening product in it. ^{[2]
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- Blast your hair with a blow dryer for several seconds to lock the product onto it.
- To protect your hair from heat damage, consider applying a moisturizing product like argan oil to the ends of it.
- Applying a heat protectant spray all over your hair is another styling option.
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3
Plug in the hair crimper and allow it to heat up. Find an outlet near a mirror to plug in your hair crimper, possibly in your bathroom. Select the medium heat setting, which will crimp your hair effectively without burning your scalp. Allow it to warm up for 3-5 minutes before using it.
- Note that the higher the heat setting, the more effective the styling will be. However, high heat settings also cause more damage to your hair.
- Finding the amount of heat needed for your hair type can take some trial and error over multiple uses.
4
Crimp hair in 1 inch (2.5 cm) or 2 inches (5.1 cm) sections for 3-5 seconds each. Grab a section of hair at the bottom with your non-dominant hand and gently clamp down the crimper using your other hand, starting at the roots. Get as close to your scalp as possible without burning it. Hold down for 3-5 seconds, and then release the clamp.
- If you have long or thick hair, it might be easier to work in quadrants. Part your hair down the middle from your forehead to your neck to create two sections. Part it again around the back of your head from ear to ear to create four sections.
- Use clips to clip up the hair you aren't currently working with and keep it out of the way.
5
Continue crimping down the length of your hair for a uniform look. Slide the tool down the length of your hair and clamp down on the next section. Overlap the barrel of the crimper over the last kink you made. This will prevent any gaps in your waves.^{[3]
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- Continue until the entire section is crimped.
To get a more casual look, apply the crimper sparingly to different sections of your hair. Vary the pattern, leaving sections of your hair uncrimped. After you are done, tousle your hair for a carefree, beach style. ^{[4]
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Spritz your hair with a styling spray for longer-lasting waves. Use a hairspray with flexible hold for a looser style. A hairspray with an extra-strong hold is a good idea if you are going to be exposed to wind or need your hair to stay wavy all day long.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Adding Volume to Hair

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1
Wash and dry your hair with a volumizing product. Wash your hair with volumizing shampoo and conditioner. Add a thickening product like mousse to your damp hair from root to tip, then blow dry your hair. For extra volume, blow dry your hair upside down to redirect the roots upwards.^{[5]
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- Using a heat protectant spray before drying your hair will help to prevent it from heat damage.
2
Boost volume with dry shampoo instead. If you don't have time to wash your hair, use dry shampoo to boost volume. Spray it on the roots of your hair and continue all over your head. Rub your roots lightly with your fingers to blend in any powder residue that may remain from the spray.^{[6]
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- Dry shampoo will add a subtle hold to your hair, making it easier to hold waves when you crimp it.
Part your hair the way you wish to wear it. Use a comb to section off a 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide row of hair on either side of the part. Pin up each section with a hair clip to pull it away from the rest of your hair. Repeat this step around the crown of your head.
4
Crimp sections of hair under the top layer. Gather sections of the remaining hair near your crown that are approximately .75 inches (1.9 cm) thick by 2 inches (5.1 cm) wide. Place the barrel of your crimper around each section near the root and clamp down. Hold each section for about 2-3 seconds, then release it.^{[7]
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- Be very careful to avoid burning your scalp.
- This should amount to 2-3 sections on each side of your head.
After your hair is crimped, un-pin the top later of your hair. Gently brush the un-crimped hair over your crimped roots. This will hide the crimping texture in your hair while giving it a volumizing lift. ^{[8]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Choosing a Hair Crimper

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1
Buy a hair crimper with ceramic plates for regular use. You can purchase a hair crimper with either ceramic or metal plates. If you plan to use this styling tool on a regular basis, opt for a ceramic model. This kind of crimper will cost more but will cause less damage to your hair than one with metal plates.
- Ceramic plates also help to control frizz.
2
Purchase a hair crimper with metal plates for occasional use. If you only plan to crimp your hair on rare occasions, opt for a model with metal plates. While these plates do cause a bit more damage than ceramic plates, it will not make a big difference with limited use.
- Crimpers with metal plates are also a more cost-effective choice.
3
Select a crimper with adjustable temperature settings. Thin hair should be crimped at a lower temperature than thick hair to prevent damage, so try to avoid buying a crimper with just one temperature setting. Go with a model with adjustable temperature settings and multiple temperature options to choose from.
- Many heat styling tools mention the temperature range or maximum temperature on the packaging.
- Some models offer an automatic turn-off feature.
4
Select a crimper based on how large you want your waves to be. Crimpers are available with a range of different sized barrels. Choose a crimper with a large, wide barrel and deep grooves if you want big, soft waves. Choose a hair crimper with a small barrel and narrow grooves if you want small, tight waves.
- Shop for a hair crimper in salons, beauty supply stores, department stores, or online.

Expert Q&A

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Question

How long do you hold a crimper on your hair?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

This depends on your particular iron, but 10-20 seconds is usually about right. If you can't achieve a crimp in that time, your iron may not be hot enough. If that's too long it's probably too hot for your hair.

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Question

How do you make your hair crimped without a crimper?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

You can create crimps with braiding. Make small braids all over and press them with a flat iron.

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Question

What does a crimper do to your hair?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

A crimper presses a section of hair between two heated plates leaving behind a zigzag shape. This creates a crimped effect.

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Things You'll Need

Crimping All of Your Hair

Volumizing shampoo and conditioner
Styling product
Blow dryer
Hair crimper
Hair spray
Hair clips

Adding Volume to Hair

Volumizing shampoo and conditioner
Mousse
Blow dryer
Comb
Hair clip or bobby pins
Hair crimper

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Warnings

Prolonged use of hot styling tools can cause damage to hair, especially if your hair is color-treated.

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Hair crimpers and other styling tools can get very hot, so exercise caution while styling to avoid burning your face or fingers.

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Don't forget to unplug the styling tool once you are finished.

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