The Crimped Hair Trend: A Look Through the Ages

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The crimped hair trend has been on an off for a surprising length of time and I am glad to see that it’s again the time when crimps start captivating people of all ages once again.

Its beginnings can be traced back to the 1920s, when styles such as Marcel wave and finger wave were all the rage. Marcel wave involved creating hot frizz, while finger wave was done by running a comb and water over the hair and finger styling it in place. These styles were used as a way to set waves in the hair, creating a voluminous look.

Fast forward to the 1980s, when the famous crimper made its debut. Used to create a “zig-zag” look, it seemed like everyone was sporting this fashion. From celebrities to everyday people, it was seen everywhere. Although this trend did not last long in mainstream popularity, it left an impression in Gen Z aesthetic.

Fast forward to the 2000s, when the crimped trend saw a revival of sorts. But this time it was more subtle. Instead of creating those hard-pressed curls all over, new crimped styles leaned more towards a natural movement of hair. These styles were done in loose sections with two-inch sections, giving the look a much more edgy, messy, yet laid-back style.

Today, this look is seen in a bunch of aesthetic subcultures. From hip-hop to indie, the crimped trend can be seen everywhere, with people of all ages enjoying it. From simple crimped bangs to drastically crimped ponytails, the look is versatile and can be adapted to almost any haircut. So if you’re looking for a stylish way to add texture and volume to your hair, the crimped hair trend is sure to be a hit.

Best crimped hairstyles, with big or small crimps

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Crimper Hair Inspo: How to style it in 2023?

The crimper hair trend has a long and influential history stretching back through the decades, originating from the ’80s when the crimped look was all the rage.

The crimped look, which resembles a wavy pattern of tight, rippled curls, has been adopted by various celebrities over the years and has seen a recent resurgence in popularity.

During the ’80s, celebrities like Madonna and Cyndi Lauper popularized the look, wearing their crimped hair loose and wild. In the ’90s, Christina Aguilera wore the crimped trend in a more refined way than in the ’80s, with soft, tousled curls.

The early 2000s saw another wave of revival, with stars such as Gwen Stefani incorporating crimped hair in her style.

Over the past year or so, the crimper hair trend has experienced yet another revival - with stars such as Selena Gomez, Kylie Jenner and Zendaya all wearing crimped styles.

One of the reasons for the sudden trend in crimped hair may be attributed to the ’90s nostalgia that has dominated social media in recent months. The ’90s were a time when crimped hair was more understated and blended seamlessly into everyday looks, creating a natural, effortless look which is what people are after today. This has helped move the look away from its more extreme ’80s interpretations and towards a more modern, softer style. Celebrities have been instrumental in helping the look evolve from its ’80s roots, leading to its resurgence in popularity and its ability to fit in with today’s fashion trends.