It’s official—crimped hair is having a moment. What was once the crown jewel of every 80s girl’s beauty kit is making its bold return to runways, red carpets, and TikTok tutorials. But this time, it’s sleeker, edgier, and cooler than ever. Crimpers—those zig-zag stylers that added texture and flair—are no longer relics of pop culture past. They’ve evolved, and they’re redefining modern hair trends with a nostalgic wink. Gone are the days of one-size-fits-all, frizzy crimping. The modern crimper is a powerhouse of precision, technology, and versatility. Think of it as the curling iron’s rebellious cousin—ready to transform flat strands into sculpted, textured masterpieces with dimension and flair. As the beauty world embraces bold individuality and a break from ultra-smooth conformity, crimpers are storming back into the spotlight with unapologetic energy.
A Look Back: The Electric Origins of the Crimper
The crimper didn’t begin in the pages of fashion magazines—it started with experimentation. The original hair crimping iron was invented in the late 70s by Geri Cusenza, co-founder of Sebastian International, who wanted to create a new kind of volume and visual texture. The device caught fire in the 1980s, helped along by style icons like Madonna, Cyndi Lauper, and Whitney Houston. It wasn’t just a tool; it was a symbol of self-expression.
In a decade obsessed with big hair, the crimper offered a quick route to volume and wow factor. It was electric in every sense of the word—part rebellious, part playful, and always loud. Its zig-zag waves echoed the era’s love of maximalism, neon fashion, and statement beauty. Girls everywhere plugged them in before school dances, concerts, and prom nights. For many, it was their first real experiment with a styling tool.
Then came the 90s, with its center parts and sleeker silhouettes. Flat irons stole the show. By the 2000s, crimpers were relegated to thrift stores and costume parties. But fashion, like history, has a way of looping back—and now the crimper’s return feels both nostalgic and entirely new.
Crimping Reimagined: What’s Different in 2025?
The modern crimper isn’t just a retro throwback—it’s a reengineered marvel. Brands today have redefined crimpers with ceramic plates, heat sensors, variable wave widths, and tourmaline technology that prevents heat damage. The clunky, overheating, hair-singeing irons of the 80s are gone. In their place are sleek tools that deliver precise, controlled texture with shine and smoothness.
Another evolution is the crimper’s place in styling routines. It’s no longer used just for full-head glam. Today’s trendsetters use crimpers strategically—on mid-lengths for volume, at roots for lift, or mixed with curls for contrast. Crimping is now about artistry, asymmetry, and layering. And it’s showing up everywhere: peek-a-boo crimps, crimped ponytails, half-up styles with bold texture panels, even braided sections that get a crimped refresh. It’s texture play—but smarter, subtler, and more high-fashion.
The Celebrities and Creators Behind the Revival
Social media has fueled the crimper’s renaissance. On TikTok and Instagram, creators are reviving Y2K and 80s looks in fresh ways—making waves (literally) with tutorials that rack up millions of views. Beauty influencers now treat crimpers as core tools in their styling arsenal, demonstrating how to create festival looks, editorial braids, or sculpted updos with a crimped foundation.
Meanwhile, celebrities are embracing the trend on red carpets and in music videos. Zendaya has rocked crimped waves on magazine covers. Dua Lipa has flaunted edgy crimps to elevate her already bold style. Gigi Hadid, Kim Kardashian, and Lizzo have all been spotted with variations on the textured look. What was once a symbol of pop-star rebellion is now a runway-approved statement of power, beauty, and nostalgia. Even luxury fashion houses are leaning in. In recent seasons, brands like Balmain and Vivienne Westwood have styled models with teased, crimped crowns and zig-zag waves to complement maximalist clothing. The look evokes an unapologetic confidence—futuristic and retro at the same time.
Why You Actually Need a Crimper
So why add a crimper to your beauty routine in 2025? Because it gives you something no other tool can: dramatic, sculptural texture that holds shape without extra product. It’s a shortcut to volume without backcombing, a way to revive second-day hair, and a tool for layering textures that turn heads.
Crimping also celebrates individuality. While flat irons conform, crimpers disrupt. You can define your own aesthetic—soft and beachy, angular and electric, boho or cyberpunk. And in a beauty world moving toward expressive, eclectic style, crimpers offer a medium for creating mood and energy in your hair. The versatility is impressive: use a micro-crimper for tight root volume, a wide-wave crimper for loose texture, or alternate panels to build dimension. With modern designs that minimize damage and maximize hold, today’s crimpers are made for both experimentation and longevity.
How to Style with a Crimper (Like a Pro)
The art of crimping lies in contrast and control. Start with clean, dry hair—preferably prepped with a heat protectant. Sectioning is key: small sections lead to tighter, more dramatic texture; larger ones create looser definition. Don’t be afraid to mix crimped pieces with unstyled strands for a modern edge. For a subtle look, crimp just the mid-lengths and brush through them for soft volume. Want something bold? Crimp the entire head, then pull it into a high ponytail for full drama. For editorial style, use crimped panels to create texture clashes alongside curls or sleek layers.
Crimpers also pair well with braids. Crimp the hair before braiding to give plaits more grip and volume, or crimp individual strands within a braid for unexpected detail. For added edge, use a mini crimper at the roots only, creating instant lift that mimics a blowout. Don’t forget finishing sprays to lock in the texture—and to keep your crimped waves crisp without stiffness.
Best Crimpers on the Market Right Now
From beauty insiders to gadget lovers, everyone’s talking about the new wave of styling tools hitting the shelves. Leading the charge are brands like:
- ghd: Known for heat-controlled styling, their sleek crimpers offer high-end technology with minimal damage.
- Bed Head Little Tease: Perfect for root volume, this compact tool creates fine, defined crimps.
- Hot Tools Professional Micro Crimper: A favorite for stylists looking to layer dimension or prep for updos.
- INH Hair’s Waver: A modern hybrid of a crimper and wave iron—ideal for those easing into texture.
- Amika’s High Tide Deep Waver: Delivers looser, beachy crimps with serious shine.
Each of these tools reflects the modern crimper’s ethos: safety, creativity, and performance wrapped in a chic design.
Crimping Culture: More Than a Look
Crimped hair is more than just a throwback—it’s a cultural signpost. It reminds us of an era when beauty was fun, experimental, and rule-breaking. It carries the energy of dance floors, mall arcades, and cassette mixtapes. And now, it’s woven into a new generation’s aesthetic—one that values both memory and invention.
This trend’s revival is also about reclaiming space. For too long, certain textures—especially angular, voluminous ones—were seen as “too much.” Crimping says otherwise. It invites texture back into the conversation. It gives hair shape, personality, and movement that challenges the flat, straightened ideal. As Gen Z and millennials merge eras in their fashion, crimping has become a portal between past and present. It bridges Madonna and Megan Thee Stallion. It celebrates difference, depth, and drama—and it refuses to go unnoticed.
The Final Wave
Crimpers are no longer a punchline or a dusty artifact—they are a reinvention. What was once a hallmark of 80s teen spirit is now a statement of modern edge. If you’re looking to add volume, energy, and personality to your hair routine, it’s time to give crimping a second look. From high fashion to home styling, the zig-zag revolution is well underway. Crimpers are back—and they’re ready to shape the future of texture. Plug it in. Heat it up. Get crimped.
