Preparing Your Hair
Before you start crimping your hair with a straightener, it’s important to prepare your hair properly. This will help to protect your hair from damage and ensure that you get the best results. Here’s how to prepare your hair for crimping:
1. Wash and condition your hair as usual. Use a shampoo and conditioner that is designed for your hair type. This will help to remove any dirt or oil from your hair and make it more receptive to the crimping process.
2. Towel dry your hair. Do not blow dry your hair completely. You want your hair to be slightly damp when you start crimping it. This will help to prevent your hair from becoming too dry and brittle.
3. Brush your hair. This will help to remove any tangles or knots from your hair. It will also make it easier to section your hair for crimping.
4. Section your hair. Divide your hair into small, even sections. This will make it easier to crimp your hair and will help to prevent the crimping from becoming too bulky.
5. Apply a heat protectant spray to your hair. This will help to protect your hair from the heat of the straightener. Heat protectant sprays can be found at most drugstores and beauty supply stores.
Choosing the Right Straightener
Choosing the right straightener is crucial for achieving the perfect crimped hair. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a straightener:
Plate Material
The plate material of a straightener can significantly impact the health of your hair. Ceramic plates are a popular choice as they heat evenly, reduce frizz, and protect hair from damage. Titanium plates are more durable and heat up faster, but they can be more expensive. Tourmaline plates emit negative ions, which help to smooth hair and reduce static.
Plate Size
The size of the straightener plates will determine the width of the crimped waves. For smaller, tighter waves, opt for a straightener with narrow plates. For looser, wider waves, choose a straightener with wider plates.
Temperature Control
Adjustable temperature control is essential for crimping hair. Different hair types require different temperatures to achieve the desired results without causing damage. Thinner hair should be crimped at lower temperatures, while thicker hair can handle higher temperatures.
Here is a table summarizing the key factors to consider when choosing a straightener for crimping hair:
| Feature | Considerations |
|---|---|
| Plate Material | Ceramic for even heat, frizz reduction, and hair protection; Titanium for durability and fast heating; Tourmaline for negative ions and static reduction |
| Plate Size | Narrow plates for smaller, tighter waves; Wider plates for looser, wider waves |
| Temperature Control | Adjustable temperature control for different hair types; Thinner hair requires lower temperatures, thicker hair can handle higher temperatures |
Sectioning and Holding Your Hair
Properly sectioning and holding your hair is crucial for effective crimping with a straightener. Here’s a detailed guide:
Sectioning
Divide your hair into manageable sections. For thick hair, create smaller sections, while thinner hair can handle larger ones. Use hair clips or elastics to secure each section and keep it out of the way while working on other sections.
Holding Your Hair
Hold each section taut. Use one hand to hold the base of the section close to the roots, and the other hand to hold the ends. This will create tension in the hair, allowing the straightener to effectively create the crimps.
Positioning the Straightener
Position the straightener perpendicular to the hair section. Make sure the plates are facing upwards towards the roots. This ensures that the crimps are created at the base of the hair shaft.
| Section Thickness | Suitable Hair Type |
|---|---|
| Thin | Thin to medium hair |
| Medium | Medium to thick hair |
| Thick | Thick and coarse hair |
Using the Clamping Technique
This method involves using the straightener’s clamps to crimp the hair. Here are the steps:
- Section your hair: Divide damp hair into small, even sections.
- Position the straightener: Open the straightener and place it perpendicular to the hair section, about 1-2 inches from the roots.
- Clamp and hold: Clamp the straightener on the hair section firmly, holding it in place for a few seconds.
- Release and slide down: Release the clamp and slide the straightener down the hair section, continuing to crimp as you go. Repeat this step until you reach the ends.
Advanced Tips for Crimping with the Clamping Technique:
| Tip | How-to |
|---|---|
| Vary the pressure | Apply more pressure for tighter crimps and less pressure for looser crimps. |
| Experiment with different angles | Hold the straightener at different angles to achieve different crimp patterns. |
| Use a heat protectant | Apply a heat protectant spray to prevent hair damage from high heat. |
| Crimp in different directions | Create a more dynamic look by crimping some sections vertically and others horizontally. |
| Loosen the crimps | After crimping, gently brush out the hair with a wide-toothed comb to soften the crimps. |
Adjusting Heat and Pressure
Finding the Right Temperature
The ideal temperature for crimping hair with a straightener depends on hair type. Begin with a low temperature setting of around 300 degrees Fahrenheit (150 degrees Celsius) for fine or damaged hair. Medium-thickness hair can withstand slightly higher temperatures, up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). For thick or coarse hair, temperatures as high as 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) may be necessary.
Applying Pressure
The amount of pressure applied while crimping will influence the intensity of the waves. For soft, natural-looking waves, apply gentle pressure. For more defined, dramatic waves, use firmer pressure. Experiment with different pressure levels to find the effect you desire.
Experimenting with Different Techniques
To create different crimping styles, try varying the speed and direction of the straightener. For tight, uniform waves, move the straightener slowly and vertically. For looser, textured waves, move the straightener more quickly and at an angle.
Using a Crimping Iron Attachment
If your straightener has a “crimping iron” attachment, it will divide the hair into smaller sections, creating smaller and more precise waves. Use this attachment for a more intense crimped look.
Avoiding Damage
To prevent damage, apply a heat protectant spray to your hair before crimping. Limit the duration of crimping and avoid using the highest heat setting unnecessarily. Additionally, avoid crimping the same section of hair multiple times.
Caring for Crimped Hair
Once your hair has been crimped, use a wide-tooth comb to gently detangle it. Avoid brushing or combing your hair vigorously, as this can break the hair shafts. To refresh your crimped hair the next day, mist it with water and use a hair dryer on a low heat setting to revive the waves.
Finishing Touches
Once you’ve crimped your hair to perfection, there are a few final touches you can add to complete the look:
8. Spray Your Hair with Hairspray
Hairspray will help to hold your crimps in place and prevent them from falling out. For best results, use a hairspray that is specifically designed for hold. Spray your hair lightly, holding the can about six inches away from your head. If you want even more hold, you can apply two or three coats of hairspray. Be careful not to overdo it, as too much hairspray can make your hair feel stiff and crunchy.
| Product Recommendations |
|---|
| Redken Control Addict 28 Extra High Hold Hairspray |
| Oribe Superfine Strong Hairspray |
| Kevin Murphy Session Spray Flex |
9. Run Your Fingers Through Your Hair
Once you’ve applied hairspray, run your fingers through your hair to separate the crimps and give them more volume. Be gentle when doing this, as you don’t want to pull out any of the crimps. If you find that your crimps are still too flat, you can use a teasing comb to gently tease them up.
10. Add Accessories
Accessories can add a fun and stylish touch to your crimped hair. You could add a headband, hair clips, or even a scarf.
Maintenance and Styling Tips
1. Use a heat protectant
This will help to prevent damage to your hair. Apply it evenly throughout your hair, focusing on the ends.
2. Don’t over do it
Crimping your hair too often can damage it. If you want to keep your crimps looking fresh, try to limit crimping to once or twice a week.
3. Use a low heat setting
This will help to prevent damage to your hair. start with a low heat setting and increase it gradually until you reach the desired effect.
4. Crimp in small sections
This will help to create even crimps. Take small sections of hair and crimp them close to the roots.
5. Hold the straightener for a few seconds
This will help to create crimps that last. Hold the straightener in place for a few seconds before moving on to the next section of hair.
6. Don’t brush your hair
Brushing your hair after crimping it will ruin the crimps. If you need to detangle your hair, use a wide-toothed comb.
7. Use a smoothing serum
This will help to smooth any flyaways and give your crimps a polished look.
8. Crimp your hair in different directions
This will create a more voluminous look. Crimp some sections of hair vertically and some sections horizontally.
9. Get creative with your crimping
There are many different ways to crimp your hair. You can create a crimped ponytail, braid or bun. You can also use different sized crimping plates to create different looks. Experiment and find what you like best!
Troubleshooting Common Issues
1. Hair won’t hold the curl:** Use a smaller section of hair, increase the heat setting, or hold the straightener closed for longer.
2. Curls are too loose:** Use a larger section of hair, decrease the heat setting, or hold the straightener closed for a shorter amount of time.
3. Curls are uneven:** Ensure you are using an even pressure and motion when crimping the hair.
4. Hair is frizzy:** Use a heat protectant spray or serum before crimping to smooth the hair and reduce frizz.
5. Straightener is too hot:** Reduce the heat setting or use a heat protectant spray to prevent hair damage.
6. Straightener is not clamping properly:** Check the tension on the plates and tighten them if necessary.
7. Hair is breaking:** Avoid crimping the same section of hair multiple times and use a heat protectant spray.
8. Straightener is producing smoke:** Unplug the straightener and allow it to cool down. If the smoke persists, contact the manufacturer.
9. Straightener is not turning on:** Check the power cord and outlet, and ensure the straightener is plugged in securely.
10. Straightener is malfunctioning:** If the straightener is not working properly, contact the manufacturer for repair or replacement.
How to Crimp Hair With Straightener
Crimped hair is a fun and stylish way to add texture and volume to your hair. You can use a traditional crimping iron or a flat iron to create the look. If you’re using a flat iron, follow these steps:
1. Start with clean, dry hair.
2. Section your hair into small pieces.
3. Clamp the flat iron onto a small section of hair, close to the roots.
4. Hold the iron closed for a few seconds, then slowly pull it down the length of the hair.
5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 until all of your hair is crimped.
6. Set the crimps with hairspray.
Here are some tips for getting the best results when crimping hair with a straightener:
- Use a flat iron with ceramic or tourmaline plates. These plates will help to distribute heat evenly and prevent damage to your hair.
- Don’t hold the iron on your hair for too long. This can cause damage and make the crimps look unnatural.
- Use a lower heat setting if your hair is fine or damaged.
- Set the crimps with hairspray to help them last all day.
People Also Ask
How long does crimped hair last?
Crimped hair can last for several days, depending on your hair type and how well you set the crimps. To make the crimps last longer, use a strong hold hairspray and avoid brushing your hair too much.
Does crimping hair damage it?
Crimping hair can damage it if you’re not careful. Using a high heat setting or holding the iron on your hair for too long can cause breakage and split ends. To minimize damage, use a lower heat setting and don’t hold the iron on your hair for more than a few seconds at a time.
How often should I crimp my hair?
Crimping your hair too often can damage it. It’s best to limit crimping to special occasions or when you want to create a unique look. If you do crimp your hair often, be sure to use a heat protectant spray and avoid using a high heat setting.
