Crimped hairstyles are making a stylish comeback, bringing texture, volume, and a playful retro-inspired finish to modern hair looks. From subtle crimped waves to full-head textured styles, there are many ways to wear this versatile hairstyle without looking outdated. The inspiration image shows a beautiful long hairstyle combining soft crimped texture with face-framing curtain bangs for an effortless, feminine appearance.
Whether you have long, medium, or short hair, crimped hairstyles can add dimension and personality to your look. You can also combine crimping with braids, ponytails, half-up styles, or soft waves to create something completely unique.
If you’re looking for trendy crimped hairstyle ideas, this guide features 10 beautiful styles that are perfect for everyday looks, parties, festivals, photoshoots, and special occasions.
Why Are Crimped Hairstyles Trending Again?
Crimped hair became especially popular during the 1980s and 1990s, but today’s versions are more polished and versatile. Instead of creating extremely tight, uniform zigzag patterns throughout the hair, modern crimped hairstyles often use softer texture and combine it with other styling techniques.
Crimping can make the hair appear fuller while adding interesting texture. It is particularly effective for creating volume in long, straight hair.
Benefits of Crimped Hair
- Adds instant texture
- Creates the appearance of extra volume
- Works with many hair lengths
- Can be combined with braids and ponytails
- Gives straight hair more dimension
- Works for casual and formal occasions
- Creates a fun retro-inspired appearance
1. Soft Crimped Hair with Curtain Bangs
Soft crimped hair paired with curtain bangs is one of the most elegant ways to wear this trend. Instead of tightly crimping every strand, use a larger crimping tool to create loose, subtle texture.
Keep the curtain bangs smooth and softly curved around the face. This creates a beautiful contrast between the textured lengths and polished front sections.
Best For: Long hair, oval faces, everyday styling, and elegant occasions.
2. Full-Length Voluminous Crimped Hair
For a dramatic statement, try crimping the entire length of your hair. Start close to the roots and carefully work toward the ends, creating consistent texture throughout.
Once finished, gently separate the crimped sections with your fingers to create a fuller, softer effect.
This hairstyle looks especially striking on long hair because the texture creates plenty of movement.
Best For: Parties, photoshoots, festivals, and statement looks.
3. Crimped Half-Up Hairstyle
A half-up crimped hairstyle combines volume with a polished silhouette. Crimp the lower lengths while leaving the top slightly smoother.
Gather the upper section into a ponytail or small bun and secure it with a stylish clip or ribbon.
The contrast between the smooth crown and textured lengths makes this style look effortlessly sophisticated.
Best For: Date nights, parties, weddings, and casual events.
4. Crimped Ponytail
Transform a simple ponytail by adding crimped texture. Start by creating a high, medium, or low ponytail and then crimp the lengths.
For extra volume, gently pull apart the textured sections after styling. Wrap a small piece of hair around the hair tie to create a polished finish.
A high crimped ponytail can look especially energetic and youthful.
Best For: Everyday hairstyles, parties, concerts, and casual outfits.
5. Crimped Hair with Face-Framing Layers
Face-framing layers work beautifully with textured hair. Crimp the main lengths while allowing the shorter pieces around the face to remain softly styled.
This gives the hairstyle movement without making the entire look appear overly structured.
For a modern finish, use loose crimping rather than very tight zigzag patterns.
Best For: Layered haircuts, long hair, and soft feminine looks.
6. Crimped Beach Waves
Combine two popular textures by creating a soft crimped beach-wave hairstyle. Instead of using a traditional curling iron, alternate loose crimped sections with slightly waved pieces.
The result is relaxed, voluminous, and effortlessly undone.
Add a lightweight texturizing product to emphasize the individual sections without making the hair look stiff.
Best For: Summer outfits, vacations, festivals, and casual days.
7. Crimped Hair with a Middle Part
A simple middle part can give crimped hair a modern and balanced appearance. Create a clean center part and add soft texture throughout the lengths.
For an elegant look, keep the hair near the roots relatively smooth and begin the crimping a few inches below the scalp.
This approach creates volume while maintaining a polished silhouette.
Best For: Modern fashion looks, long hair, and minimalist styling.
8. Crimped Braided Hairstyle
Combine crimping with braids for an eye-catching textured style. Begin by crimping the hair to create volume and then incorporate one or more braids.
You can create two small side braids, a loose French braid, or a half-up braided style.
The extra texture makes the braid appear thicker and more dimensional.
Best For: Festivals, boho outfits, summer events, and casual occasions.
9. Crimped Low Bun
Crimped hair doesn’t always have to be worn loose. Use the texture to create a voluminous low bun with a romantic finish.
Start by crimping the lengths before gathering the hair at the nape of the neck. Twist the hair loosely into a bun and leave a few face-framing strands around the front.
The added texture gives the bun a fuller and more relaxed appearance.
Best For: Weddings, dinner parties, formal occasions, and elegant outfits.
10. Subtle Crimped Ends
If you’re not ready for a fully crimped hairstyle, try adding texture only to the ends. Keep the roots and upper sections smooth while lightly crimping the lower few inches.
This is an easy way to experiment with the trend while keeping the overall look understated.
It works particularly well with long layers because the texture emphasizes movement at the ends.
Best For: Beginners, everyday hairstyles, office looks, and minimalist fashion.
How to Create the Perfect Crimped Hairstyle
Creating beautiful crimped hair starts with proper preparation. Begin with clean, completely dry hair and apply a suitable heat-protectant product before using a heated styling tool.
Divide the hair into manageable sections. Work methodically through each section instead of repeatedly applying heat to the same area.
For a softer modern appearance, choose a crimping tool with wider plates or gently brush through the finished texture with your fingers. Avoid aggressively brushing the hair, as this can create unwanted frizz.
Tips for Long-Lasting Crimped Hair
Start With Dry Hair
Never use a heated crimping tool on wet hair unless the specific tool is designed for it.
Use Heat Protection
A heat protectant helps reduce the potential damage caused by styling tools.
Don’t Over-Crimp
For a modern look, you don’t necessarily need to crimp every strand. Strategic sections can create plenty of volume.
Add Texture Gradually
Start with subtle texture and add more if needed. This gives you better control over the final appearance.
Finish With Light Hold
A lightweight hairspray or texturizing product can help maintain the texture without making the hair feel stiff.
How to Make Crimped Hair Look Modern
The key to a contemporary crimped hairstyle is softness and movement. Extremely tight, uniform crimps can create a strong retro appearance, while larger and more relaxed textures look more current.
Try combining crimped lengths with:
- Curtain bangs
- Face-framing layers
- Middle parts
- Soft waves
- Braids
- Half-up styles
- Low buns
- Hair accessories
The result can be customized to suit your personal style.
Final Thoughts
Crimped hairstyles are a fun way to experiment with texture, volume, and retro-inspired beauty while keeping your look modern. From soft crimped hair with curtain bangs to dramatic full-length texture, braided styles, ponytails, and subtle crimped ends, there is an option for almost every occasion.
If you want to try the trend without going too bold, start with subtle crimped ends or face-framing sections. For a statement look, choose full-length crimping and add volume throughout the hair.
These 10 crimped hairstyle ideas are perfect inspiration for anyone looking to refresh their hairstyle with beautiful texture and effortless volume.