Advertisement

80s Crimped Hair Is Officially Back - Here's How To Wear It Now

Photo credit: Getty
Photo credit: Getty

From ELLE UK

Barbra Streisand rocked it in the 70s, our mum did it big and bushy in the 80s, then Lizzie Mcguire (misguidedly) inspired us to accessorise it with butterfly clips and pink hair mascara in the noughties - but now it's back with a high fashion, runway-approved overhaul.

Yep, we're talking about crimping.

Working its way down SS18 and AW17 runways everywhere from Vionnet and Alice McCall, to Alexander McQueen and Rebekka Ruetz, crimping is officially fash-pack approved and back on our beauty radar.

Long used by hair pros as a sneaky tool for giving models' suspiciously thick-looking hair backstage at fashion week, there's way more to crimping than just a novelty twist on office Christmas party hair.

Still not convinced? Here's four ways to work crimping into your everyday hair routine...

Photo credit: Getty
Photo credit: Getty

1. Give Fine Hair A Faux Boost

If back-brushing feels more Geordie Shore than Giambattista Valli (and ruins your hair in the process), then sneaky crimping could be the one for you.

Split your hair into layers, then, working section by section, crimp a section at the roots and lightly brush through. Leave the top few layers crimp-free for a smooth finish and revel in the sheer amount of hair you now have.

Try... Scunci InstaBoost, £22.99

Photo credit: Getty
Photo credit: Getty

2. Bump Up Your Braid

Suffering from flat fine hair and plaiting it only makes it seem smaller? It's time to get to grips with the crimp. Working layer by layer, crimp your entire head of hair (or every other section if your hair is thicker) and softly brush out.

At this point, you'll probably be thinking 'What the hell have I done?' but bear with. Braid your hair as usual and you'll find that in place of your usual pitiful plait is a thick, substantial braid. And you can't even see the crimp, trust.

Try... Babyliss The Crimper, £18

Photo credit: Getty
Photo credit: Getty

3. Up Your Ponytail Ante

Give a sleek straight ponytail a graphic utilitarian twist by crimping asymmetric panels just above your ear in place of a barrette. Think hair accessories made from your actual hair. Genius.

Try... ghd Contour Crimper, £95

Photo credit: Rex Features
Photo credit: Rex Features

4. Try 'I Woke Up Like This' Texture

If intentionally dishevelled, casually undone hair feels more elusive than ever getting your hands on a pair of Gucci loafers, then crimping is here to solve your sartorial woes. Simply rough dry hair with a diffuser to encourage any natural waves, then crimp random panels to add 'I woke up like this' texture.

Avoid everything looking too uniform by sporadically crimping a mix of ends, lengths and roots - neatness is not what we're after. Finish with a nonchalant side sweep or top knot and you've got off-duty model hair nailed.

Try...Toni & Guy Style Fix Waver, £24.99

Photo credit: Getty
Photo credit: Getty

You Might Also Like