Hair Styling Tools

It would seem that the crimping look that was popular in the 1970′s and 1980′s  is making a comeback.  More models and magazines are featuring the crimped hairstyles, which can vary from crimping your entire head of hair to only crimping certain sections of your hair.  No matter what you decide in terms of a style, there are several things one should know about the crimping process before you start.  Precautionary measures are always very important to follow,  so that you can ultimately enjoy a new style and not have to worry about damaging your hair.

In considering whether or not to proceed with crimping your hair, if your hair is already damaged from chemical processing, or if your hair is prone to breaking, crimping is not for you.  If you have fragile hair, it is recommended that you use a good moisturizing shampoo as well as conditioner prior to using the crimper.  In fact, if you can find a leave-in conditioner that serves as a heat protector, that is even better.  If you don’t use a leave-in conditioner that protects your hair from the heat, then use another product that is specifically designed to protect your hair from the heat before using the crimper.  Also, when washing and conditioning your hair, be sure to rinse your hair with cold water as this will seal the shafts of your hair, which will also aid in protecting your hair.  Some additional things to consider when using a crimper are to never crimp your hair when it is wet, or even damp.  Make sure that your hair is completely dry.   

Another consideration to make regarding crimping is how often should you do it?  Again, if you are concerned about damaging your hair, crimping should not become a daily routine.  Generally, crimping will last until the next time you wash your hair.  So, if you can let your hair go without being washed for several days, you can enjoy the crimping affect for the same amount of time.  One additional thing to remember is that since crimping may cause some breakage to the hair, it is best to avoid crimping the very ends of the hair.  It is best to stop the crimping just above the ends.  

So, what are the positives in crimping your hair?  Well, if you want a look that makes your hair appear as if it has more volume and possibly give it some height, then crimping is a great option.  Crimping can also add body and texture.  There are a variety of different ways you can style your hair with crimps and each one can be uniquely different from the next.  Whether you crimp part of your hair or all of it,  you can achieve many different looks by using the crimper.  Some styles include crimping just the bangs, or crimping different layers of the hair so you have a blend of both straight and crimped hair.  You can crimp a portion of your hair and put it up in a bun while either all of the hair left down can be left straight or partially crimped.  You can even crimp just the portion of hair that you put up in a pony tail and leave the rest straight.  This is where crimping your hair can get to be fun due to the endless number of possibilities and styling for the occasion.

Before you start shopping for crimpers , it is strongly recommended that you test out whether or not you really like the “crimped hair look” on you.  First you may just want to ask your hairdresser if he/she can crimp your hair so you can see what it looks like.  Or, you can wet your hair and braid it all over in very tight braids.  Once your hair has dried you simply remove the braids and you will get a very good idea of what it would look like if you had actually crimped it.  The only difference is that it may appear uneven due to the possibility of different size braids.  That is one of the positives of using the crimper is that your hair will have an even uniform “crimped” look.

There are several crimpers in the marketplace.  There are different sizes and different brands.  Some crimpers are part of a kit that includes a flat iron, and others are just exclusively crimpers with no other options.  Everyone has their own opinion as to what will work best for them.  Perhaps you have an opinion you would like to share.  Please feel free to respond to this article.  We would love to hear your comments.