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(Last Updated On: October 11, 2018)Click on the images to see latest prices and see product details from Amazon, or scroll down to read the guide to crimping followed by the best hair crimpers available.
What are hair crimpers?
Hair crimpers are similar in looks to hair straighteners, and they work in a similar fashion too. They work by applying heat from the hair crimper to the hair to create a wavy or zig-zag pattern.
How much do hair crimpers cost?
Hair crimpers start at about £15, although you may be able to get hair crimpers suitable for children for a little less than this. The very best will set you back nearly £200.
When did hair crimping become fashionable?
The first modern hair crimper was designed in the early 1970’s. In the 1980’s hair crimping was huge, with girls wanting big, bouncy hair to go with their shoulder pads and power suits. I remember it well! Since then, hair crimping comes back in fashion every 10 years or so. This is often led by models on the catwalk for a particular designer, or the latest teen pop star.
How do you use a hair crimper?
- First of all plug them in so that they can heat up prior to styling. Don’t forget to keep them off the carpet or other items that may get burnt! They will need 3-5 minutes before use.
- Wash, condition and dry your hair – crimpers only work on clean, dry hair. You may need to add an anti-frizz serum such as John Frieda if your hair is prone to frizzing.
- To protect your hair from heat damage apply a product to protect you, such as Argon Oil.
- Decide how much you of your head want to crimp. Select a 2 inch section and gently press the crimpers together with the hair inside. Try to get as close to your scalp as possible. Hold down for 5-10 seconds, then release.
- Keep crimping down the same section of hair until the whole length is crimped.
- Repeat the process on another section until you have crimped all that you have selected. You may do the whole head or for a quirky look just various sections.
- Spray on hair spray to keep the look – you don’t want to go to that trouble only to find it loses shape before you have had chance to get to your party.
And so on to our chosen ten best hair crimpers…
With ultra fast heating and ten settings, as well as ceramic plates which cause less damage to your hair, the BaByliss The Crimper is a great tool at a great price. With over 450 reviewers on Amazon giving an average over 4.5 stars out of 5 there are many happy buyers.
This curling iron by Anjou will make waves more than crimps. It has a 21cm barrel which is good for people with longer hair. It has a built in stand of stainless steel so that when you have finished it can cool down safely. If you have forgotten to turn it off it does that itself after 30 minutes of no use.
The Scunci Insta Boost Crimper has small micro crimping plates to add volume. This is a very popular tool, perfect for giving lots of volume, and easy to use. It has 3 temperature settings and a 2.5m swivel cord.
Ceramic coated curling wand effortlessly creates sleek waves. The MHD Hair Crimper heats up quickly and is ready to use within 60 seconds – perfect for last minute styling as you get ready for a big night out.
The BaByliss Wave Envy Hair Styler certainly lives up to it’s name. It is lightweight, which enables easier handling. With 3 heat settings and ceramic plates you can easily create today’s must have waves.
The inkint 4 in 1 Hair Crimpers really are multi function – as well as 3 different style plates for different crimps, there is also a flat plate for hair straightening. There’s 4 different heat settings for various hair thickness, and it comes with a heat resistant glove for safety when styling.
The Abody Hair Crimper is another tool that has 4 plates, 3 for curling and a hair straightener plate too. This one heats up in 90 seconds and has 4 heat settings too. The 360 degree swivel cord allows use without getting tangled up.
This 4 in 1 crimper from YHJ is another crimper and straightener with L, M, S and flat plates. It has a stand at the bottom so after use it does not burn furniture. 4 heat settings for different hair thicknesses.
With the Toni & Guy name behind, no wonder this crimper is one of the best. This is only a crimper, not a straightener, so if you are looking for combined functions this will not be for you. Designed for cutting edge styles.
The NatureBeauty Curling Iron is both a curler and straightener, and has ceramic tourmaline plates. It works perfectly on short hair in particular.