The 5 Best Hair Crimpers

If you are an 80's or 90's baby then the hair crimper is no longer a throwback but a comeback in your life. That's right. After the hairstyle made a comeback on runways in the fall of 2019, various crimping irons are being stocked in stores. For those not born during this hair trend, hair crimping is the art of taking one's hair and placing it between two awkwardly shaped metal pieces that are shaped in a wavy or zig-zag like pattern. The final look looks exactly the opposite of beach waves and was a big hit 20 years ago. Even Britney did it. Whether you're a trendsetter or follower and want to try out crimping for the first time, or you want to remember the gold ol' days, here's a list of the 5 best crimping hair irons on the market right now.

Revlon Perfect Heat Jumbo 3 Barrel Weaver

This hassle-free crimping iron keeps your hairs health in mind and removes obstacles like a tangled cord.

Best Overall

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The Revlon Perfect Heat Jumbo 3 Barrel Weaver comes with 30 different heat settings and a 3 barrelled weaver to create wider crimps than what you may be used to from back in the day. The ceramic coating is called tourmaline and was created to prevent heat damage and keep your hair shiny. The wide barrels let you crimp larger sections of hair so you don’t have to spend a lot of time on your hair. Ideal for all hair types from fine to thick with heat settings going all the way up to 420. The end of the iron has a ring so you can hang it up to cool down and store it. If you have relatively curly hair, this iron can help control the curl. If you’re looking for beach waves, this crimping iron is built wide enough that you’ll actually be able to achieve those results.

Pros:

Easy to use on all hair types
A range of heat settings
Keeps hair heat safety in mind.

Cons:

A bit bulky
On the heavier side

Bed Head Wave Artist Deep Waver

The ideal waver for layered or long hair that typically doesn't hold heat and curls in.

Best for long and layered hair

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This crimping iron is ideal for hard to style hair, thicker hair, and layered hair. Super easy to use and straightforward, this iron is travel friendly and the heat goes up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit with multiple heat settings. This crimping iron heats up fairly quickly which makes crimping your hair a fast and easy task. Working the iron from the top of your head to the bottom, waves do stay consistent but make sure to keep the heat low near your roots to prevent burning. For thick hair, this iron will not frizz up your hair and for thin hair, this iron won’t burn your hair. It’s also good to note that this iron lasts awhile. At a reasonable price this iron crimps your hair in a way that basically give you beach waves at a faster pace than curling alone.

Pros:

Works quickly
Great for thick and layered hair
No frizz

Cons:

The thumb holder is slightly uncomfortable
Gets hot quickly
No grip

Bed Head Bh307cn1 Totally Bent Crimper

This bed head crimper is the best option for traditional crimpy waves with 2-inch crimping plates.

Best Crimper

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Durable, sturdy, and easy to use, this dial operated crimper is ideal for anyone looking for a very crimped hair look, similar to that of an 80’s rocker. The iron plates are 2-inches thick and the iron itself heats up quickly. If you’re looking for texture and volume this iron is right for you. If you want to pull your hair back, up, or in another style, the crimping won’t go flat. With the different levels for heat and a dial to adjust the setting to the exact heat temperature you want, this crimping iron is simple in design but very effective at styling.

Pros:

Amazing crimping abilities
Great Texture
A dial to adjust the heat setting

Cons:

Fairly hot even on the lowest setting

Bed Head Little Tease Hair Crimper

Small and thin in design, perfect for short hair.

Best for Short Hair

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This crimper is very thin, specifically 1 inch in plate width, and perfect for short hair. It’s also ideal for just getting the top or underneath of your hair without burning your scalp or neck. Simple low, medium, and high heat settings help you control the crimping iron but admittedly there could be more settings. If you need to touch up your crimped style, this product is also great for refreshing your look, because, again, it’s small and compact. Also, if you have straight hair and or fine hair, this iron is ideal to prevent burning.

Pros:

Great for short, thin, or straight hair
Easy to maneuver around the head
3 heat settings
Perfect to freshen up your look

Cons:

Not a lot of control over heat power
Heats up slowly

hiLISS Pro Hair Crimper Professional Hair Weaver Crimping Iron Mini

This mini crimping iron is perfect for traveling and comes at a great price.

Best for Travel

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If you need a travel-sized hair crimper that can be stored and taken anywhere, in your bag, to the club, or to your S/O’s, then this mini crimper is for you. The design is lightweight and the plate has 6 edges creating a zig-zag pattern. 7.5 inches in length this crimper comes at a better price than other similar-sized styling tools. It heats up to a maximum amount of 365 degrees Fahrenheit. Besides being good for travel, if you want some intense volume near your roots, this size would be perfect to get a more exact texturized look. It is important to note that a mini crimping iron can be used to cover the whole head but isn’t ideal for long and/or thick hair and it could take a while to crimp.

Pros:

Travel friendly
Short hair friendly

Cons:

May take a while to crimp whole head
Not ideal for long and thick hair

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you use the crimper?

Turn the iron on and let it heat up to your desired heat setting. Make sure to keep it resting on a cool surface away from water when not being used. Section your hair starting either at the top or bottom and take one section and place it between the clamps. Hold for a few seconds before removing the hair to see results. For thick hair, you may have to repeat this process a few times on one section to see the desired level of crimping. For thinner hair, you want to be careful to not hold it too long so the hair doesn’t burn. Repeat around the hair.

What kind of heat protectant products and ingredients should I use?

A proven ingredient that you should look for in any heat protectant product is called PVP/DMAPA acrylate copolymer. This chemical has been found to help reduce heat damage and prevent moisture from escaping. Oils like argan, moroccan, shea butter, and castor are great as well. Oils are known for smoothing and protecting your hair, keeping the shine and moisture in and preventing damage.