If you’ve always dreamed of having beautiful, crimped hair, but don’t want to go through the hassle of using a traditional crimping iron, then you’ll be happy to know that there’s another way to achieve the look. That’s right, you can actually crimp your hair with a straightener! This method is not only easier than using a crimping iron, but it’s also less damaging to your hair. So, if you’re ready to give crimped hair a try, then keep reading for our step-by-step guide.
To begin, you’ll need to gather your supplies. You will need a flat iron or hair straightener, a brush, a comb, and some hairspray (optional). Once you have all of your supplies, you’re ready to start crimping your hair. To make crimped hair by using straightener, brush your hair until it is free of any tangles or knots. Then, section off a small piece of hair and clamp it between the plates of your straightener. Hold the straightener in place for a few seconds, then slowly slide it down the length of the hair. As you slide the straightener down, open and close the plates quickly and repetitively. This will create the crimped effect.
Once you’ve crimped a small section of hair, release it and move on to the next section. Continue crimping your hair until you have achieved the desired look. Once you’re finished crimping your hair, you can brush it out to soften the look, or you can leave it as is. If you want to add extra hold to your crimped hair, you can spray it with hairspray.
Choosing the Right Tools
Choosing Straightener
Selecting the appropriate hair straightener is crucial for achieving optimal crimped hair results. Consider the following factors when choosing a straightener:
- Plate Material: Ceramic or titanium plates provide even heat distribution and minimize damage to hair. Avoid metal plates, which can cause scorching and breakage.
- Plate Size: For crimping, opt for straighteners with narrow plates (around 1-1.5 inches wide). This allows for tighter and more defined crimps.
- Temperature Control: Adjustable temperature settings are essential for customizing the heat level to your hair type. Aim for a temperature between 300-350 degrees Fahrenheit for most hair types.
- Cord Length: A longer cord provides flexibility and ease of use. Choose a length that allows you to comfortably reach all sections of your hair without feeling restricted.
- Features: Consider additional features such as automatic shut-off for safety and ion technology for frizz reduction.
Selecting Crimping Comb
A crimping comb is essential for creating the distinct zig-zag pattern in your hair. Choose a comb with fine, closely spaced teeth for smaller, more defined crimps. Wider-spaced teeth will result in larger, looser waves.
Other Necessary Tools
In addition to a straightener and crimping comb, consider the following tools:
- Heat Protectant Spray: Apply a heat protectant spray before using the straightener to shield your hair from heat damage.
- Sectioning Clips: Use clips to divide your hair into manageable sections, making it easier to crimp.
- Hairspray: Set the crimped hairstyle with a light-hold hairspray.
Preparing Your Hair
Before you start crimping your hair with a straightener, it’s important to prepare it properly. This will help you achieve the best results and avoid damaging your hair.
Wash and Condition Your Hair
Start by washing your hair with a clarifying shampoo. This will remove any dirt, oil, or product buildup that could interfere with the crimping process. Follow up with a conditioner to help hydrate and protect your hair.
Detangle Your Hair
Once your hair is washed and conditioned, use a wide-toothed comb to detangle it. This will help prevent snags and breakage when you’re crimping.
Section Your Hair
Divide your hair into small sections. This will make it easier to crimp your hair evenly. You may want to use clips to hold the sections in place.
Protect Your Hair from Heat
Apply a heat protectant spray to your hair. This will help prevent damage from the heat of the straightener.
Choose the Right Straightener
Not all straighteners are created equal. For crimping, you’ll need a straightener with a ceramic or titanium coating. These coatings help distribute heat evenly and prevent hot spots that can damage your hair.
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Ceramic or titanium coating | Distributes heat evenly, prevents hot spots |
| Adjustable heat settings | Allows you to choose the right temperature for your hair type |
| Floating plates | Helps prevent snags and breakage |
Sectioning and Clipping
Before beginning the crimping process, it’s crucial to section your hair for optimal results. Here are detailed steps for sectioning and clipping your hair:
1. Brush and Divide Hair
Start by brushing your hair thoroughly to remove any tangles or knots. Divide your hair into two equal sections horizontally, creating a top and bottom layer.
2. Section Top Layer
Use hair clips to secure the top layer of hair out of the way. Divide the bottom layer into smaller, manageable sections, approximately 2-3 inches wide.
3. Clip and Comb Sections
For each section, clip the bottom half to keep it out of the way. Take a fine-toothed comb and comb the remaining top half of the section straight down to create a smooth surface for crimping. This step is crucial for achieving defined and even crimps.
Repeat this process for all sections, ensuring that each section is thoroughly combed and clipped to prevent unwanted creases or bumps during the crimping process.
| Step | Description |
|—|—|
| 1 | Brush hair and divide into two sections. |
| 2 | Clip top layer and divide bottom layer into smaller sections. |
| 3 | Clip bottom half of each section, comb top half straight down with a fine-toothed comb. |
Holding the Straightener
The correct way to hold the straightener is crucial for effective crimping. Follow these detailed steps:
1. Position the Straightener Horizontally
Hold the straightener horizontally, with the plates parallel to the floor. The plates should be facing inwards towards each other.
2. Grip the Handles Firmly
Grip the handles of the straightener firmly, with your thumb and index finger on top and your other fingers supporting the bottom. Ensure a secure hold for better control.
3. Place the Hair Between the Plates
Section off a small portion of hair, approximately half an inch wide. Place the hair between the heated plates, a few inches down from the roots.
4. Clamp and Slide the Straightener
Gently clamp down on the hair with the straightener to hold it in place. Slowly slide the straightener down the length of the hair, while simultaneously making small, quick wrist movements to create a zigzag pattern. Repeat this process for the remaining sections of hair, working from the roots to the tips.
| Proper Holding Technique | Improper Holding Technique |
|---|---|
| Straightener held horizontally | Straightener held vertically |
| Plates facing inwards | Plates facing outwards |
| Wrist movements to create a zigzag | No wrist movements |
Pinching and Rolling
This technique is best suited for creating smaller, tighter curls. Begin by dividing your hair into small sections, about 1-2 inches wide. Take one section and clamp the straightener near the roots, about 1 inch from the scalp. Gently pinch the hair for a few seconds, then release. Roll the straightener away from your face while lightly pinching the hair as you go. Continue rolling and pinching until you reach the ends of the hair.
Here are some tips for pinching and rolling:
- Keep the straightener closed while pinching the hair to create a defined curl.
- Pinch the hair for a few seconds at a time, then release to avoid damaging it.
- Roll the straightener away from your face to create outward-facing curls.
- Experiment with different pinching techniques to create different curl shapes.
- Use a lower temperature setting if your hair is fine or damaged to prevent breakage.
Once you have curled all the sections of your hair, you can use your fingers to gently separate the curls and create a more natural look. You can also apply a light-hold hairspray to help keep your curls in place.
| Curl Size | Pinching Duration |
|---|---|
| Small, tight curls | Hold for 3-5 seconds |
| Medium curls | Hold for 2-3 seconds |
| Loose curls | Hold for 1-2 seconds |
Releasing the Pressure
The final step in crimping your hair is to release the pressure from the straightener. This will allow the hair to cool and set into the crimped shape. To release the pressure, simply open the straightener and let the hair fall out. You can then use your fingers to gently separate the crimped sections and create the desired volume and texture.
Here are some tips for releasing the pressure from the straightener:
- Do not release the pressure too quickly. This can cause the hair to become frizzy or damaged.
- Allow the hair to cool completely before releasing the pressure. This will help the crimped shape to set.
- Use your fingers to gently separate the crimped sections. This will create volume and texture.
Once you have released the pressure from the straightener, your hair will be crimped and ready to style. You can now use your fingers or a brush to create the desired look.
| Tips for Releasing the Pressure |
|---|
| Do not release the pressure too quickly. |
| Allow the hair to cool completely before releasing the pressure. |
| Use your fingers to gently separate the crimped sections. |
Creating Different Styles
The technique of crimping hair with a straightener offers versatile styling possibilities. Experiment with these styles to achieve diverse and eye-catching looks:
7. Create Textured Waves
Achieve effortlessly elegant textured waves by following these precise steps:
- Prep your hair with a heat protectant spray to safeguard against damage.
- Section off a small portion of hair, approximately 1-2 inches wide.
- Place the straightener vertically against the hair, close to the roots.
- Close the plates gently and slide the straightener down about half an inch.
- Rotate the straightener 90 degrees inward and slowly glide it down.
- Repeat steps 4-5 multiple times, creating a series of “zigzag” indentations.
- Continue the process throughout your hair to create a head full of textured waves.
Once you’ve mastered the technique, you can customize the wave pattern by experimenting with different sizes of hair sections and angles of rotation. For a more pronounced wave, opt for smaller sections and tighter rotations. For softer, looser waves, use larger sections and gentler angles.
Troubleshooting Tips
Uneven Crimps
Ensure you’re holding the straightener perpendicular to your hair and moving it down evenly and slowly. Practice a few times to master the technique.
Crimps Too Loose
Increase the heat setting on your straightener slightly. Hold the plates closed for a few seconds at the base of each crimp to set them firmly.
Crimps Too Tight
Reduce the heat setting on your straightener. Hold the plates closed for a shorter duration to create looser crimps.
Hair Tangling
Detangle your hair thoroughly before crimping to prevent knots from forming during the process. Use a wide-toothed comb to gently remove tangles.
Frizzy Hair
Apply a heat protectant spray before crimping to shield your hair from heat damage. Use a moisturizing serum or leave-in conditioner to smooth flyaways.
Hair Breakage
Avoid crimping damp or wet hair as it’s more prone to breakage. Start crimping from the bottom and gradually work your way up to prevent tangling.
Crimps Too Close to the Roots
Start crimping a few inches away from your roots to avoid creating an unnatural look. Crimping too close can also damage your scalp.
Overcrimping
Limit crimping to small sections of hair at a time. Overcrimping can lead to hair damage and make it difficult to brush through.
Crimps Not Holding
Make sure your hair is completely dry before crimping. Damp hair won’t hold crimps effectively. Use a setting spray or hairspray to help maintain the style.
Uneven Crimp Size
Use a specific crimping tool or the appropriate attachment on your straightener to achieve an even crimp size. Experiment with different heat settings and hold times to find the desired effect.
| Issue | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Loose crimps | Low heat setting, short holding time | Increase heat, hold plates longer |
| Tight crimps | High heat setting, long holding time | Decrease heat, hold plates shorter |
| Hair breakage | Crimping wet hair, tangles | Avoid damp hair, detangle thoroughly |
| Crimps too close to roots | Starting too high | Start crimping further from roots |
| Overcrimping | Crimping too much hair at once | Crimp smaller sections |
How To Crimp Hair With Straightener
Crimping hair with a straightener is a great way to add volume and texture to your hair. It’s a relatively easy process, but there are a few things you need to know to get the best results.
First, you’ll need a straightener with adjustable heat settings. You’ll also need a heat protectant spray to protect your hair from damage. Once you have your supplies, you can start crimping.
To crimp your hair, start by sectioning it into small pieces. Then, clamp the straightener onto a section of hair, close to the roots. Hold the straightener closed for a few seconds, then release and slide it down the hair shaft. Repeat this process until you’ve crimped all of your hair.
Once you’re finished crimping, you can brush your hair to soften the look. You can also add hairspray to hold the crimps in place.
People Also Ask About How To Crimp Hair With Straightener
What is the best heat setting for crimping hair?
The best heat setting for crimping hair is between 350 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is hot enough to create crimps without damaging your hair.
How long should I hold the straightener on my hair to crimp it?
You should hold the straightener on your hair for a few seconds, depending on the thickness of your hair. For thin hair, you’ll need to hold the straightener on for a shorter amount of time than for thick hair.
Can I crimp my hair with a flat iron?
Yes, you can crimp your hair with a flat iron. However, it’s important to use a flat iron with adjustable heat settings and a heat protectant spray to protect your hair from damage.
