There are certain trends we’re a tad hesitant about. The return of scrunchies (thanks Mansur Gavriel), fashion(?) Crocs, squiggle brows and blurred lips. But perhaps the most divisive of all is the 80s staple that is crimped hair.
Yup, it’s back in full force on the runways and on celebs. The leader of the pro-crimp movement? None other than Beyoncé. She recently posted pics on Instagram swinging her fully crimped ponytail. But it wasn’t a one-off. She’s since posted more crimp-tastic images on her Insta, making the wavy hairstyle seem not only glam but also very 2018.
And she’s not alone. Dating back to 2016, other stars favored crimping on the red carpet. From Gabrielle Union to Anna Kendrick, the hair trend is becoming pretty pervasive.
Of course, designers have been brazenly experimenting with crimped hair for a few years now — it even appeared on a haute couture runway. While they tend to adhere to the go big or go home mantra, there are some looks that can translate to real life, like crimped tails on ponies or layered crimps under straighter strands.
Ready to try? Here are 22 examples of how to crimp in 2018, without a hint of 80s irony.
[ Next: How to Wear Big Hair Like It’s 2018 ]
Crimped Hair for 2018
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Crimped Hair for 2018 #1
All hail the queen...of crimping. Beyoncé’s voluminous ‘do was set off by a golden leopard print because why not?
Image: @beyonce
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Crimped Hair for 2018 #2
Gucci loves a good headband or turban and the look works really well with crimped locks.
Image: Imaxtree
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Crimped Hair for 2018 #3
Got ultra long locks? Try crimping everything but your top layer. Then tie two of your now-wavy strands into a necklace-replicating style.
Image: Imaxtree
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Crimped Hair for 2018 #4
Go to town crimping your tresses, but stop the insanity about halfway up. If you’re feeling really bold, tuck your crimped hair into a black choker.
Image: Imaxtree
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Crimped Hair for 2018 #5
Skip the yellow brows, but try only crimping the bottom of your mane for a sculpted style.
Image: Imaxtree
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Crimped Hair for 2018 #6
Add volume to your tail by crimping every single strand. Keep the rest of your ‘do sleek and straight for a cool contrast.
Image: @ghdhair
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Crimped Hair for 2018 #7
Gabrielle Union recently went for subtle crimped accents to complement her khaki suit.
Image: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Michael Kors
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Crimped Hair for 2018 #8
Instead of doing triple braids on your crown, try framing a single braid with crimped strands on both sides.
Image: @ghdhair
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Crimped Hair for 2018 #9
If you’re still not ready to commit, you can fake it by creating texture at the crown by putting your strands in some half-finished braids for a while before you leave the house. Then take them out and secure them in a low pony (or half pony) before heading out.
Image: Imaxtree
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Crimped Hair for 2018 #10
Crimp everything, then roll some of your strands into a partial pompadour.
Image: Imaxtree
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Crimped Hair for 2018 #11
Confine crimping to the middle of your center-parted mane. It creates a bit of body on otherwise stick-straight strands.
Image: Imaxtree
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Crimped Hair for 2018 #12
Even lobs can get in on the crimping action. Go for a more subdued effect by mixing in crimps on already wavy strands.
Image: @ghdhairindonesia
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Crimped Hair for 2018 #13
Anna Kendrick really embraced the technique at the Trolls premiere with a pony that featured crimps even in the hair wrapped around the tail.
Image: JB Lacroix/WireImage/Getty Images
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Crimped Hair for 2018 #14
Above-the-shoulders cuts can pump up the volume with crimping. If you’re also rocking bangs, resist the urge to crimp them, too.
Image: @gabebrandaobeauty
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Crimped Hair for 2018 #15
Before you braid, crimp. It’ll add a bump of texture to any French braid.
Image: @trimmershair
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Crimped Hair for 2018 #16
Tease your crown and crimp the rest for a cool take on bedhead.
Image: Imaxtree
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Crimped Hair for 2018 #17
Don’t be afraid to crimp your mane from the roots all the way down. Just avoid a pastel shadow and red lip combo to neutralize 80s flashbacks.
Image: Imaxtree
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Crimped Hair for 2018 #18
Crimps still stand out when blended with curls, so be strategic about their placement in a low, poofy pony.
Image: Imaxtree
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Crimped Hair for 2018 #19
Crimping also works really well on a rainbow of hair colors, including pink.
Image: @aleta_ultrasuite
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Crimped Hair for 2018 #20
While she was still sporting her trademark high pony, Ariana Grande freshened things up at the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards by crimping certain sections.
Image: C Flanigan/FilmMagic/Getty Images
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Crimped Hair for 2018 #21
Give a low pony some rockabilly edge by teasing the top of your crown and letting some face-framing strands loose. After crimping, of course.
Image: Imaxtree
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Crimped Hair for 2018 #22
Zosia Mamet took in Marc Jacobs’ Spring 2017 show rocking crimps, not to mention acid wash denim.
Image: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Marc Jacobs
