As styles change and evolve, it is inevitable that certain fashions will re-emerge into the public consciousness – and now, it is crimped hair’s time to shine. The recent ‘90s revival has seen a renewed interest in the style and the sale of crimpers is on the rise. From beach waves to a full ‘80s style blowout, crimpers are a perfect way to create your perfect style in no time. We have put together everything you need to know to choose the best hair crimper and you can find out everything you need to know about choosing the perfect product in this article.
Table Of Contents
- 1 Best Hair Crimper Comparison Table
- 2 1. Dry Bar The Mixologist Interchangeable Styling Iron
- 3 2. Gold N' Hot Professional Ceramic 2” Hair Crimper Iron
- 4 3. DSHOW 4-In-1 Hair Crimper
- 5 4. Conair MiiniPRO Deep Wave Ceramic Styler
- 6 5. Bondi Boost Wave Wand
- 7 6. Hot Tools Mini Crimper
- 8 7. Bed Head Little Tease Hair Crimper
- 9 8. Amika High Tide Deep Wave Hair Crimper
- 10 Buyer’s Guide
- 11 Frequently Asked Questions
- 12 Conclusion
Best Hair Crimper Comparison Table
#1 Editor’s Choice
Dry Bar The Mixologist Interchangeable Styling Iron
Read Full Review
- Range of styling options available
- Technology protects hair
- Range of temperatures available
#2 Editor’s Choice
Gold N’ Hot Professional Ceramic 2” Hair Crimper Iron
Read Full Review
- 60 second heat-up time
- Good range of temperatures
- Stylish gold design
DSHOW 4-In-1 Hair Crimper
Read Full Review
- 4 plates in one hair crimper
- Very easy to use
- Designed to protect hair
Conair MiiniPRO Deep Wave Ceramic Styler
Read Full Review
- Perfect hair crimper for travel
- Offers professional results
- Designed to protect hair from damage
Bondi Boost Wave Wand
Read Full Review
- Negative ions help to protect hair
- Great for short hair
- Very easy to use
Hot Tools Mini Crimper
Read Full Review
- Pulse technology maintains heat
- Great size for travel
- Offers striking results
Bed Head Little Tease Hair Crimper
Read Full Review
- Creates incredible volume
- Easy to use
- Great for a range of hair types
Amika High Tide Deep Wave Hair Crimper
Read Full Review
- Perfect for beachy waves
- Numerous safety-features
- Very quick and easy to use
1. Dry Bar The Mixologist Interchangeable Styling Iron
Editors Choice #1: If you are on the hunt for a versatile, easy-to-use styling tool, then this interchangeable styling iron from Dry Bar should be at the top of your list. Protect your hair while creating a host of diverse styles and take advantage of the ability to create your perfect look each time. With the ability to wave, curl or merely kink, this is a tool that can do it all, ensuring that every day is a great hair day!
The Mixologist styling iron from Dry Bar is a must-have for ladies who want it all – and expect it to the highest possible standard. The unit comes with three attachments – a 1 ” (2.5 cm) wand to create clearly defined waves, a 1.25” (3 cm) curling iron for that classic, curled look and a waver for that perfect boho beach vibe. Each of these attachments can be easily added to the body, allowing you to create the style you crave each and every time. There is no need to worry about investing in multiple products; with the Mixologist, you will have everything you need for a perfect look at your fingertips and you’ll be able to create a perfect blowout every time.
Reduce Frizz
In addition to allowing you total control over your final style, the Mixologist comes with innovative Ionic technology and this allows you to reduce the unwanted frizz that sometimes comes with heat treatments, leaving your curls super shiny and sleek. In addition, the unit comes with Infrared technology – this heats your locks from the inside out to reduce heat damage, frizz and dryness, while the ergonomic handle is comfortable to hold throughout the styling process.
Pros
- Range of styling options available
- Infrared technology heats hair from the inside out
- Ionic technology reduces frizz
- Ergonomic design is easy to hold
- Range of temperatures
Cons
- Attachments can be tricky to attach
2. Gold N' Hot Professional Ceramic 2” Hair Crimper Iron
Editors Choice #2: Crimped locks are the height of style again and that means that you need the perfect tool to bring your new look to life. This Gold N Hot Professional crimper is the perfect addition to your hairstyling arsenal and is the perfect solution to create stunning crimped curls in no time – and all while protecting your hair from excessive heat and damage.
With crimped hairstyles making a bold return to public popularity, you must arm yourself with the best crimping tool on the market – and this iron from Gold N’ Hot is the perfect option for all your styling needs! With two-inch (5 cm) gold tone plates, you can ensure the perfect curl each time – and all while saving time while you style.
Fast, Easy Styling
These quality crimpers are designed to ensure the perfect look with every style and temperatures of between 200 and 450 degrees Fahrenheit (93 – 232 °C) mean that you can create your perfect look with minimal effort – the indicator lights are also very useful for letting you know the status of your crimper. The model also heats up in just 60 seconds, saving you valuable time and effort each day and it is easy to select your chosen heat setting and start styling in no time.
Pros
- A 60-second heat-up allows you to be ready to go in no time
- 2-inch (5 cm) gold plates offer professional results
- Range of temperature options - ideal for creating your desired style
- The 6 ft (1.8 m) cord makes it easy to style, no matter where you are
- Sleek, stylish design
Cons
- Temperature dial can be a little tricky to turn and use
3. DSHOW 4-In-1 Hair Crimper
If you are looking for the ultimate crimper to take care of any hairstyle, then this amazing 4-in-1 crimper from DSHOW should be at the top of your list. This is the perfect product that works perfectly to deliver curly or straight hair, get beach waves or enjoy wavy or corkscrew styles in no time.
The main selling point of this crimper is the choice of 4 interchangeable wave plates: opt for smooth, flat plates for poker straight locks or a variety of rigid plates, each slightly wider than the last, to create your perfect crimped hairstyle; there is no need to use a curling iron or multiple tools to achieve the perfect look. Instead, this one tool can take care of your styling needs and offers results even on thick hair.
Hair Is Protected
As well as offering you a wide range of options in terms of style, the DSHOW crimper also works to offer extra protection to your hair, thanks to the ceramic coating that is designed to reduce damage. This coating, combined with a 30-second heat-up time, means that your strands are protected from the worst of the heat. There are also 5 temperature options and this helps to protect thin hair from damage – simply opt for the lower heat if your hair falls into this category.
Pros
- Create 4 looks with one hair crimper
- Range of temperatures for both thin hair and thick hair
- Very fast heat-up time compared to other hair crimpers
- Designed to reduce hair damage
- 60-minute auto shut off for safety
Cons
- Edges of plates can feel a little plastic
4. Conair MiiniPRO Deep Wave Ceramic Styler
If you are on the hunt for a hair crimper that offers body and waves even to straight hair, then this double hair crimper from Conair could just be the answer to your problems. This is a quality 3-barrel mini-styler that is perfect for creating waves and will help to resolve that crimper vs waver debate once and for all; the end result is something between classic crimped hair and loose waves and the smaller size of the tool means that you can rest assured you can style on the go; not many hair crimpers slip neatly into an overnight bag!
Reduces Frizz
This is a hair crimper designed with the safety of your strands in mind; the inclusion of ceramic technology is designed to reduce frizz and static, as well as help to reduce the damage that can be caused by heat.
Extra ceramic protection is important if you are planning to style your hair regularly, as it reduces damage. This can also be more of an issue for those with straight hair or thin hair, as this type of hair can be damaged more easily.
Pros
- Creates stunning waves even on straight hair
- Very fast heat-up
- Reaches 375°F (190 °C) for professional results
- Dual voltage and compact - perfect for travel
- Perfect for adding body to hair
Cons
- Will not provide the “tight” finish like other hair crimpers
5. Bondi Boost Wave Wand
Bondi Boost is a brand with a strong reputation in the world of hair styling and this mini wave wand is no exception – this is the perfect solution for those flowing mermaid curls that can be tricky to achieve with more traditional hair crimpers.
As we have seen, most crimping iron models will offer a tight, “zigzag” effect on the hair, which is ideal for a more vintage, “big-hair” look. The Bondi Boost wand relaxes this slightly, offering slightly looser, more open curls that are ideal for creating a boho beach vibe with minimal effort. Hair is styled in a “ripple” effect and this is perfect for that just-left-the-beach feeling.
Easy Styling
The smaller dimensions of this wand mean that it is perfect for shorter locks, as well as fine hair. You can enjoy rippling waves without having to worry about the wrong kind of big hair and waves will be visible throughout the length of your locks.
As a bonus, the ceramic design produces negatively charged ions that reduce frizz and damage. The faster application of the styling tool means that your hair is exposed to heat for a shorter period and this is also great for extra protection.
Pros
- Creates stylish “mermaid” waves in no time
- Great for a range of hair types, including short hair
- Negatively charged ions reduce damage
- Adjustable temperature
- Very easy to use
Cons
- Smaller barrel may be too small for long hair
6. Hot Tools Mini Crimper
For salon-quality results, this mini crimper from Hot Tools should be a key weapon in your arsenal and has earned its place as one of the best hair crimping irons. 1-inch (2.5 cm) plates are perfect for creating small, distinctive waves and this so-called “micro crimper” is the perfect option if you are looking for extra height and volume in your style.
Heat Is Maintained
One of the main perks of this hair crimper is the use of Pulse technology, allowing you to rest assured that your chosen heat will be maintained – there is no need to worry about losing heat or power halfway through. You are also in total control of the temperature, with variable heat settings up to 430 °F (221 °C) and safety is maintained and ensured through an easy-to-use on/off switch which offers peace of mind.
Overall, this is a quality hair crimper that offers professional-quality results in a travel-sized tool; here, you have the ultimate styling tool for perfect locks on the go.
Pros
- Pulse technology maintains heat
- Variable heat settings
- Creates stylish, distinctive waves
- Small enough for travel
- Sleek, stylish appearance
Cons
- May not be powerful enough for thick hair
7. Bed Head Little Tease Hair Crimper
If you are looking for the ultimate crimper to create plenty of volume, then this hair crimper from Bed Head is the perfect solution – and will allow you to enjoy stylish ‘80s inspired waves in next to no time. Plates of 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter are covered with a gently rippled surface that is dedicated to creating texture and volume and this offers great results for a range of hair types.
Boosted Shine
In addition to offering amazing volume, you can also enjoy additional shine and a massive reduction in frizz and this is achieved thanks to the inclusion of tourmaline ceramic technology in the plates – this is the perfect hair crimper for allowing you to create your very best hair day every day.
This is a styling tool that can reach heats of up to 400 °F (204 °C) to ensure that you have all you need to create the perfect style, no matter your hair type and instant heat recovery means that you don’t have to worry about losing heat halfway through – this is important for you to maintain a steady, consistent style every time.
Pros
- Stylish, colorful design
- Reaches high heat for perfect styles
- Tourmaline ceramic coating reduces frizz and boosts shine
- Ideal for a range of hair types
- 30-second heat up for speedy styles
Cons
- Not ideal for crimping the whole head
8. Amika High Tide Deep Wave Hair Crimper
If you are trying to choose between hot rollers vs a curling iron for perfect beach waves, then this Amika crimper is the perfect solution, allowing you to create flowing, boho beach waves in no time. The tool is designed to ensure that no marks are left on the hair for flawless results, while the inclusion of negative ion technology seals the cuticle to create super smooth hair.
Extra Safety
In addition to providing stylish results, these hair crimpers also focus on safety thanks to a heat-resistant, no-slip handle to allow you to style in complete comfort and a kickstand to allow you to place the tool on a countertop without issue. In addition, the tip of the crimper remains cool to avoid any unexpected burns on the face or scalp.
Pros
- Comes with a 1-year warranty
- Digital adjustable temperature
- Does not leave marks on the hair
- Designed to reduce burns and accidents
- Create stunning beachy waves
Cons
- A little more expensive than some models
Buyer’s Guide
Now that we have taken a look at the best hair crimpers on the market, it is time to decide how to choose the best model for your needs. Read more here to take a closer look at all you need to know.
Hair Crimper Size And Style Types
One of the main considerations when choosing a hair crimper is the size and the type – read on to learn more about how to make the right choice.
1. Mini Crimper
As the name suggests, a mini crimper tends to be at the smaller end of most hair crimpers and this is the perfect option if your hair type is very thin or naturally straight – the plates will find it easy to grab and grip the hair and the results will be prominent.
2. Standard
Standard hair crimpers sit in the middle of mini and wide crimpers and tend to be just over an inch (2.5 cm) in width. These types of hair crimpers are ideal if you have hair of a standard thickness, but slightly longer in length; this can be tricky for mini hair crimpers to style properly.
3. Wide
As the name suggests, wide hair crimpers have the widest plates of all options and are the best hair crimpers if your hair is thick and long – this needs the extra space to ensure that the hair can be properly styled and mini hair crimpers simply will not be able to handle this.
When your hair is thicker, it is a good idea to crimp your hair in sections for best results – this means that there is less volume for the hair crimper to work through and will create sharper, more defined curls and texture.
How To Choose The Best Hair Crimper
Now that we have taken a look at the types and sizes of hair crimpers on the market, it is time to consider how to choose the best crimping iron for your particular hair. There are a few elements to consider when choosing your crimping iron and these include:
Size
Size is one of the most important considerations when choosing a hair crimper and this will depend largely on the nature of your hair, including hair type, volume and length. As we have seen above, the longer and thicker your hair, the wider the hair crimpers you will need.
Smaller, narrower crimpers, such as a mini hair crimper model, will be ideal if you have short hair; a crimping iron will offer better results for volume and texture rather than hot rollers or hot combs. If you have long, thick hair, however, or hair that is layered, you should choose a larger hair crimper with wider plates.
Less Damage & Heat
Another important consideration is that you need to choose a hair crimper that reduces the risk of damage to your hair. Remember that whenever you use heat on your hair, whether this is via a crimping iron, curlers or even a quiet hair dryer, you are increasing the risk of damage.
To help reduce this risk it is important to choose a hair crimping iron that offers extra protection, such as a tourmaline ceramic coating. This is designed to lock moisture inside the hair, offering extra shine, a reduction in frizz and extra protection.
Whenever you apply heat to your hair, always use heat protection spray for extra protection for your locks.
Auto Shut-Off Feature
Another important consideration when choosing a hair crimper is to invest in a unit with an auto shut-off feature; this is an important safety consideration – without this feature, there is always a risk that you will leave the tool on, only to pick it up later on and cause a serious injury. An auto shut-off feature, therefore, is crucial for the best hair crimper models.
Plate Shape
The shape of the plate is another important consideration – tight, zig-zag shapes will create that classic tight, ‘80s style of crimped curl, while large barrels on hair crimpers will create large, loose and boho style curls. Some tools also offer straightener plates and these can be great if you want a tool that allows you to both curl and straighten.
Plate Material
The most common plate materials are titanium and ceramic and both create the best hair crimper tools thanks to their properties – they are able to seal moisture within the hair, allowing a reduction in frizz and reducing the damage that is done to the hair from the application of heat.
Once you’ve chosen the right one for you, find out how to use a hair crimper. Or, ir you haven’t decided yet check out our comparison of crimper vs waver.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Crimping Hair Add Volume?
Crimping hair adds volume by essentially “folding” the hair, increasing the volume of the strands and creating an overall look that is full of body, texture and volume. Crimping also allows the volume to build up and so the result is serious volume and style from the roots, all down your hair.
How Long Does Crimped Hair Last?
How long crimped hair lasts depends on the care that you take, as well as the natural texture of your hair. Using the best hair crimper and plenty of hairspray, you can expect your style to remain in place for a few days – it should be noted that thinner hair will not be able to hold the style and so it may not last for as long.
Is A Crimper And Waver The Same Thing?
A crimper and a waver are similar, but have a key difference – wavers are designed to clamp to the hair and create curls, while crimpers require you to clamp the hair between two plates to create the overall effect. The curls created from the two tools are also slightly different.
Should I Straighten My Hair Before Crimping It?
Should you straighten your hair before you crimp it is a common question, but this is once again a personal choice. The best hair crimper tools should not require this, as they will have the power to create the overall look without straightening. If your hair is particularly thick, however, straightening can help you achieve your desired results.
Can You Crimp Wet Hair?
Crimping wet hair is not a good idea, even with the best hair crimper – the heat applied can cause serious damage to your hair and in the worst cases, can cause it to fry and become extremely fragile and damaged, leading to breakages and, in extreme cases, even permanent hair loss.
Conclusion
Choosing the best hair crimper can feel a little overwhelming, but with a little research and understanding of the main elements, you will be in a perfect position to choose the very best hair crimper to create your dream style every time – and our guide has all you need to make the perfect decision!
