As the aesthetic of all things Nineties and Noughties continues to remain ubiquitous in the world of fashion and beauty, it’s no wonder a coiffure so synonymous with the two style decades is back and better than ever. You guessed it, it’s hair crimping.
If you were a teen or young adult during either of these iconic eras, you might be looking something like Lizzie McGuire right now.
We understand, the wave of nostalgia can hit like a tsunami – for better or for worse.
When it comes to beauty trends of ‘ole, you’ll often find adults begging their younger peers not to succumb to the swirling trend vortex of thin eyebrows and cherry-red hair. “My eyebrows never recovered from the plucking!” some exclaim, while others fork out a small fortune in attempt to remove decade-long staining caused by continuous re-applications of Manic Panic Vampire Red semi-permanent dye.
Hair crimping is a far more innocent style choice which very rarely results in any permanent repercussions – so long as you turn off your crimping iron after use. A way to make your hair look more voluminous than ever, crimping has been given the ultimate seal of approval by the likes of Christina Aguilera, Lizzie McGuire herself, Britney Spears and even Tyra Banks.
Whether you choose to go for an accented crimping look which highlights face-framing strands, or you decide to crimp your entire head of hair for a more 80s-inspired look, we can guarantee that the wavy style will leave you feeling like a pop superstar.
Yet if high-voltage volume isn’t quite your thing, there’s a slightly more subdued version of the hairstyle which has risen in popularity over the last few months. Following Disney’s live-action The Little Mermaid, and the revelation that Greta Gerwig’s much-anticipated Barbie film will indeed feature Mermaid Barbie – all things Mermaid-core have taken off. Though similar to a classic crimp, Mermaid waves are characterised by a slightly more natural-looking curl which starts at the top of the scalp and cascades down long hair in soft folds.
What’s getting ready for a night out without the help of a hot styling tool anyway? Just remember to use a hefty spritz of heat protectant before embarking on your hair crimping journey.
Keep scrolling for a round-up of the best hair crimpers and wavers for the perfect noughties-inspired barnet.
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BaByliss Pro Hair Crimper
A classic, three-pronged crimper which is truly reminiscent of the early 00s, the BaByliss Pro Crimper is equipped with five different heat settings for long-lasting results on all hair types. Whether you’re styling thick, thin or afro hair – this fantastic crimper will do the job.
Buy now £32.00, ASOS
Mermade Pro Hair Waver 22mm
Designed to create a beautifully soft yet voluminous curl, the 22mm Mermade Pro Hair Waver offers the perfect middle-ground between a full-blown crimp and subtle mermaid waves.
Made from 100 per cent ceramic materials, the Mermade waver has a soft-touch, heat-resistant handle, multiple heat settings and a 60 second warm-up time. It also promises to deliver seamless, tight curls without the flat-edged look caused by classic crimping.
Buy now £70.00, Selfridges
Bed Head Waveaholic
A cult favourite, the Waveaholic from Bed Head is kitted out with 2” crimping plates for the tightest waves possible without any frizz, thanks to the innovative tourmaline ceramic technology. It’s also dual voltage, which means you’ll be able to use this brilliant styling tool at home and abroad.
Buy now £109.52, Amazon
Toni & Guy Style Fix Waver, TGIR1930UK, Black
This highly compact, miniature crimper is another great option for styling on-the-go. This model is once again made using ceramic tourmaline for the utmost heat protection and styling strength. It’s also equipped with colour-lock technology, making it the perfect choice for those with dyed hair. We love how this single-pronged waver replicates the look created by sleeping with braids in your hair, only in a far more instantaneous manner.
Buy now £21.15, Amazon
Revamp Progloss Volume & Lift Ceramic Volumiser
Though this innovative tool might look slightly different to the volumising crimpers that you’re used to, it’s just as – if not more – effective. Designed with fine and flat hair types in mind, the Revamp Progloss delivers a hi-tech a boost to your roots using 3D ceramic plates and ionic jets, providing frizz-free and silky-smooth body with minimal effort.
Buy now £59.99, Sephora
Lee Stafford 'Making Waves' Multi-Depth Waver, Hot Pink Bottom of Form
Our favourite element of Lee Stafford’s waver is the multi-depth feature, which allows you to adjust the size of your crimped curls depending on what mood you’re in, or event you’re attending. It also features a digital heat control with variable settings ranging from 120 to 210 degrees Celsius. All that encased in a glorious hot-pink design? Sign us up.
Buy now £39.99, Amazon
Amika high tide deep waver
There’s no need to expose your hair to the drying sea air to achieve toss-worthy locks. Amika’s deep waver uses a trio of tourmaline ceramic barrels to create stunning ripples, while ion technology ensures they’re frizz-free to boot. Though you won’t be holding the electrical for long, it’s comfortable when it’s in your hands with a heat-resistant handle that won’t slip, no matter what angle you wind up holding it.
Buy now £90.00, Amika
