Crimping is a method of hair styling, prevalent since beginning of 70s. It uses a crimping iron that uses heat to temporarily alter the appearance and texture of hair. Crimping provides texture and a totally new appearance to your hair. It is not permanent and can be washed off with just a single application of shampoo. The success of crimping lies in the fact that you can experiment with various looks to find the one that suits your face and hairstyle.
Crimping is ideal for small and oval face, though any face can enjoy the benefit of crimping if done sensibly. Some types of faces allow the whole head of crimping while others allow only partial crimping. Crimping can be done either to the lower layer, the upper layer or all hair.
Crimping of the bangs increases texture and fullness to your front face. Crimping of a topknot or ponytail increases height. For thin hair, crimping adds body and for thick hair, it adds volume. Messier look works best for crimping. To increase volume, apply a volume enhancing shampoo and conditioner, followed by some volume gel to the hair roots before blow-drying.
Process of crimping: Once you have decided the shape of your face, the hair condition and have concluded that crimping will enhance your look, proceed as follows:
* Start by washing your hair with a mild shampoo.
* Apply a good moisturizing conditioner.
* Wash with cold water to close the hair shaft.
* Dry your hair as much as you can by blotting with a towel.
* Remove tangles.
* Spray on a good heat protection spray.
* Set the dryer to the coolest and blow dry,
* Once your hair becomes completely dry, use the crimping iron on small sections of your hair, one at a time.
* Apply the crimping iron to the hair only for the recommended time, which is usually few seconds.
* After the time is over, remove the crimping iron from your hair to get a new look.
If the condition of your hair is good, you can attempt crimping. But avoid crimping your hair daily as it can damage your hair in long term. Before crimping, ensure your hair is completely dry and always use a heat protective spray. As crimping can break some hair, it is advisable to stop the crimp just above the ends of the hair.
Avoid crimping if the condition of your hair is bad and your hair is highly fragile. Even after using a heat protecting hair product, your hair will be damaged, leading to worsening of the hair condition. Besides crimping may not be suitable for the shape of your face. Consult others before attempting to crimp.
Crimping irons are available at all the leading beauty supply stores, retail stores and discount stores. But before buying one, ask your hairstylist to fix your hair in crimps and decide if you like it.